What is the monetary unit in the emirates. What money in the UAE - the course, where is it better to exchange, how not to be mistaken in the currency of the Arab Emirates
So, before writing this article any further, the first question worth answering is what is the name of money in the UAE? Currency United Arab Emirates are dirhams. This is their "encyclopedic", so to speak, name. The locals pronounce this word as "drham", and the sound "x" is also practically lost when pronouncing, and therefore a short "dram" is obtained at all. Very similar drum- drum in English :)
What money is in the UAE
As I have already made a reservation, money in the United Arab Emirates is called dirhams. Consider how they look and how not to get confused in them.
The biggest confusion occurs in Arab coins, as there are no normal numbers on them, only local squiggles. I don’t know who invented that the numbers we know are derived from the Arabic ones ... Frankly speaking, it’s completely impossible to figure out what this or that sign means. Therefore, you will have to devote a separate description to the UAE coins.
In this picture, from left to right, the following denominations of coins:
- ٢٥ - 25 fils (a quarter of a dirham);
- ٥٠ - 50 fils (half a dirham);
- ١ - 1 dirham.
These are the main coins of the United Arab Emirates. For a better understanding, below is a visual representation of Arabic numerals under the symbols we are familiar with.
With banknotes, everything is easier, because on them, along with the Arabic ones, the numbers familiar to us, adopted in the European world, are duplicated. UAE paper money comes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 dirhams.
We figured out how money looks in Dubai and neighboring emirates, now it is important to understand where, how and at what rate to exchange it.
Where to change money in Dubai, Sharjah and other cities of the UAE
There are quite a few exchangers in the cities of the Arab Emirates, especially in areas where tourists are concentrated. The most popular and reliable exchangers are UAE Exchange located both in shopping centers and at various metro stations.
And it seemed to me that the course in them is more profitable, at least in our experience it turned out that way. Having exchanged money once at a neighboring exchange office, I regretted that I had not immediately entered the UAE Exchange. Alternatively, back in Carrefour the course is one of the best.
It is important to note that in all exchange offices of the United Arab Emirates, a commission of 3 dirhams is taken for a currency exchange operation, and regardless of the amount exchanged.
At first I preferred to exchange a little, but then it turned out to be completely unprofitable. It's easier to change $ 500 once, and the commission will be 3 dirhams, instead of walking 5 times and exchanging $ 100 each. It seems that the exchange amount is the same, but the commission will have to be paid 5 times, i.e. already 15 dirhams.
So, you should immediately estimate how much you want to spend in the UAE and exchange it all. The exchange rate of the dirham is stable and practically unchanged, therefore it is unlikely to change throughout the vacation.
What money to take to Dubai or Sharjah
Of course, there is only one currency for the whole country - dirhams, so, depending on which of the seven emirates to go to, you will have to exchange the money that is on hand.
It is definitely not worth going to the United Arab Emirates with rubles, I honestly looked at the boards of all exchangers, but I have never met an exchange for rubles. It is better to take money to the UAE in dollars... It is most convenient to exchange them, the exchange rate for the euro seemed to me less profitable, although you can take them with you.
Another popular currency to exchange in the UAE is Indian rupees... So, if you have banknotes with the image of the Indian guru Mahatma Gandhi lying around, you can grab them too. You can exchange them in any exchanger, because There are a lot of Indians in the United Arab Emirates; to be honest, they make up the overwhelming majority of the inhabitants.
Money in the UAE exchange rate to the dollar
The UAE currency is one of the most stable in the world. It is surprising that despite the fact that the main industry of the United Arab Emirates, like Russia, is oil, the fall in its value did not affect the dirham's exchange rate against the dollar at all. Just look at the graph, for the last five years (!) the UAE money rate to the dollar is 3.67 dirhams.
A small jump happened only at the end of 2017, and then only by thousandths. Since 2018, VAT has been introduced in the United Arab Emirates, therefore, against the background of this, there was a small commotion, but now everything has returned to normal. Moreover, the “cardiogram” of the dirham rate has been reminiscent of the “deceased” since January, but this is nothing more than stability.
