Fair prices in Kuwait — what things really cost

Official airport taxis do not always use a meter, so agree the fare before setting off or use only the marked taxi desk in arrivals. A ride-hailing app is usually cheaper and clearer if you have local data or airport wifi. Expect a set higher rate late at night.

Careem and Uber work well across Kuwait City, fix the fare in the app and remove any argument over price. They are usually the easiest and most transparent way to get around, especially for airport runs and longer trips.

Street taxis are convenient but rarely use a meter, so always agree the price before you get in. Short hops within the centre should cost only a dinar or two; if a driver quotes far more once he hears you are a visitor, wave him on and take another.

A sit-down meal at a mid-range restaurant is good value, and Kuwait has excellent Lebanese, Iranian, Indian and Gulf food. Note there is no alcohol anywhere, and many venues add a service charge to the bill.

A generous plate of machboos, spiced rice with chicken, lamb or fish, is filling and affordable at a traditional restaurant or in the Mubarakiya market. Busy local spots are the best value and the most authentic.

Strong, sweet cardamom milk tea sold from small stalls and drive-throughs is a Kuwaiti ritual and costs only a few fils. Grab one with a snack at a seaside stall in the evening as locals do; it is cheap everywhere, not a scam.

Bottled water is cheap and essential in the heat. Buy it from a supermarket or cooperative (jam'iya) rather than a tourist-facing spot, and always carry more than you think you need in summer.