What is the Currency in Qatar?
When planning your journey to Qatar, understanding what the currency is in Qatar is as important as knowing which sights you’ll visit first. This dazzling Gulf nation is a place of contrasts, where ultra-modern glass towers shimmer against the soft gold of desert sands, and tradition hums quietly beneath the whir of innovation. Here, you might spend one moment sipping a velvety Arabic coffee in a bustling souk, and the next browsing the pristine boutiques of The Pearl-Qatar.
In every one of those moments, the Qatari riyal (QAR) will be your key to unlocking the experience. It’s not just a means of payment, it’s a pocket-sized introduction to Qatar’s history, culture, and economic power. Whether you’re buying fresh dates from a market vendor or booking a dhow cruise along Doha’s glittering Corniche, understanding the local currency will make your trip seamless and stress-free.
This guide will walk you through the essentials: the story of the riyal, what it looks like, how it works, and where to get it before your plane even leaves the runway. Along the way, you’ll get a sense of why the Qatari riyal has become one of the most respected currencies in the world and why having a few crisp notes in your wallet is a travel hack you’ll thank yourself for.
Currency in Qatar
The Qatari riyal is the official currency of Qatar and a reflection of its staggering economic success. Known by the currency code QAR, it’s widely accepted across the country. This is a currency that feels at home whether you’re sliding it across the marble counter of a luxury hotel lobby in Doha or using it to buy a steaming cup of karak chai from a roadside stall.
Qatar is one of the richest nations on Earth, and that wealth is mirrored in the stability of its currency. Card payments are common in the capital and major cities, but in more traditional settings like lively souks, fishing villages, and family-run restaurants, cash is still the preferred method of payment. The riyal is tactile, beautifully designed, and carries imagery that links the modern state to its heritage, making every transaction feel like a small cultural encounter.
Qatar Riyal Denominations
Banknotes
Qatar’s banknotes are small works of art. They are rich with colour, detail, and symbolism. The range of denominations ensures you’re covered for everything from a quick coffee to a luxury shopping spree:
1 riyal – A petite note perfect for small snacks, bus fares, or bottled water.
5 riyals – Great for a street-side karak tea or local pastries.
10 riyals – Common for market shopping or a casual meal in a café.
50 riyals – Handy for purchasing tickets to attractions or paying for guided tours.
100 riyals – Ideal for settling dinner bills or covering hotel extras.
200 riyals – Less frequently used, but useful for larger day-trip expenses.
500 riyals – Reserved for those high-value moments like designer clothing, fine dining, or unique keepsakes.
Coins
Coins, called dirhams, are smaller but no less important. The 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 dirham coins are light and practical, often jingling in your pocket after buying small treats. A few 50-dirham coins will see you through metro rides, quick market purchases, or tipping a porter who’s helped with your luggage.
Is Qatar Currency Strong?
Yes, the Qatari riyal is one of the most stable and valuable currencies in the Gulf. Powered by Qatar’s enormous reserves of oil and natural gas, it’s been pegged to the US dollar since 1980. That peg means travellers can plan ahead without worrying about sudden shifts in exchange rates, it’s a currency that holds steady.
This stability is more than just numbers on a screen, it’s a reflection of Qatar’s position in the global economy. The International Monetary Fund regularly ranks Qatar among the world’s top countries for GDP per capita, and its sovereign wealth fund is one of the largest on the planet.
History of the Qatar Currency
Qatar’s currency has a fascinating past, mirroring the country’s transformation from a small Gulf protectorate to a modern economic powerhouse.
The Indian Rupee – For decades, the Indian rupee was the currency of daily life, a legacy of British influence. It was the money of pearl traders, shopkeepers, and seafarers, exchanged in coastal markets and village squares.
The Saudi Riyal – In 1966, Qatar briefly adopted the Saudi riyal as it worked toward establishing its own financial identity.
The Qatar and Dubai Riyal – By 1973, Qatar introduced a shared currency with Dubai, marking a step toward independence but still reflecting close ties with its Gulf neighbour.
The Qatari Riyal – Then Qatar unveiled its own national currency. Pegged to the US dollar, it became a symbol of sovereignty, printed with designs that blend history and progress.
Where to Get Qatar Riyal
The smart move? Get your Qatari riyals sorted before you leave the UK and Travelex makes it simple
Get your travel money delivered to your door. Order online and enjoy free delivery on amounts over £500. Your riyals will arrive safely at your door, ready for your trip.
Or choose click and collect and pick up at one of the convenient UK locations, including most major airports. Perfect for collecting on the fly before you board.
With great rates and no commission online, you’ll step off the plane in Doha with confidence, ready to buy your first coffee, book your first excursion, or wander through your first souk without worrying about where to exchange money.
Ready to Buy Some Qatar Riyal?
The itinerary is set, your bags are nearly packed, and now it’s time for the final detail, your travel money. Order your Qatari riyals online today for home delivery or click and collect. With Travelex, you’ll be prepared for every moment, from buying a fragrant bag of spices in a market to paying for a sunset dhow cruise on the Gulf.
Because in Qatar, the right currency isn’t just about convenience, it’s about unlocking the full experience of one of the world’s most intriguing destinations.