Kuwait’s blend of modern skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and rich cultural heritage makes it a fascinating destination, where understanding how to handle money is key to a smooth experience. Whether you’re exploring Kuwait City’s souks, dining in high-end restaurants, or visiting the iconic Grand Mosque, this guide covers everything you need to know – what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Kuwait (Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)), cash safety tips, and essential dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll avoid unnecessary fees and enjoy Kuwait’s mix of tradition and modernity with ease.
How to pay in Kuwait – cash or card?
In Kuwait, both cash and card payments are widely accepted, with an increasing preference for digital payment methods. The Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) is the official currency, and while cash has historically been the dominant payment method, card usage has been growing steadily. As of 2022, over 80% of businesses in urban areas accept card payments. Additionally, mobile payment options, such as Apple Pay and local systems like KNET, are widely used, contributing to the growth of cashless transactions.
You can use cash for:
Public Transportation: Buses primarily operate on cash payments, though taxi services may also accept digital payments.
Local Markets and Street Vendors: Transactions at local markets, craft stalls, and street vendors are predominantly cash-based.
Small Businesses: Many small or family-run shops and eateries prefer cash transactions.
Tips and Gratuities: While service charges are often included, leaving additional tips in cash is customary for exceptional service.
Rural Areas: In less urbanized regions, electronic payment facilities may be limited, making cash essential.
You can use card for:
Hotels: Most major hotels, especially in urban and tourist areas, accept credit and debit cards.
Restaurants and Cafés: Many dining establishments, particularly in cities, facilitate card payments.
Retail Stores: Shopping malls, branded stores, and supermarkets commonly accept cards.
Car Rentals and Travel Agencies: Established agencies typically offer card payment options.
Online Bookings: Reservations for flights, hotels, and tours can usually be made using cards.
What’s the best currency to take to Kuwait
Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) is typically the best currency to take if you are traveling to Kuwait. Paying or withdrawing money in the local currency comes with the least amount of fees, sometimes fee-free too.
While some businesses may accept US Dollars, this is not common practice, and the exchange rate may be poor. Therefore, it’s advisable to pay in KWD to avoid losing money.
Euros or Pounds are not widely accepted here.
Where to get currency in Kuwait
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Kuwait. They are:
ATMs, or
Currency exchange, or
Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Kuwait
Establishments with POS machines readily accept Visa and Mastercards for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Kuwait
If you’re withdrawing money in Kuwait from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Some of them accept American Express cards. Others like JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
Should I exchange currency before travelling to Kuwait
Bringing a small amount of Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) before traveling can be useful for immediate expenses like taxis, tips, and small purchases. However, exchange rates outside Kuwait are often poor, and many foreign banks do not stock KWD, making it difficult to obtain in advance.
Withdrawing KWD from ATMs in Kuwait is a convenient option, as ATMs are widely available in airports, cities, and shopping centers. Most ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro cards, but check your bank’s international withdrawal fees.
It’s best to exchange currency in Kuwait at banks or authorized exchange bureaus, which offer better rates than airports or hotels. If exchanging at the airport, do so only for a small amount to cover initial expenses.
Carrying a mix of cash and cards is advisable. If bringing USD, EUR, or GBP, they can be exchanged easily at banks or exchange bureaus for competitive rates. Foreign currencies are not accepted for everyday transactions, so paying in KWD is necessary.
Where to withdraw money in Kuwait
You can withdraw money in Mozambique at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Kuwait are those owned by popular banks such as:
National Bank of Kuwait (NBK),
KFH,
Al-Tijari,
Gulf Bank,
Boubyan Bank, and
Ahli United.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Kuwait.
Where to exchange currency in Kuwait
Common places to exchange currency in Kuwait are licenced exchange bureaus or banks.
Currency Exchange Offices: In Kuwait, currency exchange offices are commonly referred to as صرافة (Sarafa). These are widely available in tourist areas, shopping centers, and airports. Notable providers include Al Mulla Exchange, UAE Exchange, Al Muzaini Exchange.
Banks: Major banks such as National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) and Kuwait Finance House (KFH) offer currency exchange services. These banks have branches throughout cities, providing reliable services. Operating hours are typically from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays.
You can find good currency exchanges using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 100+ countries, including Kuwait.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: Currency exchange services at airports often have less favorable rates and higher fees. It’s generally better to exchange money in the city for better rates and lower charges.
Is it safe carrying cash in Kuwait
Carrying money in Kuwait is generally safe, as the country has a low crime rate. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas. It’s advisable to carry only the cash you need and to use credit or debit cards for transactions whenever possible.
To keep your cash safe:
Carry only necessary amounts: Withdraw small sums as needed.
Be discreet: Avoid displaying cash in public.
Stay vigilant: Be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded places and when using ATMs.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Kuwait
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
