Making the Most of Kuwait as a First-Time Visitor

In the last few years, Kuwait has further established itself as a go-to tourist destination. Along with other Middle Eastern nations like the UAE and Qatar, it’s seeing many more people visit each year for work, leisure, or permanent immigration.

If you plan to join the ranks of people visiting Kuwait for the first time, you’ll want to plan ahead. Because it is an up-and-coming destination, not everyone is aware of all that Kuwait has to offer. Luckily, you can take advantage of the situation by taking the following steps:

Enjoy Gaming

Quiet as it’s kept, Kuwait can be a wonderful destination for gaming of all kinds. If you’re into arcade games and the like, you can opt for destinations such as KidZania Kuwait and Pro Kart. These have everything from classic arcade titles to exciting modern options.

If you’re more of a fan of casino games, you’re also in luck. Kuwait has several options for casino games online, and these accept various types of currencies. From traditional casino games like poker to things like fish games and even crash games, consumers of every preference will be catered for. As CardPlayer said in its Kuwaiti online gaming options explained, you should opt for the most reputable platform you can find and pace yourself as you go along.

Payment Options

Naturally, you’ll need to make payments wherever you go for tourist activities, and Kuwait is not exempt. To make the most of your first visit, it’s best to sort out your payment methods ahead of time to avoid any problems. If you’ll be using your debit or credit card, make sure to inform your provider that you’ll be in Kuwait.

This means transactions are less likely to be declined or flagged for suspicious activity. You should also make sure to have some of the native currency on hand. In Kuwait, the official currency is the Kuwaiti dinar, so it’s best to have a decent amount on hand. According to many sources, a week of basic living expenses in Kuwait will cost between 150 and 300 dinars, so make sure you have this in cash in case there are any issues.

There are also several local payment providers in Kuwait, such as PayTabs and Hesabe, and you should sign up with them ahead of your trip. This means that no matter what type of payment you want to make, you’ll be taken care of.

Language Barriers

Arabic is the official language of Kuwait, and so, first-time visitors need to be aware of this. Generally speaking, there are a few approaches to the possible language barrier. First, you could choose to take some basic Arabic lessons so that you can understand things like greetings, asking simple questions, and directions.

Another option would be to download some sort of language translation app onto your device so that you can better communicate with the locals. You could also prioritize destinations and activities that are tourist-friendly. These are more likely to have staff as well as other participants who speak your native language, and thus, it will be less of an issue. Either way, make sure to take the language barrier into account to avoid any uncomfortable situations.

Local Transport

Getting around in a foreign country is always a bit of a challenge, and your best bet when visiting Kuwait is to have things done ahead of time. If you can, pay for and schedule an airport transfer before you land so you don’t have to deal with haggling or potentially being overcharged for your fare. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem operate within Kuwait, so it is best to have these downloaded on your phone.

If you’re determined to try out the local transport options, download apps like Citybuskw as they will show you which modes of public transport to take and where to go. If you are especially security-conscious, speak to your accommodation provider and make sure to use the transport services that they recommend.

Prepare for the Weather

Kuwait, like all countries in the Middle East, has a hot climate, which you’ll need to prepare for. To have a better experience as a first-time visitor, make sure to bring light and loose clothing that will not trap heat but instead, help you cool down. At the same time, keep in mind that Kuwaiti customs typically require modest clothing so as not to offend sensitivities.

Also, make sure that your accommodations, transport, and activities will be in places that have air conditioning or some sort of cooling mechanism. Bring a manual or mechanical fan with you and always look out for any signs of heat stroke.

Visit The Major Landmarks

When going to Kuwait for the first time, you should definitely look into some of its most iconic landmarks and leisure centers. Places like Kuwait Towers, the Grand Mosque, as well as malls like The Avenues and Souk Sharq should definitely be on your list. While this is not all that Kuwait has to offer in terms of tourist activities, it’s generally recommended as a go-to for tourists. As you spend more time in the country, you should figure out more of what appeals to you.

Conclusion

Kuwait has so much to offer visitors, and arriving as a first-time tourist can definitely be the adventure of a lifetime. As we’ve noticed in this article, making the most of this visit will include planning ahead of time for transport, weather, money, and so on. Keep all these at the back of your mind, and you should have a great experience.