Kuwait City - Post Report Question and Answers
What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
I recommend a small SUV. The roads are maintained for the most part. I have no fear of being robbed or carjacked. In my opinion, the driving here is aggressive to say the least. Kind of like bumper cars, but less fun. - Apr 2022
I recommend an SUV given, in my opinion, the aggressive nature of driving here. - Mar 2022
Traffic accidents are common as locals drive fast and recklessly. A larger vehicle that might protect you in a collision is recommended. A vehicle with a slightly high clearance is preferred but not essential, as once you get off the highway some local streets and parking lots can be a bit rough. Many people have problems with car batteries frequently dying in Kuwait. Perhaps it's the dust, perhaps it's the heat. Do not be surprised if a normally reliable battery needs to be replaced every six months or so. - Feb 2020
Driving is by far, to me, is the most dangerous thing you will do in Kuwait. With that being said, I would recommend a car that you are comfortable driving and know the dimensions well in relationship to the surrounding area. I am daily fighting school traffic (my children are too young to ride the bus), and every day, I am inches away from tapping someone's car or getting hit by someone else.
Traffic is not bad all the time, but during the times it is, knowing the boundaries of you car will keep you the safest. I don't feel strongly about an SUV vs a sedan. Roads are fine. Four-wheel drive isn't a must. Higher clearance is nice because there are speed bumps EVERYWHERE. And some are very high. I have never felt unsafe in my car because of a potential carjacking or robbery. - Nov 2018
Kuwaitis are the worst drivers in the Arab World including Saudi Arabia and the UAE--very, very fast and reckless. Therefore, I suggest having a large SUV. The roads are very good, however. - May 2017
There are many car dealerships here. You will see all types of high end automobiles to include Bentley, Maserati, Porsche, Lamborghini, BMW and Benz. Drivers drive really slow or really fast. The roads are well-maintained. Bring what you are comfortable driving. Car imports must be less than five years old. - Mar 2017
An SUV with really good a/c. Many people drive Mitsubishi Pajeros, Toyotas, Ford Explorers, Mercedes G-class, etc. Some makes have a single distributor in-country, but parts and service are available. Don't bring a small car or something brand new. Gas is cheap, driving is fast and in close-quarters, and often reckless. Bring something you don't mind getting dinged up. I think they have to be five years old or newer. - Aug 2016
We brought a small SUV. Most people choose to go with something larger but no problems with a small car. Gas is so cheap. - Jun 2015
People here drive SUVs and cars of all sizes. But again, the driving is CRA-ZY. - Mar 2015
Decent roads but terrible drivers. Bigger is better (for safety). Note that gas is 80 cents per gallon so don't worry about your bill. Foreigners get socked with import fees so just buy when you get here from a Kuwaiti dealer. Just a bit more than USA. So many expats get sent out on short notice - lots of good deals to be had for used cars - maybe even cheaper than USA. Especially ones bought for wives who were afraid to drive them much with all the reckless drivers. So you might find a 5-year old car with 30,000 kms. - Dec 2013
Four-wheel-drive, simply for the protection. Kuwait has one of the highest rates of motor fatalities in the world - fast cars, young drivers, too many cell phones, and excellent U.S.-designed roads. - May 2013
You can bring whatever. You may feel safer in a little larger vehicle. - Feb 2013
Just about everything is here, along with the shops that can work on them. - Jan 2013
Lots of toyotas here. Can drive anything from sedans, to motorcycles, to large SUVS.No hybrids. - May 2012
Definitely bigger is better here--the roads can be dangerous and we definitely feel safer in an SUV vs. a small sedan. The terrain isn't rugged, unless you go out into the desert for camping. Gas is cheap, so why not drive a gas guzzling SUV? - May 2012
Kuwaitis teens who do desert driving like Hummers. Most can use just about anything because the roads are well-tended. - Jan 2012
Most people either have a company vehicle or lease a car. Most people drive SUVs because of the roads and crazy traffic. Gas is 67 cents a gallon! BTW-you're likely to see all your dream cars here. - Jul 2010
Big and safe. I have a Volvo SUV and wouldn't get anything smaller. The driving here is crazy. - Jul 2010
Big and safe, for when you get into the accident you will eventually get in. Gas is very inexpensive so gas guzzlers aren't as much of an issue, and will protect you much better than my little Ford Focus did me. - Jul 2008
Large cars are best. Gas is cheap, so bring your biggest SUV! But driving is crazy. The worst ever. Expect to actually see at least one accident a day. Service at the dealer is generally not quick. Plan up to a week for anything that requires specific parts--longer if labor is difficult. - Jun 2008
