Can a full foreign-currency refund be lower in AED?

Yes. The merchant can return the full original foreign-currency amount, but the AED conversion may differ because the refund is processed at a later time.

Can the AED refund be higher?

Yes. Currency movement can work in either direction.

How long do international card refunds take?

The timing depends on the merchant, acquirer, card network and issuer. Use the timeframe given by the card provider rather than assuming every refund is instant.

Will a refund go to a replaced card?

Often the issuer can route it to the underlying account, but handling depends on the issuer. Contact the provider if the card has changed.

Is a pending transaction the same as money already paid to the merchant?

Not always. A pending transaction can be an authorisation hold awaiting settlement.

Foreign-Currency Card Refunds: Why the AED Amount You Get Back Can Change

By Sinder Team — Sinder · Updated 2026-07-14

A foreign-currency refund may not equal the original AED charge. Learn how reversals, refunds, chargebacks, timing and exchange rates affect UAE cards — and what to check first.

Article

A foreign-currency refund may not equal the original AED charge. Learn how reversals, refunds, chargebacks, timing and exchange rates affect UAE cards — and what to check first.