Paying by American Express in Kuwait?

In Kuwait, Amex is useful only for select transactions - hotels, luxury restaurants, and shopping malls. But for everyday costs like local meals, taxis, and groceries, Visa/Mastercard is essential. ATMs across Kuwait don’t support Amex, so bring a reliable backup. Budget KWD 20-50 a day depending on your style, and expect Amex to cover only the upscale part of it. Carry some dinars in cash for smaller purchases. Amex is fine as a backup, but not practical for daily travel.

Kuwait was frustrating with Amex. Even though it’s a wealthy country, I expected better coverage. But in practice, most restaurants and shops refused it, and I couldn’t get cash from ATMs. I felt stranded until I used my Visa card. Even rides and mid-range restaurants in Kuwait City wouldn’t accept it. For tourists budgeting around KWD 30-40 per day, almost none of it can go on Amex. Unless you’re sticking to five-star hotels, Amex is a headache here.

I used my Amex at the Hilton in Kuwait City without any issue, and it also worked at a luxury mall. But when I grabbed shawarma in Salmiya or tried smaller grocery stores, they said no. ATMs refused my Amex as well. Thankfully, my Mastercard debit card worked fine. Kuwait is modern, but Amex really only works in upscale areas. If you’re traveling here, keep Amex for hotels and big meals, but bring another card for taxis, local dining, and everyday shopping.

Kuwait accepts American Express in some luxury hotels, malls, and high-end restaurants, especially in Kuwait City. However, most everyday shops, smaller eateries, and taxis prefer Visa and Mastercard. ATMs usually don’t support Amex. If you’re budgeting around KWD 4-6 for casual meals or KWD 20+ for fine dining, expect to use another card or cash. Amex works for upscale purchases but is not a reliable option for daily spending in Kuwait. A backup Visa/Mastercard is essential.