Kuwait

Travel tips for Kuwait: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards widely accepted. Cards and Apple Pay work at most hotels, restaurants, and malls. However, tourists must carry cash for small grocery stores (baqalas), parking lots, and gas stations, which often only accept local KNET debit cards rather than foreign cards.

Try the food

  • Machboos (مجبوس): A fragrant dish of basmati rice slow-cooked with spiced mutton, chicken, or fish, typically served with a garlic-tomato sauce called dakkus.
  • Mutabbaq Samak (مطبق سمك): Spiced, pan-fried fish, usually Zubaidi (silver pomfret), served over a bed of richly seasoned rice.
  • Harees (هريس): A savory, porridge-like dish made from slow-cooked mashed wheat and meat, often garnished with cinnamon and melted butter.

Say it in Arabic

  • Hello: مرحبا (Marhaba)
  • Thank you: شكرا (Shukran)
  • Please: من فضلك (Min fadlak)
  • Excuse me: لو سمحت (Law samaht)
  • How much is this?: بكم هذا؟ (Bikam hatha?)
  • The bill please: الفاتورة لو سمحت (Al-fatoorah law samaht)
  • Yes / No: نعم / لا (Na'am / La)
  • Goodbye: مع السلامة (Ma'a as-salamah)

Essentials

Voltage
240V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
SIM tip
Purchase a prepaid tourist SIM from Zain, Ooredoo, or stc at the kiosks in the airport arrivals hall, or install an eSIM prior to your flight.

Etiquette

Dress modestly in public by ensuring shoulders and knees are covered, and leave a 10% tip in restaurants if a service charge is not already included.

Airports in Kuwait