Qatari banks will accept old notes until December 31

Several banks in Qatar have announced that they would continue to accept old riyal notes until December 31 at its branches and cash-deposit machines across the country.

There has been no official public circular in this regard from the Qatar Central Bank, which in February had said the old currency would cease to become legal tender on July 1.

This means the old notes can't be used for any purchase or in any other monetary transaction after this date, but could still be exchanged for new ones in face value at banks for a limited period of time, and at central banks for 10 years.

However, the Qatar National Bank tweeted on Thursday: “Please note that the deadline to exchange the 4th edition Qatari notes has been extended until 31 December 2021. You may also deposit them in QNB branches, ATMs, ITMs and bulk deposit machines during this time.”

Several other banks, including the Qatar International Bank, Ahli Bank and Al Khaliji, also made similar announcements.

In SMS sent out to customers on the same day, Doha Bank said, “Kindly note that old Qatari Banknotes will be accepted until 31st December 2021 at any Doha Bank branch or cash deposit ATM.”

In light of the latest announcements from banks, it is not immediately clear if the old notes would stop being legal tender on July 1.