Moving to Riyadh from Miami (USA)

it's not a big change....   its a 8th wonder

totally confused why you are coming from U.S.A to Riyadh

we are trying very very very hard to get USA visa.

in my view please don't come if you are still thinking to shift.

if already decided to come to Riyadh, You are Heart fully welcome

main things to be remembered while coming to Saudi Arabia

1. Should not bring any religious photos, books etc.,

2. Should not carry any alcohol & drugs.

3. Should be aware of rules and regulation.

4. Should not talk with any Girls/ Local Strangers.

5. All Entertainment was banned in saudi arabia including MOVIE Theaters.

6. All Porn websites are banned because its is against to religion, and should not use VPN.

7. very very very strict rules it may includes death penalty if you involved in any death case or drug case or women rape case.

In case for more information you can contact me.

first of all welcome to Riyadh 

Im Saudi and i know how difficult to live in different country , I lived in us and Canada for 8 years and totally loved the experience and wants to go back so bad  ,,,

OK coming from miami to riyadh is a huuuuuuuge step you will not see here  beaches , bars,music everywhere, drinks * vodka i miss you   and so on ,,,,

my suggestion is to live in western compounds you will feel more like home they offer great accommodation for western people.

contact me for any Q AND welcome again .....

ha ha why you came back after staying in USA & CANADA.

both are having growth rate very high.

hope you did your bachelors & masters.

I did both    i couldn't stay cuz i have a student visa,,

I definitely plan on living in a western compound, and I am aware there are no beaches, and many rules are different in Riyadh.. I'm sure that I can adapt.. ;-)

@ sivasandeep130..
Why would I move from Miami to Riyadh..??
$$$$ and career advancement would really be the only reason for someone moving to Riyadh. ;-)

but while compare to currency USD has more value ....

r u getting more salary here ??

Yes, I was offered more money and add that to the 96k usd that is tax free working overseas, kind of hard to say no to that. 👍

Good for you 

There are 1000s of westerns living in KSA and i am sure they are having a good time .... as far as one is earning a good amount of $s then you can always take a break on weekend , fly to dubai or bahrain which is an hour or less flight and party ....

ali.hamza2099 wrote:

as far as one is earning a good amount of $s then you can always take a break on weekend , fly to dubai or bahrain which is an hour or less flight and party ....

Thanks for the input, weekend trips to Dubai & Bahrain are now on my list.

It's not big difrent just no alkhool and no night club 👍

It seems like you're moving from heaven to hell. just kidding .. welcome abroad mi

EssaIsaac1 wrote:

It seems like you're moving from heaven to hell. just kidding .. welcome abroad mi

haha.. definitely a big change from Miami.. but I've lived in Miami for 10+yrs, it's time for a change..

@OP - if the job market here would have been great then I wouldn't have any negative vibes about anyone coming here and working. However, the job market isn't that great and people are leaving in herds, be it Asians or westerners. So just a heads up to be doubly careful of the change you are going to take to make sure they won't leave you in between before your monetary goals are met. Cheers

Do you play ball?I have a bunch of filipino friends and we play pickup twice or thrice a week maybe you could join in if you want to

Moha1924 wrote:

Do you play ball?I have a bunch of filipino friends and we play pickup twice or thrice a week maybe you could join in if you want to

Kamusta...!  yes, I play b-ball, and definitely would be up for pickup games..

Welcome to Riyadh. Actually everything related to $$$. If you get more $$$, you can buy happiness.

Thanks.

Wadudbd wrote:

Welcome to Riyadh. Actually everything related to $$$. If you get more $$$, you can buy happiness.

Money will not be an issue, so I guess things should be ok.

Mabuti pare! Hahaha once you get here just message me or better yet I'll just add you on fb or ig, snap just msg me your account to better keep in touch

I'm in the same boat, due to come to Riyadh from Scotland in a couple of months.
Keep us updated on how you get on when you get there!

WD1987 wrote:

I'm in the same boat, due to come to Riyadh from Scotland in a couple of months.
Keep us updated on how you get on when you get there!

Will do.. I'll do a write up of things that I've learn/experienced with the moving process..
(compound info, and other useful info, so someone else that plans to move to Riyadh will have an easier transition)

Excellent, that would be great. I've been researching compounds quite a bit but getting contrasting opinions on a few! My new employer said we will go and look when I get there so I'm not even too sure on budget etc yet. As you said though, think I would prefer a compound with a decent social scene!

