๐ฐ๐ผ
Essential apps for
Kuwait
ุงููููุช
Arabic & EnglishKWD4 apps
Careem and Uber both work. Talabat is the dominant food delivery app.
๐
Power & Plug
TypeG
Voltage240V
Freq50Hz
British plug.
๐ฌ
Basic phrases
Arabic
- Helloุงูุณูุงู ุนููููas-salaamu alaykum
- Thank youุดูุฑุงูshukran
- Excuse me / Sorryุนููุงูafwan
- Yesูุนูnaam
- Noูุงlaa
+10 more below
๐
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated; a service charge is often added at upscale restaurants, and leaving 10-15% or rounding up for good service, as well as small tips for hotel and valet staff, is customary.
๐Rideshare & Taxi
See all โ๐บ๏ธNavigation & Maps
See all โ๐ฑFood Delivery
See all โPhrases
All Arabic phrases
Hello
ุงูุณูุงู
ุนูููู
as-salaamu alaykum
Thank you
ุดูุฑุงู
shukran
Excuse me / Sorry
ุนููุงู
afwan
Yes
ูุนู
naam
No
ูุง
laa
Please
ู
ู ูุถูู
min fadlak
Goodbye
ู
ุน ุงูุณูุงู
ุฉ
maa as-salaama
How much?
ูู
ุงูุณุนุฑุ
kam as-siar
Where is the bathroom?
ููู ุงูุญู
ุงู
ุ
wayn al-hammaam
The check, please
ุงููุงุชูุฑุฉ ู
ู ูุถูู
al-faatoora min fadlak
I don't understand
ูุง ุฃููู
laa afham
Do you speak English?
ูู ุชุชููู
ุงูุฅูุฌููุฒูุฉุ
hal tatakallam al-injliziyya
Help!
ุงููุฌุฏุฉ!
an-najda
Delicious
ูุฐูุฐ
ladheedh
Cheers
ุจุตุญุชู
bi-sahtak
Briefing
What to know before you go
โ Do
- Dress modestly in public, covering shoulders and knees, especially women, though Kuwait is more relaxed than some neighbors
- Use your right hand for eating, greeting, and passing items, as the left hand is considered unclean
- Accept offered Arabic coffee (gahwa) and dates when visiting, as hospitality is highly valued
- Greet elders and hosts first and respond warmly to 'As-salamu alaykum'
- Be especially respectful during Ramadan and avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight fasting hours
- Ask permission before photographing people, particularly women
โDon't
- Do not bring, consume, or discuss alcohol or drugs; both are strictly illegal with severe penalties
- Avoid public displays of affection between couples, which can cause offense and legal trouble
- Do not show the soles of your feet or point them at people, and avoid pointing with a single finger
- Avoid any criticism of the ruling family, Islam, or local customs
โ ๏ธ Common scams to know
- Unofficial taxis at the airport overcharging tourists; use metered or app-based services and agree on fares in advance
- Inflated 'tourist' pricing at souks and markets where bargaining is expected, so haggle politely on non-fixed-price goods
- Online and phone scams impersonating banks or government services requesting personal or card details
- Overcharging at some currency exchange points; compare rates before exchanging
Going elsewhere?
More destination guides
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