Welcome to Kuwait 😊

Quick Facts About Kuwait

Money and Finances

The official currency of Kuwait is the Kuwaiti dinar (KWD). One dinar is divided into 1000 fils. The commonly used denominations of coins are 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 fils, while the banknotes come in denominations of ¼, ½, 1, 5, 10, and 20 dinars.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in Kuwait. Most major banks have ATMs that accept international credit and debit cards.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Kuwait. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted, followed by American Express, although some smaller establishments may only accept cash.

Internet and Phones

Kuwait has a relatively high average internet speed with downloads reaching up to 13.7 Mbps and uploads up to 4.4 Mbps. There is some government interference in internet use with restrictions in place on certain websites and social media platforms.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The telco companies in Kuwait include Zain, Ooredoo, and VIVA. The average cost of a mobile phone plan varies depending on the provider and the package chosen, with prices ranging from 5 to 20 KWD per month. SIM card compatibility should not be an issue as all providers use the GSM network.

Dialling to Kuwait

To call Kuwait from another country, dial +965 followed by the local number. Within Kuwait, the area codes are 224, 225, 226, and 229 for landlines and 50, 51, 52, 53, 55, 56, and 65 for mobile phones.

Transport Around Kuwait

Air Travel

Kuwait International Airport is the major airport in Kuwait, located in Farwaniya. There are also smaller airports in Ahmadi and Shuwaikh.

Train Travel

Kuwait does not have an inter-city train network.

Metro / Local Trains

Kuwait does not have a local train (metro) system.

Buses

Kuwait has a public bus network that operates within and between cities. A single journey ticket costs around KWD 0.250 and journey times can vary depending on traffic.

Rideshare

There are several rideshare companies operating in Kuwait, including Careem and Uber. The average travel price for a ride in a sedan is around KWD 3.

Driving by Car

Driving in Kuwait is relatively easy, with wide and well-maintained roads and highways. The usual speed limit on highways is 120 km/h and in urban areas, it is 60 km/h. Kuwait uses right-hand drive.

Local Customs

In Kuwait, tipping is not very common but is appreciated in some situations. It is customary to greet locals with a handshake and a smile. Men typically greet other men with a handshake, while women may greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. When speaking with strangers, it is important to be polite and respectful. Men should avoid initiating physical contact with women in public. When addressing others, it is important to use titles and last names as a sign of respect.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Kuwait has a comprehensive and modern healthcare system consisting of both private and public hospitals. The public hospitals provide free or low-cost healthcare to Kuwaiti nationals, while expats and tourists are required to pay for medical treatment. A visit to a doctor may cost around 10-20 KD (approximately 30-65 USD). Health insurance is mandatory for all expats in Kuwait. Some popular health insurance providers in Kuwait include Bupa, MetLife, and Gulf Insurance Group.

COVID Situation

Kuwait took swift action in response to COVID-19, including closing borders, implementing a nationwide curfew, and suspending non-essential activities. As of now, the rate of COVID-19 cases in Kuwait remains relatively low, with around 150,000 confirmed cases and 930 deaths reported.

Common Health Risks

Some common health risks in Kuwait include heat stroke, food poisoning, and respiratory infections. The hot and dry climate can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion, especially during the summer months. Additionally, it is important to be cautious when consuming food from street vendors or unfamiliar restaurants, as food poisoning can be a risk. Respiratory infections are also common due to air pollution and high levels of dust and sand in the air.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol consumption is prohibited in Kuwait, and bringing any form of alcoholic beverage into the country is illegal. Breaking these laws can lead to fines, imprisonment, and even deportation.

Recreational Drugs

Drug use and possession in Kuwait is strictly prohibited and carries severe penalties, including imprisonment and deportation. This applies to all types of drugs, including soft drugs such as cannabis and other party drugs.

Pre-Marital Relationships

In Kuwait, pre-marital relationships are not legally recognized and can be considered a criminal offense. Such actions can lead to imprisonment and deportation.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Homosexuality is illegal in Kuwait and can result in imprisonment, fines, and deportation. LGBTQ individuals are not protected under anti-discrimination laws and face widespread societal stigma and discrimination.

Firearms / Guns

Owning and using firearms in Kuwait is heavily regulated, and requires a license from the government. Only licensed hunters and security personnel are permitted to possess firearms, and breaking these laws can result in imprisonment and fines.