Have team members or clients spread across the US and UAE? You’re not alone.
Many companies operate globally, but when it comes to sending rewards or thank-you gifts, things can get complicated quickly.
Most US and United Arab Emirates gift cards are designed for local use only. They’re tied to specific currencies (USD or AED), regional merchants, and country-specific payment systems.
For example, a US Amazon gift card won’t work on Amazon.ae, and many AED-issued gift cards can’t be redeemed outside the UAE.
The challenge? Finding a gift card that works both in the US and UAE.
This guide explains why most gift cards fail at borders and highlights solutions like the Toasty Choice Card, which makes US–UAE gifting simple and scalable.
How Global Gift Cards Work
Gift cards are one of the most widely used ways to reward employees and customers globally, but international redemption remains a major challenge.
Most gift cards issued in the US or UAE are region-locked, tied to local currencies (USD vs. AED), and restricted by brand or licensing agreements.
For example:
-
US-issued cards typically work only with US merchants and platforms (e.g., Amazon.com) and are denominated in USD.
-
UAE gift cards operate in AED and are limited to UAE-specific platforms (e.g., Amazon.ae).
As a result, a US prepaid Visa may not work on UAE websites, while UAE-only cards cannot be redeemed in the US. These regional silos make cross-border gifting far more complex than expected.
Key Challenges
Currency restrictions
US cards operate in USD and UAE cards in AED, often causing conversion issues or transaction declines.
Brand and licensing limitations
Even global brands run country-specific programs, restricting redemption to regional websites and catalogs.
Compliance requirements
Cross-border rewards may trigger different KYC and AML obligations depending on the country.
Fulfillment issues
Physical gift cards introduce additional friction, including shipping delays, customs clearance, and activation problems.
For organizations with employees or customers across both the US and UAE, these challenges quickly compound—turning a simple reward into an operational headache.
Criteria for US-UAE Gift Cards
To work seamlessly across the US and UAE, a gift card should meet three criteria:
1. Multi-currency support
The card should support USD and AED, either via automatic conversion or localized redemption catalogs.
2. Flexible redemption options
Instead of forcing one store, the best solution lets recipients choose brands that actually work in their country.
3. Digital delivery
Email delivery avoids shipping delays, customs issues, and manual distribution.
Best Gift Cards That Work in the US and UAE
When it comes to gift cards that work seamlessly across the US and UAE, only a few options deliver truly smooth experiences for both senders and recipients.
1. Toasty Choice Card
If you're looking for a gift Card that works both in the US and UAE look no further than the Toasty Choice Card.
It allows recipients to redeem from country-specific catalogs, all managed through a single platform.
Why it’s ideal for US–UAE gifting
-
Works across 90+ countries, including the US and UAE
-
Automatically localizes brands and currency
-
Fully digital delivery via email
-
No fees for senders or recipients
-
Centralized tracking and reporting
💡 Example: An employee in Boston and another employee in Dubai receive the same Toasty Choice Card.
Each redeems locally, in their own currency, without separate gift card programs.
Catalog for UAE
Here are some popular options for UAE (subject to change):
-
Amazon.ae
-
Netflix
-
Google Play
-
Uber
-
Spotify
-
PlayStation
-
Xbox
-
Steam
-
Roblox
-
Calvin Klein
-
Tommy Hilfiger
-
Levi’s
-
Skechers
-
Crocs
-
Birkenstock
-
ALDO
-
Nine West
-
Noon
-
Reel Cinemas
-
Zomato Gold
For the full, most up-to-date catalog, view our global catalog here.
2. Swype Global Virtual MasterCard
As an alternative, Toasty also offers the Swype Global Virtual MasterCard, usable in both the US and UAE wherever Mastercard is accepted.
Important considerations
-
Non-USD transactions incur fees
-
Minimum value starts at $100
-
Best suited for flexible spending rather than curated gifting
For full details on fees, restricted areas, and more, check out our detailed article on the Swype Global Virtual Mastercard.
How to Send US-UAE Gift Cards via Toasty
- Sign up
Create an account and start sending in minutes. - Set the amount
Fund in USD; conversion to AED happens automatically at redemption. - Customize
Add branding, logos, and a personalized message. - Upload recipients
Add US and UAE recipients manually or via CSV. - Send digitally
Deliver instantly or schedule for a future date. - Track delivery
Monitor redemption and delivery in one dashboard.
FAQs
Are US Amazon gift cards redeemable on Amazon.ae?
No. Amazon gift cards are region-locked.
Can Toasty Choice Cards be redeemed in both the US and UAE?
Yes. Recipients see a localized catalog based on their country.
What currencies are supported?
Senders fund in USD; UAE recipients redeem in AED.
Are there any fees?
No—Toasty is completely fee-free.
How fast can recipients redeem?
Instantly. Gift cards are delivered by email.
Can I send to US and UAE recipients in one order?
Yes. Toasty handles localization automatically.
Do recipients need an account?
No account required—just click the email and redeem.