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Money & costs
The Kuwaiti dinar, paying by card, cash machines, tipping and changing money in Kuwait.
Last reviewed: October 2026
- Currency
- Kuwaiti dinar (KWD or KD)
- Subdivision
- 1 dinar = 1,000 fils
- Banknotes
- ¼, ½, 1, 5, 10 and 20 dinars
- Issued by
- Central Bank of Kuwait
The Kuwaiti dinar is the highest-valued currency unit in the world, so prices can look small on paper — check the exchange rate before you travel. Prices are often written with three decimal places (for example 1.500 KD).
- Cards, including contactless and mobile wallets, are accepted almost everywhere; KNET is the national debit network.
- ATMs are widely available in malls, banks and petrol stations. Keep some small notes for souq stalls and tips.
- Banks and licensed exchange companies (in malls and at the airport) change major currencies.
- Tipping is not compulsory. Around 10% is appreciated in restaurants if no service charge has been added; rounding up is usual for taxis and porters.
- Bargaining is normal in souqs for carpets, antiques and souvenirs, but not in malls or for food.