Language

Arabic is the official language, but English is widely used and understood.

Back to top

Money

Kuwait's currency is the Kuwait Dinar (KWD), which is divided into 1,000 fils. Major credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques. Currency and travellers cheques are best taken in US Dollars or British Pounds. There are banks with foreign exchange facilities in the large centres and ATMs are plentiful. Banks are open from 8am to 12pm from Sunday to Thursday, but their ATMs are open 24 hours.

Back to top

Communications

Full international direct dialling is available in Kuwait. The country code is +965 and the outgoing international code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are not required. There are two national GSM mobile telephone networks, which have active roaming agreements with most international mobile phone operators. Internet cafes areavailable throughout the country.

Back to top

Tipping

A service charge of 15 per cent is usually added to bills in restaurants and hotels; if not a tip of 10 per cent is acceptable. Additional tipping is only expected in more expensive hotels. Taxi drivers appreciate a small tip for long journeys.

Back to top

Safety

Authorities are of the opinion that there is a high general threat of terrorism against western targets in Kuwait and other countries in the region. Visitors should remain vigilant, especially in public places and where westerners gather. The country is regarded as trouble-free as far as crime is concerned, but there is political turmoil resulting from developments in Iraq and the Middle East peace process and visitors should avoid public gatherings and demonstrations. When travelling outside Kuwait City keep to tarmac roads and take care on beaches and picnic spots because landmines and other unexploded ordnance still litter the countryside. Driving in Kuwait is hazardous, local drivers being negligent and reckless, so constant vigilance is essential.

Back to top

Health

No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Kuwait, but innoculation against typhoid and Hepatitis A is advisable. There is a risk of diarrhoeal diseases, which are common in the country. Mains water is chlorinated and considered relatively safe, but most visitors stick to bottled water. Fees are high and medicalinsurance is recommended.

Back to top

Electricity

240 volts, 50Hz. Both the UK-style three-pin and European-style two-pin plugs are in use.

Back to topp

Back to previous page
Search by date

* Required

Ticket Type
Link to Calendar
Link to Calendar

Top flight deals

Cheap flights to Kuwait

Belfast (BHD) to Kuwait City, Kuwait (KWI)
from£475RTwith Air bookers
Belfast (BHD) to Kuwait City, Kuwait (KWI)
from£472RTwith Bargain Flight Desk

Travel Tips

Read expert tips on getting the most out of travel

Bagging a bargain
Cheapflights-ology
Finding Cheap Flights
Airport Lounges
Before you go
Travel Sickness and DVT
Before You Go
Facts about flying
Carbon Emissions
Customs
Airline Alliances
Glossary of Flying Terms
Types of travel
Skiing Airports

More travel tips

Contributors to this guide: Word Travels, World Airport Guide, Cheapflights

Contributors

Close

Wordtravels.com

Destination guides to countries and cities worldwide www.wordtravels.com

World Airport Guides

Guide to more than 200 airports around the world www.worldairportguide.com

Cheapflights.co.uk

Cheap airline tickets to domestic and worldwide destinations www.cheapflights.co.uk

Subscribe

Weekly travel deal alerts!

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest travel deals as they happen.
TRUSTe Logo
(Enter ROI if you live in the Rep. Ireland)
We do not share your information with third parties and have a spam free policy. See our privacy policy

Follow us on

Up to the minute travel deals and discussions