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THE BASICS
Kuwait is a civilized country and everything essential to modern
comfortable living is available. Healthy food in plenty of variety,
clothing of latest design and fashion, house hold items from furniture to
electric accessories, cars, motor boats, toys, sports goods, in short
practically anything and everything from all over the world is imported
into Kuwait. The prices are also reasonable because the import duties are
very low.
Setting up a home in Kuwait is quite easy. Practically everything that you
may need for the home is available and shopping is quite convenient.
English is spoken in all the larger shops and communicating is not a
problem.
Food & Water
Most food is imported and subject to stringent testing by the Ministry of
Public Health. Shops are inspected regularly by the Ministry and, provided
normal domestic precautions are taken, the food in Kuwait is quite safe to
eat.
Kuwait's water supply consists of distilled sea-water and is 'soft'. Water
filters, which require regular cleaning or changing, are standard fittings
in most homes because, though the water is clean when it leaves the
pumping stations, impurities are sometimes picked up in the distribution
pipes. Water filters are commonly used to remove these impurities, which
makes the water perfectly safe for drinking and does not need to be
boiled. For the overcautious, mineral drinking water is commonly available
in 1.5 litre plastic bottles at a cost of 150fils or so a bottle.
Furniture & Consumer Durables
The range of furniture available is vast and caters for all tastes and
price ambitions. New furniture, either fully-built or self-assembly, is
available in Shuwaikh and in the other main shopping areas. Credit terms
can be arranged. Furniture can also be rented.
With a constant turnover of expatriates there is plenty of second-hand
furniture around for sale. This is usually advertised by word-of-mouth or
in the daily newspapers. Used furniture can also be bought at the Friday
open air markets, and during the week at the second-hand market near the
nurseries at Al-Rai on the 4th Ring Road.
A wide range of TV's, videos, stereos, refrigerators, micro-waves and
other consumer durables are available from all the main Japanese, Korean,
American and European manufacturers at reasonable prices.
Kuwait's TV system is on the PAL standard but most of the TVs sold in the
country are 'multi system'.
Clothing & Decorum
There is a wide variety of cloth and dress material available. Readymade
clothing in Kuwait ranges form cheap quality items to very expensive
designer couture. Styles reflect the multinational nature of Kuwait's
population.
Tailors and dressmakers abound. Materials are plentiful and reasonably
priced.
Laundry and dry-cleaning services are fairly plentiful.
Though Kuwaitis are by and large liberal and broad-minded, Islamic
traditions dictate clothing decorum. Beachwear, worn by either sex, is
strictly for the beach or home and will cause offence in the suqs and on
the street. Even without the traditional black aba (cloak), the
fashionable clothes worn by Kuwaiti ladies will not reveal shoulders and
upper arms and usually stretch down to mid-calf at least. Formality of
dress at work varies among different companies and occupations in Kuwait,
but styles are always modest.
Religious Worship
There are over 800 mosques in Kuwait. Members of other faiths have freedom
of worship and there are quite a few Christian churches in the country.
Kuwait's Catholic cathedral is in Watya (near the Sheraton Hotel), and
next to it there is a Coptic church, and about a block away a Presbyterian
church. There is an Orthodox Church in Co-operative Street in Salwa
(opposite the Universal American School), and in Ahmadi, a Catholic church
and an Anglican church.
Marriage
Where a marriage involves a Muslim male, the couple are required to go to
the Marriage Section, in the Ministry of Justice (opposite the Municipal
Garden just off Fahd Al-Salem Street) to legalise their marriage contract.
Each of the couple must produce proof of their capacity to marry. Other
documents required are copy of passports and civil ID cards. Two male
witnesses are required. The marriage contract is signed and the exchange
professed in front of a qadi (judge). The Marriage Section (tel:882200) is
open 8:30am to 1:30pm Saturday to Wednesday. Stamp charges are KD1.
Christians must get married in church and then have their marriage
certificate attested at the Notary Public Department at the Ministry of
Justice in the Ministry Complex on Soor Street. A form of civil marriage
is also available in the Notary Public Department, on Sundays and
Wednesdays only. Expatriates need to bring along two witnesses plus a
certificate from their embassy showing their capacity to marry, or other
evidence such as validated divorce certificates, as well as their
passports and civil IDs. Stamp charges are KD2.
The attested marriage contract is in Arabic. Couples wishing to register
the marriage in their own country usually need to take the contract to a
government licensed office for translation and then to the Ministry of
Justice for authentication before taking it to their embassy for
registration. Couples married outside Kuwait must have their marriage
certificates attested by their embassy in order to use the certificate for
legal purposes.
SHOPPING
Kuwait's shopping malls range from the most exclusive (in price) to the
ordinary. The more exclusive contain many boutiques selling international
brand names. The choice is phenomenal.
Most areas in Kuwait have a large supermarket run by the Cooperative
Society. These jam'eeyahs (co-ops) usually open early until quite late at
night and stock a vast range of foods and other household items. The
prices of some food items are controlled. There are also many private
supermarkets. A few are open 24 hours a day. The larger ones also sell
non-food and household items, such as toys, furniture, car accessories and
perfumes.
In areas where expatriates from the third world live or work, there are
many small 'ethnic' supermarkets, such as Indian, Filipino, Thai, Sri
Lankan, etc, which sell all sorts of foods and personal items imported
from these countries.
Baqalas are the convenience stores found in every street. They sell
everything from cigarettes to biscuits and 'fresh' vegetables. Prices are
a bit higher than the supermarkets and coops.
Traditional Open Air & Friday Suqs
Traditional markets still flourish among the modern supermarkets and malls
of Kuwait.
The suq area in central Kuwait City is a labyrinth of covered streets and
passageways lined with stalls and shops. The stalls are often topped with
low fixed roofs even though some of the alleyways are roofed over higher
up. The City suq is in fact the remains of about twenty different
interconnecting suqs, some removed by development, others destroyed by the
invasion in 1990. Each suq was made up of shops that specialised in
particular items, such as clothing, hardware, spices, etc, and many of
these are still open for business. In the Suq Al-Hareem, for instance,
women selling everyday items sit with their wares on platforms running
down the centre of the street. Shopping in the City suq area is an
interesting and cheap alternative to the modern supermarkets and shopping
malls, though bargaining is essential to secure a good price.
