Digital Nomad Life in Kuwait
Summary: Kuwait is not a popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads are Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Digital nomads like living in Kuwait because of its low cost of living, modern infrastructure, and access to the Middle East. A digital nomad can live on a monthly budget of around $1,500 in Kuwait. This budget would cover basic living expenses such as rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. The culture of Kuwait is a mix of traditional and modern values. Kuwait is a conservative country, but it is also open to foreign cultures and ideas. Kuwaitis are friendly and welcoming to visitors, and the country is known for its hospitality.
How do I meet people in Kuwait?
When we asked people living in Kuwait about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"There are lot of clubs/meeting groups/associations by expats from different countries in Kuwait. You can search on net or ask in here and surely someone will guide you," said one person in Kuwait City.
"Gyms, clubs, native embassy activities, women club, private clubs depending on hobby or interest," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Kuwait City.
What is life like in Kuwait?
When we asked people living in Kuwait what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"family...family..family..then family and lots of socializing. Sports is also popular. Kuwaities also like to shop, dine out and hand out at cafes," explained one person living in Kuwait City, Kuwait.
"Life here is how you make it for yourself: try to get a job without split hrs: lot of businesses here work 9-1 and then 4-8, and on this schedule you may have little time for anything else. Next is to find suitable pace to live. Many ppl with kids prefer apartments, so their kids can have some playmates. Although there are no theaters, there are plenty of cinemas, sport clubs, beaches, lot of eateries (dining out is much cheaper then in UK or US)," said one expat in Kuwait City.
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Where should I live in Kuwait?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"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," explained one expat living in Kuwait City, Kuwait.
"Company provided it for awhile but I moved to my own place through the rental company we always use," said one person in Fintas.
"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Kuwait is to use online resources such as real estate websites. These websites typically list a variety of properties for rent or sale in Kuwait, including apartments, villas, and other types of housing. Additionally, you can search for properties on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as classifieds websites like Craigslist. You can also contact a real estate agent or broker in Kuwait to help you find a suitable place to live. Additionally, you can ask friends and family who live in Kuwait for advice and recommendations," said one expat who made the move to Kuwait.
What do I need to know before moving to Kuwait?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Kuwait, they said:
"It may be difficult in the beginning, but once you adapt you will not want to leave..," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Kuwait City.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Kuwait?
"I appreciate the people's sense of pride in their country, for they are very patriotic," said one expat who made the move to Kuwait City.
"Expatriates in Kuwait appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which is evident in its traditional architecture, art, music, and cuisine. They also appreciate the hospitality of the local people, who are known for their generosity and kindness. Additionally, expats enjoy the country's modern infrastructure, which makes it easy to get around and explore the many attractions Kuwait has to offer. Finally, expats appreciate the safety and security that Kuwait provides, making it a great place to live and work," explained one foreigner living in Kuwait.
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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Kuwait?
"I work in schools and come from being a mandated reporter of child abuse, it is more of the norm here, and there are no laws or much education about it. Another challenge for us is the way they drive in Kuwait. We'd heard about this when researching before coming here, but you actually have to live it to understand how terrible it is. That is very frustrating, and could be dangerous," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Hawally.
"Expats in Kuwait often find the local culture to be quite conservative, which can be challenging to adjust to. The dress code is strictly enforced, and public displays of affection are not allowed. Additionally, the local language, Arabic, is not widely spoken by expats, making it difficult to communicate with locals. Furthermore, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand, and expats may find it difficult to fit in," explained one person living in Kuwait.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Kuwait for a while?
"If you plan to stay in Kuwait for a while, you will need to obtain a residency visa. This visa is usually obtained through a sponsor, such as an employer or family member, and must be renewed every year. You will also need to provide proof of health insurance, a valid passport, and a valid visa. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of financial stability, such as a bank statement or proof of income," said one expat who made the move to Kuwait.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Kuwait?
We asked people in Kuwait if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"It is important to be respectful of Kuwaiti culture and customs when visiting Kuwait. It is important to dress modestly and to avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to be aware of the local laws and customs regarding alcohol consumption, as alcohol is not widely available in Kuwait. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of religious beliefs and practices, and to avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local etiquette when it comes to greeting people, as it is considered rude to shake hands with members of the opposite sex," said one expat in Kuwait.
"When I was interviewing for the position (school counselor), the Kuwaiti man on the interview team wouldn't give me eye contact when I was answering his questions. He'd look down at his papers, or over at my husband (it was a team interview, jobs for both of us). I thought he was being rude or that I was bombing out on the interview, like he wasn't interested. I found out later, that this was a form of respect for me. If he'd looked me in the eye it could be interpreted as a come on/flirtation. I am glad I kept my fuming to myself and didn't accuse him of being rude or uninterested in my responses during the interview," remarked one member in Hawally.
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What are healthcare services like in Kuwait?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Kuwait, they replied:
"Healthcare services in Kuwait are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, specialist care, and hospital services. Foreign residents have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Kuwait can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. In addition, many expats opt to use private healthcare services, which offer more comprehensive coverage and better quality of care," said one foreigner in Kuwait.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Kuwait?
"I dont like the weather, the fact there is no entertainment. I dont like the indecisive government. I dont like the racism kuwait has towards expats," wrote one digital nomad living in Kuwait City, Kuwait.
"Expats and digital nomads living in Kuwait appreciate the country's modern infrastructure, which makes it easy to get around and access amenities. They also enjoy the low cost of living, which allows them to save money and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Additionally, Kuwait is a safe and secure country, which is attractive to expats and digital nomads. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the conservative culture and strict laws to be restrictive. Additionally, the hot and humid climate can be difficult to adjust to," said one foreigner in Kuwait.
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About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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