Job Discussion Forums

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

If you are married and living in KSA on one salary you will not save much.

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 1:08 pm Post subject:

Sea Sea Rider · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 26 Location: Dilmun

Eat a lot of gruel--oats and water--guys add lots of salt peter and kids--become really, really good at playing soltaire till dawn wtih a deck of fifty one.

Also, pick out the most pitiful sots, those most likely to do a runner and borrow money from them at a time when they're three sheets to the wind--chances are they might not recall the loans before they "poof" -- go to Bahrain and never come back.

By the way, which mosques serve up free food in the Al Khobar area?

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

s there a dignified way to argue with a taxi driver?

I probably have done all three things veiled talks about. I don't try and beat down the price for a taxi, but there is no way I am going to let the guy push the price up, as he may well do his very best to do. Some people think you should not haggle with people poorer than you; this policy of rewarding the dishonest has never convinced me.

With regard to tipping, I think there is a difference in mentality between those that come from countries, such as the States, where tipping is the norm, and those that come from countries where it is most unusual, as in much of Europe. Certainly tipping is unusual in Saudi outside of expensive restaurants (a policy of tipping the better off.)

With cleaners the problem is that they are often screwed by their compatriots back home when they apply for the job, the contractor here who does them out of what they can, and even the government which does not order enough cleaners to get the job done comfortably. Nevertheless, even though you yourself would do as litlle as possible if you were in their shoes, that does not alter the fact that you would like your office cleaned more than once a month, and that a little water does help clean the floor every now and again.

Mark100 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 441

Interesting topic....I will add my two cents!

I have never in all my days met so many tight fisted mean spirited people as I did in Saudi.

Of course this doesn't apply to everyone but there does seem to be a disproportionately high number of skinflints in Saudi.

I think i saved about half or a little bit more of my salary and was happy with that but I do know of others who saved 80-90 percent but were as miserable and as stingy as one could ever be.

I chose to have the best satellite system, a good compound, a nice car and weekends in Bahrain along with nice overseas holidays.

It would be nice to save more but one has to live too.

I still saved a lot without taking it to extremes.

Ex Saudi since July and loving it.

Cleopatra · Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 11:06 am Post subject:

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Cleopatra · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 8:20 am Post subject:

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

I lived in Riyadh ten years ago. Last time I was there on a visit I paid the metered fare and it seemed quite normal.

I do remember Third World Nationals haggling over the fare when I was there. Never knew a westerner do it.

In Jubail there are no meters. There are standard fares, but some colleagues appear to have been overcharged the first time, and continue to be overcharged ever after.

I always discussed/discuss the fare from the airport since the metered fare is greatly against the consumer when you are doing a long journey. For in-town fares the meter system, if prices are set properly, saves a lot of hassle. I suppose it can still serve the purpose of being a fall-back if prices are too high (and metres are checked).

Mark100 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 441

I don't know any driver who used the meter in the Eastern Province.

All fares were bargained and most of the drivers quoted a fair price to which i usually added a small tip.

If you talked to these guys you would realise how tough they are doing it.

A small tip can make a big difference to them...

Albulbul · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 364

Ramadan is a WONDERFUL time for the 500 gang. Free Iftar breakfasts !

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

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

JZer..

One word... TAXES

When they say that they are getting $30-40,000 - that is take home pay. In the US, how much of that $25,000 do you get to take home? ... maybe $18,000? Then you have to pay your rent (no rent in the Gulf, housing is free). Want a vacation? (the Gulf gives you a free ticket)

Oh and you don't have to work as a slave in some restaurant all of your free time. You can put in your 20-30 hours of work per week... have double or triple the time off... travel the world in the summer on your boss's tab...

And still save the lions share of that $30-40,000...

Do stay home, but get the facts right...

VS

biffinbridge · Joined: 05 May 2003 Posts: 701 Location: Frank's Wild Years

Yep,I too met Mr. 1 Riyal.Never went anywhere,had 3 meals a day on the compound...a right tight ****.
Bebsi you forgot the other really mean trick;before I went direct hire at QP, I was a contractor at QAC.There were some in the shared car pools who refused to put petrol in despite the fact that all spending on petrol was re-imbursed.How mean is that?
Others saved money on laundry by wearing the same shirt everyday....nice in 45 degrees of heat.
Yet more saved money by going on the wagon except at other peoples' parties.
I remember we had a whip round for the company tea boy, who was going to see his wife in Sri Lanka for the first time in 2 years and some refused to even put a quid in the hat.This little lad did our laundry,made us breakfast and did almost anything required of him.In the end we got him about 100 quid and he was over the moon...still, he deserved a lot more.
Yeah I've never seen such miserable souls as the ones I saw out there.
Now I'm in Poland and loving every minute of my well earned poverty.

Cleopatra · Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2005 5:15 pm Post subject:

JZer,

Bear in mind that, not only are Saudi salaries tax-free, but -often quite spacious - accomodation and most bills are paid for too, as (usually) is transport to and from work. While I'm not familiar with cost of living in the US, I can say that almost everything is much cheaper here than in most European countries.

And yes, while life here definately has its downside, and most assuredly is not for everyone, there are advantages too. VS has mentioned some of them, such as the light workload and very generous holiday allowances. Yes, it might be possible to save more money in the US or Europe - if you really put your mind to it and got that rare deal, a good job in ESL - but whether the quality of life would be better is a matter of personal priorities.