gmannion
English expat in Kuwait
Forum posts
69
About me
English
Registration: 31 October 2013
Medical test for Kuwait by Hasain
Assalamu alikum I'm Hasain Basha from India I got job at Kuwait.i have 1 queries about Kuwait medical. 20 yeas back I taken heart surgery treatment allakifazal I didn't take any medical treatment from surgery now I'm healthy.plz suggest ...
There is a medical, you do it in your own country then again in Kuwait. If you pass there you're good to go as long as you pass the same tests here. There is a list you can google, they're really looking to stop communicable diseases. Read More
Obtaining Kuwait work visa with UK Police Caution
I would imagine it depends if you need an enhanced disclosure. Read More
Driving in Kuwait by Becaq
Hello all! We will be depending on either taxis or renting a car for the time being given that my husband is in the process of his residency. As we have moved around lately we came to the conclusion that renting a car will be cheaper than going ...
Wasta is the word of the day here. Get in touch with your prospective employer ASAP to see if they can help. If your husband gets one and you're bringing kids you get one pretty much automatically I believe Read More
Driving license !!!
You could try calling khadamat 22252225 they're supposed to handle all the paperwork for renewal for 10kd kind of like the vehicle renewal license in shuweikh. You could always give them a buzz? Anything is worth a shot over the fun and games of ... Read More
How safe is to drink Tap water in kuwait (with or without filter) by nileshtks
Hello Team, I was just wondering today that how safe is to drink tap water in Kuwait. As per my research on google, i got confused as some of the answered are positive and many are negative. We use to drink bottled water but from last few days we ...
Ask your harris, lots of companies will deliver water to your house in the big water cooler bottles or plastic bottles if you prefer Read More
hepetitis b positive by hisrahul
myself tested as a positive hepetitis b in a local hospital. my visa already came. so am i eligible to go kuwait as a engineer for joining. plz reply. need help
You are tested in the government hospitals when you arrive. Its the same tests as in your country. They will not give a civil ID or a work visa if you have hep B I believe sorry. Read More
teaching in kuwait
220kd is very low even for Filipina, my wife works as a dental nurse in KU and makes 450kd including accommodation and transport. However, each person is different. Kuwait is safe as long as you are very careful, especially going out at night, ... Read More
Why is socializing in Kuwait so difficult? by pakonas
Hello everyone!! Before coming to Kuwait I read some opinions from expats concerning social life here and how difficult can be to find friends and interesting things to do. However, I couldn’t imagine that my experience would confirm these ...
Embrace the weirdos ;) were not all dangerous Read More
Kuwait Newbie Teacher by shutterpup
Hi, I'm Katie, I'm new! I've been offered a job starting in September as a teacher at a British primary school in Salmiya. They are offering 900kwd, accommodation and utilities, NQT year covered (BIG draw for me, proving impossible ...
I worked in Saudi before Kuwait, I didn't apply for anything from the UK, the school arranges for residency in Kuwait. Read More
Kuwait Newbie Teacher by shutterpup
Hi, I'm Katie, I'm new! I've been offered a job starting in September as a teacher at a British primary school in Salmiya. They are offering 900kwd, accommodation and utilities, NQT year covered (BIG draw for me, proving impossible ...
Rifraf I would register with gov.uk to get updates on Kuwait, there used to be a Locate feature on the FCO but they scrapped it. Your salary will be paid into a Kuwaiti bank and depending on when you enter in the tax year (and when you return) will ... Read More
Kuwait Newbie Teacher by shutterpup
Hi, I'm Katie, I'm new! I've been offered a job starting in September as a teacher at a British primary school in Salmiya. They are offering 900kwd, accommodation and utilities, NQT year covered (BIG draw for me, proving impossible ...
SLS in M.E. government stuff is slow, its part of life here, it irritates you at first but most get used to it and accept it, otherwise Kuwait isn't that bad especially for families, hope the school gives assisted places or it can be expensive. ... Read More
Evaluate job offer in Kuwait by poseidonturkey
Hi there, I got a job offer from an IT company in Kuwait City as 3000 KWD per month.I am married,having a kid.I will have no other benefits such as housing,health insurance package,company car etc.All those will be covered from this salary. I ...
Please pass on the job advert for this please :) 3000 is a tidy sum, however as stated your'e a minimum hours drive from Mesilla to Ahmadi, If you can I thin Faheel would be much closer and better commute. Just asking because I teach Computing. ... Read More
Kuwait Newbie Teacher by shutterpup
Hi, I'm Katie, I'm new! I've been offered a job starting in September as a teacher at a British primary school in Salmiya. They are offering 900kwd, accommodation and utilities, NQT year covered (BIG draw for me, proving impossible ...
Anna Had a colleague went to Al Takamul school when it didn't work out at my school, its actually pretty much over the raod from my school's Saba apartments. Heard mixed thoughts but they pay on time which is always nice in M.E. The area ... Read More
Kuwait Newbie Teacher by shutterpup
Hi, I'm Katie, I'm new! I've been offered a job starting in September as a teacher at a British primary school in Salmiya. They are offering 900kwd, accommodation and utilities, NQT year covered (BIG draw for me, proving impossible ...
Ah Fresh blood ;) you will be fine I hope. I'm starting my 5th year working in a British school there in Jabriya, the government stuff takes a while but don't worry that's your schools problem and theyre very happy to have you in Kuwait, ... Read More
Mistakes expats make in Kuwait by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Did you make any mistakes when you first moved to Kuwait? What were they? How did you address your mistakes? Did you learn anything from them? With hindsight, what would you do differently? Are there any tips you could ...
check out websites like my private tutor, you can find them there ;) Read More
How has your life changed in Kuwait by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Has your life changed since you moved to Kuwait? If so, in what way? Tell us more about all the changes in your life regarding your family, job, or friends. What about your frame of mind? How would you define your mood? ...
Trying to renew a driving license has become an absolute nightmare. As a westerner I am not used to being shoved in the back by people as they decide the queue is not for them or being shouted at for trying to obey and follow the law rather than ... Read More
British School Advice Needed (Yr 3 & Yr 9)
Honestly it will depend, I'm sure there is no harm in ringing the school to try at least, I'm a teacher not part of the administration sorry. Read More
How to advertise Private Tuition in Kuwait by MathsDoctor
Hello everyone! I have been offered a job at a leading international school in Kuwait and am travelling alone from the UK. I am an experienced Maths/Science Teacher and would like to offer private tuition in my spare time. Please let me know the ...
Just to let you know 15 teachers were recently deported, as tuition is illegal here! ( read up on various websites they were doing it in a coffee shop) Just to be warned, lots of people do it, quite often the school will have kids ringing the office ... Read More
British School Advice Needed (Yr 3 & Yr 9)
Some very good English schools, especially for IGCSE and A level results. In no particular order NES (put first because I work here), BSK, KES are the top 3 I think. Don't leave it too long to apply these 3 are often oversubscribed. Read More
After some advice by Dan246
Hi there, I've just joined this forum and after some advice, as I'm interested in a job that's been offered in Kuwait I'm looking for some guidance as I'm a 37 year old single male from the UK and I'm new to all this. Any ...
Dan It all depends what your job is, how long you're here for etc. I'm a teacher, this is my 4th year. Its a bit warmer than Newcastle if that helps ;) Read More
Pets in Kuwait
My school is arranging through one of the agencies to capture and neuter cats that have been left when people leave the school. Sometimes people in our building feed the cats but then they leave for summer. Hardly seems fair to the abandoned cats, ... Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to Kuwait? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in Kuwait, would you heartily say "lets do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do certain ...
MisterStretch let me know where those other opportunities are ? ;) Another example, Geant selling Bose headphones for 65kd yet they won't let you listen before you buy them. Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to Kuwait? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in Kuwait, would you heartily say "lets do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do certain ...
Yeah I live 12 mins away from work, including the traffic lights, when there is no traffic. I leave an hour earlier during normal times. If there was some way to fix the system where traffic comes on to a motor way in the same place that traffic is ... Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to Kuwait? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in Kuwait, would you heartily say "lets do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do certain ...
