Heading to Dubai? One of the first questions you’ll face is how to exchange rubles for dirhams . Let’s explore the options available to avoid overpaying and wasting time.
At first glance, the task seems simple: go to the bank, deposit rubles, and receive foreign currency. But in practice, things aren’t so straightforward. Let’s examine all the possible options and see which method is best in different situations.
Why is it important to exchange rubles for dirhams correctly?
The official currency of the UAE is the dirham (AED). In Russia, directly exchanging rubles for dirhams through a bank is nearly impossible: this currency is not a popular currency for depositing. Banks typically convert rubles into dollars or euros first, and only then into dirhams.
This creates two disadvantages:
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double conversion “eats up” part of the amount;
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the exchange rate turns out to be unfavorable.
Therefore, many are looking for alternative ways to exchange money. This is especially true if the goal is not a week-long tourist trip, but rather a major investment, such as purchasing real estate or investing in a business.
Option 1. Bank exchange
Theoretically, you can exchange rubles for dollars at a Russian bank, and then convert the dollars into dirhams in Dubai.
Pros:
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formality;
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money passes through transparent channels.
Cons:
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double conversion;
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limited limits;
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the exchange rate is often unfavorable.
This option is suitable for those who want to act only through the bank and are not in a hurry.
Option 2. Exchange at the airport or hotel
Many tourists exchange money directly at Dubai airport or at hotel exchange offices. It’s fast and convenient, but there’s one obvious downside: the exchange rate is usually significantly worse than the market rate.
If it’s just a small amount for a taxi or lunch, it’s no problem. But if you’re carrying tens of thousands of dollars in rubles, the overpayment will be significant.
Option 3. Private exchange services
In practice, the most convenient and profitable exchange method has become through specialized services. The process is simple: you exchange rubles in Moscow or another Russian city, and in Dubai you receive dirhams in cash or deposited into your account.
Advantages:
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speed – money is available on the day of exchange, often within an hour;
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the rate is more favorable than with bank conversion;
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the ability to exchange both small and large amounts.
This is especially convenient for those who travel to Dubai frequently or are preparing for major purchases.
Option 4. Hawala – the traditional method
The hawala systеm is still active in the Middle East . Its essence is that money doesn’t actually cross borders. You give rubles in Russia, and your partner in Dubai gives you the equivalent in dirhams.
For the client, everything looks very simple: transfer money here and receive it there.
Option 5. “Table to table” – for large transactions
When it comes to buying an apartment or investing, the “table for table” format works best . This is an exchange in which rubles and dirhams are transferred simultaneously in both countries.
For example, in Moscow, you hand over cash rubles, and in Dubai, your partner receives the agreed-upon amount of dirhams at the same time. This method is convenient because there’s no waiting or stress—everything happens simultaneously.
How to choose the best exchange method?
To decide how exactly to exchange rubles for dirhams, you need to consider three factors:
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Exchange amount : small amounts can be exchanged at the airport or through international systems, while large amounts can only be exchanged through services or desk-to-desk.
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Speed – if you need money “here and now”, private exchange companies are optimal.
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Rate and fees – for large amounts, even a difference of 1–2% makes a big difference.
Practical advice
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Never carry large amounts of cash without a clear understanding of where and how you will exchange it.
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Compare rates: the difference between banks, airports, and exchange offices can be significant.
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For large transactions, choose “desk to table” – it’s calmer and more reliable.
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Work only with trusted partners to avoid problems.
Result
You can exchange rubles for dirhams in a variety of ways: through banks, at the airport, at exchange offices, or through specialized services. However, if you need a fast, secure, and profitable exchange , exchange companies and the desk-to-desk format are the best options.
Therefore, if you’re looking for the best way to buy dirhams for rubles , choose reliable services and agree on the exchange rate in advance. This will make the exchange process simple and convenient, and you’ll be able to use your money safely in Dubai.
