Job Discussion Forums

Nabz1236 · Joined: 04 Mar 2014 Posts: 54

Hi guys,

I will be moving to KSA next week and wanted advice on things i should be taking with me?

Also the male dress code is business casual for work? What would you say that is in Saudi terms?

I only have a baggage allowance of 30 KG and 7 KG hand luggage. Is that enough if you are moving for a year?

Thanks.

CANDLES · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 9:47 am Post subject:

1) Shirt/tie/lightweight jacket (keep it all cotton), normal shoes, not trainers. All lightweight clothes for uni. Jeans, t-shirts, shorts (knee length) for outside work hours.

2) All medications especially if specialised, but you can buy all the medicines there, ( subsidised when you get the Iqama and medical card)

3) KSA is a shopping paradise, so you can buy anything and everything there. You go with 30kg and come back with twice that amount a year later!

baa_baa · Joined: 04 Dec 2011 Posts: 265

*waves at nabs and is shocked at the fact that he's a guy* Shocked

-once you arrive at the airport look for a stand that says ZAIN. You need to get yourself a local sim. You'll need because you won't be able to get one until you receive your iqama. I don't know if mobily does the same but if they do then get yourself internet. If you are staying in a compound the speed might not be too fast.

- this was one of the things I had trouble with.

-it's really really hot here, I don't know if there's anything you do when it gets hot. My friend puts this weird thing around her neck. It's always wet. It's not a towel.

-sandals

-write down contact numbers. My friend was not even picked up.

-weekends are: Thursday last day of the week, Friday, sat. Sunday is the first day of the week.

- get yourself an international driving license - you can start driving! Wish I could do that. Rolling Eyes

- your ipad!!!

-be ready to use: "but, but isn't he supposed to...' Nothing will go as you expect the second you get on the flight to KSA Evil or Very Mad

Enjoy your trip! Mr. Green

CANDLES · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 12:52 pm Post subject:

Company gives you a mobile with either Zain or Mobily card- pre-paid for about SR10.00 If going with ICEAT - all numbers are programmed in, but make a note (paper wise). Always do a backup with paper!

Sandals??? outside office hours, but not at the university.

Hot.... Not many people wander around in the city during mid-day till 4pm (mostly because it's very hot and 2ndly because the shops open around 4pm till midnight), except for supermarkets which are open most of the time, except during prayers, when everything shuts down with you in it.
Everywhere is air-conditioned, so not sure about this 'towel' thing- wear a hat/baseball cap.

baa_baa · Joined: 04 Dec 2011 Posts: 265

I don't know about you guys nor your situation about transportation, but unfortunately we are on streets waiting for taxis. There's a short distance I have to walk to find a taxi. We sweat a lot.

CANDLES · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 1:16 pm Post subject:

Try wearing an abaya and scarf doing that! Not sweating, but glowing! Cool

baa_baa · Joined: 04 Dec 2011 Posts: 265

saadia-rauf · Joined: 05 May 2014 Posts: 13

How much cash should one take?

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

baa_baa · Joined: 04 Dec 2011 Posts: 265

Well it depends. If you are getting housing allowance you would need to find an apartment and make a payment of first 6 months which would be 10 000 sr.

PLUS some amount for taxis. PLUS furniture.

Taxi drivers know places for second hand furniture.

I brought $5000 at that time which was barely enough. Need prices on food?

Salaries could be late so be careful.

CANDLES · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 6:17 pm Post subject:

Approx...$500.00 /GBP200 should be adequate until advance given...

saadia-rauf · Joined: 05 May 2014 Posts: 13

Need it mainly for food, taxi or emergency (return airfare) but I can use my card to buy any plane tickets. Will definitely rely on my card to make cash withdrawals if I run short.

I've heard food is cheap? Although I'm not planning on cooking yet - not until I have approved the kitchen to be fit for it's purpose.

I'm currently in Egypt which makes it cheap to travel between the countries (if blessed with the freedom to do so)

baa baa - what's the dress code for women? can I rock my Converse under my long skirt?

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

CANDLES · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 7:54 pm Post subject:

Nope! Sandals are the norm for PNU, KSU, PSU, but you can get away with Converse, but will be pulled in about it if seen.

Some women actually wear high heels????

Shirts to have full sleeves or half sleeves (to the elbows) and long skirts or dresses without cleavage showing. Oh Yes, no see through either! Shocked

saadia-rauf · Joined: 05 May 2014 Posts: 13

High heels - really? I like my Converse as they are suitable for running Laughing