Qatar Central Bank (QCB) unveiled the fifth series of Qatar currency notes in December 2020. The new Qatari Riyal banknotes have come into effect from December 18, 2020.
As per the latest announcement, all denominations of Qatar currency notes will have new designs and added security features. QCB has also introduced a 200 Qatari Riyal banknote for the first time.
How To Exchange Old Qatar Currency Notes
2024 STATUS: In February 2022, Qatar Central Bank (QCB) said the period for exchanging old currency (fourth edition) notes is open until further notice.
The old notes will be replaced by banks for individuals with QID and bank accounts. Those who do not have accounts can also complete the exchange process at most banks. If they cannot do so, they can go to Qatar Central Bank to exchange the notes.
Visitors from outside the country can exchange old notes through banks or QCB. They also have to attach the disclosure document from the General Authority of Customs in Qatar issued at the port of entry.
Note that this may be a time-consuming process for visitors. If you have friends or relatives with a QID, it is better to get the notes exchanged through them.
QCB said the source of funds for any amount exceeding QR 50,000 should be disclosed according to the requirements of the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Committee.
New Qatar Currency Notes: Design Features
The front designs of the new banknotes share a common theme based on traditional geometric patterns, the State of Qatar flag, Qatari flora (Dreama) and an ornate gate representing the historical Qatari architecture.
The back designs comprise themes reflecting Qatari tradition, Islamic history, culture, flora and fauna and the development of education, sport and the economy.
QR1 shows Traditional Dhow (Bateel) and the Oyster and Pearl Monument.
QR5 shows a traditional desert scene comprising fauna (Arab horses, Camel, Oryxes), flora (Al Qataf) and a ‘hair tent’ (buryuut hajar).
QR10 shows Lusail Stadium, Torch Tower (Aspire Zone), Sidra Medicine and Education City (Qatar Foundation)
QR 50 shows the Qatar Central Bank building and the Ministry of Finance building.
QR 100 shows a picture of Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque.
QR 200 shows pictures of Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar National Museum and Museum of Islamic Art.
QR500 shows Ras Laffan LNG refinery and LNG canter ship.
New Qatar Currency Notes: Security Features
The new bank will have 64 state-of-the-art security specifications.
1) Each security thread shows the value of the denomination.
2) The numerals and horizontal line prints are raised for the benefit of the blind and the visually impaired.
3) When you lift the banknote up to the light, you can see the incomplete shapes on the front and back of the note combine to form the banknote’s value.
4) Lift the banknote up to the light to see the watermark of the State of Qatar Crest and denomination numerals.
5) Tilt the banknote and see changes to the appearance of the hologram.
6) Tilt the banknote and see the changes to the appearance of the security thread.
7) Tilt the banknote to see the Dreama flower on the gate changing colour and a bright circle moving within the flower.
Qatar Coins in Circulation
Qatar has coins of various denominations in circulation with its riyal currency notes. The coins commonly seen in circulation are 50 and 25 dirhams (100 dirhams make a riyal).
QCB Unveils World Cup Commemorative Banknote
09 NOVEMBER 2022: Qatar Central Bank (QCB) along with FIFA and Supreme Committee for Projects and Legacy launched a 22 Qatari Riyal commemorative banknote and coins bearing the FIFA and World Cup logos.
The currency with the World Cup trophy and Qatar 2022 logo has a picture of Lusail Stadium on one side with Al Bayt Stadium on the opposite side. The two stadiums are the venues for the opening and the final World Cup match. Also found in the background of the note are the Qatar National emblem, skyline, a dhow and Zubara fort.
The new currency reflects the history of football in the country and is offered to those wishing to acquire it, including visitors to the country. The commemorative banknotes have legal force in terms of nominal value and specifications. It is also the first Qatar banknote to use polymer for production.
The Qatar Central Bank also unveiled 10 coins on the day.
How to purchase Qatar World Cup Commemorative Banknote?
According to Qatar Central Bank officials, the “22 Qatari Riyal” FIFA World Cup commemorative banknote can be purchased at QR 75 (seventy-five Qatari Riyal) while its nominal value will remain the same at QR 22. The commemorative banknotes will be offered through banks and money exchanges.
FAQ on Qatar Currency Notes
How long is the validity of Qatar’s old currency notes?
Major banks in Qatar have announced they will be accepting old banknotes until the 31st of December 2021.
Where can I exchange old currency notes?
Old currency notes can be exchanged at banks until the 31st of December 2021.
What should I do for exchanging old currency after 2021?
After the 31st of December 2021, holders of old banknotes will be entitled to recover the value from Qatar Central Bank within a period not exceeding 10 years from the date of the withdrawal decision.
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Copyright © DohaGuides.com – Full or partial reproduction of this article in any language is prohibited.
Legal Warning: Currency images shown here are for awareness purposes only and should not be printed or misused. Printing currency images is a crime as per Qatari Law.
Images Courtesy: Qatar Central Bank
Now i’m in Qatar how can i exchange a old 100 riyal to new
Hi Muhammad, It is easier to change through someone who has a bank account in Qatar. They can deposit it into their account.
Hi I have 500 qatar old note where can I exchange it to kenyan money pliz help
Hi Mildred, If you are in Qatar, you can exchange through a bank (you should have a bank account). If you are outside Qatar you can give it to a friend who is a Qatar resident. It is not possible to exchange from outside Qatar.
