Airport convenience
Several travellers found the airport exchange quick and easy, including one who described it as a fast, smooth transaction before flying.
Travelex
Al Garhoud
Travelex is a currency exchange service in Al Garhoud, with airport counters used for exchanging travel money before or after a flight. Reviews highlight quick transactions, rate guidance and occasional help with options such as rate locking or receiving forex through Apple Pay.
Reputation Score
4.2
★★★★☆
349 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Clear guidance
A review describes the rates being explained clearly, with the transaction double-checked for accuracy—useful when you are unfamiliar with the currency.
Quick processing
Customers report efficient service during travel, including a transaction processed quickly and politely.
Applied discount
One customer asked how to improve the rate and found that a discount was automatically applied in the system.
Apple Pay help
A customer who needed forex through Apple Pay received patient, step-by-step assistance with the process.
Tips for a Better Visit
Compare rates. Check the quoted amount against another exchange provider or the online rate before accepting; several reviews report substantial spreads.
Check totals. Ask for the full payout, commission and applied rate before handing over cash, especially for less familiar currencies.
Keep paperwork. Keep the receipt and protect any barcode if using rate lock, since one review says a smudged digit prevented redemption.
Allow time. Do not leave the exchange until the last minute: one customer reported delays during a morning transaction before travel.
Ask discounts. Ask whether a discount can be applied to your transaction; one customer found one automatically added after checking the system.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Right Check-In Area - Terminal 3 Landside Arrivals at (DXB DXB Terminal 3 International Airport, Airside Departures
Al Garhoud, 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
rate lock service
The rate lock service lets customers pay a fee to secure an exchange rate and redeem it later, though one review reports problems using it.
receiving forex through use of my Apple Pay
One customer specifically mentions receiving forex through Apple Pay and getting help with the process.
Common Concerns
Poor rates
Multiple reviews describe large spreads against expected or online rates, including a reported 20%+ spread on US dollars to Mauritius rupees.
Rate-lock issues
A customer said a locked rate was refused twice: once because details were missing from the system and once because a barcode was smudged.
Transaction delays
One review reports that a straightforward exchange became delayed and consumed valuable time before a flight.
Receipt concern
One traveller alleged receiving an unexpectedly low amount and said no receipt was provided, making the transaction difficult to verify.
Airport premium
A review specifically advises changing money outside the airport because the airport rates were considered uncompetitive.
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The Bottom Line
Travelex is a currency exchange service in Al Garhoud, with airport counters that handle travel-money exchanges. Reviews mention airport currency exchange, rate guidance, rate lock service and help receiving forex through Apple Pay. The strongest positive pattern is efficient, courteous assistance: customers describe quick processing, clear explanations and transactions being double-checked before completion.
The main decision point is the rate. Some travellers say they received a good deal, and one review found a discount automatically applied in the system. Others report sizeable gaps against expected or online rates: one cited an approximate 20%+ spread, while another said $600 converted to €458.
A separate review complained of a 26% fee on a CHF-to-PHP exchange. Airport convenience may therefore come at a noticeable cost. Be especially careful with rate lock.
A customer reported being unable to redeem the locked rate because details were missing from the system and later because a barcode digit was smudged. Keep the invoice intact, ask for the exact payout and any commission, and retain the receipt. If you have time before travelling, compare the quote elsewhere; one reviewer specifically recommends changing money outside the airport.
Also allow a buffer, as a customer reported delays during a time-sensitive transaction.