The Kuwaiti unit of currency is the Kuwaiti dinar, abbreviated as KD. It is a relatively stable and freely convertible currency. Local newspapers print the prevailing exchange rates daily. The dinar is divided into thousandths known as fils. A price tag reading "44.275" or "44,275" means 44 dinars and 275 fils.

Paper currency comes in denominations of twenty dinars (large and orange and  green), ten dinars (large and purple), five dinars (reddish and smaller), one dinar (small and blue), one-half dinar (small and green), and one-quarter dinar (small and orange-brown). Each note bears the denomination written in the Arabic numerals used internationally as well as the Indian numerals used in the eastern part of the Arab World.

Coins may pose more of a problem, since they carry only Indian numerals and all denominations have the same relief sculpture of a dhow. There are large, silver-colored 100-fils coins, half-size silver-colored 50-fils coins, and small silver-colored 20-fils ones. There are also two brass-colored coins worth ten fils and five fils.

Major banks, which have branches all over the city, can handle all financial transactions. Major hotels undertake currency exchange, as do the many licensed money changers. Many establishments in Kuwait accept major international credit cards.

Kuwait has many lavish hotels with top-flight facilities, including complete business services, international-standard restaurants, and all room amenities. There are also more modest hotels to suit more modest budgets. For those staying some time, agencies can provide full-service apartments. In any case, it is wise to book and confirm in advance.

AC power in Kuwait is 220-240 volts, 50 cycles per second. 100-110-volt appliances will burn out. Transformers are available.

Hospitality Coffee