Why no pre-school? This is the best way to meet other Mums? There are several good English pre-schools and Montessori. Otherwise there are several Mums and Tots groups. (British Ladies, The English School, and I imagine the American and Canadian Ladies groups also have)

Parks, beaches and Zoos? Not when it is 120 degrees outside. The Scientific Centre is your best bet. And play dates. Beach Clubs are good too.

Kuwait is very safe for kids, although, honsestly, many Americans struggle with the cultural differences. It is a good idea to orient yourself by visiting The Aware centre, and learning a bit about Kuwiat and the Muslim culture.

Taxi's are fine to get around. You can also hire a personal driver for
about 40KD a month. Buses? No. Not in the heat. It is best to drive, but it can be scary at first. They drive like madmen here, but you get used to it.

Most medicines, or their generics are available here. They seem to follow a similar system to the USA with regards to pharmeceutical regulations. Be very careful though. Many of the medicines are not in childproof bottles, and trust me, the top shelf is NOT safe.

Internet cards and calling cards are sold everywhere. You can subscribe to broadband for 12KD a month, or get internet with your Showtime Satellite TV for 10KD. Many coffeeshops have wireless internet access for PC's. There are also many internet cafes.

It is very easy to live here, especially with small kids, as long as you are prepared to embrace the culture, and are not a wimp. There are some great things to do in Kuwait if you are prepared to accept that it isn't like home, and try new things.

Good luck.

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Furniture is easy to pick up second hand, as there are many people coming and going. It is also cheap to buy if you avoid the Western shops. Best bet? Faraniya area has many many small shops. Well worth a little walk about. Get someone to come with you to translate, and negotiate hard, as they will sense "fresh meat" and charge you higher prices.

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It's official - hubby's accepted the offer! He's off to Maryland on Aug. 6th and then off to Kuwait. Thanks for all the insightful information. I looked up the AWARE Centre and it looks like a great resource with lots of programs.

My son will be 2 in mid October and we haven't even started potty training. Best to wait till we are situated in our new home. That's mostly why I said that preschool isn't realistic at this time. I definately will be joining mom/child playgroups. I'll check into the ones you suggested.

Off hand do you know what the customs limit is on perscription meds? Is it 3 months? Do I need a written letter from my DR. detailing what the meds are/use?

Any airline recommendations for getting over there? My son and I will be flying by ourselves and I can't seem to find anything from Chicago to Kuwait under $3600USD.

Silly quetions but will my DVDs work over there? Just asking cause of the region thing I've seen on some discs. Should I bring an outlet converter and my own DVD player?

You mentioned that calling cards are everywhere... how about cell phones and calls from Kuwait back to the US? Are the international costs high? How about local plans for use in and around Kuwait? Could we pick up a pair of cell phones for a reasonable monthly fee?

I've ordered 3 books.... 2 to help me learn a few phrases (bathroom, thank you, please, water etc.) and one to give me some insight into the culture and history of Kuwait. I'm really optimistic about being a part of a different culture and experiencing a different lifestyle.

Again, thanks for all the advise, insight and helpful hints. I'm looking forward to our move to Kuwait.
Melissa

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I don't really know about the medicines customs limit. Chances are, they won't hassle you about this, but bring a letter from your doctor.

DVD's? I wouldn't bring any. Piracy does not seem to be policed, and new movies are available dirt cheap. DVD players are also very cheap. Ask around when you get here. I am always trying to get rid of DVD's that I have watched. They are disposable here.

Cellphone cards, internet cards and international calling cards are all freely available. Rates are reasonable, but I can't compare to the USA as I don't know the rates there. Bring your mobile phones and just pick up SIM cards here. I use a pay card, or you can get a contract. Wataniya is reliable for both. This is the cellphone capital of the universe!

Once you have a home phone line, local calls are free, but a lot of people don't bother, they just use their mobiles for everything.

Most people speak English here, unless you are shopping off the beaten track. The most useful things to know in Arabic are "bargaining" words like, "expensive", and your numbers, for haggling over prices. Learn to read Arabic numbers too.

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Embrace the culture, is an excellent suggestion - get to know real Kuwaiti people too. I have enjoyed more than five years to date here. Before, during and after you have internet in your Kuwait apartment, surf the web free and do your emailing at a comfortable location near the Stock Exchange, central Kuwait.
Dynamic management ensures that hospitality abounds for Westerners at the Grand Mosque. Cool refreshments provided!

Activities that will be available at its Kuwait Cultural Complex include Arabic Calligraphy, Islamic Art, Arabic Cuisine and Islamic Architecture, as well as scheduled Grand Mosque Guided Tours.
The Complex, which will eventually establish five centres, opened its first, called the 'Westerners Perception of Islam Centre' (WPIC) in May 2006 at the Grand Mosque, on the panoramic Gulf Road near Seif Palace. In response to innumerous enquiries from non-Muslim Westerners speaking English, the Centre started to provide a separate confidential landline for them, from 1st August 2006, to call Kuwait 2417117 in confidence, and 'Ask the Grand Mosque'. Non-Muslim Westerners ask about a myriad of topics or matters of concern to them. For example, on how Islam relates
to their friends, family or career in the Gulf. Questions on local culture, customs, amenities, the rights of women, salaries, property, inheritance, marriage, divorce, child-rearing, praying or schooling. "Kuwait will become a shining example of moderation for the world." declared Abdullah Al-Maatouq, Minister of Awqaf & Islamic Affairs, optimistically when opening the first out of five facilities.

Westerners enjoy free internet access to check email during visits and obtain facts more quickly about the way of life or local customs, by speaking to its welcoming staff with a similar mind-set, in the Centre that is open to serve them. Visitors often marvel at the beautiful architecture and book ahead for Grand Mosque Guided Tours in English.

Kuwaiti, British, American, European and Arab staff are most pleased to welcome Westerners to use resources of the Library and a Diwanyia as an Adults' Tea Lounge. Free information is provided and friendly dialogue enjoyed at the WPIC, which encourages mutual understanding, respect and peaceful harmony between western visitors and Kuwaitis, as well as Muslim Arab citizens throughout the Arabian Gulf region and beyond. They would even introduce you to more stay-at-home Mums in Kuwait!

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Hello Stay at home mum and hello to BritainKuwait. BritainKuwait, do you ahve a contact email where I can get in touch with you. Have a few things I would like to ask? Also great posting. Nice and positive.

Stay at home mum (sorry I missed your name) there are so many wonderful things to do here with your family. Lots of things to do with your children and fun places to go. Times right now are hard as the weather is very hot but home visits and indoor recreation is a good idea (you dont experience hot till you get to Kuwait.. its 50c in the shade right now). Give me an email on skindraya2@hotmail.com I have a couple of websites you might find interesting. Also add me to your msn if you fancy a chat....

Thanks and speak soon... take care Lucy x

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Hi melissak,
I am from Chicago, and my husband just left yesterday for Kuwait to work for DynCorp. I would love to hear how it has been for your husband so far and hopefully when you and I FINALLY make it over there we can get together. Hey we are practically neighbors now! =)
If you would like please email me @ mhibberd@foxinvestments.com
I would love to chat.

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Hello,
My name is Alicia jones and I was conducting research online about Dyncorp International. My boyfriend is considering a position with Dyncorp stationed out in Kuwait.
Well I stumbled across your post on this website. I noticed that you posted a response about moving out there back in 2006. I was wondering if you had a moment to tell me a little bit about your experience living in Kuwait and how your husband's experience was working with Dyncorp.
My boyfriend and I have talked about getting married; if he were to except the position out there, do you know if we would need to be married in order for me to eventually get out there?
Thank you for your time, have a great day!

Alicia Eve Jones.

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This is my 3rd week in Kuwait. I spend day in condo. Need to find a trustworthy english speaking driver. Can u suggest any. Hubby works all day. I am going crazy in condo all day.
Also is their a social group of ladies that meet for coffee, shopping etc. Need to make friends.

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Hi
I am in the same position as you. If you are on facebook I have opened a group "Expat Mums/ladies living in kuwait". I really want to meet new people who are in my position!

Love Alaa

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What area are you at? Maybe I can suggest you places you can go walking (you wont be able to do it in summer!)

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Hi Melissa!

I'll be relocating to Kuwait in a few weeks. Since I live in Washington, DC, I plan to go to the Kuwaiti Embassy to do some research. Let me know if there are any specific questions you would like me to ask and I'll report back to you what I learn. Deal? Cheers, Yolanda ;-0)

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buses are air conditioned - women sit in the front and it's 250-500 fils
the routes are on line - google

also google 'what to do in kuwait' for a 36 page list of things to do

and pm me , too, i'm a mother of kids

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stop by Walmart or Radio shack and get a Magic Jack!!! $40 and include the $20 a year fee. For thatv $20 a year you will get a U.S number in the area code of your choice and you will be able to call (thru your internet) anyone at home. I havent tried International call.

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Hi everyone,

There is a new informative yahoo group opened called Expat mums f kuwait, only for mums. The aim is to provide eachother info about life in kuwait, to organise playdates/ meet ups and to sell things when you leave.

Http://groups.yahoo.com/group/expat_mums_of_kuwait/

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