(Last updated: 4 Aug 2011)

Visas

The Interior Ministry has made the decision for 34 countries (which includes Australia) to obtain a visa at the airport on arrival.

If travelling to Kuwait it is advisable to check with your travel agent for nationalities included in this decision or contact Austrade Riyadh for further details at this stage. It is important to note that Eastern Europe and Arab countries and Southern Asian Nations are excluded from this decision.

Ground transport

Taxis and limousines are available in Kuwait for travel in the city, although most hotels arrange a 'meet and greet' service for their guests, which can be included in the hotel account. This costs about the same as hiring a limousine but is easier, especially for first-time visitors. Distance from airport to the city centre is around 16 kilometres and taxi fare is about KD25.

The Kuwaiti Transport Company has a monopoly on public bus services. It is a good service and covers a wide area and fares are extremely cheap.

Driving in Kuwait can be hazardous despite the well-lit roads. Foreigners on a visit visa need and an international licence. Visitors. If you are involved in an accident you must under Kuwait law remain with the car at the scene until police arrive.

Climate

October to November and April to May are pleasant months in Kuwait. Summer is June to September and is very hot and humid reaching 44°C with humidity over 85 per cent. Winter is from December to March and is significantly cooler. Rainfall can vary from 22 millimetres to over 350 millimetres. Kuwait’s dust storms occur mostly in spring and summer.

For weather details in Kuwait, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Kuwait. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Travellers should exercise caution at all times. It is hazardous to travel near to the Iraq border. Many unexploded bombs and sandmine booby traps remain in open areas and on the beaches.

Health

Emergency services in Kuwait can be contacted by dialling 777.

There are many government and private medical centres available in Kuwait. Staff and doctors usually speak good English. Foreign residents are entitled to treatment but must go to the area covered by the particular clinic and have a healthcare card. Private hospitals and physicians charge for services and may not take private health insurance.

Before travelling it would be advisable to discuss health insurance travel with your travel agent and/or medical insurance company. Medical insurance from some insurance companies abroad can be brought into Kuwait.

There are five main hospitals in Kuwait and a number of specialist centres and dental clinics.

Pharmacies are in all areas and at night operate a roster system. The local paper will show opening times and location of operating pharmacies.

The need for vaccinations should be checked with your doctor and Kuwaiti Consulates before travelling.

Time zones and time differences

Kuwait is seven hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). There is no daylight saving time during summer.

To find out the current time in Kuwait, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Kuwait's country code is 965.

For calls to Kuwait from Australia dial: 0011 + 965 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Kuwait to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

The working week in Kuwait is Saturday to Wednesday, with some offices also working on Thursday.

Bank offices are open between 7.30am to 2.30pm, Friday and Saturday.

Retail branches are open between 8.00am to 1.00pm, Friday to Saturday and 5.00pm to 7.00pm (excluding Thursday).

Public holidays

2011
November 28 – Eid al-Adha *

2012
January 1 – New Year’s Day
February 26 – Kuwait Liberation Day
June 28 – Prophet’s Ascension *
August 19 – Eid Al-Fitr *
August 20 – Eid Al-Fitr *
October 25 – Eid Al-Adha *
October 28 – Eid Al-Adha *

* Extra holidays are frequently taken especially by Government offices around the Eid holidays and clients should be aware that visits made during these periods may be problematical.

Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region. Generally, if a holiday falls on a Friday, a day is given in lieu.

Tipping

Tipping is expected in only the more upmarket restaurants. Any services charges go into the till and not to the wait staff.

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The Kuwaiti dinar (KD) is divided into 1000 fils. Notes are 20, 10, 5 and 1 KD, 500 and 250 fils. Coins include 100, 50, 20, 10, fils. The KD is a strong currency pegged to many currencies of which the US dollar has the most weight.

Major credit cards are widely accepted and ATM’s cash cards are widely used in Kuwait.

Electricity and water

Kuwait's power supply is 220-240 volts; 1,3, phases, 2,4 wires.