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Evan2009 · Joined: 26 Dec 2008 Posts: 41

Are there problems doing internet banking (US accounts) from KSA? What about use of US credit/debit cards in KSA? Any problems? Does using a US credit or debit card raise a red flag with Big Brother in the US?

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 4:02 pm Post subject:

The only time that I had problems with credit cards either in saudi or in transit to/from it is when the computer program detects at an anomoly has occured...read: your card was used for a purchase outside the U.S....clearly an unthinkable or terrorist-related prospect, and will either deny the purchase, or let the purchase go thru and then disable the card. This neccessitates a call to the card call center (somewhere in Kerala/Manila) and all the persuasion you can muster to prove that yer NOT Bobby bin Laden.

The best move is to call the card provider, tell them where yer going and for the approximate dates (always dicey in the Gulf) of being there, and your planned ingress and egress routes. Then, INSIST that they put it into the records.

The card will still get disabled as computers can't think, but, hopefully, you won't have as difficult of a time with the Indian/Filipina on the other end of the line, who IS rumoured to be able to think...

NCTBA

P.s.- Squinting in bright sunlight raises red flags with Big Brother... Rolling Eyes

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

Most people there are using internet backing these days.

And I will repeat NCTBA's advice about informing your creditcard company that you are heading abroad and stress that they put it on your record. I had a terrible time with mine a few years back because even though I called them, they kept threatening to shut it down because of these "ferign' purchases.

At least now you can call them on Skype to try to fix it all... back when this happened to me it was those lovely $3-4.00 a minute calls.

VS

amoyer · Joined: 16 Mar 2010 Posts: 4

I have another question along these lines. Were you able to open an account with a Saudi or other bank and transfer funds to your other bank account online? Currently, I am using ING, but they don't have branches in KSA.

Are European banks a good way to go (I see there are many in Riyadh). Generally, are we paid by check or cash?

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

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

I know of people there right now whose salary is deposited directly to their Saudi bank and they easily make transfers online to their Euroland banks.

You need to have an employer that provides a legal iqama to open the Saudi account.

VS

Chailocks · Joined: 29 Jul 2010 Posts: 47

trapezius · Posted: Sun Sep 26, 2010 9:16 pm Post subject:

^ You should know your own country's tax laws. If you are working abroad, you have to make above a certain minimum amount for your earnings to be taxed. And that cutoff is high enough that I would say 99% of teachers pay no US taxes.

As for banking, a Saudi bank account is a must I would say. Where are you going to keep money for local spending? Under the mattress? And what if you run out before the next paycheck? Borrow from people?

(If you are going to be here on a business visa, you can't open a bank account... in that case, you have your paycheck cashed at the issuing bank, and then send the money to your US bank)

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sun Sep 26, 2010 9:20 pm Post subject:

Er...I'd say change "make" to "report"... Some of us actually win at this game... Laughing

My winnings are for ME and mine, not US cuz' US won't be affording me and mine any Social Security...

NCTBA

trapezius · Posted: Sun Sep 26, 2010 9:27 pm Post subject:

I won't tell on you, I promise Wink

007 · Posted: Sun Sep 26, 2010 9:53 pm Post subject:

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sun Sep 26, 2010 11:08 pm Post subject:

Again, kitty cat, you seek to confuse our dear readers.

My distinction was between verbs involving overseas income.

Let me simplify if for you in ways that you'd understand...it wasn't the difference between:

x= my reality

versus

y= yer fantasy

NCTBA

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Banking in Saudi is surprisingly modern and integrated into the global financial system. If you here on a regular basis as an employee, opening an account with a Saudi Bank is not a problem. I have always gone for the option of using the same bank as my employer, so now I am with the Riyad Bank.

If you are here working an a Business Visa, banking will be problemaic for you, since an Iqama (Residence Permit) is required to open an account.

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

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Getting a credit card from a local bank in KSA has a hidden trap. When the timew comes to leave, you may be required to give a lengthy period of notice before the card is cancelled. I was forced to deposit a sum up to the limit of the card before I got bank clearance. That was required by my employer before he would give me a final exit. It was a mega-hassle to get that money back after leaving KSA.

If you can, use credit cards from your country of origin or country of residence.