Money and payments
Cards and cash
ATMs are ubiquitous, work fine and do not charge withdrawal fees for foreign cards.
Tipping
Tipping is generally not necessary.
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Asia · Western AsiaOutline guideCountry in West Asia
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5
Kuwait (Arabic: الكويت) is a monarchy situated at the Persian Gulf, nestled between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Historically, Kuwait was a strategic trade port between Mesopotamia, India, and Persia. Like many of its neighbours, Kuwait is endowed with oil and gas wealth.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Kuwait.
Cards and cash
ATMs are ubiquitous, work fine and do not charge withdrawal fees for foreign cards.
Tipping
Tipping is generally not necessary.
Arabic
Arabic is the official language. Although in schools the classical version of Arabic is taught, just like everywhere in the Arab world, Kuwaitis use the Kuwaiti dialect in everyday conversation.
As roaming charges can be very steep, it makes sense to get a local SIM card. a new SIM can be obtained from any of the official branches.
Mobile networks
Tap water is drinkable, although most of it is desalinated and not particularly tasty, and in summertime, you may have a hard time telling apart the hot and cold taps.
Public health is entirely supported by the government at local clinics and hospitals, with a KD 5 fee paid by foreigners visiting Kuwait and KD 1 for expats with a resident visa, or a visitor's visa.
Much of what's considered good manners in the Arab world applies to Kuwait.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
Public transport and paid services in Kuwait.
By public transport
Kuwait's public transport is adequate with two companies (KPTC and City Bus) running dozens of routes in every major city.
By road
Kuwait has a good road system. All signs are in English and Arabic. The major north-south roads are effectively freeways numbered Expressway 30, 40, etc., making navigation fairly easy.
By taxi
These are recognisable by orange licence plates and may be hired by the day, in which case fares should be agreed beforehand.
By rental car
Self-drive is available.
By shared bike / e-scooter
Akin to what's offered in many large cities around the world, Kuwaiti start-up E-Fly provides electric kick scooters and e-bikes around Kuwait's urban area.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Kuwait.
Finding apps for Kuwait…
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Kuwait City · International · KWI
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Kuwait City
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 18° | 20° | 25° | 29° | 36° | 41° | 42° | 42° | 39° | 34° | 25° | 20° |
| Avg. low | 10° | 11° | 15° | 20° | 26° | 30° | 32° | 32° | 29° | 24° | 18° | 12° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 12 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 8 |
| Humidity | 63% | 59% | 51% | 47% | 37% | 29% | 30% | 32% | 34% | 45% | 54% | 61% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$65
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$165
Per person, per day
Luxury
$435
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $30 | $95 | $250 |
| Food and drink | $15 | $35 | $85 |
| Local transport | $10 | $15 | $40 |
| Activities | $10 | $20 | $60 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 3 of 4Reconsider travel
Reconsider travelto Kuwait due to the threat of armed conflict, landmines, and crime. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer services to U.S. citizens in Kuwait due to safety risks. U.S. government employee travel restrictions Due to safety risks, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Kuwait. Only family members 18 years of age or older may join U.S. government employees working in Kuwait. Armed conflict Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran. Commercial aviation has also been seriously disrupted. Aviation safety The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Kuwait. Consult the Federal Aviation Administration for the most up to date information on current FAA warnings. Crime Exercise increased caution in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area in Kuwait City because of crime. The Kuwaiti police report that the neighborhood of Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh near the Kuwait International Airport is a high-crime area. Landmines Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist in the desert area and some beaches north of the Mutla’a Ridge and near the border with Iraq. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are not marked, so it can be hard to know where they are. There may be unexploded bombs, shells, and landmines left over from the…
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Regional tensions The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region, including Kuwait, against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should: read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis” sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts follow advice from the local authorities monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice stay away from areas around security or military facilities keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date if advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Kuwait.
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