Kuwait City, Kuwait Report of what it's like to live there - 07/20/10
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, Harare, Zimbabwe and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
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. United has a direct flight that leaves daily. Flight time is about 12 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Embassy employee posted in Kuwait.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Most people live either in apartments or villas. Both are spacious and very nice.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries can be very expensive, especially if you want U.S. products. Everything can be found here. You might have to go to two different stores, but you'll find what you're looking for.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Vanilla extract. They don't sell it here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald's, Burger King, Papa John's, Hardee's, Pizza Hut, Popeye's, and Little Caeser are all available and most deliver. Prices are comparable to those in the States.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Geckoes are the biggest issue here.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
APO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Domestic help is available and can cost from $300 a month for a live-in to $500 and up for a non-live-in.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There is a gym on the embassy compound, and the Radisson Blu gives us free membership to their gym w/ 50% off of the classes.
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 use my credit cards and ATM regularly and have had no problems.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes, Orbit Showtime Network out of UAE for about $60 a month and AFN from the embassy.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Absolutely none. Almost everyone speaks English.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
There are a couple of reputable taxi companies.
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?
Big and safe. I have a Volvo SUV and wouldn't get anything smaller. The driving here is crazy.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
I have wireless in my house and pay about $100 a month. There is cheaper service, but you may sacrafice quality.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Bring a quad-band unlocked phone from the States and use a Kuwait SIM card. Phones can be purchased here, but they are pricey.
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?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
There are two vets that most people frequent who will also kennel your animal. I've been pleased with International Vet Hospital.
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. And the pay is very nice with no taxes taken out.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual in the office. This is a Muslim country, so people tend to cover a little more than we would in the States. I have gone out in sun dresses on the weekends and felt very comfortable. It all depends on the person.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No, of course we must be aware of our surroundings, but I've had no problems in the two years I've lived here.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is readily available and very good. Most doctors were trained either in the UK or the States
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?
It can range from moderate on a clear day to very unhealthy during one of the frequent sand storms.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot and EXTREMELY humid during the summer months. The temperature can go up to 120 in the summer and down to 50 in the winter.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
I have two kids that attend The English School (TES) which is on the British system. I am extremely pleased with the small class sizes and the level of education provided. Other families have kids in The American School of Kuwait (ASK) and The British School of Kuwait (BSK). I've heard of many complaints regarding ASK but none from TES or BSK.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Not sure.
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?
My kids first attended Happyland Funskool (yes correct spelling). It was a simple daycare that focused more on interaction with other children.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
There is a Little Gym here, a softball/baseball league, soccer, and martial arts all for small children to teens.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Very large.
2. Morale among expats:
It has its ups and downs.
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?
Most get together for food and fun at each other's homes. The embassy has a happy hour twice a week.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Families and/or couples would tend to fare better here, since there are absolutely no night clubs and not much to do.
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?
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Traveling. Flights can be found for cheap.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Travel. It is also possible to go to the beach on the weekends and rent jet skis for a couple of hours. During the cooler months, people like to go out to the desert and rent atvs to ride around on.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Easy to travel to other neighboring countries such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan.
11. Can you save money?
Kuwait is very expensive, but if one tried, I'm sure they could save a little.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. I actually extended my tour by one year because I liked it so much.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
3. But don't forget your:
swimming atire, sun block.
