Job Discussion Forums

[Steve Ellis]

On the list of prohibited items on the KSA Embassy website, it mentions musical instruments. I play guitar and would like to take it if I go. (I imagine I might need a hobby, and improving my playing seems like a good idea). Does anyone have any idea if these restrictions on taking in musical instruments are actually enforced. I can hardly hide a guitar case and would hate to see it impounded. I read somewhere thatthere are shops that sell instuments. Any advice will be appreciated.

Bsst wishes,

Steve

[guty]

.

[guty]

I took a guitar into and out of Saudi a few times. But that doesnt mean that on the wrong day it wont be confiscated. Safer to buy one there. In The Eastern Province there are several music shops where you can buy guitars, strings etc.

[johnyarrington]

Steve,

I can't imagine that they would not allow a guitar into the country. Why would they?! One of the versions of THE WAY THEY INTERPRET their religion, is that music is prohibited. But they may have just put that on the Website to appease certain elements..........of the country. They might confiscate some things, but not this. As the usual disclaimer, I can't say with absolute authority that they won't. But I've known several guys who've brought in guitars.

Good luck.

[dogzB]

I bought 3 guitars in Riyadh - there are a few shops that sell all types of guitars and amps although the choice is limited. Yamaha were there and also I found a couple of Gibsons although they were in a condition that Gibson would disown and very expensive! I bought an Epiphone Les Paul with P90s which is a bomb. You'll need a guitar because going out seems to have stopped!!! I found some Crate, Yamaha and Fender amps. Also as people leave, you can pick up stuff that people have brought in from outside. There used to be a few people who got together to play so there is an ex-pat scene. As for whether you should take yours, I took a Yamaha travellers guitar (full sized neck, small body) which I took the neck off and put in my suitcase. They check through your suitcases at the airport so I didn't hide it and wasn't worried about it and I had no problems. They're more concerned with DVDs, CDs and videos. They might get confiscated. There were guys on the USA air bases who could get anything direct from the states, so choose your friends!!! My advice - go with a small traveller type guitar and a small fx pedal (pandora or something) that you can easily carry and put through a hi-fi or mixer if necessary. When you are there, see what you think. Mixers and speaker systems are all over the place since they need them for the mosques, so don't take any heavy gear. If you are in Riyadh try Al Shola centre (there were 2 0r 3 shops) or Al Akariyah centre (1 shop - Al Dawliah, I think) for musical instrument shops.
Good luck

I also found a Yamaha CS80 synth from the 80s boxed and unused - too much money even if he hadn't sold it in 20 years but you never know what surprises you might find!!!

[Steve Ellis]

Thanks for reply. I think, if I do come, I may well buy one out there. Thanks again.

Steve

[efemmera]

Does anyone know what the current stance on bringing instruments into KSA is? Would they be confiscated? Thanks.

[oldgit]

[The Lathe of Heaven]

[veiledsentiments]

Not really... it is obvious that efemmera did the intelligent thing and did a search to answer a question. S/he wanted an updated answer and s/he got one.

Kudos to efemmera... it is always helpful on a board like this to keep topics in as few threads as possible for future people.

VS
(or is your only goal to get to 5 posts?)

[lizziebennet]

Post deleted