United Arab Emirates: Going out this Eid Al Fitr? Don’t forget to bring cash to these popular places – News

If you’re heading out to the UAE this Eid Al Fitr, there’s one thing you shouldn’t forget to bring: cash.

While credit and debit cards and digital transactions have become the preferred payment method for many residents and tourists, there are still pockets of pockets in the country where cash rules.

Gold Souk

Take, for example, if you’re planning a last-minute shopping spree at Gold Souk. Remember that some traders still prefer the security and simplicity of physical currency.

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Mohamed Osman, a 25-year-old Sudanese expatriate in Dubai, said Khaleej Times that Gold Souk is the only place that encourages you to carry cash. While he has adopted a cashless lifestyle in most aspects of his daily routine, he knows that the small vendors and artisans in the souk still rely on cash transactions. As she wanders through the market, she makes sure she has plenty of cash, ready to buy jewelry.

Mohamed Osman

“My mother is a regular visitor to the Gold Souk. She loves to see what’s new in the market. That’s why every time I accompany her, I make sure I always carry cash,” Osman said.

Café

Another Dubai resident, Mohamed Adam, 27, said he always carries small bills and coins, especially for cafes, when he craves a cup of karak tea or when visiting his favorite barbershop.

“Obviously it is strange to use a card for only Dh2 or Dh1 for a cup of karak. I also need cash to tip my hairdresser,” Adam said.

Mohamed Adam

“During Eid, the number of cash transactions also increases as we take it out to give to children on Eid mornings,” he added.

Restaurants that only accept cash, taxi

In Al Ain, Ahmed Maher, a 28-year-old Syrian expat, has learned from experience the value of carrying cash. Despite the popularity and convenience of card payments, there are some restaurants that only accept cash.

“It happened to me twice. When I had dinner at a restaurant, the staff told me they only accept cash. Thank goodness I always carried money,” he added.

Maher also found that some taxis in Al Ain still prefer cash payments. Furthermore, she recalled that recently, when she visited Global Village in Dubai, some stalls only accepted cash.

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