Kuwait City, Kuwait Report of what it's like to live there - 06/02/08
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've also lived in Tokyo, Japan, Fukishima, Japan, and Tel Aviv, Israel.
2. How long have you lived here?
21 months.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
I work for the U.S. Government.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
14 hours direct flight on United from Dulles to Kuwait.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is large. There are options of all kinds--villas, compounds, apartment. By far the largest housing we've ever had. Only about 10 minutes to work and school.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Almost everything is available. It's much like shopping in the U.S.--even U.S. brands. But it is all very expensive. For a family of four, we typically spend US$300 just on groceries.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Paper products and printer ink.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Everything under the sun is available for food--McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Applebee's, Macaroni Grill, etc. plus many, many fun and interesting local restaurants.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We have APO access.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Domestic help is easy to find. Expect to pay US$6-10 an hour for part-time help. About US$450 a month for live-in.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Very easy. ATM's everywhere. Credit cards good at all major shopping areas. Cash in needed in the souks.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Both Catholic and Protestant available downtown. Also Bahai and Mormom communities.
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
AFN is free to embassy. Satellite is also available, though we don't have it, so I am not aware of the cost.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
No handicap stalls in restrooms. Sometimes only Eastern toilets. No sidewalks. Some elevators not large enough for wheelchair. No ramps.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Right.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Only foreign workers take buses. They are probably safe, but not advisible. Taxis are fine.
3. 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?
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.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, though it's inconsistent. Connections are lost often and it's not easy to get connection reestablished through the company. It can take over a week. Cost can range from US$500-1000 per year.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
They are easy to buy here and relatively inexpensive to use.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
Use Skype or Vonage.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
It's okay. Don't bring a pet with health issues.
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?
Yes. There are many, many jobs available on the economy here.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Work is business casual. Public is conservative. No bare shoulders, no skirts or shorts above the knee.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Very unhealthy. Many, many dust storms and generally unclean air.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
In general it feels very safe. There aren't going to be break-ins to cars or homes because it is an Arab country. But there are many, many foreign workers living here and there are parts of town that feel unsafe, especially at night.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is hit and miss. I would never want to have a major problem here (no surgery). Good doctors can be found, but it's not easy. And hours are strange: 9-12 and 4:30-11pm.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot, hot, hot. Summer is March to November. Very little rain, lots of dust.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Many, many international schools. Two are American, many British curriculum schools, as well as French, Canadian, etc. Our daughters attend The English School, and it has been a very positive experience.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
In my experience, very little.
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?
Preschool is available through some of the larger schools. There are three daycare centers that are most typically used by women in my circle. All of them have good reputations.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Huge. More expats than Kuwaitis.
2. Morale among expats:
Fairly low because there is nothing to do here and it's an ugly country. I've never met anyone who truly enjoys living here. Everyone just tolerates it.
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?
Social life is mainly meeting friends at their homes or the beach clubs.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
This is a wonderful post for families with small children (younger than 10). There are many, many families in this community, so there is a lot to do with other children. I would never bring older children here as there is very little to do in terms of sight-seeing or outdoor activity. Singles would most likely be bored. It is a dry country, so there are no clubs or social scenes apart from work. Couples may also find it boring unless they have a good social network.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
NO.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Of course. It's an Arab country. Women are not valued, Christianity is allowed.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Very, very little. Beach clubs, camel races (in the cooler months), aquarium.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Beautiful carpets, gold.
9. Can you save money?
Not easily. Everything but gas is expensive, and you need to get out of the country every six months to maintain your sanity.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
It's been okay with young children, but I wouldn't come back, and I won't miss it.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter coat.
3. But don't forget your:
Indoor fun kit.