Other traditional suqs still survive in Kuwait, notably in Fahaheel and
Jahra. There are also several suq al-jum'a, Friday markets, which take
place only on that day of the week, when they operate from early morning
until evening selling everything from second-hand furniture and clothing
to carpeting and 'antiques', as well as various species of livestock. The
major suq al-jum'a is at al-Rai just off the 4th Ring Road.
Fresh Foods
Most of the food shops sell a mixture of chilled or frozen produce, canned
and preserved foods. Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and meat
however is available.
The main suqs for fresh foods are in Shuwaikh (in Canada Dry Street, on
the right hand side when travelling westwards, a block before the flyover
is reached) and in Fahaheel (on the south side near the coast). These are
essentially wholesale markets for fruit, vegetables and meat, but the
vendors welcome all buyers and prices are cheaper than at the
supermarkets.
Most areas of Kuwait have a nearby suq selling fresh vegetables and fruit.
There are also several main vegetable suqs, such as the one near the
Hawalli Immigration roundabout in Salmiya, which sell fresh produce that
has either just been imported or harvested in local farms.
The main fish suqs are on Arabian Gulf Street, and in Fahaheel. A splendid
new Suq al-Samak (fish market) was opened on Arabian Gulf Street just east
of the Seif Palace in 1997.
The rubian or prawns for which Kuwait is famous are only sold during the
official fishing season which, in an effort to preserve stocks, is now
restricted to six months a year (September to February).
Some fresh beef is available in the main suqs in Shuwaikh and Fahaheel but
most beef is imported frozen or chilled. Australian sheep are the
cheapest, but the several types of Arabian stock on sale are by far the
tastiest.
Most neighbourhoods have fresh chicken shops where live chickens are kept
in wire cages, from which the buyer makes his choice. Approximate cost for
a whole chicken is 500 to 600 fils a kilogram.
Many areas have small makhbaz (bakeries). The bread, either kubous Arabi
(Arabic bread) or kubous tandoor (Iranian bread) is baked on the spot.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
The quality of food, medicines and household goods on sale in Kuwait is
usually very high, though problems do occur from time to time.
The Ministry of Public Health (MPH) is responsible for ensuring that food
is fit for human consumption. However the Food Control Department at the
Municipality (Baladeeyah) receives complaints concerning spoiled food or
food sold beyond its expiry date. The Food Control Department has centres
in each governorate and these are usually located near the 'coop'
supermarkets. The centres are open from 7:00am to 2:00pm and from 4:00pm
to 8:00pm. To lodge a complaint, a valid civil ID must be shown. When a
complaint is lodged, a representative from the centre will usually
investigate the matter on the spot by visiting the shop concerned. If the
complaint seems to be well founded, samples of the food item will be sent
to an MPH laboratory for testing and eventually, should tests prove
positive, the matter is referred to the Legal Affairs Department at the
MPH and the shopkeeper is prosecuted.
Pharmacies are supervised by the Drugs Registration and Inspection
Department of the MPH, to whom complaints about the quality of medicines
and medical apparatus should be addressed.
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MCI) is responsible for ensuring that
consumers get a fair shake. The main centre for the MCI's consumer
protection department is the Commercial Control Sector in the capital but
there are 14 offices throughout the country. These offices, which are
usually located near 'coop' supermarkets, are open to receive complaints
about fraud, substandard goods, financial cheating, etc, from 7:00am to
2pm and 3:00pm to 10:00pm. The complainant's civil ID must be shown, as
well as either the defective item or a receipt for it. The complaint is
usually investigated immediately and eventually, if it seems that the
shopkeeper has a case to answer, both parties are summoned for a hearing
at the commercial prosecution office in the Ministry of Justice.
CONSUMER COMPLAINTS
HOT LINE: 4820281
GOLD SUQS
There are several gold suqs in the country and most general shopping areas
also contain at least one gold shop. Following the depredations of the
Iraqi invasion, the old gold suq in Kuwait City centre was shifted to a
purpose-built building nearby called suq al-dahab al-markazi (the central
gold market). This building contains the government assay office where
gold can be checked for its purity and conformity with its hallmark.
All gold sold from a shop must be hallmarked and the gold shops are
closely monitored by government inspectors. By law the shopkeeper must
give a buyer an official receipt that shows clearly the purity and weight
of the gold. A buyer should always demand this receipt and then any doubts
later as to the gold content and weight can be resolved at the government
assay office.
Most gold is sold as 21 or 22 carat jewellery. Jewellery styles are mainly
Arabic, Indian and Italian. The price of the gold content of a piece of
jewellery fluctuates daily in line with the world market price for gold.
Twenty four carat gold (99.99% pure) can be bought in bar form, i.e., in
10 gram, tola (a traditional weight somewhat more than 10 gram), 100 gram
and in Kilogram bars, hallmarked accordingly. In some countries gold bars
are classified as bullion.
GOLD ASSAY OFFICE
2nd Floor, Suq al-Dahab al-Markazi
(Central Gold Market)
Mubarakeeyah Area
Kuwait City Centre
Tel: 243 6049
COMPLEXES
For a country with a population of only 2.3 million, many of whom are
indigent labourers, Kuwait has an extraordinary array of super-modern
shopping malls where most internationally known branded goods can be
bought at fairly reasonable prices.
Salmiya
Kuwait's prime shopping area is Salem Al Mubarak Street which runs
parallel to Arabian Gulf Street, just one block in from the sea. The area
includes the Sultan Centre (a large supermarket), several international
fast-food outlets, and Kuwait's biggest concentration of up-market
shopping malls. Most shops open from 10am to 1pm and 5pm to 9:30pm on
weekdays. A few are open on Fridays as well.
Zahra Complex has 54 shops on three floors of upscale shopping
environment, offering high-quality fashionwear, accessories, cosmetics,
perfumes, gifts, and antiques. The complex includes two cafes.
Al-Fanar Complex has 86 shops on three floors selling mainly international
designer clothing and personal items. Each floor has a cafe and there is a
bank with an ATM on the ground floor. A fourth floor contains an internet
cafe and a cinema.
