What is the currency in the emirates. What kind of money in the UAE is a course where to exchange, how not to make a mistake in the currency of the UAE
So, before writing this article further, the first question to answer is - what is the name of the money in the UAE? The currency of the United Arab Emirates are dirhams. This is their "encyclopedic" name, so to speak. Locals pronounce this word as “drham”, and the sound “x” is almost lost when pronouncing, and therefore a short “drum” is produced at all. Very reminiscent of drum - drum in English :)
What money in the UAE
As I have already made a reservation, the money in the United Arab Emirates is called dirhams. Let's 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 are familiar with come from the Arabic ... We’ll directly say that it’s completely impossible to figure out what this or that sign means. Therefore, it is necessary to devote a separate description to the UAE coins.
In this picture, the following coin denominations are from left to right:
- 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 familiar characters.
With banknotes, everything is easier, because on them, along with the Arab ones, the usual numbers adopted in the European world are duplicated. UAE paper money comes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 dirhams.
What money looks like in Dubai and neighboring emirates, we figured out, 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 a lot of exchangers in the cities of the United Arab Emirates, especially in areas of tourist congestion. The most popular and reliable exchangers are UAE Exchange, which are located both in shopping centers and at different metro stations.
And it seemed to me that the course in them was more profitable, at least in our experience it turned out that way. Having once exchanged money at a nearby exchange office, I regretted that I had not immediately entered the UAE Exchange. As an option, 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 transaction, moreover, 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, while the commission will be 3 dirhams, instead of going 5 times and exchanging $ 100. 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 figure out what approximately the amount you want to spend in the UAE and exchange it all. The dirham course is stable and practically unchanged, therefore, it is unlikely to change during the whole vacation.
What money to take to Dubai or Sharjah
Of course, there is only one currency for the whole country - the dirham, so depending on which of the seven emirates you have to go to, you will have to exchange the money that is on hand.
It’s not worth it to go to the United Arab Emirates with rubles, I honestly peered at the board of all exchangers, but I haven’t seen an exchange for rubles anywhere. Better to carry money in the UAE in dollars. It is most convenient to exchange them, the euro rate seemed less profitable to me, although you can take them with you.
Another popular currency to exchange in the UAE is Indian rupees. So, if you have littered banknotes with the image of the Indian guru Mahatma Gandhi, you can grab them as well. 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 vast 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. Surprisingly, despite the fact that the main industry of the United Arab Emirates, like Russia, is oil, the drop in its value did not affect the dirham to the dollar exchange rate at all. Just look at the graph for the last five years (!) uAE money to the dollar is 3.67 dirhams.
A small jump occurred only at the end of 2017, and then only in thousandths. Since 2018, VAT has been introduced in the United Arab Emirates, therefore, against the background of this, there has been a slight commotion, but now everything has returned to normal. Moreover, the “cardiogram” of the dirham course has been reminiscent of the “deceased” since January, but this is nothing but stability.
Thus, the official bank exchange rate is 1 $ \u003d 3.67 AED, but in the city the exchange of dollars for dirhams is carried out at the following rate:
- 3.65 - in exchange offices (with a slight variation of hundredths depending on the exchanger);
- 3.6 - at airports;
- 3.45 - in hotels.
Accordingly, in hotels the exchange rate is the lowest, therefore I do not recommend exchanging dirhams there. It is better to go out and look around in the district, at least one exchange office nearby will definitely be found.
UAE money to the ruble - exchange rate
But with the ruble, the situation is not so rosy and it depends primarily, of course, on the instability of the Russian currency. On average, 18 dirhams must be paid.
But to use the knowledge of the ruble exchange rate is only for convenient calculation of prices in your head when you walk around Dubai stores, because exchange rubles for dirhams will still fail anywhere. I have not seen a single exchanger in which rubles are accepted.
Perhaps, at some hotels where package tourists go, there is a practice of exchanging rubles for dirhams, but you should not hope for this. Well, the course, it must be understood, will be far from the official in a disadvantageous direction.
Where to withdraw money in Dubai UAE
In principle, funds can be withdrawn at any ATM in the United Arab Emirates, including at the airport. The conversion rate depends primarily on the Russian bank in which the card is issued, rather than on the bank of the United Arab Emirates. ATMs in Dubai and other emirates give out only the local currency - dirhams. Neither dollars nor euros can be withdrawn, and it is not necessary.