Mariyse, there are some nice gyms like palms hotel, you can get a teacher discount, that's what most of us do during the week. Try to get yourself out of the country every so often, a nice brunch in dubai is refreshing. I also try to cook at ... Read More
Customer care in Kuwait by Priscilla
Hello everyone, The way customer services are handled can greatly affect your views on certain brands, products, companies or stores. As a consumer, it is important to get familiar with local practices regarding client assistance in Kuwait and ...
Bought headphones from xcite at 49kd ($168). A nut sheared and they fell to bits in less than 30 days. I took them back and was told they had to go to the service centre as it was outside 14 day return time. Service centre said they couldnt be ... Read More
Adapting to the climate in Kuwait
I saw a picture of the solar system once, someone had replaced the label of mercury with Kuwait ;) Hot and sunny. Read More
New rule in renewing driver's licence by JJq8
Hi there, Yesterday I went to Al-Assimah(Government) traffic department to renew my driver's license. They told us they dont process applications without "Mandoob"! Last year, when I transferred my Canadian driver's license to ...
I renewed mine in february in Jabriya didnt ask for anything other than the paperwork, still took 3 days ;) Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to Kuwait? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in Kuwait, would you heartily say "lets do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do certain ...
As a UK teacher my take home salary is almost double. I believe we're at the bottom of the pay grade for western professionals. Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to Kuwait? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in Kuwait, would you heartily say "lets do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do certain ...
Still here - been 3 years and happy to stay, to make the stay easier I've found: 1. Get a car - taxis are expensive and often unreliable. If you're stuck in the same place it can be pretty monotonous. That said... 2. choose the right time ... Read More
Best British School in Kuwait
Best of luck to you and the girls, honestly I wasn't trying to promote the school, all 3 are a very high standard, hope they will be happy, and very glad to help. Read More
Best British School in Kuwait
Hi Delyth I may be biased as I work at New English School ;) ,which is a very fine school, but if I had to choose the top 3 schools for your children for a UK style education, then based on results and overall quality, in no particular order: New ... Read More
Security for visa question by kuwait101
Would a 15 year old DUI in the states affect being able to obtain a dependent visa in Kuwait? I have scoured the internet with no success. Thanks in advance.
Only a lawyer or government worker would probably know if they access your juvi record. I think its a standard background check for your country so I guess it depnds what your country does. If its for your kid then you will sponsor them. Read More
Been offered a job need advice by zda84
Hi I've been offered a teaching job but my concern is I won't be able to afford to live especially as I have three children and they will only pay 50% school fees. I don't know what the school fees are and what the cost of living will be ...
I think there are a few schools making close to that, mine is 1600, 3 kids its going to be expensive unless your partner can also work. 950 you will struggle, Simplelife is right there! Read More
Been offered a job need advice by zda84
Hi I've been offered a teaching job but my concern is I won't be able to afford to live especially as I have three children and they will only pay 50% school fees. I don't know what the school fees are and what the cost of living will be ...
1500kd is about 3600 pounds a month, enough for a single person, as for a family of 3 my friend struggles as his wife is an assistant and gets only 300kd a month, we can all guess which school it is, I dont think its enough Read More
Second Hand Car by eighty8
Dear All, I got my eyes on second hand Mercedes or Cadillac, anybody here had any experience on this matter? what's the cost of running a Benz or a Cadillac in Kuwait maintenance wise? Any good mechanic around? Appreciate your input. :)
The newer american cars dodge jeep etc are the easiest to find parts for, my friend had a Peugeot and had nightmares getting the parts. I understand the appeal but personally I looked around, getting parts etc and a mechanic if you cant fix it ... Read More
1900kd salary by modab
Hi all, Just moved to kuwait and have an offer with a salary of 1900kd all inclusive of rent, transport etc. i am married and have a 5 year old son and a 1 year old daughter, is this salary good enough to be able to send my son to a private school ...
2.5kg of chicken breast costs between 2 and 4kd, thats a lot of chicken to make meals with, vegetables are cheap as is rice, bread and pasta. 1kg of fresh ground beef from geant is 1kd 650, again a lot of pasta, curry, pies :) where are you ... Read More
1900kd salary by modab
Hi all, Just moved to kuwait and have an offer with a salary of 1900kd all inclusive of rent, transport etc. i am married and have a 5 year old son and a 1 year old daughter, is this salary good enough to be able to send my son to a private school ...
