The currency of Kuwait is the dinar (KWD). One dinar is equal to 1,000 fils. Notes can be found in denominations of KWD20, 10, 5 and 1, and 500 and 250 fils. Coins come in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 fils.
Money can be changed at banks and bureaux de change counters throughout the country. Major credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted nationwide and traveller's cheques are widely accepted, although it is advised that you bring all cheques in US dollars or pounds sterling. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and accept all major credit cards as well as Cirrus.
Banks are open from 08:00 to 12:30, Sunday to Thursday.
The import and export of local and foreign currency is unrestricted.
Visitors are able to import 500 cigarettes or 2lb of tobacco without incurring any duty. Visitors are not allowed to bring any alcohol, drugs, certain animal products (such as pork, bacon and pig skin), unsealed milk products, unsealed salty fish, unsealed olives and pickles, fresh vegetables, shellfish, fresh figs and mineral water into the country. Videos, DVDs and books are subject to censorship and the penalties for attempting to smuggle any restricted items are very severe.
240 volts AC, 50Hz. UK-type flat three-pin plugs are used.
Vaccination against typhoid is advised, as is vaccination against hepatitis A and B. Rabies is also present and you may want to consider a vaccination if you feel you will be at a high risk. All standard vaccinations such as tetanus should be up-to-date. Diarrhoeal diseases such as giardiasis, dysentery and typhoid are also present.
Mains water is normally chlorinated and, although it is regarded as being relatively safe to drink, it may cause stomach upsets. Bottled water is available and should be drunk instead. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe, but you should make sure that everything is thoroughly washed before you eat it.
Medical insurance is essential, as costs will be high if treatment is received. Both private and government health services are available, and while not all government hospitals fall in line with western standards, all private ones do.
Medical emergencies: 777
The official language in
Kuwait is currently on high alert for terrorist attacks. Al Qaeda continues to issue statements that they will be carrying out attacks in the Gulf region including references to attacks on Western interests such as residential compounds, military, oil and aviation companies. It is believed that many militants are at large in Kuwait and plan to make bombs and carry out further atrocities. While Kuwaiti security forces captured many militants in 2005, it is still vital to remain alert on a visit to the country.
If you are thinking of travelling to Kuwait, you should review your security arrangements carefully and exercise extreme caution in public places. Try to avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and be careful if you travel through Block 7 of Fahaheel and Jahra as there have been a considerable number of incidents here involving firearms.
Police: 777
Kuwait is a Muslim country and therefore religious beliefs and ideologies are very strict. It is imperative to respect all beliefs and to always act in a polite manner. You will notice that most Kuwaitis wear the national dress of long white dishdashes and white headcloths, and that many women wear yashmaks. It is important for both men and women to dress modestly. Homosexuality is illegal, as is any displays of public affection between men and women. Cohabitation of unmarried couples is also banned. All three can lead to imprisonment.
Handshaking is the customary form of greeting in the country regardless of how long you have known the other person. It is quite likely that you will be invited to a Kuwaiti’s home. A small gift as a token of thanks is always welcome.
During the lunar month of Ramadan, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night, and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day at this time and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Visitors are urged to respect this holiday and to refrain from smoking and eating in public for the duration of Ramadan.
A service charge of 15 per cent is added to most bills in hotels, restaurants and clubs. If nothing is added, 10 per cent is regarded as acceptable. The international airport is home to two duty-free shops, where tax-free shopping can be enjoyed before embarking on your journey home.
The country code for Kuwait is: +965. Internet cafés throughout the country offer e-mail and internet services. Many hotels have business centres with internet access.
GMT +3
All visitors to Kuwait must have a passport that is valid for at least six months. Visitors from the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and the EU can obtain a visa upon entering the country. Nationals of countries where this rule does not apply should contact their nearest Kuwaiti embassy before travelling. Visas are normally valid for three months from the date of issue.
have nice sleep over the night, just fit for a couple. room ok, just fit for a couple. room order food service come on time. foot was fairly taste and price. nearby hotel have taxi stop with cheap...