On average, about 2% is lost on conversions from rubles to dirhams. In some cases, it is more profitable than exchanging rubles for dollars in Russia first, and then again in the UAE to exchange dollars already for dirhams.
In addition to the conversion, a Russian bank can take a commission for withdrawal from a third-party ATM, therefore it is more profitable not to withdraw funds, but simply pay by credit card everywhere. It is 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.
Just over 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 to correctly manage the finances received, the environment and favorable climatic conditions.
Today, the UAE is one of the most influential states in the world. On its territory is the most popular resort on the planet - Dubai. On the territory of the country there are uniform laws and one currency. Before planning a vacation or business meeting, you need to figure out what currency to prepare and study the UAE dirham.
Currency in the UAE: tourists note
United Arab Emirates set the national currency at the legislative level, it is arab dirham. This is one of the most stable currencies in the world. The international designation Dirham is Aed, in unofficial sources can be abbreviated DH / Dhswhich is also true.
1 UAE dirham is equal to 100 fils.
The national currency standardly depends on the dollar and changes with it.
Money differs in size and image on banknotes. Banknotes with face value are involved in the money turnover:
5;
10;
20;
50;
100;
200;
500;
1000.
You can even identify a banknote by appearance. The larger the denomination, the size of the banknote increases accordingly. On money, do not see the image of great political or cultural figures. The banknotes depict the most famous architectural buildings, iconic symbols that are understandable to local residents.
Pay in the UAE and with the help of 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 are different from others and have a heptagonal shape.
UAE currency rate. Ratio to world currencies
Calculating the current dirham course on your own is not difficult. The main thing is to know the dollar exchange rate, because the national currency of the UAE directly depends on it. For $ 1 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 you 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 against the dollar);
- multiply 100 dirhams by the resulting coefficient, which is 18.5.
That is, for 100 dirhams a tourist will receive 1850 rubles (the data is relevant for the rate indicated in the previous calculation, the rate may change!)
Online UAE Dirham Conversion Calculator
It is worth considering that:
unless a small amount for the return trip. After all, the exchange rate of the Russian ruble is 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 stores, hotels and other popular places for visiting tourists, payment is accepted by bank transfer.
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. The day off is Friday. There are also special exchange offices for currency exchange, which can be found in shopping centers, gas stations, airports, and hotels. The course will be almost identical to banking. These units work seven days a week from 8.00 to 19.00.
You can exchange dollars for dirhams and in hotels, but:
You can exchange money directly in hotels, but the rate will be much lower than the official one. It is most profitable to exchange a hundred-dollar bill. The airport also provides banking offices where you can exchange dirhams for your country's currency before departure.
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We recommend that you change a small amount for current expenses. Recall that when buying a ticket only dirhams are accepted. You can pay in dollars or euros, but you have to agree on a course with the driver, often they ask to pay at a ratio of 3 dirhams per dollar.
There is a way to change money in the Duty Free store. You need to buy something, and ask for the change in dirhams. But watch the course in the store; it may be unprofitable.
Exchange in banks
Changing money in a bank is beneficial, but inconvenient. When exchanging documents always require. Bank hours: from 8 (or 9) in the morning to 13 (or 14) hours of the day. Some banks are additionally open from 16-00 to 18-00. Banks do not work on Friday, this is a holy day for Muslims.
Hotel exchange
Courses in hotel exchangers are disadvantageous: 3.5 - 3.6 dirhams per dollar. But this method is the most convenient, no need to go anywhere, the work schedule is from 8 am to 22 pm.
Exchange points 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 performed by bank branches, which operate from morning to evening. The exchange rate in the shopping center and on the street is the most profitable.
Exchange points provide a wide range of additional services. Here you can cash travel checks, accept Western Union transfers, 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 exchanging them outside the Arab Emirates will be very difficult, they will be useful only as souvenirs. We strongly recommend that you exchange all remaining dirhams for dollars or euros before departure to your homeland.
We wish you pleasant communication with money in the UAE, and read articles about this country useful to 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 filsov .
The coding of the United Arab Emirates Dirham - monetary unit of the United Arab Emirates - AED (Arab Emirates Dirham) .
Currently in circulation are banknotes 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 Dirhams and coins in 1 Dirham and 50, 25, 10, 5, 1 Filsov UAE.
