Kuwait City, Kuwait Report of what it's like to live there - 05/17/12
Personal Experiences from Kuwait City, Kuwait
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No. Yemen (various cities), Sudan (various cities), Addis Ababa, Cairo
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Richmond, VA16 hours. Direct flight from Kuwait to Dulles, then a 2 hour drive south.
3. How long have you lived here?
9 months
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
government
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Embassy families live either on compound (great, grassy area), in villas, or in high apartments. Other expats here with private companies typically live in flats, as rent is very high. Commute times to schools can be up to an hour or more, as there are only a few good schools clustered in one area.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Anything except pork any alcohol can be purchased here if you are willing to pay for it. If you are here with the US govt you may have access to the APO and be able to order most things you would need.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Every thing you can think of!More expensive than in the US.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
All available in Western style grocery stores.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Usual ants and cockroaches coming in the houses when the weather gets hot. Small lizards. Mosquitos but no malaria.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
APO via the embassy.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Highly available. Many people have live-in help and pay them around $400 USD a month. Part time help runs approx. $3-$4 an hour. Most from the Phillipines, Sri Lanka and India.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, lots of the name brands if you are willing to pay.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Can be used at most all retail outlets.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Catholic, Evangelical, Anglican services. A few English speaking mosques.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
All available.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None necessary, but PLEASE make an effort to at least learn please and thank you in Arabic. It shows a lot of respect and surprises Kuwaitis (pleasantly) if you know any Arabic.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Not a lot of handicapped parking. Not many walkable areas.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Very little local transport. Taxis are fairly expensive compared to other Middle Eastern countries.
2. 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?
Lots of toyotas here. Can drive anything from sedans, to motorcycles, to large SUVS.No hybrids.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, comparable to US.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Can buy whatever you want.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
A few.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Teaching, tutoring. Not a lot else.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Modest. Women should cover elbows and shoulders to be respectful, but this is not required.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
As we are here with the US govt, and live at the embassy compound, we have security issues to face each day. The heightened tension in Iraq has not helped this. However, for the typical expat, security is not a concern. The population is 65% expat, so you don't really stand out!
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Western style medical care, but not up to US standards. Lots of hospitals. Decent care for having a baby, basic surgery.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Moderate. Dust season (approx Feb to April) can be difficult, particularly if you have allergies or asthma. There is very little industrial air pollution though. It is much cleaner air than many major world cities. No burning trash, etc.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
May-Oct over 100 degrees Farenheit each day, dry heat. Nov-April beautiful days of highs to 70s or 80s. Occasional frost at night in Dec and Jan.7-10 rainstorms a year.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
American School of Kuwait (ASK) and The English School (TES) are the ones recommended by the embassy. There are numerous others. TES has an excellent reputation, but admission is competitive with long waiting lists, even for the preschool program. ASK has a poorer reputation for student life, a higher percentage of Kuwaiti students, and older facilities. Many, many other international schools to choose from. If your employer is not paying for school, start saving money!Typical tuition for preschool starts at $7,000 a year!!!
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Don't know.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Numerous preschools, with varying levels of standards. Most require 5 days a week starting at age 3 or 4.Tuition is a lot!See above comment. Most people use nannies for small babies in day-care situations.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Through the schools. Also Little League.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large!2/3 of Kuwait is expat, but that includes all the non-Western service workers. Many, many contractors here from the US who are former military.
2. Morale among expats:
Poor. Unfortunately, many people come to Kuwait expecting it to be Dubai, which it is not. Kuwait also attracts a lot of expats on their first overseas tour, who often aren't prepared for cross cultural living. The Western veneer of Kuwait hides a very Arab city at heart.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Movies, restaurants, in homes.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Families or couples. I think singles would have a hard time with the lack of a dating scene.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No. This is the Middle East, after all.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Women have more freedom here than many Middle Eastern countries, but still face some discrimination. There has been an increasing (in the last 3 month) crackdown on churches here, and Kuwait seems to be becoming more fundamentalist in politics and religious leanings.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Visiting the desert, learning of the 2 Iraq war histories. Long walks on the Corniche by the Gulf. Interacting with expats from all over the world when I leave my home!
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Aquarium, desert camping, lots of malls, old market, art and Gulf War museums, parks.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Rugs from Iran, pashminas, furniture from India.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The weather is beautiful 5 months out of the year!Wonderful service culture in retail and restaurants, as these are all staffed by motivated Philipinos. Lots of modern amenities, no power cuts or water shortages!
11. Can you save money?
Hard to as the cost of living is high.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Dogs. There is no place to walk them or let them roam free, and dogs are not valued in the local culture. So don;t bring your dog and then complain about no dog parks, or kids throwing rocks at your dog. This is the Middle East!
3. But don't forget your:
Flexibility, Open mind, sunscreen and sun hat!
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
Don't come expecting to find the same amenities you do in America. Be prepared for dangerous driving on the highways. Learn a little bit of Arabic. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Gulf, but don't expect to swim in it's polluted waters while you are here. Have an open mind towards Kuwait---it's had a rough 20 years of recovery from wars.
