Currencies
Cruises to the Middle East take you to a number of countries that have different currencies. If you intend to withdraw cash from an ATM or use a credit card, check what your bank charges and make sure you tell your bank you intend to use your debit or credit card abroad before you leave. Cruise ships usually offer an onboard currency exchange but are not always at competitive rates. If you’re unsure, ask for advice when booking your cruise.
Bahrain
Dinar = 1,000 fils
Foreign currencies and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at the airport, at most hotels and in banks and bureaux de change; you are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in hotels, major stores and restaurants. Smaller shops may prefer to deal in cash. ATMs are available in major cities.
Brunei
Brunei Dollar = 100 cents
Foreign currencies and traveller's cheques can be exchanged at any bank. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are generally accepted at major establishments. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Iran
Iranian Rial = 100 dinars
MasterCard is accepted in some places, but credit cards should not be relied on as the sole means of payment. If the card was issued in the USA, it may not be usable due to the US trade embargo. There are no ATMs and it is not possible to exchange traveller’s cheques.
Israel
New Shekel = 100 agorot
Foreign currency can only be exchanged at authorised banks, hotels and change shops. Change shops found in most cities charge no commission and equal the bank exchange rates. Payment in foreign currency exempts tourists from VAT on certain purchases and services, and is sometimes preferred by shop keepers. All major credit cards are accepted and ATMs are widely available. Traveller’s cheques are widely accepted; take them in US Dollars.
Jordan
Dinar = 100 piastres or 1,000 fils
Foreign currencies can be exchanged easily in banks and bureaux de change. American Express, Visa, Diners Club and MasterCard are accepted in major establishments and ATMs can be found in most of the larger towns. Traveller's cheques issued by UK banks are accepted by licensed banks and bureaux de change. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.
Lebanon
Lebanese Pound = 100 piastres
International currency is easily exchanged in banks and exchange shops. US Dollars are best and do not need to be exchanged as they are accepted even in small shops. All major credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are widely available in Beirut and larger cities. Traveller’s cheques have limited acceptance and can take up to two weeks to clear so are not recommended.
Oman
Omani Rial = 1,000 baiza
All major credit cards are accepted here, although American Express less so. ATMs are widely available throughout the county. Traveller’s cheques are easily exchanged; to avoid additional charges take them in US Dollars.
Qatar
Qatari Riyal = 100 dirhams
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. Traveller's cheques are widely accepted; to avoid additional exchange rate charges, take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabian Riyal = 100 halala; 5 halala = 20 qurush
Most foreign currencies can be exchanged at commercial banks and money-changers. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted. Some ATMs are available and traveller’s cheques are widely accepted although they can be hard to change.
Syria
Syrian Pound = 100 piastres
Syria’s banking system is state-owned, and there is at least one branch of the Commercial Bank of Syria in every main town, where hard currency can be exchanged for local currency. Credit and Debit cards have limited acceptance. Traveller’s cheques can be difficult to exchange and are not generally recommended.
United Arab Emirates
UAE Dirham (AED) = 100 fils
Most hotels offer foreign currency exchange. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. Traveller’s cheques are also widely accepted. To avoid additional charges, take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Yemen
Yemeni Riyal (YER) = 100 fils
Local currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and hotels. US Dollars in cash are the easiest to exchange. Credit and Debit cards have limited acceptance; American Express and Diners Club are the most widely accepted. There are very few ATMs. Traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at some banks and hotels; to avoid additional charges, take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling.
Time Difference
Bahrain: GMT +3
Brunei: GMT +8
Iran: GMT +3.5
Israel: GMT +2 (GMT +3 during summer Daylight Saving Time – dates vary)
Jordan: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from last Thursday in March until last Friday in October)
Lebanon: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October)
Oman: GMT +4
Qatar: GMT +3
Saudi Arabia: GMT +3
Syria: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to October)
United Arab Emirates: GMT +4
Yemen: GMT +3
Tipping
Tipping is expected in almost every Middle Eastern country other than Oman and Yemen where the practice does not exist. Gratuity, known as Baksheesh, is an expected practice and is common for advice, directions or even for someone who opens your door for you. You don't need to give much, just some spare change, however the gesture is expected. Public bathrooms are often manned by someone selling toilet paper, and they too expect a small gratuity. One tip is to carry around a lot of small change so that you never have to snub a local in a situation where he has helped you out. Leave a tip of 10-15% at restaurants in the Middle East. Give an extra dollar to your taxi driver, as he too expects tipping. Many taxis in the Middle East function without meters, so ask your driver how much the trip will cost before heading to your destination.
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