Clear explanations
One detailed review says rates, fees and options were explained clearly before the transaction.
Travelex
Al Garhoud
Travelex is a currency exchange service in Al Garhoud, with airport-counter reviews focused on exchanging foreign cash and handling VAT refunds. Visitors may appreciate the straightforward process and helpful explanations, but the quoted rate and added fees deserve close checking before payment.
Reputation Score
4.6
★★★★★
609 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Helpful staff
Reviews include customers describing the service as polite, helpful and supportive during their exchange.
Swift service
A Terminal 2 customer specifically praised the exchange as swift.
VAT assistance
Customers report that staff helped them complete a VAT transaction smoothly.
Smooth process
A customer described the transaction as easy and smooth, with a welcoming approach.
Tips for a Better Visit
Check fees. Ask for the complete payout after commission and fees; one review lists AED 38.64 commission and AED 25 fees.
Get receipts. Request and keep a receipt, particularly for a large exchange; one customer says none was given for $8,000 NZD.
Compare rates. Compare the airport quote with another exchange before committing; one review reports 63 elsewhere versus 30 here.
Take your time. Do not let a rushed transaction prevent you from checking the rate, fees, amount received and receipt.
Plan the visit
Practical details
International Airport Terminal 2 Landside Arrivals Next to Gate F3 7 F4
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 |
Popular Mentions
Currency exchange
Customers mention using Travelex for foreign-currency exchanges before travelling or after arriving.
Tax-free refund
A review specifically mentions requesting a tax-free refund for a small amount.
Common Concerns
Rate concerns
Several reviews describe exchange rates as substantially worse than alternatives, including one comparison of 3.51 AED per US dollar.
Added charges
One transaction listed AED 38.64 commission and AED 25 in fees on top of the quoted exchange calculation.
Receipt issue
A customer says the team rushed an NZD 8,000 transaction and did not provide a receipt.
Uneven service
Reviews include complaints about staff sending customers between counters, slow assistance and rude behaviour.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Travelex provides foreign-currency exchange and VAT-refund assistance in Al Garhoud, with many reviews referring to its Dubai Airport counters, especially Terminal 2. The useful part is the convenience: customers describe quick exchanges, staff who explain rates and options, and VAT transactions handled smoothly. Several reviewers also found the process easy and the staff polite and helpful.
The main caution is pricing. Reviews report sizeable differences between Travelex’s quoted rates and alternatives elsewhere, including a $100 exchange that produced 2,905 liras here versus 4,050 liras after arrival in Turkey. 64 commission and AED 25 in fees.
These are customer-reported transactions, not a current tariff, but they show why the final payout matters more than the headline rate. Before accepting an airport exchange, ask for the total amount you will receive, all commissions and fees, and a printed receipt. This is especially important for larger transactions: one reviewer says an NZD 8,000 exchange was rushed and undocumented.
If you are converting leftover cash, check the coin policy first. Service appears uneven, so allow time for questions rather than treating the counter as a purely automatic transaction.