Kuwait Travel Information

Kuwait is a small country with a rich history and unique cultural heritage. From stunning mosques and historic forts, to bustling souks and traditional markets, there are many things to see and do in this fascinating country. Here are the top 10 things to do in Kuwait:

1. Visit the Kuwait Towers

Explore the iconic Kuwait Towers, which offer breathtaking views over the city and sea.

2. Explore the Grand Mosque

Take a tour of the Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world and a stunning example of Islamic architecture.

3. Walk Around the Souk Al-Mubarakiya

Explore the vibrant Souk Al-Mubarakiya, a traditional market that is a hub of local life.

4. Visit the Scientific Center

Discover the wonders of science and technology at the Scientific Center, a cutting-edge attraction that features interactive exhibitions and a giant IMAX theater.

5. Explore the Al-Qurain Cultural Village

Step back in time and experience the traditional way of life in Kuwait at the Al-Qurain Cultural Village.

6. Visit the Al-Seif Palace

Take a tour of the Al-Seif Palace, a historic building that was once the residence of the Emir of Kuwait.

7. Walk Along the Corniche

Take a leisurely stroll along the Corniche, a popular promenade that offers stunning views over the Arabian Gulf.

8. Visit the Kuwait National Museum

Explore the rich history and culture of Kuwait at the Kuwait National Museum, which features exhibitions on the country's past and present.

9. Visit the Liberation Tower

Climb to the top of the Liberation Tower, a landmark skyscraper that offers panoramic views over the city.

10. Go Shopping in the Avenues

Shop till you drop at the Avenues, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, which features a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Climate

Kuwait has a desert climate, characterized by hot summers and cool winters.

Summer temperatures can reach up to 50°C (122°F), while winter temperatures can drop to below 10°C (50°F). Rainfall is scarce, with the majority of it falling in the winter months.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kuwait is during the winter months, from November to March, when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable. During this time, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and explore the country's rich history and culture.

Visitors should be prepared for hot and humid conditions during the summer months, and should take precautions to avoid heat exhaustion and sunstroke.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Kuwait offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options. Here are some popular options:

Luxury Hotels

Kuwait has a number of high-end hotels, including international chains and local boutiques, that offer luxurious amenities and exceptional service.

Mid-Range Hotels

For those who are looking for a comfortable stay at an affordable price, there are many mid-range hotels in Kuwait that offer good value for money.

Budget-Friendly Accommodation

For budget-conscious travelers, there are a number of budget-friendly options in Kuwait, including budget hotels, guesthouses, and youth hostels.

Furnished Apartments

Furnished apartments are also a popular option for those who want more space and privacy during their stay in Kuwait. Many of these apartments are available for short-term rental and come equipped with all the necessary amenities.

Home Stays

For a more authentic experience, visitors can opt for a home stay, where they can stay with a local family and experience Kuwaiti culture and hospitality first-hand.

Kuwait offers several transportation options for visitors to get around the country, including:

Taxis

Taxis are readily available and are a convenient way to get around the city. They are equipped with meters, but it is recommended to negotiate the fare before the start of the journey.

Buses

The Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC) operates a comprehensive bus network that covers the entire country. Buses are an affordable and convenient way to get around, especially for those on a budget.

Rental Cars

Visitors who prefer the freedom and flexibility of their own transportation can opt to rent a car. There are several car rental companies in Kuwait, offering a wide range of vehicles to choose from.

Private Cars

Private cars are also a popular option for visitors who want to explore the country at their own pace. Hiring a private driver is also an option for those who do not want to drive themselves.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.