Essential Apps for Expats in Kuwait in 2024
As an expat living in Kuwait, having the right apps on your phone is essential for making life easier. From managing government services and sending money back home to ordering food and finding the best deals, these apps are specifically tailored for expats’ needs. Whether you're handling your residency, doing grocery shopping, or booking a taxi, here’s a list of must-have apps for expats in Kuwait.
1. MOI Kuwait (Ministry of Interior App)
Why it's essential: For expats, managing government-related services is a top priority. The MOI app allows you to handle tasks like renewing your residency, paying fines, and checking visa statuses—all in one place.
Key Features:
- Traffic violation tracking
- Residency renewal
- Payment of fines (traffic violations, immigration fines, deportation tickets)
Download Links:
2. PACI Kuwait Mobile ID
Why it's essential: The PACI Mobile ID app allows you to store a digital version of your Civil ID, which is officially recognized across Kuwait. It’s useful for government services, businesses, and identification purposes.
Key Features:
- Digital Civil ID storage
- Quick verification for government services and businesses
Download Links:
3. Kuwait Finder
Why it's essential: Kuwait Finder is an invaluable app for navigating Kuwait with precision. It provides detailed maps, real-time traffic updates, and the ability to search for locations using PACI numbers.
Key Features:
- Search by PACI number
- Real-time traffic updates
- Detailed maps and points of interest
Download Links:
4. Sahel App
Why it's essential: Sahel is a unified app that connects expats and residents to various government services in Kuwait. Through this app, users can apply for services, track their requests, and receive notifications from government agencies.
Key Features:
- Status tracking of government documents
- Service applications for various government agencies
- Notifications and reminders from government agencies
- Appointment bookings via the META platform
Download Links:
5. Banking Apps (for your specific bank)
Why it's essential: Managing your finances on the go is essential for expats. Whether you want to check your balance, transfer money, or pay bills, your bank’s app can help you stay on top of your finances.
Examples:
- National Bank of Kuwait (NBK Mobile Banking) for Android | NBK Mobile Banking for iOS
- Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Online for Android | KFH Online for iOS
Other banks include: Gulf Bank, Boubyan Bank, Commercial Bank of Kuwait, Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK), and Warba Bank.
6. Mobile Service Provider Apps
Why they're essential: Mobile provider apps allow you to manage your account, recharge, pay bills, and access various features. Popular providers in Kuwait include:
Other providers include Virgin Mobile and Friendi.
7. Food Delivery & Grocery Apps
Why they're essential: Food delivery apps are a must for expats who want to enjoy local and international cuisines at home or work. Many apps also offer grocery delivery, making shopping convenient without leaving your home.
Popular Food Delivery Apps:
- Talabat for Android | Talabat for iOS
- Deliveroo for Android | Deliveroo for iOS
- Katch for Android | Katch for iOS
- Jahez for Android | Jahez for iOS
- Cari for Android | Cari for iOS
Grocery Delivery Apps:
- LuLu Hypermarket for Android | LuLu Hypermarket for iOS
- Taw9eel for Android | Taw9eel for iOS
- Get Dukan for Android | Get Dukan for iOS
8. Currency Exchange & Remittance Apps
Why they're essential: For expats, sending money back home is a frequent necessity. These apps allow you to transfer funds securely and efficiently.
Popular Apps:
- Al Mulla Exchange for Android | Al Mulla Exchange for iOS
- Al Muzaini Exchange for Android | Al Muzaini Exchange for iOS
Other popular exchanges include: Aman Exchange, Lulu Exchange, Western Union, and City Exchange.
9. Offers in Kuwait Apps
Why they're essential: For expats looking to save money, offers apps provide access to the latest discounts and promotions from hypermarkets, electronic stores, and other retailers.
Popular Apps:
- Clickflyer for Android | Clickflyer for iOS
- Couponat for Android | Couponat for iOS
- Sheel for Android | Sheel for iOS
- The Entertainer for Android | The Entertainer for iOS
10. Entertainment Apps
Why they're essential: Browse movies, check showtimes, and book tickets at cinemas across Kuwait with ease.
Popular Apps:
Other cinemas include Grand Cinemas, Ozone Cinemas, and Sky Cinemas.
11. International Calling Apps
Why they're essential: For expats, staying connected with family and friends abroad is vital. International calling apps allow you to make affordable calls to mobile or landline numbers in other countries. Additionally, you can buy calling cards from local stores ("bakalas") with smaller denominations to call your home country.
Popular Apps:
12. Ghaseel (Car Cleaning App)
Why it's essential: Ghaseel simplifies car cleaning by offering an easy-to-use app where you can book a car wash service at your home.
Download Links:
13. Temu – A Budget-Friendly Online Shopping App
Why it's essential: Temu offers a wide range of products at discounted prices, helping expats save money. The app also has a hassle-free returns process, allowing users to easily return items with just a few steps, ensuring a smooth shopping experience.
Download Links: