Clear guidance
Staff are often praised for explaining the process and rates clearly, including for first-time money transfers to India.
Al Ansari Exchange, Dubai Airport Terminal 1 Departure
Al Garhoud
Al Ansari Exchange is a money transfer and currency exchange service at Dubai Airport Terminal 1 Departure in Al Garhoud. Reviews highlight quick, clearly explained transactions, including sending money to India and exchanging AED to USD, which can be useful when you are already at the airport.
Reputation Score
4.7
★★★★★
140 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Fast service
Several reviews describe transactions as prompt, smooth and stress-free, while one specifically praised very fast service.
Helpful service
Customers repeatedly describe the counter staff as polite, patient, respectful and accommodating during transactions.
Smooth transfers
The branch handles international remittances, with one customer specifically reporting a smooth transfer to India.
Airport convenience
Its Terminal 1 Departure location gives travellers a place to exchange currency or arrange a transfer before flying.
Tips for a Better Visit
Check fees. Ask for the full rate and fee before exchanging; one review reported paying 10 AED to change 100 USD.
Compare rates. If the amount is substantial, compare with town branches first: a reviewer said the airport rates were worse.
Allow time. Do not leave the transaction until the last minute; one visitor reported a very late service.
Ask clearly. Have the exchange details explained before confirming, since customers have found clear rate explanations useful.
Confirm timing. For transfers, ask when the money will be available; one review expected it within half an hour and was unhappy with the delay.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Kiosk Dxb - Unit No: - 09-tb1
Dubai Int'l Airport, Dubai
| Mon | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Tue | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Wed | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Thu | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Fri | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Sat | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Sun | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Common Concerns
Poor rates
One customer reported a major loss when converting rupees to USD and described the rates and fees as excessive.
Extra fees
Reviews report a 10 AED charge for changing 100 USD and a separate 21 AED processing fee.
Long waits
At least one visitor said the service took too long, which matters when you have a flight to catch.
Uneven service
Although most staff feedback is positive, one review gives a strongly negative assessment of the supervisor experience.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
10 AED
changing 100 USD
“Not only the rates are bad, i also get charged 10 AED for changing just 100 USD”Google review · August 2023
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Al Ansari Exchange at Dubai Airport Terminal 1 Departure in Al Garhoud is useful for travellers who need a currency exchange or an international money transfer without leaving the airport. Reviews specifically mention sending money to India and exchanging AED to USD. The strongest pattern is staff who explain the process clearly and keep transactions moving smoothly.
First-time customers may appreciate the patient guidance reported during a transfer to India, while other reviews describe rates being explained clearly and transactions as fast and stress-free. The branch has also received praise for polite, respectful and accommodating service. That said, the experience is not completely consistent: one visitor reported waiting a long time, so build in some extra time before your flight rather than treating the counter as an instant stop.
Pricing deserves a careful check. One review says changing 100 USD incurred a 10 AED charge, while another complains about a 21 AED processing fee. A separate customer described a very poor rupee-to-USD outcome after fees.
Ask for the exact rate, total fee and expected transfer timing before confirming, and compare with a town branch if the amount is large. Airport convenience may save time, but it may not provide the best value.