Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Kuwait: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
The smart approach in Kuwait is to withdraw from ATMs at NBK or Gulf Bank branches. Budget KWD 15-25 daily depending on meals and transport. Exchange a small sum at the airport if needed for immediate expenses, but get the bulk of your cash via ATMs. Always choose to be charged in dinars, not in your home currency, when prompted at the machine. This ensures the best exchange rate and saves you from hidden conversion fees.
Kuwait’s airport counter was a disappointment. I converted $200, only to find later that I’d lost KWD 5-6 compared to the ATM rate. That’s essentially an entire day’s food budget gone. Since Kuwait is pricey compared to other Gulf countries, wasting money upfront hurt. For a trip costing KWD 25 daily, the bad rate was noticeable. Don’t rely on the airport exchange unless you have no other choice.
I landed in Kuwait City and exchanged KWD 10 at the airport just to pay for my taxi. Later, I used an NBK ATM near my hotel and got a much better rate. Meals cost me KWD 4-6, taxis around KWD 3, and I budgeted about KWD 20 daily. The ATM clearly gave me more dinars than the exchange desk. For a week-long stay, I saved enough to cover two extra meals by skipping the airport counter.
In Kuwait, ATMs almost always beat airport exchange counters. Kuwait Airport desks have noticeably worse rates, while bank ATMs linked to NBK, Gulf Bank, or Burgan Bank provide fair dinar withdrawals. If you’re budgeting KWD 15-25 daily for food, taxis, and small shopping, using an ATM will give you stronger value. Keep the airport counter for emergencies only, like paying your first taxi or buying snacks.