Getting Kuwaiti Dinars for Your Trip

Kuwait is a wealthy Gulf state known for its oil reserves, modern infrastructure, and notably, the world's most valuable currency. The Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) has the highest value of any currency unit globally — 1 KWD equals approximately £2.60 or $3.25.

The Kuwaiti Dinar comes in banknotes of KWD ¼, ½, 1, 5, 10, and 20. Coins include 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 fils (1,000 fils = 1 Dinar). Due to the currency's high value, you'll deal with smaller numbers than in most countries — a nice dinner might be KWD 15-25.

Key insight for 2026: Don't let the small numbers fool you — KWD 10 is about £26. When you see KWD 20 on a price tag, that's £52. Always mentally convert to understand true costs. Kuwait is an expensive country, but the strong currency makes the numbers look deceptively small.

Best Ways to Get KWD

Given the Dinar's high value, even small amounts in KWD represent significant sums:

1. Multi-currency travel card (Wise, Revolut) — Best option. Excellent exchange rates for card payments and ATM withdrawals. Perfect for Kuwait's good card acceptance.
2. Withdraw from ATMs on arrival — Kuwait International Airport has ATMs from major banks. Withdraw KWD 50-100 for initial needs (that's £130-260).
3. Order Dinars from UK bureaux — Kuwaiti Dinars can be ordered from major UK bureaux. Given the currency's stability, rates are reasonable.
4. Exchange at Kuwait airport or hotels — Competitive rates available. The airport has multiple exchange options.

Using Cards in Kuwait

Kuwait has good card acceptance, particularly in modern areas:

Where cards work well:

• Hotels and serviced apartments
• Shopping malls (The Avenues, 360 Mall, Marina Mall)
• Restaurants and cafes
• Supermarkets (Sultan Center, Carrefour, LuLu)
• Petrol stations
• Major attractions and museums

Where you'll need cash:

• Traditional souks (Souq Mubarakiya)
• Smaller local restaurants and cafeterias
• Some taxi drivers (though Careem/Uber work with cards)
• Tipping
• Street vendors and small shops

Pro tip: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Contactless payments are common in malls and modern establishments.

Withdrawing Cash from ATMs in Kuwait

ATMs are plentiful throughout Kuwait City and shopping areas:

Best ATMs to use:

• National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) — Largest bank, ATMs throughout the country. English interface.
• Kuwait Finance House (KFH) — Major Islamic bank, widespread ATMs.
• Gulf Bank — Common in commercial areas and malls.
• Burgan Bank — Reliable for international cards.

ATM tips:

• Most Kuwait ATMs accept international cards without additional fees
• Withdrawal limits typically KWD 100-300 per transaction (that's £260-780)
• Always choose to be charged in KWD, not your home currency
• English language option always available
• Airport arrivals hall has multiple ATM options

Remember: Because of the Dinar's high value, even a KWD 50 withdrawal gives you meaningful spending money (about £130).

Exchanging Money in Kuwait

Kuwait has good options for currency exchange:

At Kuwait International Airport:

Multiple exchange counters in arrivals with competitive rates. Banks and independent bureaux available.

In Kuwait City:

• Al Muzaini Exchange — Largest exchange company, excellent rates, many locations
• Dollarco Exchange — Competitive rates, found in malls
• BEC Exchange — Popular with good rates
• Banks — Can exchange but bureaux are more convenient

What currency to bring:

USD and GBP get good rates. EUR also easily exchanged. Given the Dinar's stability and strength, exchange rates are fairly consistent across providers.

Money Safety Tips for Kuwait

Kuwait is a safe country with low crime rates:

• Very safe environment — Theft and crime against tourists are rare
• Standard precautions — Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
• Hotel safes — Use for excess cash and important documents
• ATM safety — Use ATMs in malls or bank branches for comfort
• Heat precautions — Protect cards and electronics from extreme summer temperatures

Kuwait's strict laws and well-paid police force mean security is excellent for visitors.