The golden expat rule is to stop converting currencies once u receive your first paycheck. Coiming into a higher exchange rate is always difficult as u're comparing the price of evereything to back home.

Basically:
There are reliable busses - very cheap - 200 Fills per leg - mostly non western expats - indian etc using them.
Taxis / Cabs are everywhere - 1.5 to 2 KWD per reasonable distance i.e. to the malls or market etc - most will try to hook up as your driver on call - good idea if needing them for work but i use the bus to work and enjoy chatting to different cab drivers from all over .. some are weird so i chose them by their looks as i've had some strange come ons from some .. Sri Lankans are the best!!
The food shops carry most wetern items - all imported - there are restaurants everywhere - and side street stalls so food prices can range from 400 Fills for some fallafels to KWD 1 for a whole roast chicken or KWD 3-5 for a sit down stylish meal.
Not sure about Salon prices - western books are available - not a great range but u will pat between KWD 3 to KWD 5 and up depending on the book.
We all buy the latest bootleg DVD's for KWD1 off the street - u can get these slightly cheaper if u know where.
Most ripped software is available at KWD3 per disc i.e. Windows 7 or Web Designer tools etc.

Flights to Dubai and Bahrain depend on how long in advance u book - for within the same month look at about KWD 30 including airport taxes - they are both an hour away.
Istanbul is aprox KWD 120 3 weeks in advance.
The ME is very sticky re visa's etc !!
Domestic? BWAHAHAHA - Kuwait is one city hemmed in by some unruly neighbours - nowhere to fly except OUT lol

Flea Market / Souk - my fav topic - in fact i'm on my way there now - the Friday market or Souk Djuma is the largest second clothes market i have ever seen - and there are also some trinket stalls and real garage sale type stuff to be had.
I've boot nearly everything I have here from there:
desert boots
Gym gear (nike / oakley)
Kickboxing pads
candle holders
bedspreads (cheap new furniture abounds there)
50 audio books - western - this type of stuff is from the US miltary camps - when the guys leave this give stuff to the locals who sell it ... so the odd bayonet and backpack is also available if u know who to speak to lol
I hit this place every friday morning for a few hours and see some other western lady regulars scratching around there every weekend as well - u just never know what you will fnd lol ..

Anyway - it's a small place - not much to do and the heat will run you down in mid summer but it's what u make of it ...

M

Post a Reply

00abuse

Choosing an expat health insurance provider is an important decision. Get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family.

Learn More Get a Quote

Thanks Mike D.!!

Your feedback is awesome!

Thanks for taking the time to share your insights and experience!

One of my biggest concerns is sustaining my quality-of-life while living in Kuwait. I'm not big on upscale shopping but I am big on fine-dining (YUM!). Considering there are NO "happy-hours" around town, what kind of dining costs are expected for upscale global cuisine (at least once in a while, haha!)...

I hear the Kuwaiti dollar is much stronger than the U.S. dollar so I'd better start getting my math skills up-to-par!

Cheers, Yolanda D. ;-)

Post a Reply

00abuse

Hey Mike
I saw your response posted and was keen to know where the Friday market is? I think it is near Avenues but not too sure. I have been here 7 months, from the UK, but only got my driving license two weeks ago, so still finding my way around Kuwait. I have seen some of your other postings - very useful - if you could help me out with directions, then I think I may go along tomorrow morning. Thanks very much. Mick

Post a Reply

00abuse

Hey Mick. Yes, the Friday market is near the Avenues. It is between 4th and 5th ring. 4th ring behind the garden shops. Coming from 5th ring, after passing 40, 45 etc. take Airport rd (it's 55 iirc), NOT to airport. Heading toward 4th ring. Just before 4th ring on the left you will see Lulu Hypermarket. Turn around at 4th ring and head back. Just past Lulu you can turn in and head past Lulu keeping Lulu on your right. You will see a walled area with green sunshades all over. Thats Friday market. I have been there only a couple times on Friday. More often I go on Saturday. Basically there are three approaches I've used to get there. Good luck and happy bargain hunting!

Post a Reply

00abuse

Mike
thanks a million
i will go along next week
mick

Post a Reply

00abuse