£53000 tax free a year is hardly slave labour, I guess maybe if you're an oil worker then its not the greatest. I'm a teacher from the UK, I only get 1535 but it does include accommodation. Its a lot higher than Uk salaries and Im very ... Read More
1900kd salary by modab
Hi all, Just moved to kuwait and have an offer with a salary of 1900kd all inclusive of rent, transport etc. i am married and have a 5 year old son and a 1 year old daughter, is this salary good enough to be able to send my son to a private school ...
Modab, there are cheap areas and expensive areas, however, traffic is very bad at times, it would depend where your job is, personally I would live as close to work as I can afford. Of course your priorities may be different. Outside of Kuwaiti ... Read More
1900kd salary by modab
Hi all, Just moved to kuwait and have an offer with a salary of 1900kd all inclusive of rent, transport etc. i am married and have a 5 year old son and a 1 year old daughter, is this salary good enough to be able to send my son to a private school ...
for a 2 bedroom place you can lose 3-450 KD a month, transport car rental starts from 125kd a month Read More
Best cities to live in Kuwait by Julien
Hi, Its not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to Kuwait. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost of ...
Fortunately I live in saba al salem by the sea :D Read More
Best cities to live in Kuwait by Julien
Hi, Its not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to Kuwait. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost of ...
Anywhere near your work to avoid traffic. I may be slightly cynical ;) Read More
Parties - Any Embassy having a party I can attend?
party groups? Please tell me more :D Read More
Regarding medical test for kuwait by Selva.rajarajan
Hi all, I received a working visa for kuwait and now i have to undergo the medical test so that i approached gamca but they are telling they stopped the medical screening for kuwait from last monday (21-9-2015).I checked with kuwait embassy website, ...
Dont worry you get to do it all again when you come here :) Read More
Learning to Drive by GuestPoster856
Good evening everyone, It's dawned on me that I'm 26 and still don't know how to drive. As I am based in Kuwait I was wondering if anybody could recommend a place where I can learn. Mind you I will be learning from scratch. I only get ...
Or the company I mentioned does that all for you , obviously for a suppliment Read More
Learning to Drive by GuestPoster856
Good evening everyone, It's dawned on me that I'm 26 and still don't know how to drive. As I am based in Kuwait I was wondering if anybody could recommend a place where I can learn. Mind you I will be learning from scratch. I only get ...
In the UK if you're a resident of another country then you're driving license is no longer valid. Kuwatis ship their cars to London and drive all the time on their licenses. No reason a car hire company would turn it down, its a valid ... Read More
Gulf English School by Steve3370
Hi everyone, Does anyone know anything about the Gulf English School's reputation as an employer please? Thanks, Steve
Gulf is probably sightly second league school in Kuwait pay probably around 800 - 1200kd depending on your experience. Top English schools would probably be (in no particular order ) NES, KES and BSK Read More
Learning to Drive by GuestPoster856
Good evening everyone, It's dawned on me that I'm 26 and still don't know how to drive. As I am based in Kuwait I was wondering if anybody could recommend a place where I can learn. Mind you I will be learning from scratch. I only get ...
Look for Kuwait Motoring company - (KMC) or KGL maybe. I did my license with them cost about 150KD but that was including a couple of lessons and fast track. Once they had all the paperwork then the whole thing took about 10 days. Once they had all ... Read More
Another hit on expats? by Ribosom
http://kuwait-today.com/draft-law-ready-increase-car-registration-and-license-fee-kd-500-licence-kd-250-car-registration I know that "rumours" like these come and go, but with the falling oil prices they might even go ahead with it. If ...