Two other up-market shopping centres in this area are Al-Bustan and Laila
Galleria. The area also contains the somewhat more down-market Tala
Centre, and Wataniya and Thuraiya complexes.
City
In the City there are three shopping complexes worth a visit. Salhiya
Centre, behind JW Marriott Hotel, is a concentration of boutiques selling
branded goods such as Hermes, Bulgari, and Valentino. Salhiya also makes
for pleasant strolling and browsing. Al-Muthanna Complex, opposite JW
Marriott Hotel, is a favourite shopping centre for middle-class Kuwaitis
and expatriates. With underground parking, the complex's three shopping
floors contain almost everything: fashionwear, luggage, electronic
appliances, perfumes, silverware, materials, opticians, photography and
art supplies. Several shops specialise in toys for kids and teenagers, and
the basement contains what is probably the best bookshop in Kuwait.
Al-Watya Suq, at the back of the Sheraton Hotel, is a bit of a down-scale
place. But it does contain a large number of Kuwait's famous gold and
jewellery shops, as well some good sports shops.
Hawalli
Hawalli contains only one shopping centre of note, Al-Othman Complex,
recognisable by its red brick exterior. The complex has a range of
clothing shops. Regular special offers announced via FM radio ensure that
this complex is a good place for all sorts of designer stuff at reasonable
prices. Underground parking is available from behind the complex.
Sharq
In 1998 a new shopping area was opened on the waterfront in Sharq. Built
around a marina and recognisable by its unique square-pillar architectural
style, Sharq Market is the biggest shopping complex in Kuwait both in size
and the variety of shops, boutiques and supermarkets it contains and it
seems that every international brand name has an outlet there. The area
includes a fresh fish market, several cafes, restaurants and cinemas, as
well as a sea-promenade, a yacht club, and a health spa. Exploration
requires a full day out.
New Marina Project expected to be completed by mid-November 2002 will be
the Marina Mall Commercial Center, which is the Fifth Stage Waterfront
Project. This project is divided into two parts, a land project that
includes the the commercial center, and a water area that includes the
Marina, a hotel, restaurants and aquatic services. These are joined
together by a 100 meter long bridge over the Gulf road.
BANK ACCOUNTS & CONSUMER CREDIT
Kuwait has seven conventional banks, Alahli Bank, Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait
(BBK), Burgan Bank, Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK), Gulf Bank, Bank of
Kuwait & the Middle East (BKME), National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), and one
Islamic bank, Kuwait Finance House (KFH) as well as several specialist
banks. The banks offer the usual range of services expected in an advanced
country. There are no restrictions on the remittance of money overseas.
Bank Accounts
Generally speaking, all accounts with Kuwaiti banks include an ATM card
which allow on-line enquiries and cash withdrawals on a 24-hour basis. New
ATM cards cost KD3 to 5. A minimum monthly charge of KD2 is imposed on
current accounts where the balance falls below KD100 (KD50 with BKME),
except for KFH which has a KD1 limit without penalty.
Any expatriate, even a visitor, can open a current account but unless he
has residence he is unlikely to be given a cheque book. To open an
account, a visitor will have to show his passport and may be asked for an
overseas bank reference. A resident will be asked to show his civil ID
but, if this has not yet been processed, a copy of his passport may be
acceptable, on the understanding that a copy of his civil ID will be
provided later.
Current accounts do not earn interest but the conventional banks have a
wide range of savings accounts, in both KD and major foreign currencies,
most with ATM facilities. Interest earned varies from a low of 1.125%
(with instant withdrawals) to a high of 2.125% (for fixed time deposits).
Terms, such as minimum balance, frequency of withdrawal, and penalty
charges vary considerably from bank to bank, and finding the most suitable
account for a particular saving purpose takes considerable shopping
around.
Cheques & Credit Cards
Kuwait is still very much a cash society. Shops and government bodies
seldom accept payment by cheque and cheques are used mainly for business
transactions. Charges for cheque books range from KD1 to 4 depending on
the size of the book and the bank.
Credit Cards
International and local credit cards are accepted in the main hotels and
shops selling luxury items with international brand names, and at some of
the larger supermarkets and shops selling consumer durables. But buying by
telephone using a credit card is not possible.
International and local credit cards are issued by the banks. With local
credit cards the outstanding balance must usually be paid in full at the
end of the month, so extended credit is not available in this way. The
issuer usually requires the card-holder to sign a direct debit order,
allowing the balance outstanding to be drawn automatically from the
holder's bank account at the end of the month.
Terms vary from bank to bank. The minimum salary required to obtain a card
is at least KD450. Credit levels vary from 70% to 100% of monthly salary.
The banks usually require funds to be blocked as collateral, from 1.5 to 3
times monthly salary, though this may be waived if the cardholder's salary
is paid directly into his account at the bank. Charges for issuing new
cards vary from KD25 to 30.
Consumer Credit
The conventional banks may allow overdrafts, but not KFH as it cannot
charge interest which under Islamic rules is haram.
Consumer loans extended to individuals are limited, under Central Bank
rules, to the lower of (i) ten times the borrower's monthly income or (ii)
KD10,000 or (iii) his accrued termination-of-service indemnity, and to a
maximum repayment period of three years. Minimum salary requirements may
be as low as KD200 though some banks require the borrower to have been a
customer for several years. The banks do not usually charge processing
fees but some levy insurance fees, either 2% of the loan or a fixed annual
charge of KD35. All banks charge the whole of the interest, minimally
6.75% under Central Bank rules, upfront and will sometimes refund interest
for early repayment.
KFH and the Investment Dar, another Islamic financial institution, provide
consumer credit through the use of mutajara or murabaha, forms of
financing in which the bank buys the consumer-durable and resells it to
the consumer at a higher price (which includes the financier's profit) on
an instalment basis. Hire-purchase type arrangements on conventional terms
are available from companies such as the Commercial Facilities Company.
Household durables can be bought on credit from the larger shops. Usually
a deposit of 30% is required, the balance being payable in monthly
instalments over 6 months or more. A salary statement from the buyer's
employer plus a copy of the purchaser's civil ID or passport is required.
