Where to exchange money in Dubai

The UAE is one of the richest countries in the world with a high GDP. When going on vacation, you need to know what the local money is called, what the exchange rate is, and what currency is best to take on a trip. We present you with an overview of important information for tourists about money exchange Dubai.

Also important information for a tourist is how to move around the city and beyond, and here the obvious favourite will be a car. After all, what would fit better into your trip to one of the richest cities in the world than a luxury car, such as a Ferrari or Lamborghini rental? This is where a car hire company comes in.

Trinity Rental service fleet comprises over 80 cars, including the latest 2024 models, all with minimal mileage and no deposit required for the rental period. Rental price includes increased mileage of 300 km per day and full insurance coverage, as well as toll roads and VAT. As a cherished client, you receive a full tank of fuel as a gift.

Along with that, you can:

• hire a car with a professional driver or a self-drive car rental Dubai;
• pay with a variety of methods, such as cash, Mastercard and Visa cards, and cryptocurrency;
• order to deliver a car to any address, such as a hotel, office, or airport.

If you have any questions left, a committed manager is available to respond to your inquiries.

Currency Exchange in Dubai

The official currency of the United Arab Emirates is the dirham (AED), which consists of 100 fils. The UAE currency is stable against the US dollar, on average 1 USD = 3.7 AED. However, be sure to check the current money exchange Dubai rate at local banks and exchange offices before traveling. You can exchange cash at exchange offices, banks, international airports, and hotels. To get the best rate, compare prices at different locations.

Although credit cards are widely accepted in Dubai, it is always a good idea to carry some cash, especially for smaller shops that may not accept cards. The UAE dirham is a stable currency, and knowing how to exchange money Dubai and where to use it will make your trip easier and more enjoyable.

There are several places to exchange money in Dubai, but some offer better rates than others. The best places are banks and exchange offices. Banks usually have better rates, but they may charge a fee. Exchange offices may not charge a fee, but their rates may not be as good. You can also exchange currency at the airport, but the rates are usually worse than at banks or exchange offices. It is worth shopping around to find the best price, as some places may offer better deals than others.

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Best Places to Exchange Money in Dubai

Below, we will tell you about the exchange offices of the most common networks. Their reputation is confirmed by time, and tourists trust them due to their reliability. Quality of service and good prices are also on the list of what attracts travellers to these exchange offices. If you’re looking for “money changer near me”, you should definitely consider one of the following branches.

Al Ansari Exchange Network

The oldest network of currency exchange offices in the UAE, Al Ansari Exchange, began its work in 1966. During this time, they opened 170 branches within the country itself, and 70 Al Ansari offices operate outside the UAE (in Europe and in the USA). The company has repeatedly won prestigious business awards. Most likely, you will come across one of the Al Ansari offices during your walks around Dubai.

The advantages of the service include the following: traveller's checks and checkbook statements are accepted for exchange, and there is also the possibility of money transfers. For exchanging dollars and euros for dirhams, this is one of the best rates in the country! But you can't say the same about the ruble.

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We recommend visiting the branches:

• The main branch of Al Ansari is in the Al Barsha area. It is located on the ground floor of the Al Ansari business center. It is open from Saturday to Thursday from 8 am to 10 pm, and Friday is a day off.
• The branch in the Mina bazaar area is located in Al Fahidi Market. Unlike its predecessor, it is open on Saturdays from 4 am to 10 pm and also from Saturday to Thursday from 9 am to 10 pm.
• The branch in Deira is located in the Deira City Center shopping center. The branch has convenient working hours: from 9 am to midnight, no days off. Its working hours are also from 9 am to midnight, seven days a week.

Al Ansari Exchange in Dubai also has a convenient official website, where the most up-to-date information on the current exchange rate is always published, and you can also find a complete list of exchange offices' addresses.

Al Rostamani International Currency Exchange Network

The network of these exchange offices is not as extensive as that of its predecessor (only 16 branches in Dubai). But Al Rostamani is the first foreign exchange company to receive the prestigious Dubai Quality award. You will find their offices at the following addresses:

• A branch in Al Rostamani Twin Towers on Sheikh Zayed Road. From Saturday to Thursday, this exchange office is open from 9 am to 9 pm. On Fridays, you can exchange currency from 4 pm to 9 pm.
• Next to the Old Market and Textile Market on Al Fahidi Street, there is another exchange office that works seven days a week. On Fridays, you can visit it from 4 pm to 9:30 pm, on other days, its doors are open from 9 am.
• In the Al Khazna Shopping Center near Karama Park, there is a branch that works according to the same schedule as the previous one.

Like Al Ansari, Al Rostamani provides all the most up-to-date information on exchange rates on their official website.

UAE Exchange Network

There are branches of this exchange network in Dubai on almost every corner. Their number exceeds 6 dozen in this city alone. The most extensive network and at the same time, the most reliable, as seasoned tourists claim. For regular customers of UAE Exchange, there is a loyalty program, and regular customers can also use the services of transferring or exchanging checks for currency.