Thus, the official bank exchange rate is 1 $ = 3.67 AED, but in the city the exchange of dollars for dirhams is carried out at the following rate:
- 3.65 - at exchange offices (with a small variation of hundredths, depending on the exchanger);
- 3.6 - at airports;
- 3.45 - in hotels.
Accordingly, the exchange rate in hotels is the lowest, so I do not recommend exchanging dirhams there. It is better to go out and look around, at least one exchange office is sure to be found nearby.
UAE money to the ruble - exchange rate
But the situation with the ruble is not so rosy and it depends primarily, of course, on the instability of the Russian currency. On average, you need to pay 18 rubles for 1 dirham.
But it is worth using knowledge of the ruble exchange rate only for convenient calculation of prices in your head when you walk around Dubai shops, because it will not be possible to exchange rubles for dirhams anywhere. I have not seen a single exchanger that accepts rubles.
Perhaps, at some hotels where package tourists go, there is a practice of exchanging rubles for dirhams, but one should not hope for this. Well, the course, you must understand, will be far from the official in the disadvantageous direction.
Where to withdraw money in Dubai UAE
Basically cash can be withdrawn at any ATM in the United Arab Emirates, including at the airport. The conversion rate depends primarily on Russian bank, in which the card is issued, rather than from the bank of the United Arab Emirates. ATMs in Dubai and other emirates only issue local currency- dirhams. Neither dollars nor euros can be withdrawn, and it is not necessary.
On average, about 2% is lost on converting from rubles to dirhams. In some cases, this is more profitable than first exchanging rubles for dollars in Russia, and then exchanging them again in the UAE - this time dollars for dirhams.
Besides converting Russian bank may take a commission for withdrawing from a third-party ATM, therefore it is more profitable not to withdraw funds, but simply pay with a bank card everywhere. It's very simple, because even transport cards for buses and metro can be replenished with a plastic card.
Thus, money in the UAE should be carried in dollars, which can be exchanged at the best rate in the city, and not in hotels or the airport. It is more convenient to take cash a little, in other cases it is more profitable to pay in shops, restaurants and even in transport by card.
A little more than 50 years ago, the United Arab Emirates was nothing but a modest state on the Arabian Peninsula with an arid climate and endless deserts. However, after finding oil deposits, the country began to develop at a rapid pace. The authorities have learned how to competently manage the received finances, the surrounding nature and favorable climatic conditions.
Today the UAE is one of the most influential states in the world. The most popular resort on the planet - Dubai is located on its territory. On the territory of the country, there are uniform laws and one currency. Before planning a vacation or a business meeting, you need to figure out what currency to prepare and study the UAE dirham exchange rate.
Currency in the UAE: a note for tourists
United Arab Emirates on legislative level have established the national currency, it is arab dirham... It is one of the most stable currencies in the world. International dirham designation - AED, in unofficial sources can be found with the abbreviation DH / Dhs, which is also true.
1 UAE dirham is equivalent to 100 fils.
The national currency, as a standard, depends on the dollar exchange rate and changes with it.
Money differs in size and image on banknotes. V money turnover bills of denomination participate:
5;
10;
20;
50;
100;
200;
500;
1000.
You can even define a banknote by its appearance. The larger the denomination, the size of the banknote increases accordingly. Money does not show the image of great political or cultural figures. The banknotes depict the most famous architectural structures, iconic symbols that are understandable to local residents.
Pay in the UAE and with coins. There are only 6 types: 1 dirham, 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 fils. All of them are made in a round shape. Only 50 fils differs from the others and has a heptagonal shape.
UAE currency rate. Ratio to world currencies
Calculating the current rate of the dirham yourself is not difficult. The main thing is to know the dollar exchange rate, because National currency The UAE is directly dependent on him. For 1 dollar you can get about 3.6725 dirhams. Knowing this value, you can calculate the amount that the tourist will receive, based on the amount exchanged. It will also be easy for Russian vacationers to make a calculation. If we take the value of 1 USD - 68 rubles (the ratio may vary), then the calculation will be as follows:
- divide 68 by 3.67 (the value of the dirham in relation to the dollar);
- multiply 100 dirham by the resulting coefficient, which is 18.5.
That is, for 100 dirhams, a tourist will receive 1,850 rubles (the data is relevant for the rate indicated in the previous calculation - the rate may change!)
