How can international travelers pay in Dubai and pay for Emirates seat selection when their bank card is not accepted?

From messages by 7 participants in 2 sources · Last activity: 27 days ago

TL;DR

Travelers recommend carrying AED cash and a backup UnionPay card, as Mir cards are not accepted for Emirates seat-selection payments. Third-party foreign-card services were quoted from RUB 30,000, but online offers should be checked very carefully.

What the community said

For a Dubai trip, split funds between AED cash, a UnionPay card and a small US-dollar reserve. One practical setup included about US$1,000 held for emergencies, with dirhams bought gradually before travel.

27 days ago US$1,000, UnionPay, AED cash

Mir cards are not supported for paying for seat selection on the Emirates website, so travelers need another payment method. It is also worth checking that Emirates loyalty-program registration and membership details are completed before trying to book the service.

33 days ago Emirates, Mir card

Foreign-bank-card services via intermediaries were discussed at prices starting from RUB 30,000. Since independent online searches turned up many suspicious offers, avoid sending money to unverified providers.

36 days ago from RUB 30,000