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Where can I use Kuwaiti Dinar?

in Kuwait! The State of Kuwait 

Cradled between Saudi Arabia and Iraq in one of the most ancient and contested corners of the world, Kuwait has a certain cachet. It may be as oil-rich as other Gulf countries, and its architectural landscape as experimental and audacious, but it hasn't embraced glitz and glamour in the same way: perhaps it's the years lost to the Iraqi invasion and its aftermath, or maybe it's a conscious decision not to give in to commercialism.

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How much spending money will I need for Kuwait?

Kuwait is an expensive country to visit. Accommodation ranges from KD 30 (£80) to KD 140 (£370) per night and relatively cheap eating options cost around KD 6 (£16). The currency in Kuwait is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KD).

It is very similar to Saudi and the other Gulf countries, but it has some special interest points that are just there. To start off, it is much quieter than the very popular UAE.

  • Three-course meal for 2 in a mid-range restaurant: KD 12 (around £32) 
  • Bottle of non-alcoholic beer: KD 1 (£2.60) 
  • Cappuccino: KD 1.60 (£4.20) 
  • Bottle of water: KD 0.16 (£1.60)
  • Big Mac: KD 2 (£5.30)

 

Budget your Kuwait trip

In the past, Kuwait was only famous for its oil, but they’ve been working the past few decades to strengthen tourism as an industry and they’ve accomplished a lot. Kuwait is right now one of the most fascinating places in the Arabic world. To help you budget a trip to Kuwait we have researched how much Kuwaiti Dinar you will need depending on your trip budget.

Low budget

Medium budget

High budget

Overall budget for 1 day pp: KD 45 (£120)

Overall budget for 1 day pp: KD 100 (£265)

Overall budget for 1 day pp: More than KD 200 (£530)

Food, drink & accommodation in budget

  • A double room in a budget hotel: KD 30 (£80)
  • Street food (such as a falafel wrap): KD 5 (£13.20)
  • A coffee: KD 1.60 (£4.20)

 

Food, drink & accommodation in budget

  • A double room in a hotel: KD 60 (£160)
  • Dinner in a local restaurant: KD 7 (£18.50)
  • Two non-alcoholic beers: KD 2 (£5.30)

Food, drink & accommodation in budget

  • A double room in a luxury hotel: KD 75 (£200)
  • A three-course dinner in a high-end restaurant: KD 20 (£53)
  • Two non-alcoholic beers: KD 2 (£5.30)

Activities in budget

  • Relax on a beach: public beaches (such as Marina Beach for example) are free
  • Use public transport: a single bus ticket: 300 fils (80p)
  • Visit the Kuwait Islamic Arts Center: KD 2 (£5.30)

Activities in budget

  • Visit the Scientific Centre: KD 4.25 (£11.20)
  • Use a taxi instead of public transport: KD 1 (£2.60) per 1km (normal tariff)
  • Visit Failaka Island: KD 20 per person for a day trip (£53)

Activities in budget 

  • Go shopping in one of the world's biggest shopping malls: free entry 
  • Spend a night in the desert: from KD 40 (£105) 
  • Visit Al-Shaheed Park & Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Centre: KD 34 (£90)

 

There are many activities you can try out in Kuwait:

