Job Discussion Forums

[jaygopinath]

Hi.

I am a Mechanical Engineer (B.E), Indian National got a job offer in SOHAR as Technical Manager. Salary - OR 550, HRA-150, Electricity & Water-25, Telephone-25, company maintained car with mileage, Basic furniture and 2-airconditioner. I am planning to move with my wife and no child. Kindly update me the current cost of living, House rent-two room flat, etc. Is it ok for a normal life. How much is able to save. Which place is suitable for housing, considering the company in Sohar Industrial area.

[veiledsentiments]

Are you aware that this is a board for English teachers?

Did you try a search? Sohar's rents are rising rapidly and this has been discussed lately. Finding cheap places has become highly competitive and the closer to your job, the probably more difficult it will be. But since your company is providing you with a car, that should make it easier to extend your search further.

As to savings, the salary and housing allowance would be considered very low by the standards of education, but how much you would be able to save depends on your lifestyle and requirements. But, because you have no children, I would think that you would be able to save some.

VS

[jaygopinath]

Thanks VS for your kind information.

I am sorry for not aware the board is specifically for English teachers.

[veiledsentiments]

We have a few non-teachers show up, but usually we can't answer their questions. If you notice, the name is ESL cafe - ESL being English as a Second Language. Thus, we couldn't tell you if the salary is appropriate for your job, but a general question about housing or life in Sohar can be easily searched using the icon at the top right.

Someone may come on and post more current housing information, so check back.

Good Luck in Oman...

VS

[Tarka_littleotter]

The rent is sort of beginning to stabilise (I think), but is is high.

I'm lucky and get quite a good deal but I know some people who are paying over 150 for a one bedroom flat. If you look for long enough you can find a good place for less but it depends on how willing you are to spend the time looking.

Some people have started moving out of Sohar and have found cheaper flats/villas in the neighbouring town, Saham. I can't comment on the prices there as I don't have any info, but I know you get more for your money and depending on how you drive it would only take you about 15-20 minutes to get there (but if you drive like an Omani it could take you either 5 minutes or 45!)

Will your company help you find housing? It's good that you get some furniture as all the flats here are completely empty!

[kuberkat]

It is odd how many non-ESL folks show up on this board. The reason is easy to find: Google living and/or working in any country listed on dave's, and eslcafe is one of the first sites suggested. With ESL at the center of our universe, it's easy to forget that to "normal people" it's random jargon.

There don't seem to be many other sites supporting people finding non-ESL jobs in new places, but there are online groups that can be very supportive. These can be found on Yahoo, MSN and the like. A very active group is at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Expats_in_GCC/. This group is very international and includes all professions.
There might be more specific info.

[dmb]

What percentage of expats are EFL teachers?

[veiledsentiments]

Well, if you include all workers, the number would be minimal, but if you are looking at just "professionals" (assuming that one considers ESL/EFL such.. ), I would think it would be a bit more significant. I have never seen a breakdown of reliable statistics, but it would be interesting to know.

VS

[kuberkat]

Judging from the number of obviously expatriate stay-at-home wives in luxury SUVs I see in Muscat, I would say English teachers don't make up the bulk of the capital's expatriate workforce, LOL!