Kuwait - basics - Countries Guide

Time: Local time is GMT +3.

Electricity: 240 volts, 50Hz. Both the UK-style three-pin and European-style two-pin plugs are in use.

Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely used and understood.

Health: No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Kuwait, but inoculation against typhoid and Hepatitis A is advisable. There is a risk of diarrhoeal diseases, which are common in the country. Mains water is chlorinated and considered relatively safe, but most visitors stick to bottled water. Fees are high and medical insurance is recommended.

Tipping: A service charge of 15% is usually added to bills in restaurants and hotels; if not a tip of 10% is acceptable. Additional tipping is only expected in more expensive hotels. Taxi drivers appreciate a small tip for long journeys.

Safety: Authorities are of the opinion that there is a high general threat of terrorism against western targets in Kuwait and other countries in the region. Visitors should remain vigilant, especially in public places and where westerners gather. The country is regarded as trouble-free as far as crime is concerned, but there is political turmoil resulting from developments in Iraq and the Middle East peace process and visitors should avoid public gatherings and demonstrations. When travelling outside Kuwait City keep to tarmac roads and take care on beaches and picnic spots because landmines and other unexploded ordnance still litters the countryside. Driving in Kuwait is hazardous, local drivers being negligent and reckless, so constant vigilance is essential.

Customs: Being a strict Muslim society dress in public should be modest. Homosexuality is illegal, as is any public display of affection between men and women, and unmarried couples are not allowed to stay together. Alcohol is not permitted in Kuwait, and the use of this or the importation of obscene material can be punished with imprisonment. Photography near industrial, military or government buildings is illegal, including oil fields. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. It is important to carry identification at all times.

Communications: Full international direct dialling is available in Kuwait. The country code is +965 and the outgoing international code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are not required. There are two national GSM mobile telephone networks, which have active roaming agreements with most international mobile phone operators. Internet cafes are available throughout the country.

Duty Free: Travellers to Kuwait do not have to pay duty on 500 cigarettes, or 1kg tobacco. It is prohibited to enter the country with alcohol or narcotics; milk products and unsealed salty fish; mineral water, unsealed olives and pickles; home-made foods; fresh vegetables; shellfish and by-products; and fresh figs.

Climate: Kuwait enjoys a variable continental climate. Summer months are between June and October and the rainy season (if you can call it that) runs from December to February, when humidity can also be high. In summer temperatures can get over 100°F (38°C), but they drop below 70°F (21°C) in winter.