Kuwait City, Kuwait Report of what it's like to live there - 11/06/18
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?
This is our second post. The first was Merida, Mexico.
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. It's 13 hours from D.C. to UAE, a two hour layover, and a one point five hour flight to Kuwait.
3. How long have you lived here?
One year out of a two year assignment.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Embassy Mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
FABULOUS! We opted to live in a high-rise overlooking the Gulf. Three bedrooms, four baths, closed-off kitchen with eat-in area for two, combined dining, living room, and maid's quarters (that we use as a storage room). Closets are quite large in every room. Our bathrooms have zero storage, but that is unique to our building.
I've been in three other high-rises, all very nice. uniquely different. Most, if not all the high-rises in the Salmyia area have a pool. We have a balcony, but not all apartments do. We wake up to the water every morning and it makes living here more palatable in the sense that I see water and blue and the surrounding trees. This country is very sandy and lacks color, unlike UAE or Oman. We prefer a smaller footprint with a better view over more square footage and living on compound or in one of the villas in the residential areas.
We have two small children who share a room. There is no area for them to run around outside, so we go to the embassy for them to roam free and ride scooters, bikes or tricycles. Our commute, without traffic, is eight minutes from our house to the embassy. With traffic it's between 20-25 minutes.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Everything is available here. If you cannot find it, Amazon probably ships it. The first six to eight months I used the popular grocery stores, LuLu and Sultan Center for all my shopping. Family of four, with two adults and two small children is usually about 40 kd (US$130) for about a week.
I mainly shop at local co-ops and my grocery bill has been cut in half. We don't buy a lot of shelf-stable products, so it doesn't bother me that I cannot find Hidden Valley Ranch or Kraft Mac n Cheese at the co-ops. I buy meat from a local butcher now, too. You can buy cheaply here, you just might have to go to multiple places and not everything might be there that you want. Or you can go to a very nice western-looking grocery store and buy everything you want in one shop, but pay more.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Diapers are expensive here, so we bought through Amazon. K-cups (for a Keurig) aren't a thing here. The Arabs use Nestle. So we buy coffee on Amazon.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Every type of restaurant exists here. The Kuwaitis love to eat, and they really love American fast food/chains. Dining out is what they do, minus the drinking. You can really find everything. Some places are better than others, but it's all here. There are two delivery companies here too that also deliver everything under the sun.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Since we live in a high-rise, we have no problems with bugs, but embassy housing has lizards and ants.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO is very reliable.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
One hour is between 2kd-3kd (US$7-10). You can hire anyone to do anything here in Kuwait: nanny, housekeeper, driver, staff to the help with serving a party/bartenders, car washer, or dog walker. Live-in help and live-out help.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The embassy community has free access to a hotel gym and pool facilities and it's very nice with great workout classes that are co-ed. The open gym is co-ed too. There are private gym memberships for about US$15,00/year.
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?
ATMs are everywhere. Credit cards are excepted almost everywhere. AMEX isn't as widely accepted. You will need cash at the small street-side veggie/fruit co-ops.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes. You can find ANY religion here with an associated service. Most are in English. If it's not in English, it's probably at a mosque with Arabic.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None. All your service-oriented professions are third country nationals who all speak English. The embassy is predominantly English-speaking. The only times I wish I knew a little Arabic is sitting and working at a coffee shop and trying to eavesdrop on the conversation next to me. That said, my daily life is done in English with little to no problem.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes... I do see people in wheelchairs and think, "how???" Thresholds are not flat, doors are not wide, lots of stairs, uneven pavement, minimal curb cut-outs.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis can be between US$7-10 a ride. Buses are around $2/ride, but I've never taken the bus.
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?
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.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes and about the same price as the US in D.C. It can be slow from 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. at night. Everyone is on and the cell towers don't seem to spread their distribution well, but we can stream Netflix 9 out of 10 nights a week without a problem. We will have maybe one or two buffering sessions that last 45 seconds. I work from home, online, and I have no problems during the day.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Zain or VIVA. I have a pay as you go sim card and pay about US$15/month and that works for me. I rarely go over that. When I'm home, I use our home Wifi.
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?
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?
