Money exchange- AED to HKD

Question

Hi all,

Is it easy enough to change AED (UAE currency) to HKD locally or would I get better rates by bringing USD?

Thanks!

Answer

Exchanging AED (UAE Dirhams) to HKD (Hong Kong Dollars) in Hong Kong is possible but not always convenient. Most money changers in Hong Kong primarily deal in USD, EUR, GBP, and CNY. AED is less commonly accepted, so you may face limited options or less favorable rates.

Here’s a breakdown of your options:

Bring AED: You can try exchanging at major banks or licensed money changers in Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, or at the airport. Rates may be lower and some smaller changers may refuse AED.
Bring USD instead: USD is widely accepted for exchange in Hong Kong, and you will likely get better rates and more options. This is the preferred method if you want convenience and better rates.
Airport exchange counters: Usually offer convenience but not the best rates. Better to exchange small amounts for immediate needs and find city changers for larger sums.

Additional tips:

Compare rates at several licensed money changers; some well-known areas like the “Money Changers Street” near Central or the Chungking Mansions in Tsim Sha Tsui often have competitive rates.
Check if your bank card offers favorable international withdrawals as an alternative to carrying large cash.
Avoid street or unlicensed changers to reduce risk of counterfeit bills or poor rates.

In summary, bringing USD instead of AED will generally give you better rates and more exchange options in Hong Kong. If you only have AED, plan to exchange a small amount at the airport for convenience, then seek a city money changer for the rest.

Money exchange- AED to HKD

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