If a local guarantor is not available, the seller will require a series of
postdated cheques to cover the repayments.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
Currency exchange is available in most bank branches, hotels and suqs. The
hotels give very poor rates of exchange. But most business areas contain
several money exchanges (see Business Directory Section) that offer good
rates even outside banking hours and sell currencies not available in the
banks. In Suq Al-Sarrafeen, the money changer's suq, just off Fahd
Al-Salem Street near the Municipal Gardens close by Safat Square, the
exchange rates are posted in the windows of the little shops and can be
compared by strolling down the street.
When changing foreign currency into Kuwaiti Dinar a receipt is not
normally given. But the money-changer is obliged by law to give a receipt
when selling foreign currency.
Overseas Remittances
The cost of demand drafts varies from bank to bank, from as little as KD1
to as much as KD25 for large amounts. Where the draft is drawn in a
foreign currency an additional charge of anywhere from 0.2% to 1.4% of the
draft value may be made.
Local transfers of funds cost from 500fils to KD3, depending on the
sending bank. Overseas wire transfers cost KD7 or 8 plus the same foreign
currency percentage as for drafts, with some banks adding a KD3 handling
charge on top.
Many of the larger currency exchanges have arrangements with well known
banks in third world countries and their charges for remitting smaller
sums overseas are significantly cheaper than the banks, from KD1 to KD3
without any percentage charge.
Travellers Cheques
Travellers cheques can be purchased at all the banks. Some banks issue
their own cheques but cheques from internationally known issuers are also
available. Charges vary from 0.25% to 1% of value, depending on the amount
being purchased and the selling bank.
OBTAINING A DRIVING LICENCE
Some residents, such as Westerners, may obtain a Kuwaiti driving licence
on the strength of their national driving licence only. Other
nationalities, even if they have a driving licence from their home
country, are obliged to apply for a learner's licence and pass a driving
test.
To obtain a driving licence on the basis of a home-country licence, an
expatriate must present the following at the Traffic Department in the
governorate in which he or she lives:
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Passport and photocopy of pages showing personal details and residence
stamp,
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Letter from sponsor stating the applicant's position in the country
(employee or dependent), and showing the applicant's full residential
address,
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Proof of residential address, such as copy of tenancy agreement or
electricity bill,
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Original driving licence from home country,
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Photocopy of original driving licence certified by applicant's embassy
in Kuwait,
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Blood group certificate from a local clinic,
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Sight test certificate if the applicant wears glasses or is over 50
years of age,
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Four colour photos (2.0 x 3.0 cm), and
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Fee of KD15.
To get the eyesight certificate, a paper from the local traffic department
must be obtained and taken to the Ministry of Public Health (MPH) testing
clinic in Qortuba.
Persons who are not allowed to get a Kuwaiti driving licence on the
strength of their national licence must go to the Licence Section in the
main Traffic Department in Shuwaikh and obtain approval for a learner's
licence (istimara). To obtain approval, an expatriate must (a) be legally
resident in Kuwait, (b) have been resident for at least two years, and (c)
be earning a salary of not less than KD250 a month. However certain
persons (see Page-74 ) are exempt from conditions (b) and (c).
Once approval has been granted, the applicant must go to the Licence
Section in the Traffic Department in the governorate in which he or she
lives. Documents required include passport, original and copies of civil
ID, four passport-sized photographs, as well as (if relevant) company
employment letter and copy of work permit from Ministry of Social Affairs
& Labour or letter of employment from a ministry. A KD10 stamp must be
affixed to the application form. Then the learner must go to the Traffic
Department in Qurtoba for eye and blood tests. The results of the texts,
which can be picked up after two days, must be submitted to the Licence
Section for registration. Then the learner must go to the driving test
centre at the governorate's Traffic Department to fix a date for a driving
test, for which a KD10 booking fee is levied. KD10 must also be paid on
the day of the test. Learners are only allowed three shots at the driving
test, which includes a written examination.
Renewing a Driving Licence
Kuwaiti driving licences are issued for periods of up to ten years
depending on the driver's age. Once the licence runs out it can be renewed
in less than a day at the Traffic Department that originally issued it.
Documents required include original and copies of passport and civil ID,
old driving licence and three passport-sized photographs. An application
form must be typed and submitted.
Whether an eye test is required by a driver who does not wear glasses
depends on the driver's age. Drivers up to the age of 40 are exempt from
the test and are given a ten year renewal of their driving licences for
KD10. A driver between the ages of 40 and 50 is also exempt but his
licence is only renewed up to his 50th birthday. Drivers who are 50 years
or older must undergo an eye test at the MPH clinic in Qortuba. Provided
they pass the test, drivers aged 50 to 55 are given a 5-year renewal of
their licence, those aged 56 a 4-year renewal, those aged 57 a 3-year
renewal, those aged 58 a 2-year renewal and those aged 59, a one-year
renewal. Drivers who are 60 or older get a 3-year renewal (for KD3) after
passing the eye test and may renew their licences every three years
thereafter provided they pass the eye test each time.
Buying A Car
The range of vehicles available in Kuwait is impressive. Many (but not
all) are made to 'Gulf specifications', i.e. their radiators,
transmissions, and other hard-working parts have been strengthened to deal
with the rigours of the local climate. The most popular vehicles are those
best able to withstand the climate and which are easy to maintain with
spares readily available. Warranties on new cars are usually for one year.
New cars can be purchased on instalments. The dealer sells the car to a
finance company, such as Kuwait Finance House or The Financial Facilities
Company, and the buyer pays monthly instalments, over 24, 36, or 48
months, to the finance company. A deposit of 10-15% is usually required.
Comprehensive insurance for the first year and third party insurance for
the remaining years of the plan may be included in the total price.
Buyers on instalment will need a letter from their employer showing their
salary details, a copy of their civil ID, and proof of address (such as
tenancy agreement or recent electricity bill). Foreign residents may need
a Kuwaiti guarantor, who will be required to submit details of his
financial position and any other loans for which he is a guarantor.
