Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in Kuwait or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
Kuwait was one of the few countries where I didn’t worry at all about walking around with a wallet or card. I used an ATM outside a gas station at 11 PM, and even then, the clerk kept an eye out. That said, if you’re using a prepaid or digital bank card, try ATMs attached to larger banks - they're more compatible.
As a traveler on a work visa, I used Burgan Bank ATMs in Hawally. One night I withdrew cash around 10 PM outside a busy cafe strip - no concerns at all. Kuwait is clean, safe, and calm, even late. The main issue isn’t safety - it’s that some cards (especially debit) get declined outside business hours.
I stayed in the Kuwait City center and used a Gulf Bank ATM near the Marina Mall late one evening. The streets were still active, and no one paid much attention. Honestly, Kuwait has one of the lowest crime rates I’ve seen. Just be aware that not all machines accept international cards, so I kept a few options on hand.
ATM safety at night in Kuwait is excellent. I used a NBK ATM in Salmiya after midnight - clean, well-lit, and even had a security camera right above it. Kuwait feels extremely safe across the board. If you're in an urban area, withdrawing cash after dark isn’t just possible - it’s normal.