Abu Dhabi’s public bus system, Hafilat, is a convenient and efficient way to get around the city. However, for this service to work best, one must always charge up their Hafilat card with enough credit balance to facilitate seamless usage of the service. This is a system of fare payment through a smart card but it does need to be recharged frequently for it to work.
Here, in this detailed guide, we are going to take you through different ways on how you can Hafilat Recharge so you are well equipped to make sure that your travel is not disrupted in any way.
Understanding Hafilat Recharge
The Hafilat card is a smart card that stores value and can be used across Abu Dhabi’s public bus network. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional traveler, ensuring your card has enough balance is crucial to avoiding any interruptions in your travel plans.
Method 1: Online Recharge via Hafilat Website
One of the simplest methods for recharging a Hafilat card is to do so via the official Hafilat website. This method enables you to top up your card from the comfort of your home, workplace, or any other place without moving around.
Step 1: Visit the Hafilat Website
To begin, go to the official Hafilat website by visiting https://hafilat.darb.ae/. It is the primary website to check all the services related to your Hafilat card, recharges among them.
Step 2: Select “Recharge Card”
After getting to the website, Navigate to the “Recharge Card option”.This will lead you to the page where they enter the card details and recharge their balance.
Step 3: Enter Your Card Details
You will have to input your Hafilat card serial number correctly to continue with the account creation process. This number is usually written on the back of your card. Ensure the details are well entered so that you do not have any challenges with the recharge procedures.
Step 4: Choose the Recharge Amount
After you input your card details, the next screen that will be provided will be where one is required to choose the recharge amount. The choices are usually between AED 10-AED100 depending on need.
Step 5: Proceed to Payment
Once you have selected your desired amount, add it to your virtual basket. You will then be transferred to the payment page, where you can choose your payment method; you can use a credit/debit card.
Step 6: Complete the Payment
After that, you will be directed to the payment procedure to follow the remaining steps. After this, your card should be recharged almost immediately, and you should receive a message or an email indicating the transaction that has just occurred.
Advantages of Online Recharge:
- Recharge from anywhere, anytime.
- Multiple payment options are available.
- Instant confirmation and balance update.
Method 2: Recharge at Kiosks
Hafilat recharge kiosks are placed at various subway stations, bus stands, and other public places in Abu Dhabi. It is easier and faster to use these machines to add money to your card when on the move.
Step 1: Locate a Kiosk
First, you will need to locate the nearest Hafilat recharge kiosk. These kiosks are most commonly located in strategic areas such as the stations, bus terminals, and the shopping malls.
Step 2: Insert Your Card
Once at the kiosk, insert your Hafilat card into the designated slot. The machine will then identify the card and read your balance to you.
Step 3: Select the Recharge Amount
On the screen, you will be prompted to choose a recharge amount. These options are typically defined in advance but there is always an option out of the available ones which would be best suited for the travel at hand.
Step 4: Make the Payment
After selecting your amount, you can either insert cash into the kiosk or use your credit/debit card to complete the payment. The machine will process your transaction and update your card balance.
Step 5: Retrieve Your Card
Once the transaction is complete, don’t forget to take your Hafilat card back from the machine. The kiosk will also provide a receipt if needed.
Advantages of Recharge Kiosks:
- Available in multiple easily reachable points.
- Depending on the amount of purchase, customers can pay through cash or their credit card.
- Get your card balance within an instant.
Method 3: Mobile Recharge via the Darbi App
One of the most efficient ways of recharging your Hafilat card is through your mobile phone. The Darbi app is compatible with both Android and iOS devices and can be used to easily top up your card.
Step 1: Download the Darbi App
First of all, use the smartphone’s application store and install the Darbi application on your device. Just type “Darbi” in Google Play or Apple Store and download it to use it.
Step 2: Register or Login
After installation, launch the application, then either sign up for a new account or re-enter existing account credentials. The registration process appears to be quite simple and people have to submit their basic personal details only.
Step 3: Select Hafilat Recharge
In the app, search for a Hafilat recharge section. This is the station where you can refill your Hafilat card with credit.
Step 4: Enter Your Card Details
To use this application, you will be required to input your Hafilat card serial number at the end part. Make sure that the information provided is free from errors to prevent any problems with the transaction.
Step 5: Choose the Recharge Amount
Same as other methods, you can pick the amount of recharge starting from AED 10 up to AED 100.
Step 6: Complete the Payment
The app will help you make a payment through different modes of online payment, such as credit/debit cards or any other method.
Advantages of Mobile App Recharge:
- Automatic recharge for any service at any time anywhere by just using your mobile phone.
- Online banking services also make it convenient to obtain balance checks and transaction history.
- Multiple payment methods are supported.
Method 4: Sales Offices and Recharge Stations
For those individuals who like to do business with an encounter, the Hafilat sales office and recharge station serve as the best choice that they could undertake. These locations are better suited for the recharge process as they can lend a hand to the staff.
Step 1: Locate a Sales Office or Recharge Station
Hafilat sales offices and recharge stations are also situated in strategic areas across Abu Dhabi. They can be located at the big bus stations, transport centers, and some offices of the government structure.
Step 2: Visit the Counter
Once you’ve located a sales office or recharge station, approach the counter and let the staff know that you want to recharge your Hafilat card.
Step 3: Provide Your Card Details
Hand over your Hafilat card to the staff, who will then input your card details into the system. They will also inform you of your current balance if needed.
Step 4: Choose the Recharge Amount
Make sure to inform the staff how much you would like to put as recharge in the card. They will inform you about them and you can select the one that will meet your needs.
Step 5: Make the Payment
Customers who visit sales offices and recharge stations are allowed to make payments in cash or through charging cards. The staff will then make the necessary adjustments to your credit card balance based on the transaction you have made.
Advantages of Sales Offices and Recharge Stations:
- Professional and individual approach with the help of staff services.
- This is available at prime zones within Abu Dhabi.
- Both cash and card payments are accepted.
Additional Tips for Hafilat Card Users
To make the most out of your Hafilat card and ensure a smooth travel experience, here are some additional tips:
Tip 1: Check Your Card Balance Regularly
It’s essential to keep track of your Hafilat card balance, especially if you’re a frequent traveler. An important benefit of constantly reviewing balances is the fact you will not board a bus only to be told that your balance is insufficient. You can also view your balance on the internet, at self-service kiosks, or using the Darbi application.
Tip 2: Top-Up in Advance
It is always prudent to refill the scratch card with more data to avoid a situation where data runs out before getting a chance to top it up again. You can recharge more money than you could require for a particular journey, making the card loaded and ready for use.
Tip 3: Keep Your Card Safe
Hafilat card has value, therefore, using the card is similar to using a debit or credit card. Store it in a secure location and do not fold or crease it. In case your card is lost or damaged, you will have to visit a sales office to request another one.
Tip 4: Plan Your Recharges Based on Travel Frequency
If you use public transport regularly, consider recharging your card with a higher amount to reduce the frequency of top-ups. This can save you time and ensure that you always have enough credit for your journeys.
Read Also: What is the Unified Number in Abu Dhabi?
Closing Words
Refilling your Hafilat card is easy and you can do it in various ways according to your convenience. Online recharges, self-service kiosks, dedicated applications for mobile devices, and contact sales offices – Hafilat has developed an ideal option for each of the mentioned categories.
If you bear these guidelines in mind and make sure that your card is constantly topped up, using the public bus system throughout the city should be a hassle-free process. It is advisable to always monitor your balance and recharge before you exhaust your credit especially when traveling.