Second-hand cars are widely available. Dealers and car hire companies may
sell these with a three-month warranty and credit arrangements are
possible. Indeed there are plenty of second-hand car dealers in most
areas. And in Ardiya industrial area (off the 5th ring road there is used
car auctions called Suq Al-Harraj. At the Suq Al-Harraj it is not possible
to test drive or otherwise adequately check the cars on offer.
Auctioneers, who get a fixed commission from the seller, set a base price
and invite bids. The contract, in Arabic, is signed on the spot and a
deposit put down, the balance being paid on transfer of ownership. As most
used cars are sold for cash, an element of risk is involved, and the best
advice is to buy a known car from a friend.
Caution: Avoid buying second-hand cars of 1985 and earlier models as they
may not be allowed on the road by the traffic department, if they are not
in good condition.
Importing cars
To bring a car into Kuwait permanently an import licence, which can only
be obtained by a member of the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce, is needed.
There is a ban on the import of second hand cars more than 5 years old.
However special permits for bringing in veteran and classic cars can
sometimes be obtained. Foreigners may bring a car into Kuwait on a
temporary basis for three months provided they have a triptyque.
Insurance & Registration
A new car is first registered for three years. Thereafter registration
must be renewed annually. Third party vehicle insurance is compulsory and
costs KD19 a year. Comprehensive insurance is also available.
To re-register a car after the third year, the insurance must first be
renewed and then the car taken for testing. The receipt issued by the
insurance company and 'log Book' (daftar) must be taken with the car to a
testing station at a Traffic Department (murour) in the governorate in
which the car owner lives. Murour are located in Shuwaikh, Jabriya,
Farwaniyah, Ahmadi and Jahra. The test is not onerous and, if the car is
deemed roadworthy, the insurance receipt is stamped. Then, inside the
murour, KD5 must be paid for a revenue stamp which the cashier sticks on
the insurance receipt. Then a check must be made to see whether there are
any outstanding fines on the car (such as for speeding and the like). If
no fines are due, the insurance receipt is stamped. If any fines are due,
a paper will be issued which must be used to pay the fines to the cashier.
The cashier will stamp the paper which is then taken back to have the
insurance receipt stamped. The stamped insurance receipt and old daftar
can then be exchanged for a new daftar.
Car Care
In Kuwait's harsh climate cars deteriorate much faster than they do in
more temperate climes. Dust gets in everywhere, rubber parts perish
quicker, and the heat thins down oil causing more rapid engine wear. So
routine maintenance tasks, such as oil and filter changes, need to be
carried out at shorter intervals.
Driving in Kuwait
Kuwait's roads are very good, and as sign posts are in both Arabic and
English getting from one area to another is easy.
Petrol & Parking
Kuwait has over 90 petrol stations, many of them self-service. All are
operated by Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC). Petrol stations are
easy enough to find in the Metropolitan Area and some are open 24-hours a
day. But they are few and far between in the more remote desert regions.
However, at only 60fils a litre for unleaded premium petrol and 65fils for
super premium and only 55 fils a litre for diesel, fuel is the cheapest in
the world. Leaded petrol (70fils a litre) is only available at certain
stations.
The Supreme Petroleum Council is planning to add about 100 new stations in
the near future. Privatisation of new Petrol Stations is also under
consideration.
Parking is free on the patches of desert found even in built-up areas.
Parking lots usually cost a modest 100 fils for the first two hours and 25
fils an hour thereafter.
Long term and short term parking facility is available at the Kuwait
International Airport. Short term parking costs 200 fils per for the first
hour and 400 fils per hour subsequently. Long term parking costs KD 2 per
day.
DRIVING LAWS
Driving is on the right. The overall speed limit is 120 kph, but on some
motorways the limit is 100kph. Some motorways have minimum speeds of 50 or
80kph. Speed limits are 45kph in urban areas and 60kph on urban dual
carriageways and all bridges, flyovers and loop roads. Speed signs are in
English as well as Arabic. There are radar cameras, which record vehicle
and speed, on motorways and some main roads and at traffic lights.
Wearing seat-belts is compulsory for all passengers and children under 10
years may not sit up front. Ladies drivers may not wear veils that cover
their faces. When entering a roundabout a car must stop fully, rather than
just giving way. Parking against black and yellow blocks painted on
kerbstones and on pavements is illegal. A driver must show his driving
licence and daftar when asked by the police. If he cannot do so, he is
taken to the police station, fined and held until someone brings them on
his behalf.
A driver who is jailed by the traffic court for a major offence may find
that he is barred from renewing his residence and is thus effectively
deported.
Driving Offences & Penalties
The new traffic law was passed by the National Assembly in June 2001
introducing stiffer penalties for major life-threatening offences such as
running a red light, speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol or
narcotics and repetitive offences.
Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is punishable
by up to a year in prison and/or a KD 500 fine. The court can also
confiscate the driving licence in case of repetitive offences.
Reckless driving, driving without a valid driving licence or driving a
vehicle not permitted to drive as per the driving licence, is punishable
by KD 100 fine and/or one month in jail. Out of court settlement is
possible after the payment of KD 30 fine.
Breaking a red light is punishable by up to three months in jail and/or KD
300 fine.
Speeding, unauthorised racking, wrong side driving are punishable by up to
KD 100 fine. For out of court settlement the violator will have to pay KD
50 fine.
Failure to fasten the seat belt, failure to produce a driver's licence or
the vehicle registration book upon request by traffic police or security
men is punishable by up to KD. 15 fine. An out-of-court settlement is
possible after payment of KD 10.
There are two types of monetary penalties, settlement and court fines.
Settlement refers to fines that may be paid without going to court.
However out-of-court settlements must be made within 30 days of committing
the offence or from the date of being informed. If this time limit is
exceeded then the offender must pay the minimum court fine in settlement,
unless he decides to go to court.
Out-of-court settlement is not acceptable in certain circumstances and the
matter must go to court where the penalties are more onerous. If jumping a
red light or exceeding the speed limit results in death or serious injury,
settlement is not allowed and the driver is liable to a court fine of at
least KD1,000 and a jail term of one to two years. If these offences are
carried out under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the jail-term is two
to three years.
