Gulf currency converter
Convert between Gulf currencies and the Indian rupee with a daily reference rate. You can also type your own rate if your exchange house quotes something different.
How this converter works
When you open the page, your browser downloads one small file of daily reference exchange rates. The converter divides the rate of the currency you choose to receive by the rate of the currency you start with. Your amount never leaves your device.
The result is a mid-market reference rate, the midpoint between buying and selling prices in the global market. Banks, exchange houses and money-transfer apps usually offer a slightly worse rate than this and may add a fee. Use the number here to judge whether an offer is fair, not as a promise of what you will receive. The transfer comparison tool helps you measure the gap.
Worked example
Suppose the reference rate is 1 AED = 24 INR. Converting 1,000 AED gives 24,000 INR. If your exchange house offers 23.7 INR per dirham, you would receive 23,700 INR, which is 300 INR (1.25%) less than the reference rate before any fee.
Good to know
- The UAE dirham, Saudi riyal, Qatari riyal, Omani rial and Bahraini dinar are each fixed against the US dollar, so their rates move together against the rupee. The Kuwaiti dinar is linked to a basket of currencies.
- Rates are refreshed about once a day. They can be a little out of date during sharp market moves.
- Kuwaiti dinar, Omani rial and Bahraini dinar amounts are shown to three decimal places because those currencies are divided into 1,000 smaller units.
- Numbers use Indian digit grouping (lakh and crore).
Frequently asked questions
Why is my bank’s rate different from this rate?
This tool shows a reference rate with no margin or fee. Banks and exchange houses build in a margin and often charge a separate transfer fee, so the amount your family receives is usually lower.
How often do the rates update?
The rate file is updated about once a day, and your browser keeps a copy for up to six hours to avoid repeated downloads.
What if the rates fail to load?
Open “Use a different rate” and type the rate shown by your exchange house or app. The converter will use your number instead.