Job Discussion Forums

fhq · Joined: 21 Apr 2014 Posts: 14

Does anyone know a low-cost option to do this? When I was in the US, I used to send packages overseas for about $3 at USPS. Is there an option like that here?

hash · Joined: 17 Dec 2014 Posts: 456 Location: Wadi Jinn

You "...used to send packages overseas for about $3 at USPS."?? When was that? 1975? Last time I looked, it cost a lot more to send a PACKAGE abroad....a regular airmail letter costs $1.00.

Last time I looked here in KSA, it cost SAR 4 for an airmail letter to the USA. That's about $1 and 7 cents. That's about as cheap as you're going to get.

If you work with a lot of Americans, there's always someone going to the USA....Most will gladly mail a letter for you once they get to CONUS (I mean, the USA). Of course, it's always courteous to have the proper postage already attached to the envelope. That way, your messenger just has to dump your mail in a mailbox without having to fidget around looking for a "stamp".

The vast majority of ex-pats in KSA no longer "send letters" in the way you mean. Most simply use the internet. It's been at least 10 years since I've actually mailed a letter from here to there. If it's an urgent document, you have to use FEDEX or other carrier and these are, of course, expensive.

One of the big problems with "mailing" items in KSA is that the mail system continues to be problematic. I continue to hear about letters "never arriving" at their destinations.

If you do decide to actually MAIL a letter, be sure you send it "registered"....it costs a little more but practically assures delivery. The Arabic word for this is "MOOSE-AJIL". So when you're at the "window", say, MOOSE-AJIL at least three times - all at once. They'll know what you mean.

By the way, it's always a good idea to act a little unhinged or hysterical when you're dealing with a KSA institution by yourself, like at the post office. Walk into the building like you've just been TRAUMATIZED for some reason or other, screaming MOOSE-AJIL at the top of your lungs and so forth.

That way, you'll get speedy service and they'll try to get you out of there as fast as possible. Otherwise, you'll have to get in line.

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PS - If you work for one of the military outfits, I believe you are eligible to use the fabulous APO system for mailing purposes. I had use of it when I worked for Vinnell and Litton way back when. You can both send and receive by simply using regular US postage. I'm not sure this system is still in use in KSA though. What with all the "cutbacks...." (Just this year, thanks to these cutbacks, they closed my Heidelberg, Germany high school, which began operations, I believe, way back in the 1940s or 50s!).

And....if you're in the Eastern Province of KSA, you can no longer hear the Armed Forces radio broadcasts that used to bring forth joy and mirth to many a forlorn USAer up until about 4 years ago.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

fhq · Joined: 21 Apr 2014 Posts: 14

I guess airmail letter is the term I should have used, apologies. Thanks for the help.

Any idea approximately how long it would take to arrive?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Outgoing is better than incoming. Go to the Maktab Al Bareed and ask. I always found the guys there charming. They were usually surprised to see someone from Europe or the USA. Most of their customers for outgoing mail are from less prosperous parts of the globe.

2buckets · Joined: 14 Dec 2010 Posts: 515 Location: Middle East

"By the way, it's always a good idea to act a little unhinged or hysterical when you're dealing with a KSA institution by yourself, like at the post office. Walk into the building like you've just been TRAUMATIZED for some reason or other, screaming MOOSE-AJIL at the top of your lungs and so forth. "

Good advice, works when getting a drivers license too.

Insane people are deemed to be "touched" by Allah and given special dispensations.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Feigning insanity is a good ruse but if you do it for too long you may find it difficult to reverse the process. How easy is it to pretend that you are sane after a year or two in KSA ?

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

You have to spend something like 25 Riyals to get a letter from Riyadh to Riyadh within 3 days. How fast do you think a $1.07 will get a letter overseas?