Capital city in Capital Governorate, Kuwait
Kuwait City
Dry Gulf capital with the Kuwait Towers, souqs, museums and a strong cafe and food scene. Few tourists, car-dependent and extremely hot; hit by 2026 regional strikes.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$2,910–4,860Comfortable, one person · KD900–1,500Details
- Value for money3/100Better value than 2% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Aug, 42°CDetails
- Air quality47 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · Severely pollutedDetails
- Internet230 MbpsFixed broadband, Kuwait medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilDesalinated tap water is treated, but building tanks vary; most people drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel2/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$32–81Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundCareemYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Kuwait City
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Salmiya | Expats, malls, restaurants, sea walk and hotels |
| Kuwait City / Sharq | Business district, Souq Sharq and the Kuwait Towers area |
| Hawalli / Jabriya | Long stays: apartments, local restaurants, markets |
| Salwa / Mishref | Quiet residential areas, villas and compounds |
Apps that work in Kuwait City
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Use apps; street taxis rarely use meters and may overcharge visitors.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Kuwait.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. Keep some cash for souqs, small cafeterias and tips.
- Currency: Dinar (KWD). US$1 ≈ KD0.31 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs are everywhere; some charge foreign-card fees. Decline conversion to your home currency.
- Tipping: Not expected; about 10% in restaurants is generous. Round up taxis and tip delivery riders.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted at contactless terminals.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Eligible nationalities get a visa on arrival or an eVisa from the Ministry of Interior's Kuwait Visa platform.
- Bring a return ticket and hotel booking; passport valid six months.
- Israeli entry stamps may lead to visa refusal.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type G, C · 240 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Zain, Ooredoo and stc sell prepaid SIMs at the airport and malls; passport needed. eSIMs work for visitors.
Going to Kuwait City solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Kuwait City meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.