Job Discussion Forums

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Don't get riyals. Get dollars.

Mark100 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 441

Use your ATM card ....as long as it has VISA electron or Cirrus no problems using then anywhere.

My Australian bank charged 4 dollars for a withdrawl.

Avoid using VISA as you get slugged extra and it is quite expensive.

trapezius · Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 10:02 am Post subject:

Here is what I would do were I in your situation:

1) Bring USD 1,000 in cash. You can change them into Riyals at the Saudi airport where you arrive. (or at any airports your transit through)

2) Bring your debt card and use that once you run out of the cash or until you can setup a bank account locally.

johnslat · Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 1:08 pm Post subject:

I'd say trapezius has the right idea(s).
Regards,
John

trapezius · Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 6:57 pm Post subject:

Thank you.

Haha, silly me: "Bring your debt card"

That was a typo, but what an apt one! Razz

brasscat · Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 9:55 am Post subject: Adequate funds

In general, figure at least 1 month before a pay check will arrive. Normally if you carry $800 to $1000 US and use it to exchange for SAR, you can cover 1 month of expenses.

You can cash a pay check without an Iqama. The direct deposit bank account will come along sometime between months 2 and 3.

Try to minimize the use of foreign based credit cards, they run fees on all transactions.

Depending on where you will be working, some places will give you a pay advance. This is a good option for the family people.
brasscat