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.
Time:
Electricity:
240 volts, 50Hz. Both the UK-style three-pin and
European-style two-pin plugs are in use.
Language:
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely
used and understood.
Health:
No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Kuwait,
but inoculation against typhoid is advisable for travellers eating
outside of major hotels and restaurants. 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. Avian influenza outbreaks have been
reported, but there have been no human infections; the risk of
travellers contracting the disease is slight, but contact with live
birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked
as a precaution. Medical fees are high and medical insurance is
recommended.
Tipping:
A service charge of 15% is usually added to bills in restaurants
and hotels; if not a tip of 10% is acceptable. Additional tipping
is only expected in more expensive hotels. Taxi drivers appreciate
a small tip for long journeys.
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 litters the
countryside. Driving in Kuwait is hazardous, local drivers being
negligent and reckless, so constant vigilance is essential.
Customs:
Being a strict Muslim society dress in public should be modest.
Homosexuality is illegal, as is any public display of affection
between men and women, and unmarried couples are not allowed to
stay together. Alcohol is not permitted in Kuwait, and the use of
this or the importation of obscene material can be punished with
imprisonment. Photography near industrial, military or government
buildings is illegal, including oil fields. Religious customs
should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when
eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be
discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. It is important
to carry identification at all times.
Business:
Most aspects of the business culture are conservative. Dress
should be formal and conservative (particularly for women) and
greetings should be between same sexes only. There is often
accompanying small talk when meeting someone for the first time. Be
sure to adhere to local customs. Affection between opposite sexes
is not shown in public and in general take the lead from a woman
when greeting her. Most business is conducted in English, although
using a few words of Arabic (particularly for titles) will be
appreciated. It can be difficult to conduct business in Kuwait as
the working week runs from Saturday to Wednesday, often with some
non-government businesses working from Sunday to Thursday. Business
hours vary, but are usually from 7am to 1pm and 4pm to 10pm.
Government offices and banks are usually open from 8am to 2pm.
Duty Free:
Travellers to Kuwait do not have to pay duty on 500 cigarettes,
or 1kg tobacco. It is prohibited to enter the country with alcohol
or narcotics; milk products and unsealed salty fish; mineral water,
unsealed olives and pickles; home-made foods; fresh vegetables;
shellfish and by-products; and fresh figs.
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 are
available throughout the country.