Unlike bills, the denomination of which can easily be identified by numbers, coins It is more difficult to read the United Arab Emirates without knowledge of English or Arabic numerals:
- coin in 1 UAE Dirham of a regular round shape, it shows a teapot;
- a coin of 50 fils of the United Arab Emirates - in the form of a heptagon, it depicts oil rigs;
- on the 25-fils coin of the UAE there is an image of a gazelle;
- at 10 UAE fils - a dhow boat;
- on 5 UAE fils - fish;
- on the 1-fils coin of the UAE - palm trees.
Coins in denominations of 5 and 1 fils are a rarity in the Emirates. Therefore, they can be seen, most likely, in collectible sets for numismatists.
The exchange rate of the United Arab Emirates - the United Arab Emirates Dirham against the US dollar has been artificially kept since 1971 and amounts to:
- 1 US dollar \u003d 3.66 Dirhams
- 1 United Arab Emirates Dirham \u003d 0.27 US Dollar
The UAE Dirham rate 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 advantageous to exchange money for Dirhams in the UAE at exchange offices located in banks and most of the Arab Emirates shopping centers. The worst UAE Dirham exchange rate for the US Dollar and Euro is at the airport and in hotels.
To the traditional question "what currency should I bring to the UAE?" The answer is unequivocal - US dollars.
In addition, when paying for purchases in the UAE with bank cards, you may be asked a question in which currency to withdraw. If you have a ruble card, then it is more profitable to pay with a card in Dirhams, so you can avoid double conversion.
Dirham is a currency of United Arab Emirates (UAE). International code ISO 4217 International abbreviation of the United Arab Emirates Dirham - AED. Unofficial abbreviations are DH or Dhs. One dirham consists of 100 fils.
Story
The UAE dirham was put into circulation 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 the Bahraini dinars were changed to dirhams at the rate of 1 dirham \u003d 0.1 dinar. Until 1966, the rupee of the Persian Gulf was the monetary unit of all states that later became part of the United Arab Emirates. 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 relative to the International Monetary Fund Special Drawing Rights (SDR), but in fact it almost always remained pegged to the US dollar. Since November 1997, dirhams have been indexed against the US dollar at the rate of 1 $ \u003d 3.6725 dirhams (or approximately 1 dirham \u003d $ 0.272294).
The name “dirham” comes from the Greek word “drachma” (Drachmae), literally meaning “handful”. Centuries of trading involving the use of dirhams contributed to the preservation of this currency in the Ottoman Empire.
Coins
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In 1973, bronze coins with a face value of 1, 5, 10 fils and coins of alloy, copper and nickel in denominations of 25, 50 fils and 1 dirham appeared in circulation. Fils had the same size and composition as similar Qatar-Dubai dirhams. In 1995, coins of 1 dirham and 50 fils were reduced in size, while the latter became curved, equilateral and heptagonal.
The denomination of coins is written in oriental Arabic numerals, and the text is written in Arabic letters. Filses of 1, 5, and 10 denominations are rarely used in everyday life, usually all amounts are rounded to 25 fils. The coin in 1 fils is almost never found in circulation. When exchanging, you can mix up almost the same size old 50 fils and the modern 1 dirham.
Since 1976, the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates has minted several commemorative coins in honor of various events and rulers of the country.
Coin fraud
In August 2006, information was circulated that the Philippine one peso coin is the same size as one dirham. Since 1 peso costs only 8 fils, they began to fraudulently use it for purchases in vending machines of the United Arab Emirates. The Australian dime is the same size, shape and weight as the UAE Dirham. The Pakistani coin in denominations of 5 rupees, the Omani coin in denominations of 50 base and the Moroccan dirham are also the same size as the UAE dirham.
Banknotes
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50 dirham | |
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In 1973, the Monetary Chamber of the United Arab Emirates introduced banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 1000 dirhams. The second series of banknotes, issued in 1982, did not include units of 1 and 1000 dirhams. In 1983, notes in 500 dirhams appeared in circulation, and in 1989 - 200 dirhams. In 2000, paper dirhams 1000 were 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) dirhams.
On the front side of banknotes, inscriptions are made in Arabic letters, and the denomination is conveyed in oriental Arabic numerals; on the back, the text is written in English, and the numbers are written in Arabic numerals. Very few banknotes with a value of 200 dirhams issued only in 1989 are in circulation, therefore, at the end of May 2008, new dirhams of this denomination appeared, made not in tan, but in green-brown.