Do UnionPay cards work in Dubai for everyday payments?

An RSHB UnionPay card was accepted almost everywhere in Dubai over 10 days, including in taxis; only one payment failed and was paid in cash. When paying, choose AED rather than US dollars for a better rate.

According to recent feedback (Aug 2026), UnionPay cards issued by Gazprombank do not work for payments in Dubai — unlike Rosselkhozbank UnionPay cards, which go through fine.

Another user confirmed the card works fine: successfully paid with it inside Dubai Mall and also at stores outside the mall.

An RSHB UnionPay card can be used in Dubai not only for in-person payments but also for some online purchases in the UAE. However, online acceptance is limited, and many websites do not support it.

There is an ADCB (HSBC) ATM at Dubai Airport Terminal 1 that accepts UnionPay cards for cash withdrawals. It is located near gate B12, next to a pharmacy and currency exchange. Airport staff confirmed that other UnionPay partner banks are only available outside the airport — this is the only option in the transit zone.

RSHB UnionPay card works reliably in Dubai — no payment declines reported across various merchants over a week of daily use.

Some Russian banks do not provide 3-month account statements online — they require an in-person branch visit. This can be a real problem when you're already abroad in Dubai.

Local Dubai bank services are notoriously inconsistent — the same service may work one day and not another, regardless of which bank you use.