Is it better to pay taxis in Kuwait with cash, or do drivers accept cards or payment apps?
I traveled frequently in Kuwait and taxis there consistently ran on cash. Every driver I asked either said “cash only” or laughed at the idea of card machines. No payment apps were used either, so you’re really limited to Kuwaiti dinars. My advice would be to always keep small notes on you, as drivers don’t always have change for bigger bills. For longer trips, hotel taxis or pre-arranged services are the only ones I found that allowed card payments.
Kuwait is definitely old-school when it comes to taxis. Cash is the only method I saw during my stay, and drivers were clear about not accepting anything else. Some hotels do offer transfers where you can pay by card at the desk, but regular taxis won’t take cards. It’s best to keep local currency ready before you even step into the vehicle. If you’re used to card-friendly taxis in places like Dubai, Kuwait will feel like a step back.
Every ride I took in Kuwait was settled in cash. The taxis there are very traditional, and while the country itself is modern, the taxi system hasn’t caught up with electronic payments. You really need Kuwaiti dinars. Don’t expect to swipe a card or use an app, even in central Kuwait City. I actually had one driver laugh when I asked about paying with a card. It’s better to plan ahead and always carry enough cash for rides.
In Kuwait, taxis are cash only. I didn’t encounter a single one that accepted cards or apps. Drivers expect Kuwaiti dinars, and usually in small bills. Ride-hailing apps like Careem or Uber exist in some form, but they’re not always as widely used as in other countries. Honestly, it was simplest to always have cash. If you’re arriving at the airport, make sure to withdraw or exchange before getting in a taxi, because drivers will not accept foreign currency or cards.