Job Discussion Forums

[ohwell]

these are life related more than job related but wanted to ask in advance so I know what to expect:

how easy is it for a foreign lady to open a bank account (with iqama issued by employer)?

can I bring typical children medicine into the country without any problems or are they literally going to chop my head off for my baby's Vitamin D?

lastly, for anyone who knows about KAU: does the female campus have a bank branch and a kindergarten on site?

thanks a lot in advance

[nomad soul]

[scot47]

Some bamnks have ladies-only branches. In others women automatically go to the head of the queue. If u have an iqama you can open an account.

[cmp45]

In this male dominated society, females do tend to get preferential treatment when it comes to banking. Applying for a bank account is rather painless. Of course you need an Igama. I expect your employer will help you set up a bank account. These days most banks are fully automated on-line. Monthly salary is automatically deposited each month. I pay my utilities and transfer money back home online through my KSA bank. Rarely do I need to set foot in the bank except to deposit the odd cheque.

A side note: you will need to update your account every second year (this may vary depending on the bank) other wise if you don't update it, they will freeze your account. The bank usually sends you a notice to come in and update your personal info when the time to do so approaches.

No need to bring any over the counter drugs/ vitamins. You can buy most everything here. However, if you have special needs- medicine make sure to have a note from your doctor or the offical perscription as NS stated previously. It may help get you out of a tight spot, if you are scrutinized at the airport, but would not worry too much about it.

[ohwell]

thanks everyone - wow, super helpful, of course being able to do bank transfers online is excellent.

I didn't want to run first thing to the pharmacy to get my baby's vitamin D, it is OTC though, so no prescription.

hm, as far as queueing goes: don't mind being patronised in this case, LOL. I have lived in the ME for a while now, and although other societies seem less male-dominated, deep down they still are. I got over it quite a while ago...

[ohwell]

been reading around the forum, and I just realised I might not be allowed to wear my abaya at work? LOL.

are pants ok at KAU?

[scot47]

When u get a new iqama the bank will want to see it and photocpy it. Otherwise your accoubnt will be frozen. A nusiance if you are out of KSA when it happens !