Kuwait City, Kuwait Report of what it's like to live there - 03/25/17
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?
This is our fifth expat location. Previously we lived in Seoul, Tirana, Yerevan and Port au Prince.
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?
USA - About 24 hours door to door
3. How long have you lived here?
Almost two years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
US government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The US embassy has a housing compound with 24 homes which are smaller than local homes, the commute is great for those units. Other housing opportunities include apartments with a view of the gulf or large villas. Most folks have less than 30 minutes to drive to work, but the traffic can be heavy.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
In general the groceries are almost double the price in the US. Some things are surprisingly inexpensive, to include some locally grown produce and bread. Almost anything can be purchased here. There is a wide variety of imported items from the US, Great Britain and Asia. Produce comes from all over the world and is frequently labeled with the country of origin. Pork products are not available nor are products containing alcohol. SO...no vanilla extract. No chicken or beef broth. Vegetable broth is readily available. Marshmallows and jello are made with fish gelatin.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Vanilla extract, pineapple canned in juice (not syrup), broth concentrate.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
American chain restaurants are abundant here. There are three Cheesecake Factory locations, Texas Roadhouse, Olive Garden, Applebees, etc. Don't despair, however, the diverse ethnic populations living here provide for plenty of curries, middle eastern delights and more. Some restaurants have vegan options. You can order almost anything to be delivered to your home.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants from time to time.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Diplomatic Post Office.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Local household help is about 2 Kuwaiti Dinar per hour (aprox 7 USD). Most domestic help is from India, Sri Lanka or the Philippines. They require a "sponsor" to be in the country, which can be a diplomat. A typical contract includes a month of vacation and a trip to their home country in addition to other benefits. Many human rights abuses occur in this country with household help. Please be a responsible employer.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are many gyms available. Members of the US mission have access to the facilities at the Raddison Blu Hotel in addition to the MSG gym. The Curves chain operates here.
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?
You can use your credit card safely here and use the ATM as well. I have not had any problems.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Catholic, Evangelical, Latter Day Saints, Pentecostal and more. There is a Catholic cathedral downtown.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Arabic language classes are available. Visit the website for the Aware Center to see about pricing. Although, almost everyone speaks English. The accents vary, but it's English.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Some, but not much. Not all buildings have ramps and some have small sets of steps.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The local public transport is safe to use. Mostly buses. Taxis are plentiful. Most people work with a specific driver that they trust.
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?
There are many car dealerships here. You will see all types of high end automobiles to include Bentley, Maserati, Porsche, Lamborghini, BMW and Benz. Drivers drive really slow or really fast. The roads are well-maintained. Bring what you are comfortable driving. Car imports must be less than five years old.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
I have been very happy with my internet service here. I stream television shows without difficulty. It's very reasonably priced. Less than 300 USD per year. Local cable television is available also with many viewing options.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Local provider - Zain.
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?
Yes, there are good vets here. The International Veterinary Hospital has several vets on staff. Pet supplies are available at their facility to include special diet foods. Kenneling is also available at this location, www.ivhq8.co. Lots of feral cats on the streets. Dogs are not looked on favorably. There is no quarantine.
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?
The US mission has a bilateral work agreement with Kuwait. Some spouses have found good jobs in banking, teaching, publishing, health care (PT and mental health) and education. Others have had more difficulty, for example, nurses. Nursing positions are available, but the prevailing wage is extremely low.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
The American Women's group does some charity work. A nurse volunteers at the local cancer hospital.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual at work. No religious garb is required. Although many muslim women dress conservatively. Meaning, a tunic with pants and a hijab, etc. For time to time, there may be an opportunity to dress up more.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Because of the location of the country, it would be wise to have situational awareness of your surroundings. For time to time, there has been a minor event linked to terrorism. Otherwise, Kuwait is a safe country. There are not big problems with crime.
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. It's worse than the US. Mostly due to sand storms and petroleum processing. You can find some data at airnow.gov. Having said that, people who might have illness exacerbated by air quality should be aware of this (asthma). Local private medical care is pretty good if you know where to go. The government system can be hit or miss. Again, you need to know where to go. There are many excellent physicians in the government sector. Many medical specialists are available in private practice. In the event of major trauma, care must be provided by the government hospitals.
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 the above comments.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
There are pollens here similar to the desert climates in the US. Advice: use your HEPA filters in the home, bring your nasal steroids, inhalers, epinephrine, etc. There is a pediatric allergist in the private sector. There are bees, but no wasps, hornets, etc for those with sting allergy. Gluten free foods are readily available at local supermarkets.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
There is discrimination here, especially with Asian women being harassed. Many assume they are sex workers or here as domestic help. That treatment can lead to discouragement, etc.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The summer is excruciatingly hot. But, there is a winter season when temps can get into the 30's at night. The spring, fall and winter are quite pleasant. From time to time there is enough rain to cause some minor flooding.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The Embassy uses four different schools. Two "American" and two "British." One of the American and one of the British go through high school. Several children have graduated here and gone on to universities in the US.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Very little is available for children with special needs.
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?
Several families send their children to pre-school. They seem happy. The International schools have after school activities available.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, there are drama clubs, music lessons, basketball, volleyball, etc. Little League baseball is big here. Some children take equestrian instruction here.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
There is a large expat community here that includes oil workers, teachers, security specialists, military contractors, etc. And...most of the daily work done in Kuwait is done by expats. You will find people from Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Britain, Germany, the Philippines and elsewhere. About 1/3 of the population are expats from all socio-economic levels.
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?
There are churches, book clubs, women's groups, community theater, biking groups, etc. No clubs.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
That depends on what you want to do. There is no club scene here, but if you make some friends, it's a good place to live. For the most part, people are friendly.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Homosexuality is illegal here. But, if you look carefully, you will find them. For those who are discreet and already coupled, it should be fine.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
People of ethnic roots similar to the domestic and labor force may face discrimination. For example, they may be asked to prove that they can pay for dinner at a restaurant.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
It's easy to travel to many locations from here. It's 6 hours to London, five hours to Columbo Sri Lanka. Northern Africa is also reasonably close. Many people visit other parts of the middle east, such as Egypt, Oman and Jordon from here. Others go to the Maldives. The various Gulf airlines have good connections to lots of fun locations.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
The Oil and Gas Museum is nice. The Opera House is beautiful.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
There isn't much to buy here in the way of local handicrafts. There is traditional weaving done at the Sadu House that can be purchased. But, there are lots of retail shopping malls with names that you will recognize such as Ikea, Dean and Deluca, Pottery Barn, Victoria's Secret, etc.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
A blend of western and middle eastern living.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Movies at the cinema are edited to take out cursing and kissing, etc.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, I have enjoyed my time in Kuwait.
3. But don't forget your:
Winter coat, vanilla extract and sunscreen.
