Other than watching tv shows and stuffing myself with yummy food, I enjoy reading in my free time. I don’t like ordering books online, so I would usually wait until I travel to buy all the books I want. I would always have a long list prepared and then I would spend hours in book shops indulging in the array of books offered. It’s something I enjoy doing, but it causes a problem later on. Books are heavy and since I’m traveling back to Kuwait I need to make sure my luggage isn’t overweight. That is why I decided to start reading ebooks. There are many ebook devices on the market, including Kindle and Kobo.
For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you might have noticed that I was in London during the Christmas break. I got the chance to check out the different ebooks. I ended up choosing the kindle paperwhite.
What really attracted me to get the paperwhite is how much it was in demand. It was sold out in most electronic stores and bookstores, while the Kobo, for example, was always available. I finally got a hold of it in Waterstones. Price wise, it was around 50 KD. I honestly thought it would cost more.
Another reason why I got it is because it’s only an ebook and not a tablet. It doesn’t have applications and the internet is very limited. I want to be able to read without any distractions from applications. Everything about it was inviting, but when I actually bought it and turned it on I faced an annoying problem. The problem was is that the amazon market has very limited books if you live in the Middle East. I literally couldn’t download anything. I slyly changed my address to the US. I thought that I can outsmart them. The next day I got an email saying that I have to have proof that I live there. I was stuck again. But then I realized I have an address in England that I can use and I wouldn’t be lying.
That worked out great and from then on I was able to download ebooks! Then I faced another problem. I need a credit card to download books that aren’t free. I can borrow my dads credit card, but I don’t think I can use the Kuwaiti address on it, since I supposedly live in England. No idea what to do now. Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Summer,
I’ve had a Barnes & Noble NOOK for several years now, just bought myself a new NOOK HD in Nov when I was back home actually. I love them, but reading a book on an ereader just isn’t the same as snuggling up with a new book and a cup of coffee ( I too love the smell and feel of a real book). I used to have the same problem with downloading books onto my NOOK, but Barnes & Noble now allows downloading in Kuwait, although I do have a US address and credit card.
I’ve heard that you can somehow open two different accounts on Amazon: one with your Kuawaiti address and Kuwaiti credit card, the other account ( I assume under a different name and email address?) with your address in England. You then buy an “Amazon Gift Card E-mail” with your Kuwaiti account and send it as a gift to your English account. The instructions on how to redeem and use the gift card should be included. I’ve sent my mom and sister gift cards for their ereaders before and it works great.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LLIKVU/gcrnsts?ie=UTF8&gcDesign=kindle_treeboy_10_us&gcOccasion=Amazon.com%20Stores&redirect=true
Here’s a discussion on another site where some people are having the same problem. You’ve got to read about halfway down the post.
http://248am.com/mark/kuwait/amazon-kindle-fire-in-kuwait/
Also, you don’t have to purchse books only from Amazon. There are other websites that sell ebooks, which you could then download onto your computer and then upload them onto your Kindle. It might not show the beautiful book covers, they usually appear grey, but hey…you’ve got books! I know in the US, if you belong to your local library, you can download books for free onto your device. These books are only borrowed for several weeks and then they’re gone. Next time you’re in England you might want to check out if a library near your address in has the same service, if you’re an avid reader like me, free books are always great.
I hope you find a way to enjoy your Kindle. Happy Reading!
Nora
Hi , i had the same problem . basically you have to have 2 amazon uk accounts one is the kuwaiti one that has a normal visa that u usually have to buy things etc and then u make another account for your kindle that has a uk address then send a gift certificate from the kuwaiti one to the uk like for 20 pounds and then thats it you get to buy books from the gift certificate’s money . hope this helps
P.s hope this doesnt sound weird but there is this kindle book called obsidian which is just AMAZING !
Thank you so much! This really helps. I need to try and get my kindle accounts in order. I will definitely check out the book you suggested!