Job Discussion Forums

got2go · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 33

Hello one and all!

If anyone has been to Salalah recently or is there now, can you recommend what I need to bring with me from the states that seems to be a comodity or you can't find in Salalah - i.e., Tylenol for the kids, shampoo, books for both teachers and leisure reading, etc.

Also, what about purchasing a good computer? And how much does a good computer cost these days there?

What about the food in the supermarkets? Is there a variety to choose from?

Any comments and/or ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Ciao

DesertStar · Joined: 02 Oct 2005 Posts: 80 Location: UAE Oasis

Please don't tell me you're planning on bringing food from the US???? Well, I take that back- I know someone who brought sloppy joe sauce, brownies mix, and instant cocoa.

Not specific to Salalah, but laptops computers are cheaper in US than Gulf. Don't know about desktops. Shampoos, meds, etc. are abundant. Not necessarily children's, you run across Tylenol, Advil, etc. in the gulf imported straight from US. Though I found the Panadol family here more powerful and quite impressive!

manoflettersk466 · Joined: 10 Mar 2005 Posts: 22

You might think I'm jokin' but I'm not.....bring twist ties......those are the only things I could NOT find in Salalah!! You know.....the small things that wrap up a garbage bag......I use them to store food with (in bags) in the fridge or freezer.........Other than that all kinds of foods & medicines & cleaners etc are availabe at Lulu's and elsewhere. You may want to bring your favorite cd's or books....choice is limited in this area.....although the Family bookstore does carry dozen's of english novels etc. Get your fresh ground coffee at Lulu's as well, and get your freshly baked bread ( and British cheeses) at the store by the Airbase.
re computer - put the word out with other teachers before you buy.....one may be selling, or know of a deal in town...........
My maps of Salalah can be viewed here:

http://vindon2.tripod.com/oman/

and for ideas on visiting places near Salalah (Taqah or Hasik) go here:

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/a5bf5/

Have fun, I'm jealous!

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

So... got2go... you decided to take a job in Salalah instead of Sohar?

I agree with all of the above. If you can afford it, get a good lightweight laptop in the US - since you will want to have it in your carry-on.

I'm not sure about children's dosage meds, but you can usually get any OTC meds in the Gulf. Just be sure to know the chemical names - not the US trade names. Ask for Naproxin or ibuprofen and it will be a fraction of the US price. (oh... and feminine hygiene choice can be limited... so if you are choosy, take a year's supply)

Books are ridiculously expensive, so bring some. If you are a prolific reader, try to take a trip to Muscat now and again to visit the used book store there. It also has lots of children's books.

Food shouldn't be a problem, and you will get to try all kinds of new things.

VS

got2go · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 33

Thanks to all who responded! You are really my eyes to that part of the world!

And regarding the ties for the bags, I agree that it's the little things that make a big difference! Thanks for the tip and I will surely bring some!

I'm sure I'll have some more questions as I think of them!

Thanks again!