What to bring?

Bringing a few personal items from home can make your transition to life in Kuwait more comfortable. Below are recommended categories to consider:

Personal Touches

Photos, posters, and small decorative items can help personalize your apartment. Many teachers gradually collect décor locally over time.

Clothing

• Professional: Men should bring shirts and ties. Women should bring dressy tops with pants or long skirts.

• Summer: Expect high humidity and temperatures above 45°C (113°F) in August. Lightweight cotton clothing is best.

• Winter: From November through March, bring warm layers such as sweaters, jackets, scarves, and even gloves. Temperatures can drop to 3°C (37°F).

• Modesty: In public, women should avoid short skirts, exposed shoulders, or tight tops. Men typically do not wear shorts, but cropped pants are acceptable.

• Recreation: Western swimwear is fine at private resorts. For public beaches, wear long shorts and cover-ups.

• Holiday/Costume: Consider packing fun items like Halloween costumes or Christmas sweaters for school events.

• Formal Wear: Some formal events take place during the year. You may want to bring one formal outfit.

• Special Sizes: Clothing for tall or plus-size individuals may be hard to find. Custom tailoring is available.

Technology

Bring your personal laptop or tablet. Electronics are more expensive in Kuwait. Ensure your device can handle 240V or bring a voltage converter.
Phones must be unlocked to use with local SIM cards.

Cooking Supplies

Bring favorite recipes, cookbooks, or small specialty gadgets. 

Medicine

Pharmacies are well stocked, but bring any prescription or preferred non-prescription medications with you. Common U.S. brands like NyQuil, Advil, or Tums may not be available. Ask your buddy or the orientation team if you want to check local availability in advance.

Children’s Items

If you are bringing children, pack favorite books, toys, or educational materials. High-quality children’s items can be expensive or limited. Bring swim diapers, as they are rarely found locally.

Holiday Decorations

Seasonal and classroom holiday decorations (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.) are limited or arrive late in stores. Consider packing a few from home.

Sports Equipment

Bring personal sports gear such as gloves, workout clothes, swim gear, or a camel pack.

Teaching Materials

Check with a current ASK teacher in your department before bringing classroom materials. Bulletin board borders, holiday décor, and thematic items are more useful than core teaching tools.

Toiletries

Most personal hygiene products are available in Kuwait. However, if you prefer specific brands or items like tampons or menstrual cups, bring a supply with you.