Relocating to a new country is a challenging yet thrilling task. Whether it is a move to Kuwait, famous for its cultural tradition, economic boom, and infrastructural advancements, there is much to be learned to ensure an easy transition. You could be relocating here for work, education, or simply for a new beginning. Here is the guide on basic information on how to live in Kuwait.
We will also highlight how working with international movers in Kuwait can make your relocation seamless.
Why Move to Kuwait?
Kuwait, in the Arabian Gulf, is the epitome of a thriving economy where it mainly relies on exporting oil. There are many comforts enjoyed by expatriates; tax-free salaries, good services and a high standard of living also make it desirable. The Kuwaiti job market has many different opportunities for engineers, construction, medical and many other fields and sectors. Along with this, it has quite a few attractive cultural activities. Also, there exists world-class shopping centers and beaches making it highly desirable place for families and individuals alike.
However, like any international move, relocating to Kuwait requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. From getting familiar with the local culture to finding the right accommodation, the following sections will guide you through the most critical aspects.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Although it is not too soon to begin packaging, it is always important to make sure you have the right visa. Depending on whether you will be travelling to Kuwait for a tourist visit, as a worker, or to make a family visit, there are various kinds of visas. When jobs have been arranged in Kuwait an employer-sponsored work visa usually ensues. You should make efforts to get your visa applications in several months prior, since the processing time varies.
Once you secure your visa, the next would be to coordinate everything; international movers in Kuwait are part of the process. Moving through reputable international moving companies makes it much less stressful for you as the transition is properly ensured and done safely and efficiently.
Finding Accommodation in Kuwait
The first thing an expat needs to do when he arrives in Kuwait is to find the right place to stay. Most expats in Kuwait, according to a budget and family size, occupy fully furnished apartments or villas. Many expatriates usually want to stay in places like Salmiya, Jabriya, or Mangaf, located not far from international schools, shopping malls and restaurants.
The rental market in Kuwait is quite competitive. Prices vary from one place to another and also from one type of accommodation to another. Generally, one can rent a decent apartment from KWD 250 to KWD 800 per month. Local real estate agents could be contacted if one is in search of the right place according to their price and preferences.
International movers in Kuwait can prove to be a very useful ally when you are shipping your furniture and personal effects to Kuwait. They will take care of packing, customs clearance, right up to the final door-to-door delivery so all your belongings arrive safely and intact in your new home.
Navigating Kuwait’s Culture
Probably the biggest challenge while shifting to Kuwait is getting used to the local culture. The primary reason is that Kuwait is a Muslim-majority country, and all customs and traditions are to be respected here. For example, one may have to dress modestly in public places, whereas there are some behaviours like holding hands or even kissing in public that are strictly disapproved of.
Here the working weeks starts from Sundays through Thursdays and rest day on Fridays. This means an essential change for expats who come from the Western world where usually weekends start on Saturdays until Sundays. The knowledge of local holidays, such as Ramadan and Eid, will also assist you in entering into the community.
Cost of Living in Kuwait
While the salary here in Kuwait is quite attractive, especially for professionals, it all depends much on your lifestyle. Major expenditures in this regard would be housing, followed by groceries, utilities, and schooling. Imported items are pretty costly, but local produce and products are relatively cheap. Outside eating is a usual practice in Kuwait, with various choices of high-end restaurants to street food stalls.
There aren’t many transport options. Many expats prefer to purchase or rent cars. Fuel is relatively cheap, but then there are costs like insurance, registration and maintenance that come along with having a car. Since the location varies, relocation companies in Kuwait are in place to deal with such logistics, including car relocation.
Health and Education in Kuwait
The healthcare system in Kuwait is rather robust, with public and private hospitals. This means that you, being an expat, will have to obtain health insurance since public health care is primarily given to citizens. Many expats prefer private care because of its fewer waiting hours and greater range of services.
When it comes to education, Kuwait has a variety of international schools offering British, American and other curricula. Tuition fees can be high, so it’s important to budget accordingly if you are moving with children.
Working in Kuwait
The business culture in Kuwait is formal, and good relationships with colleagues and clients are sought after. The working environment is professional, yet traditional for those who are relocating here for a job. More often, you will probably find English spoken in the workplace although learning some basic Arabic phrases will greatly help you to relate with locals here.
Moving for work means that coordinating the belongings and settling into a new house quickly becomes an issue. For this reason, finding trusted international movers in Kuwait who have experience with the specific logistics of expat relocations is very important.
Adjusting to the Weather
The arid type of climate characterizes Kuwait with long summers and short mild winters. Summer days could be as hot as 50 degrees Celsius, meaning that air conditioning is the only remedy for that unbearable heat. During the winter months, it gets a bit cold between 10 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius. Also, sandstorm weather can be sudden.
It is good when taking your goods to another location during the cool season so that they do not get delayed due to heat. Intrenational moving companies in Kuwait will better advise on the best season for your move and protect your items from extreme weather.
Exploring Kuwait’s Attractions
Despite its small size, Kuwait offers plenty of attractions for expats to enjoy. To name a few, there stand the famous Kuwait Towers and the Grand Mosque in Kuwait City, besides the busy Souq Al-Mubarakiya where you may shop for traditional goods. If historical stuff excites you, the Tareq Rajab Museum will be engrossing enough for you.
Kuwait beaches are ideal for water sports, picnics, and just hanging out for any outdoor enthusiast. Many family parks are also located where families can spend weekends together. With a cra, you will find getting around very easy. Several relocation companies in Kuwait offer extensive advice on setting up your new life, including leisure activities.
Staying Connected
Once you settle in, maintaining contact with your family and friends back home is a priority. Kuwait has an excellent telecommunication network, which is widely made available through the mobile phone and internet services. Most expats use the various mobile applications of WhatsApp, Skype, and Zoom to keep in touch.
While all that set-up with a phone and internet is happening, familiarize yourself with emergency numbers in the area and important services. Emergency services in Kuwait are good, and most expats feel safe in the country. But always be prepared for the worst.
Pets and Moving with Animals
The relocation with pets needs knowledge about the import regulations set for brining animals to Kuwait. Typically, the very first aspect of importation would demand an import permit, vaccines, microchip, and a health certificate.
Final Thoughts
Relocating to Kuwait will offer you a lot, but this will be overwhelming for you if you are not conversant with the traditions, culture, and logistics of that country. If you ever choose to relocate to that country, you will have nothing else to worry about by finding professional international movers in Kuwait. Among other things that they may assist you with include packaging and shipping, handling of custom regulations, and all the other things that may perplex you during that process.
Whether you move into this land of adventures for work or for a new experience, Kuwait has many more in store. When you push ahead with this guide, carefully plan for your move, and hire the expertise of moving companies in Kuwait who have experience with international moves, then you can look forwards to an exciting and fulfilling life in that dynamic Gulf country.
For those seeking a tailored and hassle-free experience, HelpXpat, one of the international moving companies in Kuwait is a name sought after in the relocation industry. Known to provide complete moving solutions, HelpXpat handles everything ranging from arranging visa formalities to finding accommodation to setting up personal shipment. So, they would really take good care with regard to local regulations and already have a highly developed network on ground, So, we will assist you seamlessly in transitioning your life from being an expat who is now coming to Kuwait, so you can focus more on settling down into your new life as efficiently as possible. Be it work or a new adventure in Kuwait, HelpXpat’s guidance would make all the difference between this relocation being easier and more successful without plenty of stress involved.