The currency of Qatar is the Qatari riyal (ISO code QAR), written as ﷼ or QR and divided into 100 dirhams. It is the only legal tender across the country, issued and managed by the Qatar Central Bank, and it has been pegged to the United States dollar at a fixed rate of roughly 3.64 riyals per US dollar since 1980.
What the Qatari Riyal Is and How It Works
The riyal is a single, unified currency used everywhere in Qatar, from the gleaming malls and hotels of Doha to the traditional souks and fishing villages along the coast. Prices for almost everything you encounter as a visitor or resident are quoted in riyals, abbreviated locally as QR.
The defining feature of the currency is its fixed exchange rate. Rather than floating freely on global markets, the riyal is pegged to the US dollar at approximately 3.64 QAR to 1 USD. This peg, in place since 1980, gives the currency exceptional day-to-day stability. For travelers it means the dollar-equivalent price of a hotel room, a meal, or a souvenir rarely shifts, and for businesses it removes much of the exchange-rate uncertainty that complicates trade in other emerging economies.
The Qatar Central Bank
The riyal is overseen by the Qatar Central Bank, established in 1993 as the successor to earlier monetary authorities. The bank issues all banknotes and coins, sets monetary policy, manages the dollar peg by buying and selling foreign reserves, and regulates the country's commercial banks and financial institutions.
Because the riyal is tied to the dollar, Qatar effectively imports much of the United States' interest-rate policy, and the central bank tends to adjust its own rates in step. Backing it all is one of the wealthiest economies in the world per capita, funded largely by Qatar's vast reserves of natural gas, the third largest on Earth and centered on the offshore North Field, the world's largest non-associated gas field.
A Short History of Qatar's Money
Qatar has not always had its own currency. Until 1966 the country used the Gulf rupee, a special version of the Indian rupee issued by the Reserve Bank of India for circulation in the Gulf states. When India devalued that currency, Qatar moved away from it, briefly adopting the Saudi riyal and then sharing a "Qatar and Dubai riyal" under a 1966 monetary agreement.
That arrangement ended when Qatar and the United Arab Emirates went their separate ways. In 1973, shortly after gaining full independence, Qatar introduced its own national currency, the Qatari riyal, replacing the shared note. Seven years later, in 1980, the riyal was formally pegged to the US dollar, an anchor it has maintained ever since. Qatar's rapid transformation from a pearl-diving and fishing economy into a global gas exporter, capped by hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has all played out under this stable, dollar-linked riyal.
Banknotes and Coins in Circulation
Qatari banknotes come in several denominations, each in a distinct color and carrying national imagery such as traditional architecture, native wildlife, and the Doha skyline:
- QR 500 — the highest denomination, in brown-orange tones
- QR 100 — green, featuring the modern Doha skyline
- QR 50 — purple, with the iconic Pearl Monument
- QR 10 — brown, showing a traditional dhow sailing boat
- QR 5 — brown-red, depicting the Arabian oryx, Qatar's national animal
- QR 1 — red-brown, the smallest commonly used note
The riyal's subunit is the dirham, with 100 dirhams making one riyal. Coins are issued in dirham values, though in everyday life small change matters far less than in many countries because card payments are so widespread.
Using Money in Qatar: Tips for Travelers
Qatar is a thoroughly modern, card-friendly destination. Contactless and chip-and-PIN cards are accepted in malls, restaurants, hotels, taxis, and most shops, and international networks like Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere. ATMs are plentiful in cities and at Hamad International Airport in Doha, frequently ranked among the world's best airports.
It is still worth carrying some cash in riyals for traditional markets such as Souq Waqif, smaller independent stores, and tipping. Because of the dollar peg, prices are easy to estimate: simply divide the riyal figure by roughly 3.64 to get the US-dollar cost. Qatar can be an expensive country, but many of its best attractions, including the celebrated Museum of Islamic Art, are free to enter. Tipping is not expected, though rounding up or adding around 10 percent for good service is appreciated.
For a deeper look at the country behind the currency, see our qatar country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency does Qatar use?
Qatar uses the Qatari riyal (QAR), abbreviated as QR and divided into 100 dirhams. It is the only official currency and is issued by the Qatar Central Bank.
How much is the Qatari riyal worth in US dollars?
The riyal is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of about 3.64 riyals to 1 dollar. This means roughly 1 riyal is worth around 27 to 28 US cents, and the rate stays very stable over time.
Can I use US dollars or credit cards in Qatar?
Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including taxis and small shops. US dollars are not generally accepted for everyday purchases, so you should exchange money into riyals or simply pay by card.
Is the Qatari riyal pegged to the dollar?
Yes. Since 1980 the riyal has been pegged to the US dollar at approximately 3.64 QAR per USD, which the Qatar Central Bank maintains through its foreign reserves.