The Smart Expat’s Toolkit: UAE Edition

  • August 25, 2025

Index

Moving Made Easy: Real‑World Challenges

Moving to the UAE often brings a few surprises:

  • You need to handle bills, mobile top-ups, and remittances, all without a UAE bank
  • Paying MRAs (Mutual Recognition Arrangements) or visa fees sometimes means joining long queues.
  • You want clarity on costs, no hidden charges or unexpected

As one expat we spoke with said, “Switching to app-based payments cut my bill‑pay time by half, and I avoid the queues.” These real frustrations call for simple, digital solutions.

The Scale of Digital Adoption in the UAE

  • 67% of UAE consumers now use e‑wallets for everyday purchases—a 24% rise since the pandemic began.
  • The UAE mobile payments market reached USD 80 billion in 2025, and is projected to hit USD 136 billion by 2030, growing at 11% annually.
  • 57% of expats rely on apps for remittances, valuing speed, security, and low

Clearly, mobile-first finance isn’t just popular, it’s essential.

1.  Choose a Digital Wallet That Works for You

Challenge: Traditional banks require residency, salary proofs, or minimum balances. Solution: Opt for a regulated, accessible wallet like Payit. All you need is your Emirates ID and phone number and no bank account required. You can:

  • Send money to friends in the UAE or abroad (over 200 countries) with Payit Remittance service.
  • Get quick access to cash when you need it the most with our OnDemand
  • Pay utility bills, school fees, and mobile top‑ups (even international)
  • Shop and enjoy rewards and benefits with Let’s Go Payit Card which is visa enabled and comes with it’s own unique QR code.
  • Split bills and request payments instantly
  • Send instant gift vouchers to loved ones on special

Tip: Test small transfers and top‑ups first to build confidence.

2.  Avoid Hidden Fees – Know the Rate while sending money abroad Challenge:

Cross-border transfers often come with unclear charges.
Solution: Use wallets offering flat rates and upfront exchange rates. Digital wallets like

Payit let you see the rate before confirming. Experts suggest comparing a few options before sending funds home.

Tip: Time your transfers wisely. Exchange rates fluctuate. Sending on the right day could mean extra savings for you.

3.  Stay Safe with Transparency & Regulation

Challenge: Fraud is a concern, especially if you don’t fully trust financial platforms.

Solution: Always check for Central Bank licensing and encryption standards. Payit is regulated by the UAE Central Bank and backed by FAB.

Tip: Use strong authentication and log out after each session.

4.  Simplify Daily Life with Wallet Ecosystems

Challenge: Expat life means juggling rent, groceries, transport, and more.

Solution: Look for multifunctional wallets. Payit integrates:

  • Fast local & international transfers
  • Utility and school fee payments
  • QR purchases and bill splitting
  • OnDemand Payit: instant short‑term credit ( 300–4,000)
  • Payit Plus: salary credit access, digital/physical Mastercard, zero minimum balance

A Dubai-based freelancer shared: “OnDemand Payit saved me when my laptop died- got credit, fixed it, and repaid it on time.”

Tip: Start with everyday uses (bills, groceries), then layer on credit and remittance features.

5.  Maximise Efficiency with Smarter Habits

Here are a few actionable tips:

  • Set monthly reminders to top up your wallet ahead of rent or
  • Take advantage of cashback offers or spend tracking, which are helpful for
  • Enable notifications for every transaction to spot problems
  • Track exchange rates in the app, and send when rates are

Conclusion: A Smarter Financial Way Forward

Digital wallets aren’t just convenient, they help you save time, stay secure, and manage money better. For UAE expats, they’re a lifeline for remittances, rent, savings, daily bill payments, or shopping with physical cards (like Let’s Go Payit cards) without needing a bank account.

If you haven’t already, download Payit and explore its features. It’s a simple, regulated tool that helps you pay bills, send support, split meals, access credit and more, all in one friendly, secure app.

Try Payit today and turn your phone into your smartest expat tool.