Where to exchange money in Dubai? List of places

Currency exchange in Dubai 2025

The applicable currency in Dubai is the dirham, abbreviated as AED. The exchange rate in this city often proves more favorable than in other countries, although it can vary depending on where the transaction is made. The best rates can usually be found in exchange offices located in shopping centers or local bazaars, which are very popular with tourists and locals. Currency exchange in hotels, on the other hand, is not recommended, as the rates offered there are sometimes less profitable. It is also worth remembering that card payments are common in Dubai, which allows you to avoid additional costs associated with cash exchange. For larger transactions, it is worth checking the rates in several places to choose the most favorable option.

Before traveling to Dubai, make sure to check out the practical articles available on the Two Continents website – you'll find plenty of valuable tips there.

Where to exchange money for dirhams in Dubai?

The best places to exchange money in Dubai are:

• Shopping malls - there are many exchange offices in popular venues such as Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, which offer competitive exchange rates. This is convenient, especially when shopping or sightseeing.
   
• Airports - although exchange offices at Dubai's airports are easily accessible and extremely convenient for travelers, the rates offered there may be slightly less favorable compared to those in the city center.
   
• Bazaars and local stores - traditional places such as the Gold Souk often have exchange offices that offer very attractive rates. This is also a great opportunity to get a feel for the local atmosphere and combine exchanging currency with exploring the local culture.

Kantor online Dubai

A growing number of people are choosing to exchange currency through online exchange offices before leaving on a trip. There are various online platforms in Dubai that allow you to exchange money for dirhams quickly and conveniently. Before using such an option, it is a good idea to compare the rates offered by popular online exchange offices with those available at traditional exchange points, such as exchange counters in shopping malls or bazaars.

Note, however, that using online exchange offices may involve additional fees, such as for international transfers or currency conversion. To minimize costs, it is worthwhile to carefully check the terms of the transaction and make sure that the platform is reliable and secure. An additional advantage of online exchange offices is the ability to reserve currency in advance at a fixed rate, which can be advantageous when planning larger expenses.

Exchange money in Dubai without commission

To minimize the costs associated with exchanging currency in Dubai, it is worth looking for exchange offices that offer transactions without additional commissions. Such arrangements are particularly popular at many local exchange offices, especially those located in large shopping malls like Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates. Despite the absence of fees, it is crucial to check exchange rates carefully, as in some cases they may be less favorable than at exchange offices that add commissions.

It is good practice to compare the offers of several exchange points, which allows you to choose the most favorable option. It's also a good idea to pay attention to other customers' reviews and make sure that the exchange office operates legally and is trusted. With this approach , you can save a significant sum, especially when exchanging larger amounts.

Photo Where to exchange money in Dubai, Unsplash

Exchange offices in Dubai

Exchange offices in Dubai have a reputation for attractive exchange rates and a high standard of customer service. Well-known chains, such as Al Ansari Exchange, UAE Exchange and Lulu Exchange, have numerous outlets throughout the city, making them easily accessible to locals and tourists alike. Most of these exchange offices operate throughout the week, and their convenient locations, often in shopping centers and bazaars, further add to the convenience of using their services.

Before you decide to exchange money, it is worth visiting several different exchange offices and comparing the available rates to find the most favorable option. You should also pay attention to any additional fees or commissions that may affect the final cost of the transaction. For added convenience, some exchange offices also offer the option of booking the rate in advance or exchanging online.

Banks in Dubai

Banks in Dubai also provide currency exchange services, although the rates offered are often somewhat less competitive than those available at exchange offices. Major institutions, such as Emirates NBD and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, provide customers with a high level of security and professional service, making them a trustworthy choice. Using banks is especially recommended if you plan to exchange larger sums of money or prefer a more formal way of conducting transactions.

An additional advantage of banks is the possibility to take advantage of financial advice, which is sometimes helpful if you plan further currency operations. Banks also often offer an online exchange option, which can be a convenient solution if you want to save time. However, it's worth checking beforehand if the bank charges additional fees for currency conversion or transaction processing.

Questions and answers (FAQ)

1. Where to exchange money in Dubai?

In Dubai, it is advisable to exchange currency at exchange offices located in shopping malls such as Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates, as well as at traditional bazaars such as Gold Souk, where attractive rates are available. Exchange opportunities are also offered by banks and bureaux de change at the airport, but their rates can be less profitable than those at local exchange points.

2. Is it worth exchanging money at the Dubai airport?

Exchanging currency at the Dubai airport is convenient, but the rates offered by currency exchange offices at the airport tend to be less favorable than those available at other locations, such as shopping malls or local exchange offices. If you don't need to exchange money immediately, it's better to wait and use the exchange in the city, where rates may be more favorable.

3. What exchange offices in Dubai offer the best exchange rate? 

The most favorable exchange rates in Dubai can be found at bureaux de change located in well-known shopping malls, as well as in traditional bazaars like the Gold Souk. Local bureaux de change, such as Al Ansari Exchange, UAE Exchange or Lulu Exchange, also offer attractive rates, often better than those available at banks or the airport.

4. Where to exchange euros for dirhams in Dubai?

In Dubai, the best rates for exchanging euros for dirhams are offered by exchange offices in well-known shopping malls. Alternatively, you can use exchange offices in local bazaars, where the rates are sometimes more favorable than in banks. It's worth comparing offers at different places to find the most favorable rate.

5. What are the fees for exchanging money in Dubai?

Fees for exchanging currency in Dubai vary depending on where the transaction takes place. Bureaux de change usually charge a small commission or offer rates that include a fee. At banks, commissions can be higher, and additional currency conversion fees often apply when exchanging large sums or international transactions.