Moving to another country is a big deal in the life of any person. When that place is Kuwait, the oil rich, conservative, and expatriate swelling country, then that transition can be both exhilarating and strenuous. And whether this is your new job destination, family-related move, or just the desire to have a fresh start, it is important to know what life in Kuwait really implies in order to facilitate the process of adjustment.
In this blog, we explore what it means to live in Kuwait as an expatriate, from work life to social integration, and how international movers Kuwait can simplify your relocation.
The Allure of Kuwait
At the head of the Persian Gulf lies Kuwait, the wealthiest nations in the world per capita. It promises tax free income, advanced infrastructure and standard of living which is relatively high. Admittedly, it cannot compete with the glamor of Dubai or the multiculturalism of Qatar, but it offers a distinct combination of traditional Islamic beliefs and advanced comfort.
The financial benefit is one of the greatest lures to the expats. Wages are generally high and with no income tax you are able to save a good percentage of your salary. Most of the expats spend their time in Kuwait accumulating savings, clearing debts, or investing in properties in their home countries.
However, moving is not so easy as packing your bags. It would be a good idea to hire international movers Kuwait because they offer door-to-door services that comprise packing, shipping, customs clearance, and even settling-in services. They will also have local knowledge that will be very useful particularly in a region where bureaucracy and language barrier may be initial challenges.
Cultural Considerations and First Impressions
Kuwait is an Islamic state, with Islamic laws having a lot of impact on both the legal and social system of the country. The cultural shock may be very high in the case of many expats. The behavior in the streets is supposed to be conservative. It is normal to dress in a modest way particularly women. Affection in public is discouraged and in many places, it is even illegal.
The official language is Arabic although many people speak and use English particularly in the business world. Nevertheless, knowing simple Arabic phrases can improve your communication significantly and show your respect to the local culture. Work week is usually Sunday to Thursday as Fridays are a day of rest and prayer.
It may require some time to get used to this new lifestyle but within a few months most expats are already comfortably settled. The numerous relocation firms in Kuwait organize orientation programs, which acquaint the new arrivals with details of the local customs, laws, and expectations of the society.
Housing and Living Arrangements
One of the initial activities after moving is to find an appropriate place to reside. A majority of the expats would like to stay in Salmiya, Mahboula, Mangaf and Fintas.
These residential districts are very mature and home to numerous international schools, shopping centers, and leisure parks.
The accommodation ranges between high rise apartments and luxurious villas. They are available furnished, semi-furnished and unfurnished and rent is normally paid quarterly. It is necessary to mention that rent contracts can have some terms that relate to the local legislation, and it is better to have a local consultant or a reliable realtor.
Most international movers Kuwait collaborate with real estate agencies to help their customers locate appropriate houses. Others even have preview trips or virtual tours prior to your arrival which helps you get a head start in settling down.
Employment and Professional Life
The economy of Kuwait is dominated by the oil and gas sector although there are other sectors like education, healthcare, construction and finance that provide employment opportunities to skilled expats. Foreign labor highly depends on and constitutes majority of workers in the country.
The majority of the expats enter on a work visa sponsored by their employer. This visa is connected to residency permit, or iqama, that can be processed only when you are here in the country. Most of the paperwork is done by the employers, yet delays are possible, and regular following up is mandatory.
Kuwait work culture can be rather hierarchical and formal. Meetings can be late and decisions can be slow because of the bureaucracy. With that being said, connections and networking are very important in terms of career.
Trustful international movers Kuwait will also usually offer to help with visas and immigration, making sure that you have the necessary papers and explaining the local rules to you.
Education for Expats
Education is a priority to families relocating with children. Kuwait has diversity of international schools affiliated to British, American, Indian, French and other curricula. Such schools are mostly well equipped and have qualified teaching staff.
The admission processes may be competitive and might involve entrance examination or interviews. School fees differ greatly according to school and curriculum of the school. It is always good to apply early because places get occupied fast, especially in good schools.
Kuwait has numerous international moving companies that have tie-up with educational consultants; these consultants can guide parents through the application procedure, organize visits to schools, and get the required documentation ready.
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Kuwait has a strong health care sector. Government hospitals have subsidized rates, especially to the residents, however they may be busy and slow. A lot of expats choose to use the services of private hospitals and clinics, where they are served faster, by English-speaking personnel, and in modern conditions.
