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Essential Information

Where to exchange money in Dubai

Tue 20 February 2024

Find out where you can swap currencies hassle-free around the city.

Find out where you can swap currencies hassle-free around the city.

How do I find a currency exchange near me?

You'll find exchange houses all over Dubai, with options in every mall. It's worth visiting mall branches as they usually have extended operating hours, opening and closing at the same time as the mall.

Search on your maps app for the nearest option, or ask your hotel concierge for recommendations (but note that hotels usually offer much poorer rates than exchanges).

Regardless of where you choose, every exchange house offers fair rates and make the entire process simple and convenient. Look out for these:

Al Ansari Exchange: Founded in 1966, the company is one of the most trusted exchanges in the region. There are more than 115 branches in Dubai, including those at Dubai Mall, City Centre Deira and its main branch at Al Barsha.

GCC Exchange: A global company headquartered in the the United Arab Emirates, you'll find Dubai branches in neighbourhoods including Bur Dubai and Deira.

Sharaf Exchange: Part of the Sharaf Group, Sharaf Exchange is a reputable money changer with 20 branches in Dubai, including Satwa and Mercato Mall.

Al Fardan Exchange: This chain, part of the Al Fardan Group, has more than 30 branches across Dubai. Locations include Bur Dubai, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Festival City.

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Where to exchange currency in Dubai International Airport

Across all three terminals in Dubai International Airport, you'll find currency exchange options for both arrivals and departures. Travelex has a massive 16 branches throughout the airport, and you can also visit Al Ansari Exchange in Terminal 1. There are also numerous multi-currency exchange counters in Terminals 1 and 3. All outlets are open 24/7, helping to make your experience quick and convenient.

Alternatively, you can withdraw cash in dirhams at ATMs across the airport. Just look for the signs of UAE banks including Emirates NBD and Mashreq Bank, and make sure to check online for exact rates and charges beforehand. Note that many banks around the world add extra charges and fees for ATM withdrawals when you're abroad, so check these in advance. You might find it better-value to make fewer, larger cash withdrawals than lots of smaller ones.

Where to exchange currency in Dubai Mall

The world’s largest destination for shopping, entertainment and leisure also has plenty of places to for you to exchange your currency. Spread across more than one million sqm are 10 exchange bureaus – four branches of Al Ansari Exchange, two branches of Al Fardan Exchange and one branch each of Al Ghurair Exchange, LM Exchange, Orient Exchange and Wall Street Exchange Centre.

As with Dubai International Airport, you can also simply withdraw dirhams from the ATMs dotted around the mall. Be aware that your bank may add extra charges and fees for ATM withdrawals when you're travelling – you can check this with your bank. If you're going to be charged a fixed fee per withdrawal, it might be better to make fewer withdrawals of larger amounts. Or, if your bank only charges a percentage fee, and not a flat amount when paying merchants, simply to use your card to pay for things directly.

Can I exchange currency in hotels?

You're likely to receive a worse rate when you swap currency in a hotel, compared with dedicated exchange houses. However, if convenience is key, simply visit the website of your chosen hotel to see if it offers an exchange service, or ask the front desk or concierge once you arrive. 

Can I use my international card at shops and restaurants in Dubai?

You can use your international Visa or Mastercard debit or credit cards at most shops and restaurants in Dubai – along with cards from providers such as American Express, Diners Club, Union Pay and JCB, at some outlets.

Be aware that many international cards may charge a flat fee per transaction, as well as a percentage of the amount, which can make this a very expensive way to pay for things. Check with your card provider before you travel, to make sure you know what fees it charges. If you do get charged per transaction, you may be better off withdrawing cash.

If you do use your international card when paying for goods or services in Dubai, you might get an option to "pay in dirhams". You should choose this option, rather than paying in your card's own currency, which can incur extra hidden costs.

Which documents do I need to exchange money?

Most exchange houses will ask for a form of identification such as a passport copy or national ID, as well as contact details. If you have a traveller's cheque, it's worth contacting the exchange house in advance to see if they'll accept it. 

One thing to note when getting money exchanged in Dubai is that the dirham is pegged to the US dollar – and has been since 1997. This means that the exchange rate for dollars to dirhams stays the same, while the rates for other currencies will rise and fall.

Which ATMs accept international cards?

If you prefer to use ATMs, there are thousands all over the city, including those belonging to international banks such as HSBC.

If using an international card, remember that you may get charged withdrawal and foreign currency exchange fees, so please check with your bank before travelling.

Learn how to claim a tax refund on your next spree at the city's malls, and read our Dubai currency guide

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