AED to GBP

[ruserious]

one thing that is obvious, is the actual transfer fee is almost a distraction and almost irrelevant.

[Townie]

Thanks to all for the good info.

I was looking to buy some CAD and some USD and checked with GCN, Al Rostamani, Citibank and NBD. The banks were essentially the same, and really not competitive. For the USD banks, Al Rostamani and GCN were fairly close, but for Canadian GCN had better rates. They maybe worth a check if you are not buying one of the major currencies.

For buying about CAD $15,000 this was the difference:
GCN was the best
Al Rostamani +200 Dhs including the transfer fee
NBD +1300 not including transfer fee
Citibank +1500 Dhs not including transfer fee

GCN were very helpful, and it seemed nice having a local contact so they got my business. To be fair, I never went to Al Rostamani, I just called for the rate so they may have been equally good had I proceeded with them.

GCN did take my EPC number, even though they weren't mentioned on EPC site. One of the others that was on EPC got in touch from the UK, and it was a bit like talking to a used car salesman. They wanted to know the rate I was quoted first, promising to beat it. I wasn't happy with that, so I gave it a miss.

[777boyo]

Forex

I've been using Rostamani on SZR for about 18 years and have never had any problems. However, UAE Exchange recently opened a branch very close to Rostamani, and I thought I'd check their sterling rates. Surprised to find they were better than Al R, so gave them a try. Absolutely fine, funds reached my account at Lloyds in UK within 72 hours. 10 min to set up, special rates for EK Staff. Take your UAE ID card for the set up.

7B

[halas]

UAEexchange will give a better rate than advertised if you ask, and certainly when you become a repeat customer.

halas