The law also introduces the ?points system? which is a record of the
number and nature of traffic offences for drivers within a period of one
year. The points will determine the penalty of suspending the driving
licence for up to one year or revoke the driver's licence completely and
require drivers to pass driving test again.
The new points system for traffic offences effective from October 1, 2001
is as follows:
While still upholding the enforced penalties of the new traffic law, 4
points are recorded in the drivers record for breaking the red light,
exceeding the speed limit, driving the vehicle in the opposite direction
of the traffic flow or reckless driving.
Three points are recorded for driving a vehicle other than the type
allowed in the driver's license, driving a vehicle with expired or
suspended registration, using a vehicle for racing without a permit, using
a vehicle to commit immoral acts, driving a vehicle without or with
tempered licence plate, or using false information to obtain drivers
license or car registration documents.
Two points are recorded for using a private vehicle to ferry passengers
for money, deliberately obstructing traffic, driving a vehicle with
malfunctioning brakes or handing over the vehicle to someone without a
valid driving licence.
One point is recorded for driving a vehicle with unclear or unreadable
licence plates, driving a vehicle with a missing plate, or making any
changes to the shape and colour of the plates, driving with an expired car
registration, failure to produce the driving license or the registration ,
operating a vehicle producing excessive noise or smoke or with insecure
cargo, or faulty tyres.
A driver who accumulates 14 points faces having his license suspended for
three months for the first time. For the next 12 points, the driving
licence is suspended for six months and for nine months to a year for the
next 10 and 8 points respectively.
For the next six points, the fifth time, the driving license is revoked
and the driver must apply for a new driving license and take the driving
tests again.
The points are cancelled only after the execution of the stipulated
penalties or maintaining a clean driving record for a year after recording
of the most recent points.
A court conviction or an out-of-court settlement for traffic offences does
not cancel the recorded points.
New drivers who commit two serious offences such as breaking the lights,
exceeding the speed limit or driving against the traffic flow, during
their first year on the road have their licences withdrawn, and have to
wait four months and retake the driving test before applying for a new
licence.
The police have the power to detain drivers for the following reasons:
-
Driving without a valid driving licence
-
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
-
Causing an accident which may result in death or serious injury
-
Racing on the public roads.
-
Attempting to flee after being involved in an accident in which people
may have been injured or after being ordered to stop
-
Failing to stop at a red traffic light
-
Driving recklessly so as to endanger others
Driving Accidents
The emergency services and police usually respond quickly to traffic
accidents. In nearly all cases all the parties involved are required to go
with the police to the nearest station to sort matters out. If the police
decide to prosecute and the accident is not serious, those involved are
required to post a bond pending their appearance in court. If an accident
is serious, the parties may be held in custody until they appear in court.
In the traffic court the judge, will have a copy of the police report, the
drivers' and witnesses' statements, photographs and maps. Proceedings
consist mainly of the judge's questions. In minor cases involving only
expatriates, the questioning may be conducted in English. In serious
cases, proceedings are in Arabic and a non-Arabic speaker should ensure
that someone whose bilinguality he trusts is present to interpret. After
statements have been heard, the matter, if the case is minor, may be
decided there and then. In more serious cases, the court will adjourn to
consider the facts and there will be a further hearing later.
DRIVING OUT OF KUWAIT
To drive a car from Kuwait through other countries the following are
required:
-
International Driving Licence
-
Orange Card Insurance (for Arab countries)
-
Triptyque
-
Green Card Insurance (for Europe)
To enter European countries, a vehicle ownership international book is
also needed.
International driving licences are issued by the KT club for KD8/-, on
presentation of a valid Kuwaiti driving licence, civil ID, car
registration (daftar) and one passport-sized photograph. The club also
issues the vehicle ownership international book. Orange and green card
insurance may be obtained from car insurance companies or the KT Club.
The triptyque (international car certificate or 'carnet de passage') is a
25-page booklet containing tear-off transit coupons, with one entry and
one exit coupon plus counterfoil per page. The booklet shows the details
of the vehicle, and guarantees that if it is left in the foreign country
through which it is passing then any customs duties will be paid by the
automobile club which issued it. A triptyque is valid for one year, during
which 25 entries into and exits from other countries can be made without
paying import duties. When entering a country the entry coupon is removed
by customs, and the entry stamped on the counterfoil. When leaving the
exit coupon is removed and the exit will be stamped on the counterfoil.
Triptyques can be obtained from the KT Club, other driving clubs and from
some travel agents. A Kuwaiti guarantor plus a fee of KD30 is required.
Exporting a Vehicle
There are two ways to export a vehicle from Kuwait. The first is the
easiest for those who are driving back to their home country. The second
way is for those who are sending their car home by sea-freight.
In the first way the expatriate obtains a triptyque and orange and green
cards, and drives home on Kuwaiti number plates. Once the car has been
registered in his home country he returns the number plates to the traffic
department in Kuwait, and the triptyque to the issuer in Kuwait to have
his deposit refunded or his Kuwaiti guarantor released.
In the second, more official way, the number plates are taken to the
traffic department and exchanged for an export number and various
documents. These are then taken to the customs department in Shuwaikh in
order to obtain an export permit which allows the vehicle to be shipped
out of Kuwait.
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
School attendance in Kuwait is compulsory for all children between the
ages of six and fourteen, but public education is provided free to Kuwaiti
children only.
All Schools, whether public or private, are regulated by the Ministry of
Education (ME). The Kuwaiti educational system, after kindergarten,
consists of elementary, intermediate and secondary levels, each of four
years duration.
Nursery & Kindergarten
The ME provides free kindergartens for Kuwaiti children between the ages
of four and six.
For expatriate children between two and four years there are a large
number of private nursery schools. The better (and more expensive) ones
are registered with the Private Education Department of the ME (see KPG
Business Directory under Playgroups). Fees for those with a good size and
range of facilities are about KD85 a month per child.
Expatriates often organize their own informal playgroups. These are
publicised mainly by word-of-mouth and tend to be transitory. Many schools
for foreign children have kindergartens for children aged four to six.
Elementary, Intermediate & Secondary
Attendance at state schools is restricted to Kuwaiti children, the
children of teachers working for the ME and the children of expatriates
who obtained residence prior to 1960. All other expatriate children must
be educated privately.
