Qatar’s striking mix of futuristic skyscrapers, desert landscapes, and world-class luxury makes it a must-visit destination, where managing money wisely enhances your experience. Whether you’re shopping in Doha’s glamorous malls, exploring the traditional Souq Waqif, or taking a desert safari, this guide provides all the details—what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Qatar (Qatari Riyal (QAR)), cash safety tips, and important dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll avoid unnecessary fees and focus on enjoying Qatar’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.
How to pay in Qatar – cash or card?
In Qatar, both cash and card payments are widely accepted, with a significant shift towards digital transactions in recent years. The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR).
You can use cash for:
- Taxis
- Farmers markets
- Public transport
You can use card for:
- Hotels and Resorts: Major accommodations widely accept credit and debit cards.
- Restaurants and Cafés: Most dining establishments, especially in urban areas, facilitate card payments.
- Retail Stores: Shopping centers and supermarkets commonly accept card payments.
- Tourist Attractions: Many museums and historic sites offer card payment options for entrance fees.
- Tours and Activities: Established tour operators typically accept card payments.
In summary, while digital payments are prevalent in Qatar, carrying some cash is advisable for transactions in smaller establishments or situations where card payments may not be feasible.
What’s the best currency to take to Qatar
Qatari Riyal (QAR) is typically the best currency to take if you are traveling to Qatar. Paying or withdrawing cash in the local currency comes with the least amount of fees, sometimes fee-free too.
While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas, some rural regions and smaller establishments may prefer cash payments. Therefore, it’s advisable to carry some Qatari Riyal in cash to avoid inconveniences.
Other currencies, such as US Dollars, Euros or British Pounds, are not widely accepted here.
Where to get currency in Qatar
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Qatar. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Qatar
Visa and Mastercard transactions are commonly accepted for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Qatar
If you’re withdrawing money in Qatar from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Some of them accept UnionPay cards. Others like American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Qatar
It’s a good idea to bring a small amount of Qatari Riyals (QAR) before traveling for immediate expenses like taxis, tips, or small purchases. However, exchange rates outside Qatar are often less favorable, and some banks may not stock QAR.
A more practical approach is to withdraw QAR from ATMs upon arrival, as ATMs are widely available in airports, cities, shopping malls, and tourist areas. Most ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro cards. However, check with your bank for international withdrawal fees.
If you need to exchange currency, it’s best to do so at banks or licensed exchange bureaus in the city, as they offer better rates than airports or hotels.
Carrying a mix of cash and cards is advisable. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but having some cash is useful for markets, taxis, and small vendors.
Where to withdraw money in Qatar
You can withdraw money in Qatar at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Qatar are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Arab Bank,
- Qatar International Islamic Bank,
- Qatar Islamic Bank, and
- Dukhan Bank.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
Where to exchange currency in Qatar
You can exchange currency in Qatar at licensed currency exchange offices and banks branches.
Notable currency exchange providers include: Qatar-UAE Exchange, Al Zaman Exchange, Al Jazeera Exchange, Al Fardan Exchange, Lulu Exchange and Doha Exchange.
Banks Offering Currency Exchange Services: Qatar National Bank (QNB), Doha Bank, Commercial Bank of Qatar, Masraf Al Rayan
You can find good currency exchanges in Qatar using the ATM Fee Saver app—it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 100+ countries, including Qatar.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: Currency exchange services at airports often have less favorable rates and higher fees. It’s generally better to exchange money in the city for better rates and lower charges.
Is carrying cash in Qatar safe?
Carrying cash in Qatar is generally safe due to the country’s low crime rate. However, travelers should be aware of specific regulations regarding the declaration of cash and valuables. Travelers entering or leaving Qatar must declare any currency, financial instruments, precious metals, or stones valued at QR50,000 or more (approximately $13,700 USD).
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Qatar
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
