Owais Crawford
When travelling to a new country, it is always a good idea to have some local currency on hand. In Dubai, the local currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). While it is possible to use Australian dollars at Dubai Airport, it is recommended to exchange them for AED beforehand, as airport exchange rates tend to be less favourable. There are several ways to exchange currency in Dubai, including at the airport, hotels, licensed money exchange centres, and foreign bank ATMs. Credit cards, currency cards, and traveller's cheques are also widely accepted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency in Dubai | Dirham (AED) |
| Exchange rate | 1 US dollar = AED 3.67 |
| Australian dollars at Dubai airport | Accepted but not recommended |
| Exchange rates at the airport | Not favourable |
| Recommended exchange amount at the airport | AED 250 |
| Best exchange rates | ATMs |
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What You'll Learn
Australian dollars can be exchanged at Dubai Airport
It is recommended to exchange some money at the airport, but only a small amount, as the exchange rates are not favourable. It is better to exchange around 250 Dhs before arriving, and then exchange more at an exchange house the next day. This will ensure you have enough money for immediate expenses, such as a taxi to your hotel, but you will get a better rate elsewhere.
ATMs typically provide the best exchange rates, even when factoring in possible currency exchange fees from your home bank. Credit cards, currency cards, and traveller's cheques are widely accepted in the UAE. Traveller's cheques in either US dollars or UK pounds sterling are recommended to avoid additional exchange rate charges.
If you are exchanging money at the airport, it is worth checking the exchange rates at both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) before choosing where to exchange your Australian dollars.
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Exchange rates at the airport are unfavourable
Exchanging currency at the airport is convenient, but it is not cost-effective. The exchange rate at the airport is often unfavourable, and you may lose a significant amount of money. For example, at Bank of America, the exchange rates in January 2024 were roughly 6% more than the IMF rates, while airport exchange rates were double that.
It is not uncommon to see airport exchanges charging 14% more than the current International Monetary Fund (IMF) exchange rate. Some even charge premiums exceeding 17%. Travellers may want to consider exchanging their money before arriving at the airport or using other alternatives, such as ordering currency from their bank, which often provides better exchange rates and lower fees.
Ordering currency from your bank before you travel is almost always better than using the airport currency exchange. Major banks make it easy to order online through their website or mobile app, or by phone. You can enter the currency you need, the amount, and select the pickup method. Banks often provide better exchange rates than the airport, and you can also avoid shipping fees by opting to pick up the cash at a local branch.
If you are unable to order currency from your bank before you travel, you may want to consider exchanging a small amount of money at the airport and then finding a better exchange rate once you arrive at your destination. For example, in Dubai, you may be able to find better exchange rates in malls or exchange houses. Additionally, using an ATM at your destination can be a good way to get local currency, especially if your bank offers foreign ATM fee refunds and does not charge for using a foreign ATM.
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It is recommended to exchange around 250 Dhs before arriving
The currency in Dubai is the Dirham, shortened to AED (Arab Emirates Dirham). While Australian dollars are accepted at Dubai Airport, it is recommended to exchange around 250 Dhs before arriving. This is because airport exchange rates are often unfavourable and exchanging a small amount of money beforehand will ensure you have cash for immediate expenses, such as a taxi to your hotel.
Exchanging money before arriving in Dubai is a good idea for several reasons. Firstly, you may find better exchange rates outside of the airport. Secondly, exchanging a small amount of money at the airport will ensure you have cash for immediate expenses, such as a taxi to your hotel.
It is worth noting that the Dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, meaning the exchange rate never changes. One US dollar is worth AED3.67. This may be useful to know if you are exchanging Australian dollars for Dirhams, as you can compare the rate you are offered with the fixed US dollar rate.
When exchanging money, it is always a good idea to shop around for the best rates and to check with your bank, as ATM withdrawals may offer better rates and lower fees. It is also worth considering how you plan to pay for goods and services while in Dubai. If you intend to use a credit or debit card, paying in local currency (AED) will usually get you a better rate.
Finally, it is important to remember that the above information is general advice, and exchange rates and availability of currencies may vary depending on your location and the specific airport you are travelling through.
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Australian dollars are not needed to exchange into USD first
If you are travelling from Australia to Dubai, you do not need to exchange your Australian dollars into US dollars first. The United Arab Emirates has its own currency, the dirham, also known as AED (Arab Emirates Dirham). The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, so the exchange rate never changes, and $1 USD is worth AED3.67.
You can exchange your Australian dollars into dirhams at Dubai's airports, malls, and public markets, which have licensed money exchange centres. However, it is recommended to exchange a small amount of currency at the airport, as the exchange rates there are not always favourable. You can also withdraw money from ATMs, which typically provide the best exchange rates, or use credit cards, currency cards, and traveller's cheques, which are widely accepted in the UAE.
If you are exchanging currency, it is recommended to exchange $100 bills, as these sometimes offer a slightly better rate. It is also worth noting that you will receive your change in AED if you pay in USD. Therefore, it is best to convert your Australian dollars into AED to avoid unfavourable exchange rates and losing money.
In summary, when travelling to Dubai from Australia, it is not necessary to exchange your Australian dollars into US dollars first. You can exchange your Australian currency into dirhams at various locations in Dubai, and it is recommended to compare exchange rates to get the best value.
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Money can be exchanged at hotels, airports, malls and public markets
Dubai's currency is the Dirham, shortened to AED (Arab Emirates Dirham). The Dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, meaning the exchange rate never changes. One US dollar is worth AED 3.67.
Money can be exchanged at hotels, airports, malls, and public markets. It is recommended to exchange some money at the airport, enough to cover immediate expenses like a taxi to your hotel. The airport exchange rates are not always favourable, so it is advisable to exchange larger sums at an exchange house or another location.
ATMs typically provide the best exchange rates, even when considering possible currency exchange fees from your home bank. Traveller's cheques in US Dollars or UK Pounds Sterling are recommended to avoid additional exchange rate charges.
Malls are a good option for exchanging money, as they often have several exchange centres with competitive rates. The Dubai Mall, for example, has multiple exchange centres and is easily accessible via the Dubai Metro (Red Line).
Additionally, credit cards, currency cards, and traveller's cheques are widely accepted in Dubai and the UAE.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Australian dollars and other common currencies are accepted at Dubai Airport. However, the exchange rates at the airport are not favourable. It is recommended to exchange a small amount of money at the airport and then find a better exchange rate at a money exchange centre or by withdrawing from an ATM.
ATMs typically provide the best exchange rates, even when factoring in possible currency exchange fees from your home bank. Money exchange centres located at malls may also offer better rates than the airport.
The local currency in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED), also known as the Emirati Dirham. The Dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, so $1 USD is always worth AED 3.67.