This guide is somewhat simplistic. I have QR1100. As a visitor, the banks didn’t accept them and referred me to Central Bank. Central Bank wouldn’t take them and referred me to any national bank. None will exchange without qatar ID, which I don’t have. The disclosure form had to be processed and takes 3 working day. Legwork is tremendous and fruitless, over €300 worth! Hey, I’m visiting here for 5 days. What a loop!
Hi Hans, It has been almost two years since new notes were introduced. The conversion was easier during the initial period. Now it is better that you seek help from someone with QID. A resident with QID can easily convert through his account.
Hi I have 300 qr old currency with me is that possible to exchange??
Fro where??
Hi Hishamzyan, You can change from any bank in Qatar. Some banks will only accept those with bank accounts.
Hello, i have old money qatar riyal around 150 QAR, where i can exchange them to the new one ? Thanks
Hi Abdul Rochim, You can exchange at any bank in Qatar.
Excellent Information for Numismatists and Notaphilists. Thankyou
Excellent Information for Numismatists and Notaphilists. Thankyou.
Regards
G.Anuplal
Associate Professor and President
Philatelists and Numismatists Association of St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru, Republic of India.
Thank you Sir
Hi Raamachandran, Only the banks in Qatar will accept old notes. You need to send it with someone travelling to Qatar.
is the 50 dirhams coins of qatar still have value?
i have approx 600 qatari riyal now what can i don
I contacted the Qatar Central Bank for exchanging the old currency first in Jan 2022 and they said due to the pandemic situation they are not encouraging at the moment and asked to call back in the month of February. So again today i.e., 23rd Feb 2022 contacted the Qatar Central Bank and they told that we can’t exchange the currency with them and we need to approach the local banks to exchange the same. But local banks are asking us to approach the Qatar Central Bank for the same. There is no proper response/support from Qatar Central Bank regarding this. If suppose there is no option now to exchange the old currency then they need to make it very clear.
Hi mine have old currency 500 riyal in india now can I exchange?if possible?
Yes you can exchange your old currency send me your india contact no.
I would like to exchange old qatari riyal in india.
I am in the UK. I visited Qatar in 2019 and I still have plenty of Qatari notes with me. I didn’t know about their new currency till this week. I have tried changing them in the UK at exchange places and no one is accepting them. Where else can I go??
speak to the Qatar Embassy in London. they can advise you,
Hi Salma, Only banks in Qatar will accept them. You need to send them to Qatar with someone who is travelling.
I have also old qatar note I came in qatar 3 January so how I change the note
I also have old Qatar note..Now l am in India..
How to change??
Yes you can change send me your india contact no.
9815510162
I have Qatar old notes now I am in India how to change
Now I am in USA
How can I exchange Old Qatar Riyals in Us $ or INR before 31st Dec 2021
Hi Avinash, It is not possible to exchange them from outside Qatar. Banks in Qatar will accept them till 31 December 2021. After that, you have to contact Qatar Central Bank to exchange them.
I am also sir…can’t exchange
Can you please tell me that if i visit qatar on visit visa then what are the requirements to exchange QAR from Qatar Central Bank?
I am living in pakistan. I have amount in QAR. Most of Exchange companies are not accepting QAR. Only few which are accepting QAR are offering vary low exchange rate of around 33pkr. Banks are also not accepting QAR for long time. I am sick and tired in pursuit to get the right exchange rate. Why doesnt your embassy of Qatar sort this matter? Why doesnt it do anything?
Hi I’m Parry from Australia. I’m interested in buying some 2020 new release banknotes as I like to collect them. Can you please explain me how can I buy them. I’m not able to see anything on Central Bank of Qatar website. Please explain me the process. Thanks heaps
Hi
Currently i am in India and is their possibily to exchange the old QAR currency in India..Now no money exchange banks accepting old currencies here..awaiting your feedback
Thanks
Hi Sheji, the only solution for you is to exchange them via someone who is travelling to Qatar. Old currencies would be in circulation in Qatar until July 2021.
Hello! tried to change the old currency as you metion in your notice here for two days in three different local banks only to find out that they don’t change this local banks they keep on saying you should use the money just but how can someone be forced to use there money when on websites they listing that its possible to get the new currency??
There some people who keep there money out of the banks how can that kind of person be helped? If even the bank you have account in they don’t change the old one to the new one?? Whats the reason of publishing that someone can exchange in every local bank???that was really a shock to me the way they treat young people who need help when you vist this qatar banks here many people who keep there money here and there out there going to stuck with the old currency thank you.
Hi Soul, Sorry to hear that you are facing difficulty. As per the announcement by Qatar Central Bank, local banks are supposed to accept old currency until March 2021 and we are sure that is how the retail shops are exchanging old currency. In the worst-case scenario, you can exchange directly from the Qatar Central Bank. Good luck.
Hi ,I have 1000 Qatar Riyal,I try to change all the exchange center like lakhoos,lulu & modern exchange they are not accepted ,even I visited at your branch bharka QNB ,they also not accept,please suggest me in this ,I’m at Oman
Hi Srikanth, Nowadays most exchange houses outside Qatar are not accepting old currency. You will have to send the currency with someone travelling to Qatar.
Salam brother,
I just knowing that this news of QR have changed to new notes.
Tried to exchanged in Kuala Lumpur unfortunately no longer accepted.
How can you help me