  • Visit the Grand Mosque: If you want to learn about the main religion of Kuwait, you must visit the largest mosque in this country. Grand Mosque is a beautifully decorated and imposing building; Arabs are welcoming and warm people who run this mosque in the most respectful way.
  • Scuba diving and speed boating: You can’t miss speed boating and scuba diving in Kuwait. Most dive trips visit the waters around Kobar Island, a small island famous for its sandy beaches and clear water. This lovely island is perfect for diving with stingrays and the perfect place to explore between dives.
  • Failaka Island: You have to visit the beautiful island of Kuwait “Failaka” on a ferry and see the wonders of this island. The people of the Gulf War resided here, but this island was abandoned during the battle leaving numerous buildings destroyed and never rebuilt. It is an open-air and large monument to experience the horrors of battle.
  • Go shopping: The thing I was eager to see in Kuwait was the traditional market known as Souq Mubarkiah. Spending a few hours there looking at various things, buying jersey headscarves and taking lots of photos. Or malls- Shopping is a big part of the Gulf region culture and the three main shopping centres in Kuwait are The Avenues, 360 Mall, and Marina Mall. All located in Kuwait City. They are huge and can keep you occupied for a few hours. They also have lots of cafes and restaurants there.
  • Visit the Spa: Choose a tranquil spa and escape the busy life. At Jumeirah Messilah Hotel and Spa, you can experience clemency in the centre of bustling Kuwait City. Talise Spa is also worth a visit and is an exclusive location for well-being and health. You can enjoy serene environments and rejuvenate your mind. Each session in the spa will help you to detoxify your body.
  • Relax on a beach: If you want a great beach experience you can go to the Hilton Kuwait Resort or Al Corniche Club. If you want a women-only beach, there are three options: Messila beach, Aqua Park, and the Regency hotel. The nicest one of the three is the Regency hotel, but it is the priciest. Plus public beaches. 

 

 

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What denominations does the Kuwaiti Dinar come in?

The Kuwaiti Dinar comes in the following denominations:

Notes

1⁄4, ​1⁄2, 1, 5, 10, 20 dinars

Coins

1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100

Buy Back

Leftover Kuwaiti Dinar?

No problem. We'll buy back leftover Kuwaiti Dinars at excellent exchange rates, leaving you with more cash in your pocket (and a tidier desk drawer).

 

Sell Leftover Kuwaiti Dinar

Kuwaiti Dinar FAQs

What kind of currency is KWD?

The code for the Kuwaiti Dinar is KWD and the currency symbol is ‎د.ك or KD.

Why is Kuwaiti Dinar so expensive?

The value of Kuwaiti Dinar — first issued in 1961, is 3.30 dollars. It is considered the most valuable currency due to its stable value, as it's not subjected to supply and demand. Kuwait ended the link between its Dinar and the US dollar since 2007 and connected the currency with the value of a package of currencies. Kuwaiti Dinar has been the highest currency of the world for a while now because of the oil rich country’s economic stability.

Which currency is the highest in the world?

The highest currency in the world is Kuwaiti Dinar (against the US Dollar). Kuwait is a small country with enormous wealth. The high value (rate) of its currency is explained by significant oil exports into the global market.

Do I need visa to visit Kuwait?

If you’re travelling by air, you can get a free tourist/visit visa issued at the airport upon arrival, which allows a stay of 3 months.

Is it dangerous in Kuwait?

Kuwait is a safe place for most travelers to the Arabian Gulf, but here are a few tips on respecting local laws and culture. Wealthy, safe and just about crime-free, Kuwait is a great entry point to the Muslim world of souks, mosques and that all-important warm Arabian hospitality.

Violent crime against foreigners is rare. however, you should take care if you intend to travel in conservative areas like Jahra, where there have been incidents involving firearsm, and Jleeb Al Shuyoukh where there have been instances of robbery.  

Why is Kuwait so rich?

Because Kuwait has nearly 10% of the world's oil reserves. Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP and 95% of export revenues and government income. It also has a small populatioin - only 3.36 million people. So its per capita income is very high.

ATM and cards

There are plenty of ATMs and credit cards are widely accepted, although some banks and shops don’t accept foreign-issued bank or credit cards.  ATMs are widespread and taking money out generally is not a problem. Most major credit and debit cards are accepted.

Is it legal to drink alcohol in Kuwait?

You must know that Kuwait is a dry country and alcohol is illegal there. It is not even served in hotels.

Tipping

is generally only expected in restaurants where a 10% service charge is often already added to the bill. 10% is a suitable tip for a taxi driver.

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