Before the war there were only 15 non-Arabic foreign schools in the
country. Demand for a Western education has increased more than threefold
since liberation.
All foreign schools in Kuwait must be accredited to the Private Education
Department (PED) of the ME. The PED supervises the schools by overseeing
staff qualifications and school facilities, and ensures compliance by
regular inspections. The ME also regulates school fees.
Private schools for non-Arabic children follow their home country
curricula, such as American, British, French, German, Indian, Pakistani,
etc, though all schools are also obliged to incorporate local cultural and
language studies into their curricula. Standards achieved compare
favourably with those in the pupils' home countries.
Costs and the Academic Year
Private Arabic schools receive some government support, such as land to
build schools and free text books but very little assistance is provided
for non-Arabic schools.
Fees for non-Arabic private schools vary widely (see box ). Transport by
bus to and from school is extra. Normally the costs of text books and
writing materials are not included in the fees, and additional fees are
charged for sports and other extracurricular activities.
The academic year runs from late August or early September to mid-June.
Expatriate schools usually have three days off in October, breaks twice a
year of a fortnight each, and official holidays. The school week is
Saturday through Wednesday. The school day usually begins at 7:45am and
finishes at 2pm, though these timings vary a bit between schools.
Higher Education
Education beyond school level is regulated by the Ministry of Higher
Education (MHE). The country has one university and several technical
schools.
As regards degree courses, Kuwait University (KU - tel: 481 1188)
practises a restricted entry policy for expatriates. Twenty places are
reserved for students whose parents teach at KU. A further 50 places are
available to students who obtain scholarships through the MHE. The
government has announced plans to allow the private sector to establish
new universities which would be open to all. By September 2000 the
Ministry has received three applications from investors to establish
private universities in Kuwait. The applications will be reviewed after
completing the charter that would regulate the operations of private
universities.
Adult & Vocational Schooling
KU's Centre for Community Service and Continuing Education (CCSCE) offers
non-degree courses for students over 16 years in various subjects such as
languages (including Arabic as a foreign language), arts, administration,
education, engineering, computers, law, secretarial studies, etc, which
are open to expatriates. These courses are administered from building 3KH
(tel: 483 0804, fax: 483 6323), Khaldiyah campus. Fees are fairly nominal.
State-funded adult education and vocational training is provided by the
Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), which is also
the central authority charged with carrying out the government's
vocational education policies. PAAET has several full-time colleges as
well as field and industrial training centres, where students may learn
technical and professional subjects including teaching, commercial
studies, nursing, and mechanical and electrical trades. Some courses are
open to expatriates.
There are several private institutions in the country offering a variety
of full and part-time courses in business studies, secretarial skills,
computing and languages. See KPG Business Directory, under Educational
Services, Schools - Specialist Training, and Training Institutes.
HEALTH SERVICES
Comprehensive health services are available in Kuwait from both public and
private health care providers. These services are regulated by the
Ministry of Public Health (MPH).
Public Clinics
Primary health care is provided by a network of clinics and polyclinics,
which are usually found in community centres, often near the local co-op
supermarket. These clinics deal with preliminary examinations and routine
matters and, where necessary, patients are referred to hospital
specialists. Clinics Timing & Charges
As From July 2001 the Ministry clinics will be open from 7:00 am to2:00 pm
and from 4:00 pm to 11 pm and will be closed in the afternoons between
2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
Expatriates, bedouns (stateless persons), and children of Kuwaiti women
married to non-Kuwaitis have to pay KD 1 and KD 2 for clinics and
hospitals if they have the health insurance. Without health insurance they
will have to pay KD 5 and KD 10.
Insurance coverage exempts expatriates from paying daily inpatient charges
when they receive medical treatment in hospitals, in addition to exemption
from charges of medical operations, pharmaceuticals, and laboratory
analysis and X-ray. They also receive 50% subsidy on specialised tests and
analysis such as CT-Scan, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Sonar and hormonal
analysis.
Surgeries are held in the mornings (8am to 1pm) and evenings (4pm to 7pm).
Home visits are not available under the public health system.
Public Hospitals
Kuwait is divided into five Health Regions. Each region has a general
hospital, the Amiri Hospital in Kuwait City, Jahra Hospital in Jahra,
Farwaniyah Hospital in Farwaniyah, Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital in Jabriya,
and Adan Hospital in Reqqa (about 5km from Fahaheel). Each general
hospital provides a full outpatients service and 24-hour emergency
service.
The country also has a comprehensive range of specialist hospitals,
covering chest and heart diseases, neurosurgery, paediatrics, obstetrics
and gynaecology, burns, cancers, radiology, nephrology, infectious
diseases, ophthalmology, physiotherapy, and psychiatry. Most of these are
concentrated in an area stretching along or near to Gamal Abdul Nasser
Street in west Shuwaikh (going towards Sulaibikhat).
Under its 4-year plan to 2003, the MPH will be establishing new health
centres in Qurain and Sabahiya, and expanding the psychiatric hospital.
New specialist centres will be set up with funds donated by the private
sector, including the Khaled Al-Nafisi Renal Dialysis Centre and a
Paediatric Centre (sponsored by NBK), both in Sabah Hospital, as well as
new Ear, Nose and Throat Centre (sponsored by MTC).
Hospital Visiting Hours
Hospital visiting hours vary and are normally restricted to the afternoon.
The number of visitors to a patient allowed during visiting hours is not
usually limited, though sometimes when things get extremely crowded only
two visitors at a time are allowed in together.
Health Care Charges
Kuwaitis receive medical services at government clinics and hospitals free
of charge. Before 1994 expatriates were entitled to free medical services
but now they must pay for certain procedures as well as prosthetic items.
Neither Kuwaitis nor expatriates are charged for medications obtained from
pharmacies in public hospitals and clinics on prescription from a hospital
doctor, provided the patient's civil ID card number is shown on the
prescription. However a doctor may no longer provide about 80 expensive
drugs for expatriates, though an expatriate patient can always ask the
doctor for a prescription and then buy the medicine himself.
HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME
From 10th April, 2000 health insurance was made mandatory for expatriates.
