Reviews / Al Ansari Exchange
Al Ansari Exchange
★ 4.2The UAE's largest exchange-house branch network, and the go-to choice for Nepali workers who want to pay and track a transfer in person rather than through an app.
What's good
- +Largest physical branch network of any exchange house in the UAE (280+ branches)
- +Fast payout — transfers to major Nepali banks are typically available within minutes
- +Licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE
- +Doorstep/home delivery option available for select payouts in Nepal
What to watch for
- –Exchange rates and fees are generally less competitive than app-first fintechs like Wise for straightforward bank transfers
- –5% VAT applies on charges, which is easy to overlook when comparing headline fees
- –Best value is for in-person cash payments; digital-only senders may find better rates elsewhere
Where Al Ansari Exchange fits
For decades, Al Ansari has been the default in-person option for UAE-based Nepali workers, largely because of sheer branch reach — if you’d rather hand over cash and walk out with a receipt than trust an app end-to-end, it remains one of the most convenient choices in the country.
Where it’s worth comparing
Its exchange-rate margin, plus the 5% VAT on fees, generally makes it a bit more expensive than digital-first competitors for a straightforward bank deposit. Check the fee comparison table on the UAE corridor page before assuming the nearest branch is also the cheapest option for larger transfers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Al Ansari Exchange good for sending money to Nepal from the UAE?+
It's a strong choice if you want to pay in cash at a branch and want the reassurance of a long-established, widely trusted network — 280+ branches across the UAE means there's almost always one nearby. For pure digital bank-to-bank transfers, compare its rate against Wise first.
Does Al Ansari Exchange charge VAT?+
Yes — 5% VAT is applied on top of the transfer charge, which is a UAE-wide requirement on exchange house fees, not specific to remitting to Nepal.
What ID do I need to send money via Al Ansari Exchange?+
A passport with a valid UAE visa, GCC ID, or seaman ID is typically accepted for remittance transactions.