Scam in KuwaitChanging money
Poor-value currency exchange in Kuwait
How it works
Exchange rates vary between offices and currencies. A poor rate can leave you with much less money than another office would offer. A clearly displayed poor rate is not necessarily fraud.
Warning signs
- The final amount is much lower than another office has quoted.
- The amount you will receive is unclear before you hand over money.
How to avoid it
- Compare rates before choosing an office.
- Ask for the exact amount of Kuwaiti dinars you will receive.
- Count your money and check the receipt before leaving.
If it happens to you
Check the receipt against the rate and amount agreed. Raise any mismatch immediately with the exchange office.
- Move to a safe place. Avoid threats or a physical confrontation. Call 112 if you face immediate danger.
- Write down what happened, including the time, location, agreed price and amount paid.
- Save receipts, messages, booking details and any vehicle information you can record safely.
- Contact your card issuer promptly if a card was stolen or used without permission. Ask it to block the card and explain your dispute options.
- Report suspected fraud or theft to the police. For a shop's refusal to provide a required return or exchange, call the Consumer Protection Department on 135.
- Contact your embassy if your passport was stolen or you need consular help. Keep report details for any insurance claim.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/Kuwait2025Japanese yen currency exchange places in KuwaitPeople arranging travel to Japan complain about poor yen exchange rates in Kuwait, with commenters alleging coordinated shop quotes and worse airport rates.Read on Reddit
- News2024Kuwait Fines 16 Exchange Companies for Currency Rate FixingArab Times reports that Kuwait's Competition Protection Authority penalized 16 exchange companies for colluding to fix foreign currency exchange rates.Read on News
- Redditr/Kuwait2023Does anybody know where you can exchange KWD for Thai Baht in Kuwait?A commenter advises exchanging only a small amount before travelling because rates offered in Kuwait are substantially worse than those available in Thailand.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the poor-value currency exchange scam in Kuwait?
Exchange rates vary between offices and currencies. A poor rate can leave you with much less money than another office would offer. A clearly displayed poor rate is not necessarily fraud.
How can I spot it early?
The final amount is much lower than another office has quoted. The amount you will receive is unclear before you hand over money.
How do I avoid poor-value currency exchange in Kuwait?
Compare rates before choosing an office. Ask for the exact amount of Kuwaiti dinars you will receive. Count your money and check the receipt before leaving.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Check the receipt against the rate and amount agreed. Raise any mismatch immediately with the exchange office.
Where in Kuwait does this happen?
Exchange offices in urban areas
How common is this scam in Kuwait?
Occasional. Kuwait has low crime levels and is generally safe for visitors. The main scam risk described here is taxi overcharging, including inflated starting prices and demands for more money on arrival. Check exchange rates and be alert to old Kuwaiti banknotes offered outside the country.
Are there similar scams in Kuwait?
Yes: obsolete Kuwaiti banknotes sold as valid money.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report suspected fraud, theft or threats. Call 112 for an emergency; for a non-urgent report, seek help at a police station. Consumer Protection Department: call 135 if you believe a shop is refusing the required return or exchange. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to report a stolen card, unauthorised payment or disputed charge. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a stolen passport or other consular needs. Taxi company or booking service: if you booked the ride, report the fare dispute through the company's official contact channel or the booking app. Include the trip details and agreed fare.
What number do I call in an emergency in Kuwait?
Police, fire and ambulance: 112.
Reviewed by @snuck