An Expat Talks about Moving to Kuwait City, Kuwait

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Kuwait City

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

Wish I'd brought: Towels; American music and dvds; more pics of family, friends.

Wish I'd left home: Clothes, cosmetics, medical supplies. (ALL are cheaper and better quality here)

What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

Find someone here with similar tastes. Available housing is pretty abundant, you won't have a problem finding something nice.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

Apartments, mostly. From high rises to condo-like flats. Only Kuwaitis are allowed to own property, so we're all renters.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

My company and most companies provide housing here. There are some bad places to live, as the locals, they LOVE Americans and are happy to help.

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

MUCH lower. About $500 or so a month for a good two bedroom apartment. Again, most companies provide housing as part of the contract. It's rare to find an American paying for their housing.