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kbp4g5 · Joined: 06 Aug 2010 Posts: 8

Can anyone who uses an e-reader in KSA or another Gulf country provide me with some insight as to the practicality of bringing one with me. I leave the U.S. in a few weeks and am trying to figure out if I should purchase an e-reader before I take off.

I know that the kindle website says that the kindle isn't supported in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain. Would I be able to download e-books to my laptop and then transfer them to a kindle (or any other e-reader) through a usb cable while in either country?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. (I tried searching old forums but wasn't able to find much info about this topic).

I Rub Ruchi · Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 45 Location: USA

Many people arrive in KSA expecting to use the internet as they did at home. They all are shocked and even when things don't work. Simple news stories are blocked and many websites.

In addition, books and information can be sensitive issues here. You will probably be OK if you arrive with your books downloaded already if you are a Westerner. My Asian friends have had their devices confiscated at the airport, but returned a week later. I did hear of one Canadian who arrived with revealing photos female friends on his phone. The phone was confiscated and he was able to enter the Kingdom, but his employer sent his back home. I don't know how much of this is true being that it is second knowledge.

Remember that KSA is not a free country to do as you like and speak your thoughts. Many get away with what they like, but they are not ESL types.

Paul in Saudi · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 404 Location: Doha, Qatar

I have had a Kindle (now a DX!) in the Kingdom since it came out. A buddy has a Nook. Both work fine.

You need to conceal where you are from Amazon. They cannot legally sell books here for copyright reasons. Instead use a US credit card and a US address. Then download books from Amazon over the internet. I get my New York Times every day just fine.

When you get your Kindle, turn off the wireless. Now you (in the US) are in the same situation I am in here (in the Kingdom). Learn to use the 'Manage Your Kindle' page to download using the USB cable.

A Kindle is a must-have.

Elderly · Joined: 01 Sep 2010 Posts: 2

I have a kindle in Qatar and there is no problem. If you have a valid US or Canadian credit card with a billing address in the US or Canada you do not have to hide from Amazon. You can buy books with 1 click and in the Manage Your Kindle section of Amazon you can choose Download to Computer.

If your card is US or Candian but with a billing address outside the country then you have to go the convoluted route.

kbp4g5 · Joined: 06 Aug 2010 Posts: 8

Thanks so much for the info. This is all very helpful!

sauditeacher · Joined: 05 Oct 2009 Posts: 44

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

svatopluk · Joined: 16 Sep 2009 Posts: 81

Not that much is blocked in KSA. It's mainly porn that is... OK, when the porno indisutry is worth $18 billion to the US economy, then that's a lot, but let's face it, living without porn means you're imagination gets a good work-out.

There's a UK tabloid called The News of the World which is blocked and I always laughed when the reason given was: Tasteless. Mind you, it's sister paper The Sun is easily available, yet just as bad.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Kindle !? Bah ! I will continue to use the technology introduced by Mr Caxton.

EnglishDoYouSpeakIt · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 151 Location: Saudi Arabia