If you are going to visit Kuwait, it will be necessary to travel with the right money. In Kuwait, the currency is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) and during your trip, it is going to be a vital tool in accessing the numerous services and refreshments the country has to offer. Thus, knowing where and when to change your foreign money into Kuwaiti Dinars is essential for a visit to the nation.
However, in order to travel to Kuwait, you will need a Kuwait visa issued by the immigration authorities. This can easily be obtained via an online application form and is authorized in under 3 business days. Know that a Kuwait visa is valid for 30 days from its date of issue and can allow a stay of up to 90 days in the state.
Nonetheless, visiting Kuwait requires some prior knowledge about the national currency you’ll be using on your trip. In the following guide, you’ll learn how to organize the Dinars for your trip properly and find out all you need to know about exchanging foreign currency in the Republic of Kuwait.
How to Exchange Dollars for Kuwaiti Dinar
Exchanging US dollars for KWD is a relatively simple process. If exchanging your cash money for Dinars, you can find competitive rates with local money changers, who will accept USD, British Pound Stirling, and Euros for exchange into the national currency.
Additionally, credit cards are widely accepted in the country and there are ATMs connected to international networks found throughout the territory (some users may be charged cross border fees by their bank). Therefore, there are quite a few options for tourists to exchange their banking currency into Dinars.
The Kuwaiti Dinar is sometimes referred to as the most valuable currency in the world due to its high equivalent worth to other currencies. It was first introduced in 1960 and is subdivided into 1000 (rather than 100) fils.
Quick Facts about the Kuwaiti Dinar
- First Introduced: in 1960
- Banknotes available: ¼, ½, 1, 5, 10, 20
- Coins available: 1 fil, 5 fils, 10 fils, 20 fils, 50 fils, 100 fils
- 1 Dinar: 1000 fils
Where to Change Dollars into Kuwaiti Dinars
The best place to exchange foreign currency for Kuwaiti Dinars is with one of the local money changers found throughout the cities. These traders will often offer the most competitive rates and offer the best value for money.
Foreign money can also be exchanged into Dinars and vice versa in international airports. However, this can often be at a worse rate of exchange than you’ll find in other parts of the country.
How many Kuwaiti Dinars Will Most Tourists Need?
While the rate of exchange into Kuwaiti Dinars can seem quite high, the cost of living on average is 24% lower than in the United States. However, if you are traveling from United States, it is recommended that tourists budget for a spend of up to 150 KWD per day. This amount covers a stay in a mid-range hotel, excursions and dining out.
Average Prices in Kuwait
- A taxi ride from Kuwait International Airport to the City Center = 10 KWD
- Gasoline (1 liter) = 0.10 KWD
- A cup of coffee = 1.55 KWD
- Eating out = 10 KWD
- Bus ticket = 300 fils
- Movie theatre ticket = 3.50 KWD
- Entry to the Kuwait Towers = 3 KWD
Visiting Kuwait offers a fascinating look into the culture on the Arabian peninsula. By knowing how much money to bring, the methods for exchanging your currency safely and holding an authorized Kuwait online visa you’ll be able to enjoy your trip to the full. If you already hold a Kuwait visa, remember to check its status online before traveling to ensure it is still valid.
