Google Adsense is a multi-billion dollar online advertising program of Google that pays the publishers enrolled in their advertising program. Basically, google adsense is a shared revenue online advertising program between the google and the web owners or publishers. Interestested web owners apply to the google adsense program and once they are approved google will provide a script code to the web owner (publisher).

The adsense script will then automatically detect the content of the page and will start serving contextual ads from various online advertisers. Basically, that’s how google adsense works, you may want proceed to google adsense site if you want to learn more about the program.

Considering the earning opportunity I enrolled, got approved and recently I received my adsense cheque via DHL. Here I took a snapshot if you want to see it and then the image below is the actual cheque. (Personal detail are intentionally hidden)

Although the amount is not that big compare to other adsense publishers out there, I consider this as a good start. If $290 can be earned, then $500 a month is more than achievable.

Going back to the main menu for today. How much it costs me to encash the google adsense cheque here in Kuwait? Well, the answer is around $50!. Let me just share you the cost break down and why it costs me that much.

Cost of turning my adsene cheque into cash in Kuwait:

• $24 - Google Check - Secured Express Delivery
• $26 - Foreign Bank Check Fee ( 7 KD - National Bank of Kuwait)

Unfortunately for google adsense publisher based in Kuwait, there is no western union or direct bank transfer available wherein google offers free of charge in some countries like Philippines & US. The only mode of payment is via “Check - Secured Express Delivery” that costs $24 processing fee. As you can see in the image above, I receive the cheque through DHL.

Another fee is due to the “Foreign Bank Check Fee” that costs 7KD ($26) in National Bank of Kuwait. I ask the teller why she have to charge me that amount, she said ” because it is a foreign cheque in different currency, which is $“. I ask her is there other means to encash this foreign check to avoid the 7kd ($26) fee. She advised me to try exchanging it to money changers though she is unsure if they (money changers) can provide the said service. I tried to ask money changers if they convert the check for me in Kuwaiti Dinar but unluckily they don’t offer such service. If google adsense has an alternative to change the payment currency, perhaps I can avoid this unnecesary fee.

To sum it up, it costs me $50 to encash one adsense cheque. To reduce to cost, I have one viable option left. That is, to hold the adsense payment until it reaches atleast $1,000. This way, the total deductable amount due to express delivery and bank cheque fee will be worth it and can be tolerated.

Are you an adsense publisher in Kuwait? If you have recommendation to reduce the check encashment fee here in Kuwait please do let me know.