Health insurance is typically offered by employers, however, it is necessary to examine the coverage and supplement it with the separately purchased insurance in case of need. Long-term residents are required to have a Civil ID in order to receive public healthcare.
There are international movers Kuwait that will go out of their way to offer you services that will help you with medical appointments and health insurance registration so that your health is covered on the first day.
Social Life and Recreation
Unlike what some people assume, there is a vibrant expat social life in Kuwait. It has many clubs, societies and sports teams that are open to new members. Whether it is yoga classes, cricket clubs, photography society, book clubs or any other, the choices are many.
The focal point of the social life is shopping malls. They are not mere retail areas and usually comprise restaurants, cinemas, and indoor amusement parks. Recreation can be realised in the beaches and the desert, with picnics and dune bashing among others.
Kuwait is a strictly prohibited country where no licensed bars or pubs are available. Socialising also occurs in closed meetings or during meals at restaurants and cafes. Most of the expats get accustomed and discover other alternative sources of relaxation and leisure.
Transportation and Driving
Kuwait does not have an expansive public transport. The buses exist but are not very reliable as far as timetables and coverage are concerned among the expats. The majority of expats use personal cars.
Gasoline is very cheap and automobiles are cheap. They drive on the right-hand side and traffic may be hectic at times, particularly during the rush hours. The road network is in good condition mostly with aggressive drivers.
In order to drive in Kuwait, you will be required to have a local driving license. There are certain nationalities that are allowed to convert their license of the country of origin and there are those that might be required to pass a driving test. The car registration and insurance are also part of the processes that relocation companies in Kuwait tend to help with.
Climate and Weather
The climate of Kuwait is desert like and very hot in summer and mild in winters. Summer temperatures may exceed 50 o C (122 o F), and life outside is practically unimaginable during daytime. Sandstorms too are common.
Winters on the other hand are favourable with favourable outdoor activities. Central air conditioning that is found in most homes and workplaces is not a luxury but a necessity.
The essential strategies to dealing with the climate are staying hydrated and wearing proper clothes. Most of the expats utilize the winter season to travel around or tour the area.
Residency and Legal Requirements
The process of getting residency in Kuwait consists of several procedures, which entail medical tests, fingerprints, and document authentication. Your legal identification is the iqama or residency permit and you will need it to do practically everything in Kuwait, whether it is renting an apartment or opening a bank account.
It may be bureaucratic and lengthy. The procedures are usually tackled by the employers, although it is imperative to closely follow the timeframe and have a copy of all the papers.
Kuwait international movers may employ specific people to deal with legal requirements so you do not have to worry about it and would also get the assurance that it is all done in accordance to the law.
Financial Matters and Banking
The official currency in use in Kuwait is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) and it is among the strongest currencies globally. Electronic transactions are the norm with credit / debit cards being accepted in most places. To open a bank account, you will need your Civil ID and residency permit.
The selection of local and international banks is huge, with the majority of them providing services in English. Internet banking is widespread and safe. You should keep an account in your native country to receive international wire.
A lot of the expats also take the opportunity of being in Kuwait to save or invest heavily, due to the tax free earnings. But it is sometimes difficult to handle foreign finances and it is advisable to seek the advice of a financial consultant.
Family Life and Childcare
Kuwait is a family based society and this is evident in the facilities that are provided to children. Whether it is international schools and parks, play areas and childcare centers, families can fairly easily find a place to land.
It is normal and cheap to hire domestic help. Agencies provide live-in maids and nannies and lots of families cannot do without the additional help.
International movers Kuwait usually offers family relocation services which entails the provision of childcare support, playgroup suggestions, parenting support services.
Conclusion
Even with all their positives, living in Kuwait can be challenging! These challenges may include:
– adapting to the heat,
– understanding conservative laws,
– and adjusting to limited entertainment options,
to name a few.
However, the positives can usually outweigh the challenges on balance when you consider high salaries, safe living, affordable healthcare, and a good expat community as well.
When choosing international movers in Kuwait to assist you in your transition, you will want to ensure they know the area, have experience credible experience and knowledge, and are familiar with local customs and regulations so you don’t have to. By letting them handle the logistics that accompany moving., you can focus on making a life inhibiting your new country.
In conclusion, moving to Kuwait provides an opportunity for you to grow as a person and professional. With the right and dependable international moving companies in Kuwait on your side, you can have a successful and effortless transition. And who knows, maybe even have a little fun in the process. Happy travels!