The First Month

Upon arrival at the airport, each overseas-recruited teacher will receive a relocation allowance, also referred to as the settling-in allowance. The specific amount is listed in your contract and varies depending on whether you are a single teacher or part of a teaching couple.

You will be responsible for paying any extra baggage fees at the airport out of pocket. Your baggage allowance will be reimbursed as part of your first paycheck in September, based on the receipts you submit to the ASK Business Office. Please note that any shipping costs above your contract's specified allowance will not be covered by the school.

Be prepared to use your settling-in allowance quickly. Many teachers spend most or all of it during their first large shopping trip to stock up on groceries and household essentials. You will need to have access to additional personal funds to comfortably cover expenses until your first paycheck on September 20.

You may need to budget for items such as:

• TV, microwave, or small appliances

• Curtains or rugs

• Bedding and blankets

• Water delivery service

• Cleaning supplies and possibly maid service

We strongly recommend that you bring a debit or credit card connected to your home bank account, as this is the most convenient way to access funds. You can also exchange foreign currency into Kuwaiti Dinar at the airport upon arrival.

While major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are widely accepted in Kuwait, smaller convenience stores (bakalas), and taxis typically only accept cash.

Avoid bringing traveler’s checks, cashier’s checks, or personal checks. While technically accepted, the clearance process can take up to three weeks and often involves high fees.

Salaries

Salaries are deposited directly into Kuwaiti bank accounts. ASK uses the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) for all staff. Salaries are available for immediate withdrawal on the 20th of each month.

In August, a representative from NBK will meet with new hires to explain the banking process and services. You will receive an ATM card, and once your account is set up, you can transfer money online to accounts in your home country with ease and minimal fees.

To prepare, bring the following details from your home bank:

• Electronic transfer routing number

• ABA routing code

• SWIFT code

• Bank branch name and address

• Your full account number

Check with your home bank to make sure you have the correct information. This will allow you to set up international transfers from your NBK account once everything is ready.