Country Information Kuwait - Dream holiday in the Persian Gulf

When it gets cold in Central Europe, it is the right time to spend a vacation in Kuwait. While it is unusually hot there for Central Europeans in the summer months, the pleasant daytime temperatures of 18 °C to 25 °C from November to March speak for themselves. The nights are cool, sometimes even really cold. During the day, it is fun to lie on the beach with water temperatures averaging 24 °C. Now is the ideal time to take longer trips to the sights of the Gulf state.

The desert climate means that only a little fresh green thrives in the summer months. It is not until the winter half-year, when rain showers provide the necessary moisture, that new life awakens. This also applies to the desert. In early spring, a carpet of flowers grows there in full glory. Grasses thought to be dead come back to life. Plants with less water requirements such as palms and shrubs with hard leaves dominate the rest of the year. These include date palms and the camel thorn tree, which is used by the locals as a medicinal plant.

Animals have the best chance of survival if they can cope with heat and water scarcity. In addition to the pack animal camel, these are foxes and jackals, snakes, lizards, and geckos. Swallows winter at the Gulf, wagtails, chiffchaffs, skylarks, cormorants, and hoopoes as well as birds of prey thrive there. Desert mice and jerboas, known to us as terrarium animals, are numerous, as are the fennec fox, the small desert fox. Desert hares with their large ears have also adapted to the extreme living conditions. Divers enjoy colorful fish, some of which are coveted prey for photographers, as well as for anglers and fish eaters.

The current currency is the Dinar. It is worth about 3 euros. For those planning a stay in Kuwait, it is important to become familiar with a peculiarity of the currency: the Dinar is a so-called thousand currency. 1 Dinar equals 1000 Fils or 10 Dirhams. Banknotes are available as a quarter or half Dinar, 1, 5, 10 or 20 Dinar. If you want to exchange cash that you bring with you, you should note that on the one hand, the exchange fees at the bank are high and the exchange rates in hotels are usually poor. It is therefore worthwhile to make an exact current comparison between these two options.

Excluded from cash exchange are the Israeli and Iraqi currencies. Tourists visiting Kuwait as part of a larger trip should better use up the corresponding currencies beforehand or exchange them back in the country of origin. Carrying these currencies is also undesirable. Further currently in force or temporary restrictions on the import of foreign currencies can be obtained from the Embassy of Kuwait or from the Foreign Office.

In contrast, it is easy to pay with credit cards or the debit card or to withdraw money. Most common credit cards are readily accepted. To avoid financial difficulties, it is helpful to carry both a debit card and a credit card. Both types of cards are also suitable for cash withdrawals. Online, you can search for ATMs for the different credit cards, as well as for the possibility of withdrawing money with the debit card.

Choosing what clothes to pack for a trip requires careful consideration. Especially during the winter months, there can be significant differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures. The layering technique - wearing multiple pieces of clothing on top of each other - works best in these situations.

Another aspect to consider is the Islamic orientation of the country. While there are no official dress codes, especially for women, the Foreign Office advises to adapt to the customs of the country. Knees, stomach, and shoulders should be covered, and short pants are not well-received, especially when visiting religious sites.

Traveling by public transport in Kuwait requires time and patience. Timetables, if they exist at all, are not adhered to. Reliable means of transportation are rental cars and taxis. Those using the latter should negotiate the price before the journey and make comparisons. Tourists are often asked for too much money.

For driving cars, an international driver's license in conjunction with a German driver's license is required. Having a longer driving experience is advantageous, as the sometimes high speeds on the road, combined with undisciplined driving styles, often lead to accidents. If an accident becomes unavoidable despite all precautions, it is important to leave the accident site as it is. If the scene is cleared before the police arrive, there is a risk that it will be interpreted as an attempt to conceal or even as an admission of guilt.

Off the beaten path, landmines should be expected. Therefore, the relevant advice is to stay on paved main roads as much as possible, especially after dark.

Modern Standard Arabic is the official language of Kuwait, but is rarely used in the daily life of the population. Kuwaiti Arabic is more commonly heard. In cities, it is rarely a problem to communicate in English, thanks to the many immigrants, especially from Asia. Language apps help to learn and translate the most important Arabic words. Language guides are also valuable for the stay, containing key phrases needed in restaurants, hotels, markets, grocery shopping, or buying tickets for visits and trips.

In addition to Arabic and English, there are some other languages spoken or at least understood by larger population groups. Among European languages, this includes French. School-level French is sufficient for many matters. It is also part of the curriculum in Kuwait, so there is a significant group here that can help tourists. Those with a background in Hindi, Urdu, or Farsi can also communicate effectively in many cases.

Many places can operate the electrical devices brought along without any problems. Although the voltage is higher at 240 V and a frequency of 50 Hz than in Germany. Devices designed for the German market are intended for 230 V, but due to the included tolerance, 240 V are not a problem.

On the other hand, the choice of the right plug can often only be made with an adapter. The plugs and sockets commonly used in Germany of variant C are not entirely unfamiliar in Kuwait. However, hotel chains and similar establishments are more oriented towards the so-called Commonwealth plug, the model G with rectangular slots. A corresponding travel adapter should therefore be included in the luggage. Power strips that also have a USB connection have proven to be useful. This way, mobile phones, cameras, toothbrushes, and the like can be easily charged at the same time.