Hi Ama I thought this was only going to be for expats - surely they wont charge citizens this? We were discussing and came to the conclusion it was to clear congestion on the roads. Read More
Calling all teachers moving to Kuwait 2015! by Mkathiri
Hi all, I've created this thread for all teachers moving to Kuwait in the next few months. I thought it'd be nice to exchange experiences and maybe find our future colleagues? So I'll start, I'm moving in Sept 2015 to teach English ...
just be patient when anything official takes 3 times as long as you expect :) welcome to q8 Read More
Calling all teachers moving to Kuwait 2015! by Mkathiri
Hi all, I've created this thread for all teachers moving to Kuwait in the next few months. I thought it'd be nice to exchange experiences and maybe find our future colleagues? So I'll start, I'm moving in Sept 2015 to teach English ...
The season will be scorching till at least November. Lots of clothing stores in Avenues or 360 Mall (reasonably / expensive high quality malls, lots of Arabic and western branded stores), Salmiya and Fahaeel (mixture of good quality to bargain ... Read More
are people in kuwait friendly or???? by Jhyde
Hello i am preparing for my visit to kuwait, and through my interactions on different online and phone applications, i have noticed that people in kuwait are very abrupt, lack etiquette and manners and they also do not speak much english. does ...
Just remember government and banks the worl over are generally slow and frustrating. There are "fixers" who can deal with things for you for a small fee and I've found that invaluable. At the end of the day youre a guest in their ... Read More
MINIMUM SALARY TO LIVE WITH FAMILY IN KUWAIT by asifnadeem1975
Hi I have offered a job in Kuwait with following package Payment: 500 KD Housing: 220 KD Medical free ticket (eco class); free once a year for self for family once after two years. I have three children (02 school going). Is it enough for ...
It really depends on your background and expectations. 2 bedroom apartments from 3-400kd studio from 180 - good luck, which area you live will affect the price a lot. Read More
can someone help me understand this website by gifty plange
How much is for accommodation
That really depends on your expectations on housing and how much youre gonna pay. There is something for everyone ;) Read More
Calling all teachers moving to Kuwait 2015! by Mkathiri
Hi all, I've created this thread for all teachers moving to Kuwait in the next few months. I thought it'd be nice to exchange experiences and maybe find our future colleagues? So I'll start, I'm moving in Sept 2015 to teach English ...
The smile is essential :) good advice Read More
Calling all teachers moving to Kuwait 2015! by Mkathiri
Hi all, I've created this thread for all teachers moving to Kuwait in the next few months. I thought it'd be nice to exchange experiences and maybe find our future colleagues? So I'll start, I'm moving in Sept 2015 to teach English ...
Most things are available here to buy - the price depends on the item and some of it is expensive. Read More
Calling all teachers moving to Kuwait 2015! by Mkathiri
Hi all, I've created this thread for all teachers moving to Kuwait in the next few months. I thought it'd be nice to exchange experiences and maybe find our future colleagues? So I'll start, I'm moving in Sept 2015 to teach English ...
Hi everyone I'm just completing my 2nd year here - be patient with the paperwork! Anything government related takes a while, accept it and you will be fine. Get your degree certificates and drivers licenses stamped by your embassies and attested ... Read More
schooling in kuwait by hs21184
Hi there I am a 30 year old scottish female who has just relocated to kuwait. We are seeking reception education for our daughter and we havent been very successful so far. Does anyone know of any english school linked to the English curriculum ...
New English School has a good reputation, oe TES Read More
Acoustic music scene in Kuwait? by DHanners
I'm a recent arrival to Kuwait and I'm wondering: Is there is an acoustic music scene here? I play guitar and write and gigged when I lived in the U.S.; I fell into the category of folk/Americana. Are there any clubs or coffee shops here ...
Im a singer and play a little keys I looked all last year for people to jam with and play, sadly nothing happened. Ive sang for over 20 years in bands in the UK, still hopeful ;) Read More
New in Kuwait & Bored out of my Mind! by Lsupike1113
Hi everyone! I just arrived in Kuwait about a week ago and I'm already bored out of my mind! I'm looking for a group I can meet up with and just hang out and do typical American stuff with....if anyone else is in the same boat or can help me ...
Im not there right now - nor american :) but there is a gun range you can go to that offers pistols and rifles (all provided) might keep you entertained for a while. All you need is ID and a few dinars you can google it for more info Read More