If you’re planning to live, study, or even visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE), one of the first questions you’ll face is: Which card should I rely on? While carrying cash is common for small purchases, credit and debit cards dominate everyday spending in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other cities.
But here’s the catch — not every card brand has the same acceptance level. In this guide, we’ll compare Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, and American Express (AmEx) so you know exactly what to expect when paying for groceries, transportation, or dining out in the UAE.
Visa: the safest bet in the UAE
Visa is the most widely accepted card network in the UAE. Whether you’re at a supermarket, luxury mall, or a small café, chances are Visa will work.
- Hotels and restaurants: Almost all major chains and even smaller eateries accept Visa.
- Transport and apps: Uber, Careem, metro ticket machines, and online bookings support Visa payments.
- Everyday purchases: Pharmacies, local markets, and gas stations frequently accept Visa.
In short, Visa is the go-to option if you want maximum reliability for daily transactions.
Mastercard: equally strong and widely accepted
Mastercard enjoys nearly the same acceptance rate as Visa in the UAE. For most travelers and residents, the difference between the two is negligible.
- Shops and malls: From Dubai Mall to smaller boutiques, Mastercard is as good as Visa.
- International travelers: Many foreign banks issue Mastercard with perks like lounge access, which can be useful at Dubai or Abu Dhabi airports.
- Contactless payments: Mastercard PayPass is supported on terminals across the UAE.
If you already own a Mastercard, you can be confident it will work almost everywhere Visa does.
American Express (AmEx): strong in luxury, weaker in daily life
American Express is recognized in the UAE, especially in luxury segments like high-end hotels, premium restaurants, and global retail brands. However, everyday acceptance is more limited.
- Where it works: 5-star hotels, international chains, and upscale shopping districts.
- Where it struggles: Local grocery stores, small family-owned shops, or taxis may decline AmEx.
- Why: AmEx charges higher fees to merchants, so smaller businesses often choose not to accept it.
Tip: Use AmEx for luxury or travel purchases, but keep a Visa or Mastercard as backup for everyday spending.
UnionPay: growing, but not universal yet
UnionPay, China’s largest payment network, is expanding its reach in the UAE thanks to the growing number of Chinese tourists and residents.
- Positive news: Banks like RAKBANK have integrated UnionPay contactless payments in the UAE, improving acceptance at terminals.
- Where it works: Hotels, airports, and tourist-heavy areas often support UnionPay.
- Where it fails: Small businesses, local restaurants, or traditional markets may not yet accept UnionPay.
UnionPay is reliable for travelers from Asia but still not as universal as Visa and Mastercard.
Everyday comparison in the UAE
| Card Brand | Everyday Acceptance | Best Use Cases | Limitations |
| Visa | Almost universal | Groceries, apps, hotels, daily spending | Rare exceptions in very small shops |
| Mastercard | Almost universal | Similar to Visa; airport perks | Same rare exceptions |
| AmEx | Moderate | Luxury hotels, fine dining, premium shopping | Limited in small/local stores |
| UnionPay | Growing but limited | Airports, large retailers, tourist zones | Not always accepted in daily local life |
Practical tips for using cards in the UAE
- Always carry a Visa or Mastercard – they’re the safest choices for everyday purchases.
- Use AmEx strategically – reserve it for luxury shopping, hotels, or when chasing membership rewards.
- UnionPay works best in tourist areas – but don’t rely on it as your only card.
- Check for contactless (NFC) payments – most UAE terminals support tap-and-go, especially for Visa and Mastercard.
- Keep some cash handy – in small markets or taxis, cash can still be the preferred option.
When it comes to everyday acceptance in the UAE, the clear winners are Visa and Mastercard. They’re widely supported across restaurants, supermarkets, transportation, and online services.
AmEx is a great secondary card if you’re staying in luxury hotels or shopping at premium brands, but it won’t cover all your daily needs. Meanwhile, UnionPay is improving its presence, especially in tourist-heavy areas, but still falls short of universal acceptance.
If you’re moving to or visiting the UAE, the safest strategy is simple: carry a Visa or Mastercard as your main card, and keep AmEx or UnionPay as optional extras for specific situations.