Calling and accessing the Internet without any difficulties while on the go is not only important for digital nomads. Those spending their holidays in Kuwait also want to stay in touch with family and friends. Using a prepaid SIM card is ideal for Kuwait, giving travelers full control over their expenses. It can also be advantageous to compare the rates of different providers at home before the trip. Questions such as the amount of data included in the package and what speed is appropriate should be clarified calmly before the start of the vacation.

The validity of SIM cards or rates can also vary. Sometimes the cards are valid until the selected volume is used up, while other times they expire automatically after a certain number of days. In that case, a new internet package must be purchased. Another important question is whether one's own phone number can be used or if a cost-effective option for call forwarding to the regular mobile number is possible. If the caller's number is displayed on the recipient's display, they immediately know who is calling. Those who travel frequently can choose an international, worldwide SIM card. These often have extension options over a long period of 18 months or more. Remaining credit can be easily used up, and topping up the credit is possible over many months.

It is also possible to purchase SIM cards directly at the airport in Kuwait or in one of the stores in the country. However, comparing prices is more difficult here, and checking the individual operator networks takes unnecessary time on-site. An app that shows free hotspots in major cities also helps to save on internet fees.

For entry into Kuwait, no mandatory vaccinations are currently required. However, the Foreign Office in cooperation with the Robert Koch Institute recommends getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A, Meningococcal ACWY, and Rabies well in advance of the trip. As a precaution against diarrheal diseases, it is advisable to follow the well-known rule "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it", which means that uncooked, unwashed, unpeeled food should not be consumed. It is better to buy drinking water in sealed bottles to be on the safe side. Essential medications should be brought in sufficient quantities to avoid running out.

Kuwait does not participate in the international health care agreement. Therefore, travel health insurance is recommended. English-speaking and sometimes German-speaking doctors are easy to find in hospitals and larger cities. If the destinations are mainly in rural areas, it may be useful to inquire in advance about the possibilities for medical care. In emergencies, the Foreign Office can provide assistance. It is also a contact point if medical expenses cannot be paid out of pocket locally.

Instead of just taking out health insurance for abroad, we recommend a comprehensive combination insurance. It not only covers the costs for doctors and hospitals, but also provides for a necessary repatriation in case of illness. Likewise, any necessary quarantine stay in a hotel should be covered by the insurance. The package also often includes baggage insurance including theft insurance.

It is also worthwhile to check in advance before going on vacation whether insurance for electronic devices, ranging from mobile phones to laptops to cameras, makes sense. If these items are damaged on the way or during the stay, the insurance can fully or at least partially cover the damage. There may already be a claim for this within the scope of the household insurance. A detailed review of the conditions and a comparison with other insurance providers pays off in case of need.

There are currently no official travel warnings. However, it is still critical to avoid crossing the Iraqi border or the border to Saudi Arabia from Kuwait. Only the official border crossings should be used for both countries. The border area to Iraq is also a military restricted area. Anyone who wants to stay there or travel to Iraq needs a special permit from the Kuwaiti authorities. However, vacationers are better off avoiding these sensitive areas.

It is also advisable, especially for women, not to move alone in rural areas or away from settlements after dark. In markets and highly frequented places, it is worth carrying documents and money securely close to the body.

The most important holidays in the country are of political and religious origin. The National Day and Liberation Day on February 25th and 26th are of particular importance. Major religious holidays include Eid al-Adha on July 10th, the Prophet's Birthday on October 8th, and the Eid al-Fitr. It marks the end of Ramadan. For the entire fasting month, it is also forbidden for tourists to eat, drink, and smoke in public.

Popular destination for vacation is the luxurious capital with its Kuwait Towers, upscale shopping centers and numerous mosques. Here one feels transported to a different world and reminded of the tales of 1001 Nights. Equally worth seeing is the zoo, which also houses native, some highly endangered species. A visit to the traditional Souq and its colorful variety is also part of it. The National Museum offers a journey through the history and culture of the Gulf state.

Even away from the capital, it is mainly the mosques that are worth more than just a fleeting glance. The country counts more than 800. Variety in the flat desert landscape is provided by the Zaur Mountains. Kuwait also includes nine islands. Bubiyan is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Failaka offers a fantastic beach holiday, it is considered the most beautiful island in Kuwait.

The most important tip: Alcohol is prohibited in the country. Instead, plenty of coffee, tea, and fresh juices are enjoyed. The country is a mix of various cuisines brought over the centuries by immigrants. However, the typical Arab cuisine is the basis in restaurants and with street vendors: falafel, tabbouleh, hummus, and eggplant dishes are very popular.

Also popular is a dish originating from India, called Marag. It is a stew that includes fish or meat. Meat skewers with lamb and chicken are part of the typical meal, at least for the wealthier.

Pork, on the other hand, is taboo as in all Muslim countries. The numerous spices are indispensable, with their variety to be admired in the local markets. Nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, and more are mixed together, giving the dishes a hearty to spicy touch.

You don't have to worry about big jet lag when you land in the Gulf state. During German winter time, there is only a two-hour difference, in summer three. Adjustment difficulties can be well managed with sufficient sleep and drinking. This is especially the case when adapting to the typical daily rhythm in the country - increasingly more rest hours during the day and activities in the late evening hours.