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
You can get involved in lots of volunteer work. There are many options if you look and ask around.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
At the Embassy, work attire is mostly suit/tie if you're in a job that requires you to leave the embassy or welcome guests to the embassy. If your not client facing, slacks/dress shirts are fine. Locals tend to get very dressed up to go out at night/dinner/parties/etc. There are lots of events associated with the embassy and outside of the embassy where formal attire is required. There are lots of opportunities to dress fancy and go out.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Driving is a very, very serious concern to me. There seem to be many that drive crazy expensive cars fast and recklessly while sharing the road with people that have never driven a car before and are going under the speed limit. OR someone is texting while driving. Otherwise, Kuwait is very safe.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Air quality can be very bad. Dust, oil refineries, and general pollution. Some days you'll look out and think it's foggy and then realize that it's dust. It also rains dirt here which is gross and very messy. Medical is very very good here. We opted to have a major surgery done on our three- year old here, instead of going back to the U.S., and it was a great decision for our family. Dental is also very good here, but it can be pricey.
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?
See above.
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)?
Winter is wonderful in the Gulf! It can get cold here, but overall October through May is really really nice. The summers are awful in my opinion, but doable. In my option, 90 degrees F is hot and there isn't a lot of difference for me between 90 and 125. I don't want to be outside either way. Humidity is not a huge concern here, unlike the other Gulf countries. So think of the heat as a dry Arizona/New Mexico heat, but hot is hot. And if you hate the heat, you'll hate summers in Kuwait.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Extreme hot in the summer. Nice fall/winter/spring. Winter can be wet.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
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?
Wonderful. We have our three year old in a five day a week preschool from 7:30am-12pm and our two year old is in a bilingual nursery school three days a week. We pay out of pocket since they aren't yet in kindergarten. It's less than Arlington, but not super cheap like Mexico. We are very very happy with the two schools we picked.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
We don't have our children in any, but there are lots and lots of options for after school activities for kids. LOTS! Embassy-sponsored, school-sponsored, and private.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Two-thirds of the country is expats, so you have many many cultures colliding here. The expat morale is very good here. Each country seems to have a group, but you can join in and be invited to many events from all walks of life. There are many organizations to get involved in. I feel like you could overload your plate with groups/clubs/organizations to participate in. People are very friendly here. ..
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?
American Women's League, adult soccer leagues, Cross-Fit groups, running groups, Harley Davidson riding group, British Women's League, and health clubs also have smaller groups to participate in. There are also women who meet to cross-stitch or knit. There are Bible studies. There are a TON of Mommy and Me groups to join. There is a golf course here too and an equestrian riding club. There are art groups that meet and photography groups. Kuwait is a country that is run off Instagram. You can find anything you want.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think it's great for all. Theres is something for everyone. And when you feel like you need to get away, you can jump on a flight and go anywhere quickly and relatively cheaply.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
It's hard to describe the Middle East in one paragraph. There seems to be racism here regardless of culture. Arabs love children. I have not felt personally discriminated against, but I do see it daily - in the car, at the grocery store, everywhere. Again, it's subtle, but it's there.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The travel opportunities, the house-parties, the camel races, the food, time spent at beach chalets or at the pool, music events and cultural exhibitions. There is something to do every night of the week if you wanted. You have to put yourself out there though.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
All the cool souks, Friday Market, the beaches further south, Avenues Mall, dining out, the aquarium, the Corniche, the Marina, The Kuwaiti Towers, the cultural centers.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Not a lot of Kuwaiti crafts, but you'll find third country nationals having cultural events where they sell crafts from their country. Rugs are great here. Thrift stores and designer outlets are FABULOUS here!!
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Cheaper in-home help, life is easy, English is everywhere, travel opportunities are plenty. You'll see American brands everywhere, so if you need to get a dose of Americana, you can... or you can stay away. You really can make Kuwait whatever you want it to be. It can be laid back, boring, crazy busy, fun... you have to make it what you want. It's all here.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Living by the water makes all the difference to my husband and me. Kuwait is not green and can be depressing in that sense. People don't really walk here, so if fitness is a priority, you'll need to schedule it into your life. You won't just by accident, walk three extra miles to and from dinner like you would in DC. The bread here is amazing and if you're not careful, ten extra pounds can creep up on you. Wait to get things framed here. It's nice and not very expensive. American clothing store are expensive, but you can find fur and leather jackets for cheap. One of the BEST things about Kuwait is the availability to get custom clothing made!
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, though two or three years is enough. I wouldn't want to move back after I had already experienced it. There are too many other cool places to live. But, it's not awful here. I don't love it. But I like it. And it's a very easy life. Not complicated like some places. For my family and I, we have enjoyed raising little children here.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Road bike. Not a lot of places to ride and drivers are intense.
4. But don't forget your:
Winter clothes, your VPN for American Netflix, any clothes that you want a tailor to copy for cheap, wine glasses, vanilla extract, rubbing alcohol, nasal sprays (the dust can be aweful), art work/wall art (the ceilings are 10' in most homes, apartments).
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
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