Job Discussion Forums

tokoro · Joined: 13 Feb 2009 Posts: 5

I may have a position at KAU, the visa application is stalled in the MoF because I'm not applying in the country of my nationality.

I am trying to get all my personal belongings into a 1 or 2 meter cubed "space" for shipping from Japan to Jeddah. It seems quite reasonable, shipping by sea, and the minimum is 1M3.

From: Tokyo - Jeddah

Service Type: Economy � Door to Port Estimated Volume: 1.0 ~ 4.0 Cubic Meters Transit Time: About 55 Days

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Price:

JPY 60,000 / First Cubic Meter (Minimum Cost)

JPY 5,000 / PER Additional 0.1 Cubic Meter

Optional Packing and Crating for an Additional JPY 40,000 (Flat rate up to 4.0 cubic meters)

I was wondering if it would be a good idea to ship "bigger/heavier stuff like chairs/tables/a sofa/washer and drier for use in my "new place" (which I don't know anything about yet) in the KSA. Also, appliances, like microwave oven, toaster oven, convection oven, and pots, pans, cutlery, dishes, etc.

I guess I could use this kind of stuff when I get there...or should I get rid of it here (Japan) and buy household furnishings there?

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with these types of "choices".

Umm 'Abdil-Wahhaab · Joined: 23 Jun 2009 Posts: 54

I'm happy you asked because I wonder the same thing about shipping from the US to Saudi and would like to hear responses on that too. I know alot of Saudis going back home do it.

It's easy to say "buy when you get there" but that can get really costly if you arent going to a furnished apartment. Also, it seems that good appliances are costly (like a washer), I'm guessing because they import them. Perhaps with shipping you may save money, but atleast you would save the hassel from having to shop for everything. As mentioned, it really depends on if your apartment is furnisehd or not to be able to tell if its worth shipping your stuff.

icehell · Joined: 24 Jul 2009 Posts: 2

probably you searching for Tank not ordinary shipping company like UPS.
also you should ask about VAT.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2009 10:45 pm Post subject:

johnslat · Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2009 12:04 am Post subject:

Dear NCTBA,
Not to mention the fact that the Saudis are "going back home" whereas not too many teachers stay in Saudi more than a few years.
I've ALWAYS found that traveling as light as possible works best; if you can sell what you have at home (or even give it away). you can pick up what you need in the Kingdom pretty cheaply, for the most part. And in the case of electrical appliances, the voltage will be right. Then, when you leave, you can almost always sell what you bought and not be out much at all.
Regards,
John

tillymd · Joined: 07 Apr 2009 Posts: 114

Hello,

Are you really going to ship appliances....Why?

Do you think it's impossible to buy a dual can opener/ knife sharpener in KSA?

Tillymd

tokoro · Joined: 13 Feb 2009 Posts: 5

I am just wondering about the idea....

60,000 yen per M3 is about 600 bucks...how much would a washer, dryer, leather sofa, and two nice tables with a few chairs cost in the Kingdom?

Would it be cheaper to buy stuff there when I get there, or wait for 2 months until the things I already know I "like" get there by sea...

these are a few of the "questions" in my mind, never having been to the ME or gone shopping in the KSA

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

I can tell you that in my years in the Gulf, very very few people that I worked with shipped more than minimal basic stuff in from any distance. Mainly because the employers don't pay for shipping or pay little. Also, are you sure that you don't get provided a furnished flat? At my 5 employers, 3 provided furnished flats and the other 2 gave significant furniture allowances.

Arranging for shippers to come and pack and then dealing with customs on the other end... I would have to get a HUGE shipping allowance before I'd deal with that. At my first employer in the Gulf, I was given a 100 kg allowance. By the end of the customs clearance process, I wished that I had just burned all of it and left the ashes floating in the Nile. Laughing

After that I would just air freight in 4 or 5 small boxes of my teaching materials and favorite texts... and pay the extra charge for it to be portal to portal... which means that they do the customs clearance at the destination airport for you.

VS

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

The problem with shipping 'things you like' is that you have no idea if they'll be the right size for your flat. Then, if you're shipping from the US there's the voltage problem.

You'll nearly always find it cheaper to sell everything where you are and then buy again.

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

He's coming from Japan and I believe that they are also 110. (?)

VS

tokoro · Joined: 13 Feb 2009 Posts: 5

I am just wondering about the idea.... 60,000 yen per M3 is about 600 bucks...how much would a washer, dryer, leather sofa, and two nice tables with a few chairs cost in the Kingdom?

60,000.00 JPY = 2,369.50 SAR

These are a few of the "questions" in my mind, never having been to the ME or gone shopping in the KSA

1. What does 2, 370 SAR buy in terms of home furnishings/appliances in Jeddah?

2. Would it be cheaper to buy stuff there when I get there, or wait for 2 months until the things I already know I "like" get there by sea?

3. Is there a tax on appliances/furniture etc. when it arrives in the KSA?

3.How large in M2 is a typical single uni teacher's apartment?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I follow johnslat in advising that you travlellight. You can get nearly everything you want in KSA - new or used.

tokoro · Joined: 13 Feb 2009 Posts: 5

This link:

http://www.jeddah.fundook.com/

has classified ads and links to rentals, etc.

Didah · Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 9:09 pm Post subject: Sayonara Nihon

Hi Tokoro,

I lived in Japan for many years and find it interesting that you are moving out to the KSA. Have things gotten that bad there? I left Japan in 2003 and I am in the process of returning the the Magic Kingdom next month.

About the voltage -- as I recall the voltage in Japan is 100v 50/60hz. As others have pointed out the KSA voltage is 110 and 220. If you are planning on bringing appliances that have Fuzzy Logic (like most Japanese washing machines) they may not work properly. Also, Japanese electronics such as clock radios and answering machines won't keep time. The other folks were right that it is better to buy as you go when you get to the KSA. Perhaps you can have a Sayonara sale and pick up a few thousand Yen. I also agree that it is best to travel light out to the Gulf as your employment situation may turn on a dime.

Good Luck,
Chris

tokoro · Joined: 13 Feb 2009 Posts: 5

Thanks Chris!

The more things "change" in Japan, the more things stay the same....

I got my Permanent Residence Visa, so I'm looking for something different: frankly Japan has been very good to me.

Points well taken about traveling light...

Cheers