Job Discussion Forums

daved98 · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 5 Location: PHILIPPINES

hello to everyone,

i am inclined to work as a technician for a newly costructed plant in sohar, they offered me a salary of 480 OMR per month, 200 OMR housing allowance and a 50 OMR for transportation + insurance and free medical. the contract is for 3 years. i am here in the philippines and is currently earning half their offer. my question is. should I accept the offer,will it be enough for me to live in oman (sohar) decently and at the same time have enough to send money home to my family?

thanks for a lot!

daved98

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

Are you aware that this is a board for teachers? So, we are in quite a different situation.

Being able to save is always a very individual thing. Housing has become quite expensive in Sohar now, but there are probably possibilities for sharing with your fellow workers.

Normally your first year is expensive as you get organized and learn the system. For instance, learning the cheapest method of transport and food shopping.

If you are a frugal person, you should be able to send money home. What we couldn't calculate for you is whether it would be enough.

VS

daved98 · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 5 Location: PHILIPPINES

hello,

thanks for the reply. yes i am aware that this is a board for teachers, but at any rate, my interest lies on those who have lived and worked their which gives us a common denominator. Perhaps do you know anyone who could give me some more info about the life in sohar?

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

Have you done a search? There has been discussion of life in Sohar previously, and hopefully one of the current residents will come around.

VS

daved98 · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 5 Location: PHILIPPINES

i viewed some discussions about sohar but non really discusses the life conditions in that place. i presume you a teacher? i also teach sort off in a way, i actually train newly graduates of a technical course who come to work in our plant as an apprentice, for 6 months i teach them how to work safely and analyze problem before they are addressed. i'm actually an engineer but i enjoy being a technician because i enjoy the hands on job. i was also informed by my employer that i will be handling some omani nationals as apprentices in preparation for their omanisation program. how are omanis as a student?

Geronimo · Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Posts: 498

Hello daved98,

Omani students are generally very polite and friendly. However, some of these students are more motivated in English classes than others. Maybe your engineering students will be committed to the tasks, maybe not!

I have lived in Sohar during the last 2 years. Accommodation costs have risen during that period, but lately there has been a slight downward trend in the rents charged. In Sohar itself, 200 Omani rials will be enough for a modern unfurnished 2-bedroomed apartment. Outside of the town the rents are lower; and so I think that you will be able to save a small amount. But be aware that hotels are more expensive in Oman than in the Phillipines.

Unless the construction company provides a bus service you will probably need a car, as Sohar is stretched out along the main coastal road. OR. 50 may not be enough to cover taxi fares for a month. On the other hand it will probably cover monthly petrol costs for a private car.

For information about the social and entertainment available you can visit:- www.geocities.com/soharsg/ -and download the expat newsletter -"Sohar So Good". Many expats, including a few Filipinos, meet at the 2 main hotels...the Sohar Beach Hotel ( www.soharbeach.com ); and the Al Wadi Hotel, where there are bars, pools and health clubs. The second Sohar Music Festival will be held on 6- 8 November...www.soharmusicfestival.com . A new 4 star Crowne Plaza Hotel is due to open next year near the Sohar Industrial Port. Sohar's first cinema cinema is due to open any time (not) soon. And there are plans for an airport. Sohar is expanding quite rapidly.

Shopping:- There are two large, well-stocked supermarkets (Lulu's and the Safeer Center ) and several smaller ones. There is also a traditional suq area. Most prices are pretty reasonable, in my opinion.

Oh, and there's an old fort in Sohar and some fine mountains and wadis to explore not far away...visit
www.destinationoman.com/destination.html for more details on Sohar and Oman.

G.

daved98 · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 5 Location: PHILIPPINES

hello,

thanks for joining our discussion this infos will be of great help. what about the cost on utilities, is it expensive? suppose i use an aircondition during summer time at 10 hours per day do you have any idea on the cost in month? what about water? thanks for any infos you guys can share.

daved98

Geronimo · Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Posts: 498

Hello again daved98,

My electricity bill for August is OR. 15. And, yes, the amount falls below OR.10 pcm during the November to March period, when the a/cs aren't in constant use. The water bills are usually very low - often less than OR.5 pcm.

For up-to-date detailed information about life in Oman, I recommend that you visit:- http://www.apexstuff.com/common/omanessentials.asp and for more general stuff, check out "TheWeek". "TheWeek" is a popular free expat magazine, which can be downloaded in the Adobe Acrobat format at... http://www.freetheweek.com/theweek/download.asp .

G.