How to lock in the best currency rates before you travel this Eid
Travelling for Eid is a chance to reconnect with loved ones back home or enjoy well-earned downtime somewhere new. But while flights and gifts are top of mind, many travellers forget to plan their currency exchange and that could cost you hundreds of dirhams if you rely on airport exchange counters.
The hidden costs of airport currency exchange
Whether you’re landing in Lahore, Cairo, Manchester, or Mumbai, airport kiosks often apply exchange rates that are up to 20% worse than the mid-market rate. This means that for every AED 1,000 you convert, you could lose up to AED 200.
These “off the charts” exchange rates are partly due to airport vendors adding hefty markups sometimes hidden in poor exchange rates rather than obvious fees. But there’s a smarter way to manage your money that doesn’t leave you scrambling at baggage claim.
Send money home before you even get there
If you have a local bank account in your home country or know someone who does, consider sending your funds before you travel. It’s safer, and smarter, and can save you from being at the mercy of less advantageous exchange rates.
Careem Pay makes this simple. You can send money directly to a local bank account in over 25 countries including India, Egypt, the UK, Europe, Pakistan, and more. So whether you’re planning a vacation or a big family gathering, your money’s already there—converted at a competitive rate and ready when you land.
With Careem Pay, you can:
- Send money to a local bank account
- Benefit from competitive exchange rates (often better than Google rates)
- Get funds delivered fast – 80% of remittances arrive within 30 minutes
And if you’re a Careem Plus member, you enjoy zero transfer fees and access to member-only FX rates.
How to start saving on International transfers before Eid
- Open the Careem app
- Head to Careem Pay and select ‘Send Money’
- Choose your country of choice and enter the amount
- Send almost instantly to a local bank account
Eid is about spending time with family and friends and making memories. By managing your currency exchanges wisely, you’ll have more to spend on the things that matter.
