Travel Essentials › Kuwait
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types C and G; 240 V, 50 Hz. Emergency: One number for everything 112. Tipping: About 10% in restaurants is common if service is not included; small tips for drivers and porters. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.
Types C and G; 240 V, 50 Hz
| One number for everything | 112 |
About 10% in restaurants is common if service is not included; small tips for drivers and porters.
Greetings. Men shake hands, and close male friends may kiss on the cheek or touch noses. Wait for a woman to offer her hand, or place your hand on your heart. "As-salamu alaykum" is the standard greeting and is answered with "wa alaykum as-salam".
Modest dress. Cover shoulders and knees; avoid shorts, tight clothing or low necklines, especially for women, though full covering/headscarf isn't legally required for visitors.
Unmarried couples and hotels. It is illegal for unmarried couples to share a hotel room; some hotels may ask for proof of marriage.
Public affection. Public displays of affection between any couple, including hand-holding, are frowned upon and can be illegal; keep interactions discreet in public.
Ramadan etiquette. Eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours in Ramadan is illegal for everyone, including non-Muslims.
Kuwait is generally safe for tourists with low violent crime, though petty theft (including car break-ins) and occasional harassment of women are reported; the strict legal system means even minor social infractions can carry real legal consequences for visitors.
Overcharging at malls/tourist spots. Prices at tourist-oriented shops or unlicensed taxis can be inflated; confirm prices upfront and prefer licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps.
Car break-ins. Don't leave valuables visible in parked cars, particularly in malls and public parking areas.
Women travelers. Solo women can travel and walk around areas like Kuwait City and the Souq, but some verbal harassment has been reported; dressing modestly and avoiding isolated areas or unfamiliar neighborhoods at night is advised.
Criminalized
Same-sex relations are illegal, with penalties for men including up to seven years in prison, and cross-dressing is also criminalized; LGBTQ+ travelers should be very discreet, avoid any public display of affection or disclosure of orientation, and understand real legal risk exists.
| Coffee (café) | 1.5 KWD | $4.90 |
| Local bus or metro ride | 0.3 KWD | $1.00 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | 6 KWD | $19.50 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | 12 KWD | $39 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | 35 KWD | $114 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | 45 KWD | $146 |
2026-09
November to March is by far the best time, with mild, pleasant temperatures for outdoor activity; summer (June to mid-September) is extremely hot, often exceeding 45°C, and best avoided for anything outdoors.