Question 1

What is the "Souk Al-Mubarakiya Fake Gold" scam in Kuwait City?

Accepted Answer

The gold jewelry section of Souk Al-Mubarakiya sells gold items labeled at specific karats (21K, 22K) where the actual gold content is lower than marked. Kuwait has an official gold testing authority (KFAS), but not all souk traders comply, and tourist purchases made under time pressure are vulnerable. Purchase gold only from established jewelers who display current gold price boards matching the day's Kuwait gold rate, and who provide a stamped receipt specifying karat and weight. Request a purity certificate for significant purchases.

Question 2

What is the "Souq Mubarakiya Pickpocketing in Crowds" scam in Kuwait City?

Accepted Answer

Souq Al-Mubarakiya is Kuwait City's oldest and most densely visited market, and its narrow pedestrian lanes create ideal conditions for pickpockets, particularly during evening shopping hours and on weekends. Thieves typically work in pairs — one creates a distraction near a stall while another removes wallets or phones from bags and rear pockets. Use a front-facing or zipped crossbody bag in the souq. Keep phones out of back pockets. Be especially alert near crowded food stalls and the spice market section, where foot traffic bottlenecks. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; use a card and keep a small amount of spending cash accessible.

Question 3

What is the "Souvenir Counterfeit Luxury Goods" scam in Kuwait City?

Accepted Answer

Markets around Souk Al-Mubarakiya and in some Salmiya commercial areas sell counterfeit branded goods — watches, bags, scarves — labeled with luxury brand names. Kuwait's Customs Authority periodically cracks down on counterfeit imports, and visitors carrying fakes at international departure can have items confiscated. Avoid purchasing any item represented as a genuine luxury brand at a price far below retail. Kuwait Customs at the airport can and does confiscate counterfeit goods from departing passengers. Purchasing knowingly counterfeit goods is illegal in Kuwait.

Question 4

What is the "The Avenues Mall Fake Luxury Goods" scam in Kuwait City?

Accepted Answer

Near the perimeter entrances to The Avenues Mall — Kuwait's largest shopping center — and in surrounding informal shops along the Gulf Road, sellers offer counterfeit designer handbags, watches, sunglasses, and electronics that are presented as authentic discounted stock. Some sellers operate from cars or pop-up tables, claiming items are surplus from legitimate retailers. Buy branded goods only inside The Avenues itself from authorized retailers. Goods sold from car boots, folding tables, or informal kiosks outside the mall are almost invariably counterfeit. Importing counterfeit goods can also create issues at customs when leaving Kuwait.

Street Scams in Kuwait City

Souk Al-Mubarakiya Fake Gold

Souq Mubarakiya Pickpocketing in Crowds

Souvenir Counterfeit Luxury Goods

The Avenues Mall Fake Luxury Goods

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