Online calculator of exchange rates to UAE dirham
It should be borne in mind that:
except that small amount on the return trip. After all, the exchange rate Russian ruble low and not profitable.
The most optimal currency with which to go on vacation is dollars.
However, immediately upon arrival in the country, it is better to exchange them for local money. In large shops, hotels and other popular places of visiting tourists, payment by bank transfer is accepted.
Where is the best currency exchange in the UAE
There are more than enough places for currency exchange in the Emirates. The most common option is banks. Here you can exchange money at the most favorable rate.
Banking hours in the UAE
Banking structures in the United Arab Emirates are open daily from 8 am to 1 pm, lunch is not provided. Day off - Friday. Provided for currency exchange and special exchange offices, which can be found in shopping centers, gas stations, airports, hotels. The course will be almost identical to the banking one. These divisions work seven days a week from 8.00 to 19.00.
You can exchange dollars for dirhams in hotels, but:
You can exchange money directly at hotels, but the rate will be much lower than the official one. It is most profitable to exchange a hundred dollar bill. There are also bank offices at the airport where you can exchange dirhams for your country's currency before departure.
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We recommend changing a small amount for current expenses. As a reminder, only dirhams are accepted when buying a ticket. You can pay in dollars or euros, but you have to negotiate a course with the driver, they often ask you to pay at the ratio of 3 dirhams per dollar.
There is a way to change money in the Duty Free shop. You need to buy something, and ask to give the change in dirhams. But watch the course in the store, it may not be profitable.
Bank exchange
Changing money at the bank is profitable, but inconvenient. When exchanging, documents are always required. Banking hours: from 8 (or 9) in the morning to 13 (or 14) in the afternoon. Some banks are additionally open from 16-00 to 18-00. Banks are closed on Friday, which is a holy day for Muslims.
Hotel exchange
Rates in hotel exchangers are unprofitable: 3.5 - 3.6 dirhams per dollar. But this method is the most convenient, you do not need to go anywhere, the work schedule is from 8 am to 10 pm.
Exchange offices in the shopping center and on the street
Look for such items by the words “Money Exchange” or “Exchange”. In shopping centers, the role of exchangers is played by bank branches that work from morning to evening. The exchange rate in the exchange offices in the shopping center and on the street is the most profitable.
Exchange offices provide a wide range of additional services... Here you can cash travelers checks, accept Western translation Union, make photocopies of documents or buy a local SIM.
More important points
Theoretically, there are no prohibitions on the export of UAE dirhams from the country, except for the amount of 100,000 dirhams (details in our article ""). But it will be very difficult to exchange them outside the United Arab Emirates, they will be useful only as souvenirs. It is highly recommended to exchange any remaining dirhams for dollars or euros before leaving for your home country.
We wish you pleasant communication with money in the UAE, and read articles about this country that are useful for tourists ( links below).
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Read about the UAE on our website
The currency of the United Arab Emirates is Dirham , consisting of 100 Fils .
UAE dirham encoding - the monetary unit of the United Arab Emirates - AED (Arab Emirates Dirham) .
Currently in circulation are banknotes 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 Dirham and coins in 1 Dirham and 50, 25, 10, 5, 1 Fils of the UAE.
Unlike banknotes, the denomination of which can be easily identified by numbers, coins Arab Emirates without knowledge of English or Arabic numerals is more difficult to read:
- 1 UAE Dirham coin of the correct round shape, it depicts a teapot;
- 50 fils coin of the United Arab Emirates - in the form of a heptagon, it depicts oil rigs;
- UAE 25 fils coin features a gazelle;
- 10 fils UAE - dhow boat;
- on 5 fils of the UAE - fish;
- on 1 fils coin of the UAE - palm trees.
Coins in denominations of 5 and 1 fils are very rare in the Emirates. Therefore, you can see them, most likely, in collectible sets for numismatists.
The currency rate of the United Arab Emirates - the UAE dirham in relation to the US dollar has been kept artificially since 1971 and is:
- 1 U.S. Dollar = 3.66 Dirham
- 1 UAE Dirham = 0.27 USD
The exchange rate of the UAE dirham to the ruble is approximately equal to 8-9 rubles for 1 dirham.
Euros and other world currencies are also accepted at exchange offices in the UAE at a very favorable rate.
Of course, in some exchange offices, banks, hotels, this rate may vary slightly. It is most profitable to exchange money for Dirhams in the UAE at exchange offices located in banks and most shopping centers in the United Arab Emirates. Most bad course UAE dirham in relation to US dollar and Euro - at the airport and in hotels.
The traditional question "what currency should I carry to the UAE?" the answer is unequivocal - US dollars.
Also, when paying for purchases in the UAE bank cards You may be asked in what currency to withdraw. If you have a ruble card, then it is more profitable to pay for a purchase from a card in Dirhams, so you can avoid double conversion.
Dirham is the currency of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). International code ISO 4217 The international abbreviation of the United Arab Emirates dirham is AED. Informal abbreviations are DH or Dhs. One dirham is sibdivided into 100 fils.
History
The UAE dirham was introduced in 1973 instead of the Qatar-Dubai rials of the corresponding denomination, which have been used since 1966 in all emirates except Abu Dhabi, where Bahraini dinars were changed to dirhams at the rate of 1 dirham = 0.1 dinar. Until 1966, the currency of all states that later became part of the United Arab Emirates was the Persian Gulf rupee. After it, both in Qatar and in the emirates, the Saudi rial went for some time, later replaced by the Qatar-Dubai rial.
On January 28, 1978, the dirham was officially indexed against the International Monetary Fund's Special Drawing Rights (SDR), but in reality it almost always remained pegged to the US dollar. Since November 1997, the dirham has been indexed against the US dollar at the rate of $ 1 = 3.6725 dirham (or approximately 1 dirham = 0.272294 $).
The name Dirham comes from the Greek word Drachmae, literally meaning a handful. Centuries of trading activity involving the use of dirhams helped preserve this currency in the Ottoman Empire.
Coins
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In 1973, bronze coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10 fils and coins of alloy, copper and nickel in denominations of 25, 50 fils and 1 dirham appeared in circulation. The fils were of the same size and composition as similar Qatar-Dubai dirhams. In 1995, the 1 dirham and 50 fils coins were reduced in size, with the latter becoming curved, equilateral and heptagonal.
The denomination of the coins is written in Eastern Arabic numerals, and the text is in Arabic letters. Fils of denominations 1, 5 and 10 are rarely used in Everyday life, usually all amounts are rounded to the nearest 25 fils. The 1 fils coin is practically not found in circulation. When exchanging, you can confuse the old 50 fils that are almost the same in size and the modern 1 dirham.
Since 1976 central bank The United Arab Emirates has minted several commemorative coins in honor of various events and rulers of the country.
Fraudulent use of coins
In August 2006, it was reported that a Philippine one peso coin was the same size as one dirham. Since 1 peso costs only 8 fils, it was used fraudulently for purchases at vending machines in the United Arab Emirates. The Australian ten cent coin has the same size, shape and weight as the UAE dirham. Pakistan's 5 rupee coin, the 50 base Omani coin and the Moroccan dirham are also the same size as the UAE dirham.
Banknotes
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10 dirham | |
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20 dirham | |
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50 dirham | |
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100 dirham | |
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200 dirham | |
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500 dirham | |
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1000 dirham | |
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In 1973, the United Arab Emirates Monetary Chamber introduced banknotes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 1000 dirhams. The second series of banknotes, issued in 1982, did not include monetary units of 1 and 1000 dirhams. In 1983, 500 dirhams banknotes appeared in circulation, and in 1989 - 200 dirhams. In 2000, paper AED 1,000 was re-issued. Currently, banknotes of 5 (brown), 10 (green), 20 (light blue), 50 (purple), 100 (pink), 200 (green / yellow-brown), 500 (dark- blue) and 1000 (greenish blue) dirham.
On the obverse of the banknotes, the inscriptions are made in Arabic letters, and the denomination is rendered in Eastern Arabic numerals; on back side the text is written in English language, and numbers - in Arabic numerals. There are very few 200 dirhams in circulation, issued only in 1989, so at the end of May 2008 new dirhams of this denomination appeared, made not in yellow-brown, but in green-brown.