No residence is renewed unless the premium for health insurance is paid
and the renewal period is also linked to the period of health insurance
coverage (details covered in Chapter - 3). Expatriates holding health
insurance from local private insurance companies will be allowed to renew
their residence for the period of validity of the insurance. However, for
holders of private insurance, the Ministry will charge KD 4 for each visit
to health clinic besides the one dinar charge. They will also have to pay
for medicine, laboratory tests and radiology scans. Visit to the
outpatient clinic will cost KD 6, stay at public hospital KD 10 per day,
KD 80 per day at an intensive care unit and KD 5 per day for stay at a
psychiatric hospital. Expatriates covered by private insurance companies
will also have to pay KD 10 per visit to a birth registration clinic. The
charge for normal delivery is KD 200 inclusive of a three day stay at a
hospital. Any overstay will cost KD.10 per day.
DENTAL CLINICS
Some of the primary care polyclinics include dental units. There are also
six public dental clinics in the country. The main one is behind the Amiri
Hospital in Sharq. Under the MPH's 4-year plan to 2003, new dental clinics
are to be established at Jahra and Farwaniya.
Though Kuwaitis are entitled to a full range of services, the range of
dental procedures available to expatriates is restricted to cleaning,
scaling, and root canal and tooth extraction. To avail of special dental
services, such as having a permanent bridge or crown installed,
expatriates must attend a private dental clinic at their own expense.
PRIVATE MEDICAL CARE
Despite the excellent comprehensive services provided by the public health
service, private hospitals and clinics thrive in Kuwait. The MPH regulates
standards and the fees they may charge. The private hospitals and clinics
have their own pharmacies. Most of them are general hospitals with some
specialist departments. Some have limited equipment, such as ICUs, or
specialists and refer patients to government hospitals for special
procedures.
Private clinics are usually staffed by doctors of a particular speciality.
There are several private dentists and dental clinics providing services
to international standards. Orthodontics are only available to expatriates
through these dentists and clinics.
The Ministry of Health has approved the applications of 35 private
companies to set up private hospitals in Kuwait. A decision is also issued
allowing cooperative societies, private hospitals and Kuwaiti doctors to
open private clinics for general practice in residential areas.
Private Medical Insurance
Medical insurance, from companies such as Expacare, BUPA and ARIG, can be
bought in Kuwait. Local group insurance often requires a minimum of 15
persons, with an annual premium of about KD75 per person for a cover of
KD5,000 for both inpatient and outpatient treatment with an excess of 20%.
For individuals there are some local medical insurance schemes (about
KD125 per year) but the cover provided, the exclusions and age limits
sometimes leave a lot to be desired.
PHARMACIES
All areas have pharmacies. Some of the smaller pharmacies do not stock a
full range of medicines. But in each major area --- Kuwait City, Hawalli &
Nugra, Salmiya & Rumaithiya, Fahaheel & Ahmadi, Kheitan & Farwaniyah ---
at least one major pharmacy stays open all night. These late night
openings are rotated, and the particular pharmacy, its opening night and
telephone number are shown daily in the newspapers.
Requirements for prescriptions are no less stringent than in Europe and
North America. Though the contraceptive pill is available
over-the-counter, many items freely available in Europe and the USA
require a prescription in Kuwait, and indeed tranquillisers may only be
prescribed by consultants with a special prescription. The prices of all
medicines are fixed by the MPH and all pharmacies must, by law, charge the
same prices.
MATERNITY CARE
All the public hospitals have maternity wards.
The public Al-Sabah Maternity Hospital, located just off Gamal Abdul
Nasser Street in west Shuwaikh, provides a comprehensive range of
antenatal, delivery and postnatal care and is probably one of the best
maternity hospitals in the world. Al-Sabah Maternity is equipped with
state-of-the-art technology, including more than a hundred ICUs, and a
highly trained and dedicated indigenous and expatriate staff.
The private hospitals also offer maternity care. All hospitals require
sight of a couple's marriage certificate for their records.
BLOOD BANK
The big white building housing the blood bank (tel: 533 9511) is situated
in front of Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital in Jabriya near to the 4th Ring
Road flyover at the end of Tunis Street. Equipped with the latest
technology, it supplies blood to local public and private hospitals.
Donors are always welcome, and may receive a small fee in appreciation.
Relatives of those undergoing operations are required to make donations to
conserve supplies.
OPTICIANS
Kuwait does not suffer from a lack of opticians. Sight tests are usually
free and prices for prescription lens fairly reasonable. Common corrective
lens are available from stock and new glasses can be delivered within 48
hours. Many of the opticians have their own workshops for grinding lenses
and persons with complicated prescriptions no longer have to wait several
weeks for lens to arrive from overseas.
There are many top surgeons in the country specialising in cataract
removal and corrective vision procedures.
DEATHS
When an expatriate dies his or her embassy should be advised without
delay. The police should also be notified. Formal identification of the
body is made by next of kin, the deceased's sponsor or company
representative.
The body should be taken to a coroner's office. These are attached to the
mortuaries in public hospitals. The coroner will undertake a postmortem
examination and establish the cause of death. The postmortem will include
a full autopsy where the corpse is that of a foreigner, or death has
resulted from an accident, or there is a suggestion of foul play. A death
report is issued by the coroner, which must be taken to the Central
Registry for Births & Deaths to have a death certificate issued. There is
no charge for the death certificate.
Once the death certificate has been issued, burial is immediate unless the
corpse is required as an exhibit in a court case. Burial may take place in
a municipal graveyard. There are also several expatriate graveyards in
Kuwait. Burials are free. Cremation is not allowed.
If the corpse needs to be repatriated to the deceased's country of origin,
this is best left to a major forwarding agent who can handle all the
formalities. A properly lined coffin which will preserve the body during
the voyage costs from KD250 upwards. The postmortem report and the death
certificate attested by both the Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs,
as well as a police clearance certificate, are required to enable the body
to leave Kuwait.
The deceased's passport will need to be handed over to his or her embassy
for cancellation. The embassy may also issue a death certificate based on
the Kuwaiti death certificate, autopsy report and police report, which may
be required by the deceased insurers.
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