Job Discussion Forums

kanterbrau · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 38

Has anyone ever had a problem taking a laptop into KSA? All contributions gratefully received. Many thanks.

Good Luck.

007 · Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 11:14 am Post subject:

No problem, you can take your laptop into the Magic Kingdom.
Just check that it does not have the virus XXX in it. Laughing

trapezius · Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 5:50 pm Post subject:

When coming in to SA, just make sure there is no porn on your laptop.
When coming in to the US, just make sure there is no pirated software on your laptop.

Different strokes for different folks, er... countries!

kanterbrau · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 38

I wasn't intending to try and get something unwelcome into the country, rather I was wondering if the customs officals would confiscate the laptop in order to check and I would then have the hassle of trying to get it back at a later date.

Many thanks for your help.

Good Luck.

arabianknight · Posted: Sat Apr 18, 2009 3:08 pm Post subject:

I've never heard of anyone having their laptop checked when coming here to Riyadh. Paranoia abound?

freesoul · Posted: Sat Apr 18, 2009 4:58 pm Post subject:

in 2006, my 10 blank CDs were all carefully checked, the officer then couldn't comprehend the fact that how someone could come from the west with blank CDs.

trapezius · Posted: Sat Apr 18, 2009 8:16 pm Post subject:

I don't know if all laptops being brought into the country are checked, but some are definitely checked.

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

Laptop was x-rayed but not checked.

kanterbrau · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 38

Dear All,

Many thanks for taking the trouble to post replies concerning checks and x-rays.

I have no objection to the machine being checked or x-rayed or whatever just as long as they do it on the spot.

So, arabianknight - Paranoia NOT abound - it would seem.

Thanks again.

Good Luck.

johnslat · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 2:15 pm Post subject:

Dear kanterbrau,
In my experience, in the Kingdom, paranoia is an essential survival tool. But then, it's not actually paranoia when they really ARE out to get you.
Regards,
John

indigorawa · Joined: 13 Apr 2009 Posts: 24

Are laptops expensive in Jeddah? or anywhere in the KSA? I know the question is relative, yet within the prices that are available, say in singapore, or Europe, or the USA, are they reasonably priced?

As well, the cost of scanners, printers and other computer accessories -- will I be able to find a good deal there?

Thanks

paradox3696 · Joined: 18 Jul 2008 Posts: 44 Location: Normadic

trapezius · Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 12:44 pm Post subject:

Download the catalogs of these stores to see laptop prices:

http://www.jarirbookstore.com/html/jarir_download-it-catalog.asp
http://www.extrastores.com/EnglishPages/MonthlyFlyers/Default.html
http://www.extrastores.com/EnglishPages/WeeklyAds.aspx

As a general rule of thumb, prices here are about 30% more than what you will find in stores in the US, and about 50% more than what you will find online in the US.

12 Monkeys · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 82 Location: paradise lost

I found prices comparably lower than Canada, US, Europe. There is no tax added to the retail price. Except for big chain stores, one can even haggle with the owner to get it near wholesale price. I like the range of choice on electronic products here, even in a little town like the one I'm in.

Cornelius

jeddah999 · Joined: 26 Dec 2008 Posts: 5

I am travelling to Canada for the summer break and since reformatting computers is so cheap at the stores in Saudi Arabia, it would make sense that you are not getting a licensed version of Windows. Should I leave my laptop in Saudi Arabia, or assume it won't be a problem while travelling?

Thanks