Dubai: Heading to Expo 2020 and need to convert some cash to dirhams? We've got you covered. Here are 15 money exchanges closest to the site. Plus, all the other ways in which you can use foreign currency while travelling in the UAE and the benefits of each one.
But first, here's a look at the money exchange process. You will need a valid national ID or a copy of your passport. You will be required to fill in your contact details at the time of your exchange. In case you have a traveller’s cheque that you need honoured, call and check with the exchange house before your visit to see if they accept these.
1. Name: Al Ahalia Money Exchange
Location: Shop No 21 and 22 Ground Floor, Ramla Mall, Dubai Investment Park Branch, Dubai
Timings: Sunday to Thursday and Saturday – 9am to 10pm; Friday – 9am to 12pm, 2:30pm to 9:30pm
Travel time from Expo: 5 minutes
2. Name: Habib Exchange
Location: Hilal Madina Supermarket, Dubai Investment Park-1, Dubai
Timings: Sunday to Saturday – 9am to 12pm
Travel time from Expo: 7 minutes
3. Name: Sharaf Exchange
Location: Shop No. 2, Plot No. 598-1306, Carawan Super Market, Dubai Investment Park-1, Dubai
Timings: Sunday to Saturday – 9am to 12pm
Travel time from Expo: 7 minutes
4. Name: LuLu Exchange
Location: Shop No. 4 and 5, The Parks Shopping Centre LLC, Dubai
Timings: Sunday to Thursday and Saturday – 9am to 11pm; Friday – 9am to 11.30pm, 2 pm to 11pm
Travel time from Expo: 8 minutes
5. Name: Redha Al Ansari Exchange
Location: AK Mart Hypermarket, Dubai Investment Park-1, Dubai
Timings: Sunday to Saturday – 9am to 10:30pm
Travel time from Expo: 9 minutes
6. Name: Al Fardan Exchange LLC
Location: Ramla Mall, Al Habab Rd, Dubai Investment Park-1, Mina Jebel Ali, Dubai
Timings: Sunday to Saturday – 8am to 10.30pm
Travel Time: 9 minutes
7. Name: Wall Street Exchange
Location: Shop No. 7, Ground Floor, Expo Mall, Jebel Ali Industrial Area, Dubai
Timings: Sunday to Thursday and Saturday – 9am to 10pm; Friday – 9am to 11:30am, 2:30pm to 10pm
Travel time from Expo: 11 minutes
8. Name: UAE Exchange Centre LLC
Location: Kadris Mall, Next to Majelan Al Madina Hypermarket, Dubai Investment Park-2, Dubai
Timings: Sunday to Saturday – 9am to 1pm
Travel time from Expo: 11 minutes
9. Name: Al Ghurair Exchange
Location: Mina Jebel Ali, Jebel Ali Industrial, Dubai
Timings: Sunday to Thursday & Saturday – 8.30am to 10pm; Friday – 8.30am to 12.30pm, 1.30pm to 10pm
Travel time from Expo: 14 minutes
10. Name: UAE Exchange Centre LLC
Location: Near Gate No. 4 Shop No. 11, Inside Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai
Timings: Sunday to Thursday & Saturday – 8am to 8.30pm; Friday – 8.30am to 11.30pm, 2 pm to 7pm
Travel Time: 15 minutes
11. Name: UAE Exchange LLC
Location: LS 04, First floor, Above Home Box, Ibn Battuta Metro link, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai
Timings: Sunday to Saturday – 10am to 10pm
Travel time from Expo: 17 minutes
12. Name: Al Ansari Exchange
Location: Tunisia Court (Next to Carrefour Hypermarket), Ibn Batutta Mall, Dubai
Timings: Sunday to Saturday – 10am to 12pm
Travel time from Expo: 17 minutes
13. Name: Al Fardan Exchange LLC
Location: Unit G-12, Ground Floor, Andalusia Court, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai
Timings: Sunday to Saturday – 10am to 10pm
Travel time from Expo: 17 minutes
14. Name: UAE Exchange Centre LLC
Location: Shop No: 2, 3, 4 Awqaf & Islamic Affairs Dept, Mosque Building Opp. Arab Tec No.1 Camp, Dubai
Timings: Sunday to Saturday – 9am to 1pm
Travel Time: 18 minutes
15. Name: Al Ansari Exchange
Location: Unit no. SU113, Ground Floor, Dubai Festival Plaza, Dubai
Timings: Sunday to Wednesday – 10am to 11pm; Thursday to Saturday – 10am to 12am
Travel time from Expo: 23 minutes
Other ways to use foreign currency
Don't want to carry huge wads of bills around? There are simple plastic swaps to be made. Here are some other options you can use to pay your way during your visit.
1. International Debit Card
To get the maximum out of your debit card, keep an eye on the rewards and discounts on offer. Not only is it safe and convenient to use, but you may get a better deal on your purchases.
2. International Credit Card
Typically when using an international credit card, a fee of 1-3 per cent is charged, although it is subject to the type of credit card during transaction.
3. Traveller’s Cheque
A traveller’s cheque is a pre-printed cheque issued by banks. Unlike a regular bank cheque, a traveller’s cheque cannot bounce once used, because it has already been paid for.
4. International Travel Card or Forex Card
Most commonly known as an International Travel Card, the Forex card is a pre-loaded foreign currency card. Designed to be used like a debit or credit card, the Forex travel card comes with multiple advantages such as:
- Travellers can pre-load multiple currencies onto one card.
- Travellers can avail more reasonable exchange rates than compared to other Forex products.
- The card is encrypted with a chip and pin to ensure maximum security.
- Money can be retrieved in case of loss or theft.
- The writer is an intern with Gulf News.
