Mobile Phones

The U.S. Embassy recommends carrying a mobile phone at all times for safety purposes. Mobile phones are the main form of communication in Kuwait. Make sure to download WhatsApp and become familiar with it, since it is widely used for messaging and calling.

Most people in Kuwait use prepaid services through Ooredoo, Zain, or STC. This is the fastest and easiest way to set up your phone service. You can purchase top-up cards at small corner stores called bakalas or pay online through each company’s app or website.

Upon arrival, there are phone service providers available at the airport where you can activate a plan immediately. Using an eSIM card such as Airalo is also a great option for the first couple of days. If you don’t set up service at the airport, we’ll help you get connected once you are settled in your apartment.

International Phone Calls

You cannot make direct international calls from Kuwait without a special calling plan. Instead, it is best to use apps such as FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Meet, or Zoom to communicate with family and friends abroad.

Mail System

Airmail from the U.S. or other countries to Kuwait typically takes at least ten days, though delays of several weeks are common. For reliable and faster delivery of important documents, use international courier services such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS.

For regular online shopping or receiving packages from home, services like Aramex Shop & Ship and MyUS offer international forwarding addresses in the U.S., Canada, and other countries. These services consolidate and ship packages to Kuwait, charging based on package weight and dimensions.

Standard international airmail and air parcel post are generally reliable, but surface mail (sea freight) is extremely slow and often delayed for months, if it arrives at all.

Important: Do not send anything that could be interpreted as containing alcohol, pornography, religious material, or other items prohibited in Kuwait. These items may be confiscated, and the recipient may face legal consequences.