Summary: If you're moving to Kuwait, gain insight from expats living in Kuwait about making the move. Topics covered include what they wish they had brought (and left behind), visas, culture shock, cost of living and more. It's a must read for anyone thinking about moving to Kuwait.
If you're thinking about moving to Kuwait, read these tips from expats living Kuwait. From what to bring (and leave behind) to culture shock, visas and more, their insight is invaluable.
When we asked expats living in Kuwait what they wish they had brought when moving to Kuwait and what they wish they had left at home, they replied:
"I wish I had brought: Horseradish, Safeguard soap beige, Pictures of family I wish I had left behind: Some of my clothes, Some of my paperwork, An old friend (lol)," said one expat who moved to Fintas, Kuwait.
"Wish I'd brought: Luxury sheets My good cooking knives McCormick Mesquite seasoning Wish I'd left: Most of the shoes I brought Most of the clothes I brought Toiletries I didn't think I could buy here," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Kuwait.
"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)," commented one expat who made the move to Kuwait.
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When we asked expats living in Kuwait to offer newcomers advice about choosing a neighborhood and finding a home, they replied:
"Company provided it for awhile but I moved to my own place through the rental company we always use," said one expat who moved to Fintas, Kuwait.
"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," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Kuwait.
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When we asked expats in Kuwait about the type of home or apartment they life in and whether that is typical for expats, they replied:
"In apartment housing. Most of us live in high rise apts that have some amenities. Some have fitness rooms, some have pools. Few have both," said one expat who moved to Kuwait City, Kuwait.
"Apartments, mostly. From high rises to condo-like flats. Only Kuwaitis are allowed to own property, so we're all renters," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Kuwait.
"I do not know what the housing costs here. I DO know that the apartment I stay in would run about $1500 a month where I am from," said one expat who moved to Kuwait City, Kuwait.
"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," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Kuwait.
"Be brave. Get out there and see what's available in your neighborhood. Ask co-workers for help and advice. Oh, and pack light. There is almost nothing that you can't get here or have shipped here," said one expat who moved to Kuwait City, Kuwait.
"Find someone here with similar tastes. Available housing is pretty abundant, you won't have a problem finding something nice," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Kuwait.
If you're searching for a job in Kuwait, expats talk about popular industries and how expats find employment.
"Main industries are banking/investment, oil and gas, hotel, logistics/defense, shipping, aviation. Most people find jobs through recruiters, however, there are very few that are professional and that will even respond to you and/or meet with you," said one expat who moved to Kuwait City, Kuwait.
"It is adviseable to apply from your country. Main industry is oil industry, lot of financial/investment companies, good teaching jobs, hospitals..," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Kuwait.
"I obtained my work permit through the company I worked for. This is really the only legal way to do it. You can "buy" your visa on the black market, but there are risks involved. I wouldn't advise anyone to buy a visa. If you are working on a contract for the US military, you MUST have an Article 18 visa and the sponsors name on your visa must match the company you are employed by (that has a contract with the military) in order to obtain a base pass," said one expat who moved to Kuwait City, Kuwait.
Expats interested in expat health insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000. Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Some of Joshua's more popular articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and 5 Best Places to Live in Spain. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
First Published: May 23, 2019
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