WD1987 wrote:

Excellent, that would be great. I've been researching compounds quite a bit but getting contrasting opinions on a few! My new employer said we will go and look when I get there so I'm not even too sure on budget etc yet. As you said though, think I would prefer a compound with a decent social scene!

I was in Riyadh last week for my final interview and I was able to visit 4 compounds.
(all fully furnished, and utilities included in the price)
Yamami Residence Compound
Al Nakhla Residential Compound
California Resort Compound
Al Bustan Compound

ALL were very nice.. 
Al Nakhla Residential  : was my favorite.. it's brand new, apartments are modern, facilities are fantastic. BUT the price is crazy..!! 180k SAR ($48k usd), plus 10k SAR security deposit..

California Resort : was nice, but not as modern and nice as Al Nakhla.. It seemed to have a good social life, which is always a plus.. but again, the price was high. 160k SAR, plus 10k SAR security deposit.

Yamami Residence : I ended up choosing this compound for a few reasons..
http://www.rightcompound.com/Yamami-Res … mpound-203
It is modern, only 2yrs old, great gym and facilities, seemed to be alot of young professionals living there, and the price was good.  1 bdrm apartment was 70k SAR, plus 10k SAR security deposit.
While Al Nakhla compound is a bit nicer, and definitely bigger, it was not worth spending an extra 20k (usd) to live there over this compound. I would rather pocket that money, and use it for vacations or something.

Hope this helps, because compound hunting can be a bit of a pain, with the mixed reviews/options of everyone.. as some people are single, others have families, and also depends on your budget.

Even though you already chose the compound you will be staying at you should always ask if they allow Saudi citizens in because a lot of expats tend to come here and get to know either men or women who are Saudi nationals but end up never being able to invite them over because the compound they live in does not allow Saudi citizens in (even as your guest).
So just a heads up for future reference.
Also, people do party here but it's usually something small at each other's houses and on occasion, some compound halls will throw some events but you either have to be invited by someone who lives there or can get you on the list. Alcohol is banned in the country but a lot of people tend to make their own or buy from the black market. Once you get here you'll know the ins and outs of everything.
However, if you are coming during the month of Ramadan everyone tends to lay low out of respect for all the Arabs around them that are fasting for the holy month.
That's all I can think of for now, but if you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me.

tc

Best advice is to stay at Miami.

Amazeus wrote:

Best advice is to stay at Miami.

that's not really advice..

Amazeus wrote:

Best advice is to stay at Miami.

looooooooooool

Romello my friend, come here in riyadh and accept the challenge. it's actually good and fulfilling once you survived here. hoping to see you and hang out with you here.

How are you settling in Romello? I noticed on another post you settled on Yamani Residence. How are you finding it?
I have been told that my visa has now been accepted and am due to fly to Saudi at the beginning of August

WD1987 wrote:

How are you settling in Romello? I noticed on another post you settled on Yamani Residence. How are you finding it?

Good morning.. I actually found a brand new apt complex (just for western/expats) in the city (called Desert Rose Apartments), and I will be living in.. All of the compounds our somewhat outside of the city, and I wanted to be closer to work and to be around to get around the city easily..
Besides that everything is good.. I'm still trying to make sure that I plan my day around prayer times, as everything shuts down for 30-40mins.. (somewhat of a pain, but new culture, have to adapt to it)

Thats good mate. Yeah I think I'll be downloading a prayer time app to keep me in check! Looking forward to arriving and getting started now.
Anything I should take that I wouldn't be able to get over there?

WD1987 wrote:

Anything I should take that I wouldn't be able to get over there?

Definitely bring your favorite lotion, razors, cologne, toothpaste..etc..etc, that will last you for a month or so. You can probably find it here also, but it will take you awhile to figure out where..
Took me 4 trips to different places to find my favorite things..

Thanks for that, will make sure they are packed ready to go!

Welcome to riyadh. Thoughts on the city? Haha

Welcome to Riyadh , specially that you're coming from my favorite state (FL) 

Wish that you began to adapt with the city and looking to hear from you about your experience so far.