Kuwait City, Kuwait Report of what it's like to live there - 05/21/17
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, I have had several tours in the Arab world.
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?
Washington D.C. The trip takes a full day. The "City Pair" fare right now is with American Airlines which translates to either British Airways or Etihad. Neither allows pets, which makes you cost-construct. As a result, you will take either KLM or Lufthansa. So, either way, its about 7 hours to Europe and then another 6-7 to Kuwait. The Kuwait Airport is one of the worst, so get ready.
3. How long have you lived here?
Three years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomat.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is generally excellent. For singles, you will have a 3-bedroom apartment in a high rise overlooking the Gulf. For families, you will have a large home--typical Gulf style with lots of rooms and marble.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Everything is available-there are excellent supermarkets--Lulus, Sultan Center, True Value, Ace Hardware Store. But, everything is quite expensive--think New York city prices for most groceries.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Anything like vanilla, which has alcohol in it. Pet products, though available, are very expensive here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Every American chain is here--Shake Shack, Smash Burger, etc. -The restaurants are largely better here than in the U.S. Kuwaitis are huge foodies (highest diabetes rates in the world), and they are very picky and demand quality and good service.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO is quite good--usually takes a couple of weeks from the States. I have never used local post.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very available, with most help coming from South Asia or the Philippines. They all prefer to work for Americans because we treat them much better. Kuwaitis pay about 400 per month for 6 days/week and a live-in, while we pay 650 for live in and 5 days per week and we provide all food, a month's vacation per year and a round trip ticket to their countries of origin.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Very prevalent but are quite expensive. The US embassy has free access to a local hotel gym which is nice, and a basic Marine gym. There are plenty of private gyms around, but they are costly and not mixed (women and men).
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?
I regularly use credit cards and my ATM without any issues. All restaurants, grocery stores, etc., take credit cards.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are several churches here.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Most Kuwaitis speak English, but Arabic can be helpful.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
No one walks here because it's too hot, but have not seen many accommodations anywhere for disabled people.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are safe and available, but a bit expensive. The buses are used by foreign workers. There are no trains.
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?
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.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, its available and as good if not better than in the U.S. To install it, however, you need your civil ID, which takes a few weeks.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
The US embassy provides a phone and service with Zain. I brought an unlocked I-Phone. Its very easy to get another phone, but you need your CIVIL ID. --Everything here is tied to one's civil ID.
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?
There are a number of solid veterinary clinics--IVH and Royal Animal Hospital are two good ones. The vets are European or South African. Care is good, but quite expensive.
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?
There are jobs available and its fairly easy to find them-part or full time. Salaries are fairly normal for Americans and other westerners. The bureaucratic process here is painful, however, so it takes time to obtain official permission to work.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
There are a variety of western womens' groups, expat groups, NGOs, etc. Also, groups to assist abused workers are available.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
The embassy is formal but not over the top. Shirt and tie are the norm for men. Kuwaitis wear either western clothing or "dishdashas." Its very. very hot here in the summers, so consider linen, etc. Its far more permissive for women here than in Saudi or even Doha. No need for an abaya or hijab, but shorts and tank tops are definitely not advisable due to the attention you will get.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
This region has obvious risks, but compared to everywhere else, its very safe in Kuwait. There are bad people here, but its fairly benign in general. There is some criminal activity in areas frequented by south Asians, but otherwise, its a pretty secure place.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The air quality is not very good. Its very dusty and given the oil refineries, etc., the air just does not seem clean. Also, the Gulf is not/not clean at all.
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?
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Its always sunny here but Kuwait can be very boring and slow---it's a bit of a gilded cage, so you have to travel every few months. People get cabin fever here and it takes time and effort to make friends with Kuwaitis. Lots of other foreigners here who are readily available, but they often just want access to embassy happy hours and liquor, as Kuwait is a dry country.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
From May until September, scorching hot-up to 125 F. Otherwise, it is beautiful and moderate.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The schools are just not great, in my opinion. ASK is the historical school used by Americans but the facility is old and worn. The teachers there are mediocre in my view. The new school, American United School of Kuwait is brand new and beautiful and its improving. Its also very modern and close to the embassy, etc. The quality of teachers is OK and can be hit or miss, but I guess that is the case with any school. Some of the AUSK teachers are very good and we have had good luck. The facility is state of the art and utilizes all the latest technology and gadgets.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
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?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
The schools have basketball and soccer.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Most people in Kuwait are workers from other countries. They live to work and send all of their money to support their families in their countries.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
House parties--Kuwaitis are fun, but it takes time to meet them and become friends.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Its boring and primarily focused on families, though there are several underground scenes here for singles.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Its illegal here but present.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Everyone other than Kuwaitis are on a lower class level. Americans of European background are probably treated the best by the Kuwaitis with all others coming next. People of Asian and/or South Asian or African backgrounds can face discrimination from the Kuwaitis. Likewise, non-Gulf Arabs can face similar discrimination from Kuwaitis.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
I have really enjoyed Kuwait. Getting to be close with several Kuwaitis was very important. Try not to be like a lot of Americans and simply hunker down and hang out with other Americans and drink. Kuwait can be fun and interesting and I enjoy the culture, but it takes time.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Go to the desert with Kuwaiti friends and go fishing.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Nothing is really unique to Kuwait, though their favorite pastime is shopping. Some beautiful malls are in Kuwait, but that gets old fast.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Its family-friendly and easy. Everything is close and available for delivery.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, its been a nice and fairly easy tour.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Small cars and short dresses.
3. But don't forget your:
Sunscreen and big SUVs.
