Traveling internationally can be expensive, so it's crucial to have a good understanding of money and banking phrases in Arabic before traveling to the Middle East. Whether you're just visiting or you're planning to live in an Arabic-speaking country for a while, the best way to ensure that you get the most for your money is to be familiar with these common financial terms.

bank (bank)
maktab Sarraaf (currency exchange office)
si'r aS-Sarf (exchange rate)
Sarraaf (cashier)
shiik siyaaHii (traveler's check)
biTaaqat i'timaan (credit card)
Hisaab (account)
Hisaab jaarin (checking account)
Hisaab tawfiir (savings account)
fuluus, nuquud (cash)
shiik (check)
iiSaal (receipt)

In actual practice, the English term "credit card" or the name of the credit card (for example, Visa, American Express) is more commonly recognized than using the Arabic term biTaaqat i'timaan.

Each country has its own monetary system, and there are several forms of currency that are used throughout the Middle East. Economically, it is almost always best to exchange your American dollars for the local currency. In fact, exchanging money is the most common banking need for travelers.

The following phrases will give you a guideline to follow when exchanging your dollars or forming your own questions about other banking needs while in an Arabic-speaking country.

  • maa huwa si'r aS-Sarf? (What is the exchange rate?)

  • uriid duulaaraat, min faDlik. (I would like dollars, please.)

  • uriid an aftaH Hisaab. (I would like to open an account.)

  • bikam haadhaa fii-duulaaraat? (How much is that in dollars?)