MOVING TO
KUWAIT
A PRACTICAL COUNTRY SPECIFIC
MOVING GUIDE OFFERED BY US
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE
MOVING TO
KUWAIT
Moving to
another country
Moving to another country, let alone half around the globe always seems a daunting task at first. Let us help you make this transition a smooth one and most importantly let our certified expertise in International Moving, Relocation and Shipping services assist and move you through the entire process. Our clientele benefit from our comprehensive know-how, fair and honest pricing, our in-depth and versatile service solutions in regards to your specific and individual moving & relocation needs!
TRANSIT TIMES
When moving, one should keep in mind the anticipated door-to-door transit time of their shipment as the length of transit might have numerous implications for you. For example, do I need to rent or purchase my new home in advance, shall I opt for a pre-longed hotel stay or have corporate housing? When moving for an employer or being a foreign civil servant on posting, your existing relocation policy will clearly identify your allowances and provide options in terms of residency while your belongings are in transit. Our team of Certified Moving Consultants® will discuss with you our various service and transit time options in regards to your particular moving needs.
U.S. Region to Kuwait
FCL – SEA Freight
U.S. East Coast
- Expedited Service
- 6 -to- 8 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 7 -to- 9 weeks
U.S. Midwest
- Expedited Service
- 7 -to- 9 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 8 -to- 10 weeks
U.S. Gulf Coast
- Expedited Service
- 7 -to- 9 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 8 -to- 10 weeks
U.S. West Coast
- Expedited Service
- 7 -to- 9 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 8 -to- 10 weeks
AIRFREIGHT
U.S. East Coast
- Expedited Service
- 8 -to- 12 days
- Regular Transit
- 10 -to- 16 days
U.S. Midwest
- Expedited Service
- 8 -to- 12 days
- Regular Transit
- 10 -to- 16 days
U.S. Gulf Coast
- Expedited Service
- 12 -to- 16 days
- Regular Transit
- 14 -to- 20 days
U.S. West Coast
- Expedited Service
- 8 -to- 12 days
- Regular Transit
- 10 -to- 16 days
Consolidation – SEA
U.S. East Coast
- Expedited Service
- 10 -to- 12 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 12 -to- 14 weeks
U.S. Midwest
- Expedited Service
- 10 -to- 12 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 12 -to- 14 weeks
U.S. Gulf Coast
- Expedited Service
- 10 -to- 12 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 12 -to- 14 weeks
U.S. West Coast
- Expedited Service
- 10 -to- 12 weeks
- Regular Transit
- 12 -to- 14 weeks
KUWAIT CUSTOMS INFORMATION
IMPORTANT FACT:
The importation of household goods and personal effects is rather complex in terms of required documentation. The following specific information is important to keep in mind prior shipping:
– Consignee’s presence is mandatory during inbound shipments.
– The Kuwaiti residence copy must be a minimum of 12 months validity.
– Temporary import license may only be obtained after the following documents from above are available at destination at least 5 days prior to arrival of the shipment in Kuwait:
– Delivery order from shipping line, Packing list
– Company authorization letter (2 copies)
– ‘Itimad towkia’ copy from local sponsor company
– Passport copy, Work permit copy, Valid Kuwaiti residence copy, Civil ID copy
– There is a 5% Customs duty applicable on all non-diplomatic sea imports.
– Kuwaiti Customs will determine further charges depending on weight, volume, and type of HHG shipment.
MOVING TO
KUWAIT
PRACTICAL INFORMATION – ELECTRONICS/HOME APPLIANCES/LAMPS
We are often ask by our clientele for advice in regards to whether or not to ship their electronics or home appliances as part of their move to Kuwait? The answer is somewhat complicated and a grey area.
Some appliances or electronics might work with a transformer, others will definitely not work such as air conditioners, microwave ovens, vacuum cleaners, and/or electric clocks, because the appliance does not successfully adapt and a transformer will not be able to change the wattage.
So, which or what electrical appliances should I bring with me?
A general rule: Nothing that is big or consumes a lot of power. Laptops, computers, and small radios are fine to include in your shipment. Kitchen or laundry appliances, microwave ovens, power tools, and TV sets are not. Also keep in mind, if not sure or certain, please do not try! Plugging in a non-conforming appliance or electronic can result in an electrical fire or a severe, potentially lethal shock. Don’t assume a fuse or circuit breaker will protect you if you do something wrong.
If you move often, or know that you will be returning back to the USA within a certain time period, it might be wise to purchase so-called ‘Multi-system appliances and electronics’. These devices are manufactured to operate on either 110-120 volts or 220-240 volts and are referred to as “multi-system”. They are usually constructed with a switch that enables them to be operated on either current. In addition, multi-system television sets are adaptable to the different video systems (USA = NTSC vs. Kuwait = PAL) and scanning standards and can be used in either country. This way you won’t have to worry about frequent new purchases or trying to sell off under market price your used appliance or electronic item when relocating back home or to another country.
Certain table lamps with normal outside wiring can be used with a plug adapter, but most importantly you’ll have to change the light bulb/s as they are designed for one voltage system generally and do not work well in another plus a wrong light bulb/s can become dangerous. Risks include electrocution and fire (immediate or delayed).
For expensive ceiling lamp fixtures, chandeliers or sconces one might consider taking them along and having them rewired, adapted and made compatible with the local line voltage and frequency by a local specialty shop or retailer in your destination country.
CULTURAL INFORMATION
- The name “Kuwait” is derived from Arabic word “Kut”, meaning “fort”.
- Kuwait was once a home of the shifting nomads.
- During the eighteenth century, nomadic tribes and clans suffering from the drought of the desert settled on the coast of the Arabian Gulf.
- Oil reserves in the country were discovered in 1934. Kuwait’s oil reserves are the world’s sixth largest.
- The Kuwaiti Dinar, the official currency of Kuwait, is the highest-valued currency in the world. One Kuwaiti Dinar equals 1,000 fils.