Kuwait City, Kuwait Report of what it's like to live there - 01/20/13
Personal Experiences from Kuwait City, Kuwait
Background:
1. 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?
Louisville, Kentucky --- 16 hours with a connection in Washington, D.C.
2. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
(The contributor is affiliated with the U.S. Embassy and has been living in Kuwait City for fifteen months, a fifth expat experience.)
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing used to be one of the main positives about coming to Kuwait, but that situation is deteriorating as most landlords are increasing rents to the point where most embassy employees are way below their maximum allowed square footage. If you are a family and you are not lucky enough to get assigned to compound housing, it will be hard on your kids.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Excellent availability but you pay for it. An example would be 10 USD for a package of Ball Park hot dogs.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Toilet paper.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Everything. A family of 3 will spend no less than 75 USD on a nice dinner.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Seasonal flies.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We send and receive mail via the post office in the embassy.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
US$7.50 an hour is the going rate for part-time help. If you want a live-in, rates are negotiable based upon what you want to be done and the size of your house. An estimate for live-in would be 400-600 USD a month.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes.
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?
We have not had a problem with the ones that accept our card.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, Catholic, Protestant, gospel, and non-denominational Christian.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes; do not know.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
The sidewalks are in poor shape.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
We do not use busses and trains. We call a taxi, which is nice when we need one.
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?
Just about everything is here, along with the shops that can work on them.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, 10 MB per second download speed is about 800 USD per year.
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?
I do not think so, but there are certain breeds of dogs that are not allowed to enter the country.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Yes, there is an Italian-run vet hospital which offers boarding.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Generally conservative.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Not significant.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is pretty good.
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?
Good, except during the dust storms, when it it BAD.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Weather is extremely HOT from mid Apr-Oct when it starts to cool off. The rainy/winter season is short and will usually come between Dec-Feb. March and November are the short Spring and Fall times.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The English School (British Curriculum), British School of Kuwait (British Curriculum) and The American School of Kuwait (American Curriculum). American School of Kuwait is the only option if you have High-School-aged children; the other 2 stop at 7th grade if I remember correctly.
2. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large.
2. Morale among expats:
Neutral.
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?
Make friends and you will have a good time.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Families: it is better for families, but housing is changing that. Singles: it is a DRY country, so there is a very limited party scene. Couples: you can travel within the region.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Do not know - it must be well hidden.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Nothing abnormal for the Middle East.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
It is easy to travel to the other more exciting locations within the mid-east.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Eat, they have everything. Some beaches are nice. Amusement parks are of poor quality. Malls are very nice but extremely expensive.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
There is nothing unique here in Kuwait.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The grocery stores are very good. You can get great produce year-round. There is just about every American chain restaurant here. There is not too much that is special about Kuwait.
11. Can you save money?
No. With the cost of groceries and necessities, you will spend a lot.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
NO, not at all. The only reason we came here was because we were evacuated from Syria, and this was what was available.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
snow boots.
3. But don't forget your:
sweaters; it does get cold here.
4. Do you have any other comments?
I would not bid on this location. The housing situation really is deteriorating.
