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[moderated: off topic]

1. What exactly are the formalities that I will have to do once I get to Kuwait?
Your company will probably prepare everything for you, you'll find your entry VISA ready at the airport.


2. The university will be located in Al Egaila Block 6. I tried to find it on Google Earth but it did not show. Where is that location?

Al Egaila is a pretty new established area, it is about 20-30 minutes from Kuwait City by car.

3. Is there a nice residential area near the location of the university? If so, what would be the rent I am looking at? For now I will be by myself but I am planning to bring my family (fiance and a child) over there soon.

The best residential area for expats near Egaila is AL-Fintas, it is very close to the sea and the rental is kinda cheap.

4. In case that I initially will have to stay in a hotel until I find my own accommodation, are there decent hotels around that are not too pricy?

The best hotel close to your area is Safeer hotel in Al-fintas, it is a 5 star hotel so it is a little expensive.

5. I heard that expats have to live in compounds. Is that correct?

It is not.


6. What are the overall cost of living that I am likely to face? A breakdown of the components would be appreciated.
Rent - 250-400KD for a good place
Food - you can spend 50KD or you can spend 1000KD on food, your choice.
Taxi - approx. 1.5KD to 3KD



7. What is the country's policy (official and unofficial if it differs from the official position) concerning unmarried couples living together?

A "Friend" can be given only a 3month temporary visa, so you will not be able to live together unless ur married so you can get a long term visa, plus, it is illegal to live as an unmarried couple

8. How expensive is it to buy cars (am interested in a new or recent model SUV) and what are the approximate monthly cost for the car (gas, insurance, etc.)?
6000-8000KD
gas is 5KD for full tank


9. Are there good to excellent banks that are familiar with international transactions?
National Bank of Kuwait (#1 in middle east)

10. I understand that for professionals and doctors like me it is supposed to be easy to obtain a local drivers license. Is that true? What is the exact procedure to get one? Will my German drivers license be accepted, at least for some time?

go to traffic dept - ministry of interior, very easy for you to get one


11. What about (leisure) activities like movies, eating out, dancing, family activities, shopping (food, clothes, shoes, electronics, etc.) ...?

The Avenues Mall - #1 shopping mall in middle easy, cinemas, good restaurants, excellent shopping you can get anything u want there, food.. clothes.. shoes.. electronics...

there are a lot of shopping malls in Kuwait, there is a good shopping mall in your area (Al Egaila) it is called Al-Bairaq shopping mall.

good restaurants near ur area - Spoons, buffalo's cafe, Dawat, Fish Market.

Hi xcurse,

Thank your for your contribution

Maximilien
Expat-blog Team

Thank you, xcurse. This is very helpful.

hi
you welcome 
if u need any information in kuwait
just send me text message
ok i can answer you
i have 25 years here
take care you welcome

hi everyone,

I am looking forward to move in Al-salmiya Kuwait very soon.
I got offer of 460 KWD per month with food , accommodation and local transportation.
could you tell me , Is there possible to get indian vegeterian food in kuwait? If yes then how much it costs for dinner?
How much have to spend for loundry?

Hi Professor Indi,

I think your username came from Harrison Ford portrayal of Indiana Jones movies. It happens that I love Indiana Jones 1,2,3. For your questions.

1. Once you obtain a visa it wouldn't be hard for you to enter Kuwait. I'm pretty sure your sponsor will meet you in the airport upon your arrival and they guide on your initial stage in Kuwait.

2. Your place of work which is in Al Egaila Block 6 is a bit closer to my work which is in Block 3. I saw some new school being establish around Egaila like the AUM university which is a new building which has been been recently. Anyway, Egaila is under the governorship of Al Ahmadi, where the two major refineries (KOC & KNPC) are located. But this refineries are far from Egaila but they share the same district. Which is the Governorship of Al Ahmadi.
Al Egaila is located in the southern part of Kuwait City and aproximately 20 to 30 minutes drive from the airport.

3. Mainly Egaila is a residential area and we may say that it is a Class B residential place. Once you have decided to bring your family you can find a very nice apartment that will cost you around 250kd to 300kd for 2 bedroom apartment. A villa could be a  pricey choice but a very decent more private place that will pick up from 300 to 500KD.

4. Most of the hotel can be found in Kuwait City and Salmiya, Although I work in Egaila I did not notice any hotel in the area. But in a nearby area like fintas, Mahboula and Abu Halifa. Just check your web browser and I suggest that you look at this place because this place are 10 minutes away from your place of work. Well ofcourse this depend on the traffic condition.

5. Expats who are living in a compound are those company who provide accommodation for their staff. Living in a compound could be better for some because of security as one of the reason. But if you prefer a more privacy living apart from your group is a better choice. For Western people I think they have more preferential choice on their own.

6. Renting an accommodation is from 250 to 500 depending on the size and location of the place. Food are not that to costly for a single person can spend an average of 50kd a month. taxi may cost you 1kd to 3kd depend on the distance. You can rent or buy your own car once you have a driver license. renting a family sedan will just be around 150 per month. buying a brand new sedan car can be purchase from 2k KD. Used car are also a popular choice here in kuwait. this may cost you from 800KD to 1500KD it is up to your bargaining power and ofcourse the model of the car. Fuel cost is very cheap may be you know why.

7.Well, first of all this is a Islamic country that adhere Islamic Law. However, this is one of the state in the middle east that have a freedom of choice and they have place power to women
right. You may enjoy the accompany of the opposite sex and even end up leaving together. But, it is against Kuwait Law. But anyway, my advice is to observe and do some research once you are here in Kuwait and you may find out where to begin with.

8. my answer in no. 6 can be useful to this question.

9. There are plenty of banks in Kuwait that will answer your needs. Since most of them have affiliate banks in many countries. and they can provide you excellent service.

0.  It would be very easy for you since you are doctor. Your sponsor can provide you better assistance in obtaining drivers license. Your professional certification and your german drivers license is required for easy licensing. I'm not sure if the traffic authority will allow you to drive using your local drivers license just consult your sponsor.

11. Shopping is not a problem there big shopping mall you can enjoy. If you love food and to try different authentic taste this a place for you. If you are football fan well enjoy the fun here. Outdoor/Indoor activities there no shortage of it. But ofcourse there is no place like home.

Goodluck and welcome to Kuwait.

By the way I'm working as HR Administrator in an EPC foreign company for KOC & KNPC projects.

richard!

so does that mean we can send you our CVs for placement in KOC/KNPC projects?

Sure, if your qualification meet our requirement why not.

Hi Richardkuwait,

Thanks a bunch for your reply, which is very helpful indeed. And yes, my screen name does come from that Indiana Jones movie series. I just love Harrison Ford in that role. I will probably send you a personal message soon with a few more questions that do not need to be discussed in public.

Have a great day

Your most welcome Sir. have a great day too!

There is nothing to get frightened in this place The new generations are nice and they will direct the areas wherever you want to Kuwait from 1 border to another.

Take care Brother

What jobs are available? I'm looking for work for my husband coming to Kuwait.

Hello there cinavelv

Note that this topic didn't have answers for a long time, next time , you can create your own topic and start a fresh conversation with others

But if you're looking for a job, maybe you'll find what you are looking for in the Jobs in Kuwait section.

We really hope you'll find a job that will fit your needs.

Regards.

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