The main office of UAE Exchange is located on Damascus Street, in the Al Mansouri building. Its working hours are as follows:

• From Saturday to Thursday, currency can be exchanged from 8 am to 10 pm;
• On Friday, the office is open from 8:30 am to 11:30 am, then, after a break, from 2 pm to 10 pm.

Another large office of this network is located near the famous Gold Souk. Its working hours are almost the same, but the office closes later (at 10:30 pm).

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There is also an office in the historic Al Fahidi district, right near the Dubai Museum. Its working hours are from 8 am to 11 pm, and also on Fridays from 1:30 pm to 11 pm. Like any self-respecting network, UAE Exchange also has a personal website where you can find the latest news, addresses of all branches, and current exchange rates: dollar, euro, and many other world currencies.

Currency exchange network Al Fardan

Although the origins of the international network of exchangers Al Fardan go back to the multinational corporation of the same name, opened in 1954, currency exchange was specifically introduced here later. This did not prevent the company from earning the respect and trust of its customers. In Dubai, Al Fardan points are located in 16 places, the main branches are:

• The main office is in the Bur Dubai area, the historical center of the city (Al Zara techno-center). Its main advantage is that it works all days, including Friday (a regular day off for other exchangers). On Friday, the doors of the point are open from 9 am to 9:30 pm. On other days, the branch opens earlier, i.e., at 8:30.
• Branch in Deira, on Al Maktoum Street. On weekdays from 8:30 am to 10 pm and on Fridays from 3 pm to half past seven in the evening.

In addition to exchanging money, they also carry out currency transfers and other financial transactions.

Sharaf Exchange Network

This company deserves a special mention: it has only 15 branches in Dubai, but they have a huge advantage over competitors: 24-hour money transfers via the Western Union system. But the working hours of the Sharaf Exchange branches are not so impressive, because most branches close at 9 pm.

The most convenient points:

• The branch near Jumeirah Beach Residence is the most convenient for tourists vacationing on the famous artificial island. On weekdays, which in the UAE run from Saturday to Thursday, money can be exchanged from 10 am to 10 pm. On Fridays, the branch opens at 3:30 pm.
• The main office is located in the historical district of Bur Dubai, on Mankhul Street. Open from 8:30 am to 9 pm, on Fridays the working hours are from 9 am to 11:30 am, then there is a break, after which the work starts again at 4:30 pm.

Also, the Sharaf exchange network has branches in Deira, the pedestrian area of ​​Satwa, and many others. You can find out the exact information and the current exchange rate on the official website of the company.

Knowing which exchange offices in Dubai are the most reliable and proven by more than one generation of tourists, you will definitely not experience problems with currency transactions during your trip!

Using ATMs and Credit Cards in Dubai

In large cities like Dubai, card payments are common. It doesn't matter what currency is in the United Arab Emirates. The conversion will be carried out according to the conditions of your bank. But tourists should still take care of cash, for example, in order to leave a tip for good service in cafes and hotels or to buy souvenirs in small shops.

ATMs are a good option if you would rather take out cash with your foreign card. In Dubai, they can be seen in malls, airports, hotels, and on several streets. It is a good idea to inquire about withdrawal costs with your home bank before using an ATM. Certain banks impose additional fees for withdrawals made from a foreign card. Instead of making numerous tiny withdrawals, you might wish to make a few larger ones if the charge is fixed.

International institutions, including HSBC, Mashreq Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Emirates NBD, are a few of the well-known banks that run ATMs. The smallest commission for withdrawing money Dubai will be charged at ADCB and HSBC ATMs.

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The United Arab Emirates and Dubai have a few fee-free ATMs. For each transaction, the majority of bank ATMs charge between AED 22 and AED 26.26 fees to international cardholders, and certain bank ATMs do not impose fees on particular international cards.

Foreign credit and debit cards are widely accepted at UAE ATMs. Debit and credit cards are commonly accepted by authorized money changers. However, these transactions are typically costly. Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and Plus cards are also accepted at ATMs in the UAE. American Express, JCB, UnionPay, Maestro, and RuPay are typically not accepted by the ATMs.

Tips for Getting the Best Exchange Rate

Before exchanging money in Dubai, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Check the current exchange rate to compare it with the one being offered.
• First, check online: rates are sometimes posted online by exchange houses. This might assist you in determining where to spend your money to obtain the best deal.
• Be aware of any fees or commissions charged for the exchange.
• Choose local currency: For a more equitable rate and to steer clear of hidden exchange rates and extra costs, opt to be paid in UAE dirhams while using an ATM overseas.
• Think about location: hotel and airport charges are frequently less advantageous. Visit a specialized exchange house located in a shopping center or another central location of the city to get the best prices.
• Bring a valid form of identification (such as a passport or ID card).
• Be aware of scams and fraud, which are common at unverified currency exchange offices.
• Watch out for "zero fee" services: these services frequently give subpar exchange rates that do not represent the mid-market rate, which allows them to make unreported profits.

By doing a little research and comparing options, you can get a good exchange rate and avoid additional fees.

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Traveling to the UAE requires financial preparation. Knowing the local currency and the basic principles of money exchange Dubai will help you enjoy your vacation. Always exchange cash at official places and use bank cards for convenience and security.