Top 5 Facts About Kuwait You Need to Know Before Planning a Trip

Kuwait is a small West Asian Country surrounded by Iraq and Saudi Arabia and has a maritime boundary with Iran. The country owns 9 islands in which the Bubiyan and Al-Warbah are the largest ones. The economics is Petroleum and finance based and according to the World Bank, it is the world’s fourth richest and GCC’s second richest country per capita. One-third of the total population represents the Kuwaiti nationals and the rest are expats. Getting the basic ideas regarding the country you are going to visit doubles the dose of thrill and enthusiasm. Let's go through the basic facts about Kuwait.

How to get the Kuwait Visa?

There are different types of visas available in Kuwait and depending on nature, you will get it. It may include tourist visa, visit visa, residence visa, transit visa, and entrance visa. If you are planning for a trip, a tourist visa will be a perfect choice. An online application can be submitted by answering a few questions and you will get the visa online after two or three business days. It allows you to stay up to 90 days in Kuwait and get access to travel around the country.

Travel Tips

• While shopping, go for bargaining only at some street shops, because most shops have fixed rates. Another interesting factor is that there is no VAT in Kuwait.
  
• Dressing concern is an essential factor in Kuwait. Never use exposed clothes in public, since it is against the ethics of Islam. You won't get permission to enter religious areas if you wear revealed dresses.
  
• Alcohol consumption is possible only at designated locations. If you are over drunk and exposed in public, it causes severe problems. You may come up with high fines.
  

1. Facts About Kuwait Money
   

Kuwait Dinar is the currency here which is divided into 1000 fils and it is the world’s highest-valued money per unit face value. It was actually introduced in 1960 to replace Gulf Rupee. But with the Iraq invasion in the year of 1990, this currency was replaced with Iraqi Dinar and lots of economic issues arise as a result. After the liberation of Kuwait, a fresh series of currency was issued by restoring the old money.

Coins

In 1961, the coins were introduced and still, it is used and no design changes are made. A Boom Ship with the year of minding in Arabic Era has depicted in one side and the other side contains the value in Arabic with the ‘Kuwait’ words in English at the bottom.

Bank Notes

Till the time six series of Kuwait currency notes were printed.

• The first series was made in the year of 1961 in accordance with the Kuwait Currency Law of 1960.
  
• In 1969, Kuwait Currency Board was replaced with Central Bank of Kuwait and a new set of currencies(Second Series) were released.
  
• Third Series was introduced in 1980. Because of the Iraq aggression, it was made invalid from 1991. A large amount of this money was stolen by the Iraqi forces later.
  
• Towards the end of 1991, the liberation of Kuwait was possible and another set, Fourth Series, was released with the foresight to recover Country’s unstable economy.
  
• Fifth Series was released in 1994 with ultra security measures. Later it was followed by many developed countries.
  
• In 2014, the sixth series was released that enables the blind people to recognize the currency.
  

2. Kuwaiti Dinar(KWD)

It is the official currency in Kuwait and is the highest valued one in the world. It is pegged with undisclosed international currency basket. There are a few reasons why KWD is still strong. It includes:

• Kuwait owns 10% of the whole crude oil reserve.
  
• It is a tax-free country
  
• 95% of the total income depends on petroleum.
  
• It is a fixed rate currency and doesn’t get affected by market fluctuations.
  

Frequently using coins in the country are 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 fils. Commonly used notes are 0.25, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 20 dinars. Once you are planning for the Kuwait trip, try to collect these denominations for easier shopping and travel.

3. Little History

From the ancient time onwards, Kuwait city was a center of trade between India and other Arabian countries and established itself as the strong trading route between Gulf countries and old Sham. Kuwait was glorified with the boating industry and maritime commerce along with the making of traditional vessels. Many fluctuations were recorded in Kuwait economics under the Great Depression and World Wars.

The era between 1946 and 1982 is described as the golden days for Kuwait. The standard of living rises and the parliament of Kuwait was made into a reality. Westernization and globalization was the next big thing happened during this period. People began to copy western outfits and lifestyle. Education sector also rises with the establishment of universities.

More people began to migrate to Kuwait since liberal thoughts were not allowed in many Arab countries. People enjoyed great freedom that paves way for the literacy renaissance.

Later in the 1980s economic crisis made instability across many fields. In the year of 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait and annexed. It was a great threat to the whole country and many were killed and was kidnapped. After the liberation, Kuwait tried hard to catch its old prestige.

4. Money Exchange in Kuwait

Money exchange is really a great concern since it is quite easy to get immersed in a fraudulent attempt. While thinking about the money concern everybody goes behind the bank. But banks are not the last word for safe money exchange. Banks are convenient but it offers relatively lesser exchange rates and at the same time banks will redeem extra fees and service charges.

A more easy and effective way is to choose certified money exchange centers. Kuwait Lulu Exchange is a suitable choice to get the best rate at the exact time.

5. How to compare the Money Exchange companies in Kuwait to get the best rate and service?

Here are a few points to consider before fixing the money exchange center for you.

• Transfer Fees: It varies from zero to hundreds. Before fixing the exchange center, be alert about the transfer fees.
  
• Exchange Rates: Good exchange rates offer you the best rate of money, so check out the centers that usually give high rates. Beware of the hidden charges that come with the higher rates.
  
• Transfer Options: Some centers offer options to know about the exchange rates. If you want to transfer money abroad check for the recurring options that will save a little bit of money every time.
  

Many more facts and interesting stories of Kuwait will be covered in the next blog. Stay tuned!