Kuwait, Kuwait - Travel Guide

Kuwait is the quiet achiever of the Gulf - a modern city-state with excellent museums, traditional souqs, and Arabic hospitality without the tourist crowds. From the iconic Kuwait Towers to ancient Failaka Island, desert camps to waterfront promenades, Kuwait offers authentic Gulf culture for those willing to explore.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay4 days

Budget$70/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$350/day

Known For

kuwaitkuwait_cityarabian_gulfmiddle_eastgcckuwait_towerssouq_mubarakiyafailaka_islanddesertoilliberation_towergrand_mosquearabic_coffeedhow_harbor

🇰🇼 Country Information: Kuwait

CapitalKuwait City

CurrencyKuwaiti dinar (ك.د)

Language Arabic , English

Phone Code+965

Electricity240V (Type C, G)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service; 10
15% in restaurants is common if a service charge is not included
For hotel staff (porters, housekeepers), a small tip of 1
2 KWD is appropriate
Taxi drivers are usually not tipped unless they help with luggage, then a small amount is appreciated

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, major shops, and restaurants
It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and local markets
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Greetings: A handshake is common, but men should not shake hands with women unless they extend their hand first
Dress code: Modest dress is important, especially for women, covering shoulders and knees
Men should avoid shorts in formal settings
Eating customs: If eating with your hands, use your right hand
Avoid showing the soles of your feet
It's polite to accept offers of tea or coffee

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Homosexuality is illegal in Kuwait and punishable by law. Public displays of affection for same-sex couples are not tolerated.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 21 for non
Muslims, but alcohol consumption is illegal for Muslims and in public places
Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties including long prison sentences and deportation for even minor offenses

Special Laws

Public displays of affection, even between married couples, are generally frowned upon
Dress modestly in public, especially for women, covering shoulders and knees
During the month of Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during fasting hours is prohibited

Common Phrases

NoLa (LA) لا

YesNa'am (NA-am) نعم

HelloMarhaba (MAR-ha-ba) مرحبا

PleaseMin fadlik (min FAD-lik) من فضلك

Thank youShukran (SHOO-kran) شكرا

Climate

Desert climate with extreme hot summers (45°C+) and pleasant winters. November-March is pleasant. April-May and September-October hot but manageable. June-August extremely hot - avoid outdoor activities.

Best Time to Visit

Cool Season: November
March (best time)
Hot Season: April
October (avoid Jun
Sep)
Ramadan: Dates vary (restrictions apply)

Getting There

Kuwait International Airport (KWI) has connections to major hubs in Middle East, Asia, and Europe
Kuwait Airways is national carrier
No visa on arrival for most nationalities
eVisa available
Some nationalities need embassy visa

Getting Around

Car rental or Uber/Careem essential
city is sprawling and not walkable
Public buses exist but limited
Taxis available
New metro under construction
Driving easy with GPS
Failaka Island by ferry

Health & Vaccinations

No special vaccinations required
Routine vaccinations recommended
Good healthcare system
Pharmacies well
stocked
Sun protection essential
Stay hydrated

Staying Connected

Zain, Ooredoo, STC
Excellent 5G coverage
eSIM works well
Good connectivity
Fast internet

Local Cuisine

Machboos must_try

Kuwait's national dish - spiced rice with meat (usually lamb or chicken) cooked with baharat spices, dried limes, and aromatics. Every family has thei

Gabout must_try

Kuwaiti dumplings in meat and vegetable stew. Comfort food beloved by locals. Hard to find in restaurants but worth seeking.

Arabic Coffee (Qahwa) must_try

Cardamom-spiced light-roast coffee served in small cups with dates. Symbol of hospitality. Served at any traditional gathering.

Grilled Seafood must_try

Fresh fish from the Gulf - hammour (grouper), zubaidi, and shrimp. Grilled simply or in rice dishes. Dhow harbor has fish markets.

Halwa local_favorite

Kuwaiti sweet made from rosewater, saffron, cardamom, and nuts. Gelatinous texture, intensely aromatic. Gift-giving tradition.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Failaka Island Ferry Transport

Book 1-7 days in advance

Limited ferry departures. Popular on weekends. Schedule changes.

Desert Camp Experience tour_or_activity

Book 3-14 days in advance

Good camps book up, especially weekends in winter season.

Fun Facts

1. Kuwait has the world's sixth-largest proven oil reserves and was the first Gulf state to establish a constitution and elected parliament in 1962.
2. The Kuwait Towers, designed in the 1970s, have become the national symbol and are considered architectural marvels of their era.
3. Failaka Island was inhabited for 4,000 years and contains Greek temples from Alexander the Great's era, making it one of the most historically significant sites in the Gulf.
4. Kuwait was the first Gulf country to allow women to vote and run for parliament in 2005.

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