Not sure if I should carry coins for public transport in Kuwait or if card payments are common. Advice?
The buses were cheap, only 250 fils from Salmiya to downtown Kuwait City, and paying cash was simple once I had change. ATMs from NBK near Marina Mall made it easy to get dinars, and small supermarkets always helped break notes into coins. Honestly, it was straightforward once I figured out I couldn’t rely on cards. Careem was handy for late-night trips, and that could be paid digitally.
Kuwait’s buses felt outdated compared to other Gulf countries. I tried to pay on a KPTC bus near Hawally with my Mastercard, and the driver laughed, pointing to the coin tray. I had to get off and use an NBK ATM, then buy a snack at Sultan Center to break the note. Tourists shouldn’t expect any card options for public buses here.
I stayed near Salmiya Marina and used CityBus into Kuwait City. Every driver wanted coins in dinars - no machines, no cards. On one occasion I only had a KD 5 note, and the driver refused, saying exact change only. I had to run to a Gulf Bank ATM to get smaller notes. Later, for convenience, I just used Careem rides in Hawally and paid by card in the app. Buses are cheap but old-school cash-only.
Public buses in Kuwait City are run by KPTC and CityBus. They’re almost entirely cash-based - you pay the driver in Kuwaiti dinar coins or small notes. No metro exists yet, though a system is planned. Private taxis and ride-hailing like Careem can be paid by card. ATMs from NBK (National Bank of Kuwait) and Gulf Bank are widely available in Salmiya, Hawally, and the city centre. Carrying cash is essential for buses, as card isn’t accepted onboard.