Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Kuwait Expat Forum

Questions

New Topic Newest First
RTK123
  3/9/2014 10:26 EST

Hi,

I am travelling to Kuwait for final interview / negotiations on a position next week. Having never been to this part f the world was wondering if anyone could advise on the following points,

1. Any business customs I should be conscious of?

2. Areas for living - I have 3 kids and a wife and if successful will need to have a look at somewhere nice to live. Was hoping to have a look around while there - but not sure where to start?

3. Life style - have read lots of conflicting information and would welcome someone's real life experiences.

Thanks very much to anyone who has time to respond.

All the best,

Ryan

gmnq8
  3/11/2014 06:29 EST

First, congratulations on the potential new position. In response to your questions:

1. Most all business is conducted in English, and most businessmen in Kuwait are very Westernized. I wouldn't worry about any indigenous business customs. Just be polite and honest.

2. The important thing is to live somewhere close, or as close as practical, to where you will be working. If, for instance, you're working for the Oil Company, whose HQ is in Ahmadi, then you would want to live in or close to Ahmadi. If you're going to be working downtown, then I would suggest that you live as close to downtown as practical. Traffic can be a real problem, especially in the mornings and early evenings.

3. I'm American, and have lived here for 23 years now. The lifestyle is fine. It's safe here, very safe. And having had two children graduate from school here, I can tell you that they received a good education. Bear in mind that schools here are very expensive. Make sure those costs are part of your compensation package.

Allianz CareAllianz Care
Get Quote

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
Get Quote

amerki
  3/12/2014 05:28 EST

Hi!
1. In regards to business customs, I would just stick to your usual standard of professionalism with any job.
2. With 3 kids I would hope your prospective package will include school tuition and fees. My colleague (Kuwaiti National) sends her kids in grade school to the American School, and pays approx. USD$14K/year for each child. I would base the area where you decide to live, on the location of the schools. Once you locate the areas, just do a search online for apartments for rent in those areas. There are a number of realtor websites, with photos and descriptions. Just FYI: The cost of rent has gone up dramatically in Kuwait. Your employment package should include a housing allowance. 3. I'm an American national and I'm on my 10th year in Kuwait. It was indeed a culture shock the first year, but you get used it. I live very comfortably, and enjoy a lot of luxuries I do not find at home. Things like maid service, daily car washings, etc. and it costs me USD20 to fill up my tank! Good luck to you Ryan!

Allianz Care
Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Living in Kuwait GuideLiving in Kuwait Guide

Guide to Living in Kuwait covering expat life, local culture, finding a home, diversity and more.

Kuwait Forum Kuwait Forum
Join our Kuwait forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Kuwait.

Contribute to Kuwait Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Kuwait.

Best Places to Live in Kuwait Best Places to Live in Kuwait

Plan a day trip or weekend getaway to get some holiday cheer. This article highlights the best places to visit in Kuwait for Christmas cheer.

Expat Healthcare Advice in Kuwait61 Expats Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Kuwait

Expats living in Kuwait talk about their own experiences with healthcare, hospital visits, emergencies, finding a doctor, buying health insurance in Kuwait and more.

Cost of Living in KuwaitCost of Living in Kuwait

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Kuwait.

Moving to KuwaitMoving to Kuwait Guide

Our guide to moving to Kuwait with lots of advice from expats on the ground.

Guide to Real Estate in KuwaitGuide to Real Estate in Kuwait

Advice for people renting and buying real estate in Kuwait.

Pros Cons of Living in KuwaitPros & Cons of Living in Kuwait

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Kuwait.

Retiring in KuwaitRetiring in Kuwait

Advice for people retiring in Kuwait.

Allianz Care
Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute to Kuwait Network Contribute
Help others in Kuwait by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Kuwait.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal