Job Discussion Forums

cosmosmariner · Joined: 09 May 2003 Posts: 34

I am about to go to KSA on assignment and would like to bring a laptop with WIFI Card. Would it be cheaper to buy it in the USA before I leave, or in KSA when I arrive. If I buy it in USA and bring it with me, will Saudi Customs seize it and keep it for a long time and perhaps screw it up? Anyone out there have any experience with this problem?
Is WIFI readily available?

Shukran!

also in saudi · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 137

Most electronics, including computers and peripherals are much cheaper in the US than in most other countries. Saudi Arabia is not an exception.
You should have no problem taking your equipment through Saudi customs. WiFi and/or Bluetooth are nice to have, but you will most likely be charged a nonrefundable setup fee which would include your compound's modem of choice. Satellite, DSL, ADSL and dial up are the only choices in KSA. They are not even aware of cable TV much less cable Internet.

also in saudi · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 137

Same prices as in the US? Cheaper than US? What? Where?

Everything I priced was at least 30-60% HIGHER in KSA.

In fact, you can order by mail from the US, have the items shipped by DHL, and still save money.

jonathan1001 · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 14

I am arriving in Riyadh in September and would like to know if anyone has any recommendations for computer stores.

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 1:14 pm Post subject:

I don't think any one place stands out.

There's the "computer suk" on Olaya Street ( the main shopping street) which consists of loads of little computer shops. There's also the many branches of Jarir bookshop - user-friendly and with English speaking staff, but many say overpriced. In the past few years, many European 'hypermarkets' have opened on the outskirts of Riyadh, and these often sell a good variety of computers and accessories at good prices.

In short, you have plenty of options.

canuqk · Joined: 24 Jun 2005 Posts: 5

There's a larger selection of brands to choose from in the US (both on-line and at discount shops); as well as more competitive pricing. Laptop prices have dropped significantly and can be had for about US$500.00 (after rebates). Be aware that the low-end laptops are heavier (aka "bricks") and the lighter models are more expensive. Unless you are a techno-geek, you could easily be comparing apples to oranges. Price is not the only factor; cost of future memory and hardware upgrades must be considered. Battery life, WiFi and Bluetooth are additional factors. Keep in mind that not all on-board RAM are equal, many cheaper laptops share that RAM with their video display. Warranty service and tech support (on-line and ACCESSIBLE service centers) are very important.

Prepare a check list of your current and future requirements/needs (what do you need the laptop for?); chances are the latest models are really more than what you need. Consider the second-hand / used market, where some brands may still be under manufacturer warranty.

As previous mentioned, even with shipping from the US; it can still be a bargain. If you do have a used laptop shipped to you; tell the seller to place a paper barrier between the screen portion and the keyboard portion to prevent the two halves locking close. I've had the Neanderthal Saudi Customs "crowbar" open my laptops and breaking the latches because they were too lazy and disrepectful and/or too mentally-challenged to determine how to unlatch/open the laptops.

Saudi Customs have never challenged the laptops on my arrival but they will scrutinize/confiscate any visible CD or DVD. Discs deemed inappropriate are subject to a SR500 fine (per disc), and those that are returned (after inspection .... in a few weeks) are frequently scratched/damaged.

With the current terror alert, the laptop may no longer be a "carry-on" and must be checked-in; in which case, don't spare the bubble-wrap and styrofoam popcorn!

Welcome to the KSA.

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 2:58 pm Post subject:

I'm not sure if I agree entirely with the above poster. On several occasions I've entered KSA with several DVDs and CDs in my luggage, and never once have they been scrutinised. Granted, men are allegedly more likely to have their luggage searched than men are, but these days it's unusual for Saudi customs to subject bags to a rigourous check - most of them just go through the x-ray machine.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

If it's a laptop you want buy it in the States and bring it in on the plane. Saudi customs have never held laptops; they don't even bother with CDs now.

Turando · Joined: 18 Apr 2005 Posts: 31

Hi,

Laptops are MUCH cheaper in the US. Infact we've bought about 4 online from the US and got them shipped to Saudi via FedEx and they were still cheaper than buying them in Saudi or Australia. We've had no problems with customs at any time when travelling or shipping. Sometimes they've just opened it to make sure its a laptop and not anything else but they don't hold it. With CD's you need to be a bit more careful though but generally it's alright.

For laptops I recommend either an IBM or for a more affordable solution (but still good quality) a Toshiba. We just got a Toshiba M105 and it's an excellent laptop with all the extras and not heavy at all. I have a Toshiba A105 (bigger screen) and I love it too. The M105 is better quality though Smile

We're buying another 3 M105's now for family/friends from the US.

Hope that helps.

Pollux · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 224 Location: PL

Just upgraded to the Toshiba 105 in the States. 700 dollars at CompUSA. One drawback, you have to buy MS Office at 100 bucks since XP version doesn't come with it.

BTW, today's Boston-Zurich-Warsaw flight was a snore. No hasseles at either end. OK, no liquids allowed.

jonathan1001 · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 14

Ok thanks people for all the computer / laptop / CD / DVD posts.

I started thinking about my options for an internet connection at home in Riyadh. Can someone tell me an approximate price for a broadband connection? I don�t think I can go back to dial-up. I know there are no wireless networks. So can someone post some information about cost per month and start up costs. Any suggestions for reliable ISPs would be good too.

Also I have a large DVD collection. I was wondering if I made copies of the original DVDs to bring with me if this is going to be a problem. From what I have read from previous posts this seems to be asking for trouble.

Finally can someone tell me if they have bought DVDs online, say from Amazon, and then had them shipped to Riyadh? Is this allowed?

Jonathan

Cleopatra · Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 9:57 am Post subject:

Dial-up is maddeningly slow in KSA. Really. You can wait literally five minutes for a single page to come up. I'm not sure if broadband exists in the technical sense, but ADSL is available. While it's neither super-fast nor 100% reliable, it's a vast improvement over lousy dial-up.

As for DVDs, as I and others have said, these days bags are unlikely to get more than a cursory inspection. My advice is always that if the DVD or CD has a 'risque' cover - ie featuring scantily clad ladies - simply remove the cover. With books, just put a plain cover over any possibly 'offensive' picture. Customs guards are unlikely to probe any deeper, even in the unlikely event your bags are opened and searched.

Yes, you can have stuff sent by Amazon or others. Two points.

1) Saudi post is rather unreliable. It's quite common for things - esp. nice shiny DVDs - to go awol.
2) It's likely that the package will be opened by customs. If it contains 'risque' DVDs etc, it may be returned to sender. I have heard of this happening.

Turando · Joined: 18 Apr 2005 Posts: 31

Hi,

In regards to DSL costs theres is a few costs:

- Saudi Telecom Line charges which vary according to what speed you choose for DSL so for e.g. 128K is 80 riyals. 256k 100 riyals and 512K is 120 riyals.
- Then you need to either be on a plan or use prepaid cards. We use prepaid cards monthly which are unlimited. There is no point getting limited cards which let you download 1GB (which is nothing) a month. We use 512K DSL and the cheapest card (which was also decent) is the SaudiNet card which was 340 riyals per month. Other prices depend on the company and the speed but we were paying 256K for 240 riyals and 128K is probably 120 riyals?
- There is a connection charge for DSL with Saudi Telecom which is about 300 riyals if I remember correctly.

So all up there is 3 charges
- initial connection charge which is a one-off charge of about 300 riyals
- monthly saudi telecom charge
- monthly internet service provider charge

If you have the room I recommend you get a DSL modem/router and bring it with you because they are too expensive here and much cheaper in the US. We're ordering a wireless modem/router from the US soon.

Hope that helps.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

You might find a long waiting list for DSL.

One possibility is to go for a direct satellite link; Orbit do it but you have to subscribe to their crappy satellite TV as well. The advantage is that you avoid the Saudi censorship proxy, though I have always found it more of an irritant than an obstacle.

Cleopatra · Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 10:02 am Post subject:

Last time I looked, the Orbit service was ridiculously expensive, esp. if you will be the only person using the internet.