amegy
American expat in Saudi Arabia
Forum posts
81
Contacts
8
About me
American
Lives in Riyadh
Speaks English and Arabic
Registration: 20 October 2010
iPhone 4s by ryzmohd
Need an iPhone 4s 16GB. STC, Mobily, Jarir and Extra, all of them have it for SR.2799 I need to buy it as a gift, so please let me know where I can get it for a cheaper price. Thanks
:) iPhone-4S can't be cheaper than 2,799 which is the official price for KSA. However, buying from USA store can let you save around SAR 250 and the same goes for Apple Store UAE.Careful though! US iPhones are locked to AT&T and unlocking them CAN ... Read More
Tap water-> Safe? by pepora
Hi everyone, I am new here and this is my new post. I just heard from a friend today that it is not safe to drink or cook from tap water in Riyadh. Is it true? She told me to buy the big water bottles for cooking. Are these bottles safe, because ...
I'd wash my clothes in bottled water if I could! Definitetly drink, cook and even rinse your fruits and veggies with bottled water. My problem with the water here is not the desalination or source. It's the fact that it has to go through those ... Read More
Education and Housing Allowance
Yes, it's true and it's the " law"!! Only one spouse gets to keep housing and education allowance! The only things the other spouse gets from their employer would be transportation allowance and annual ticket! Read More
Can child go to any type of school with Business Visa by ma2011
Hello all, Expecting a work visa but my child will be issued business visa -i was told. If my 6 year old comes on Business visa, is it possible for him to study at any school (private or otherwise)? If the mother has Iqama(work visa) does that mean ...
Hello all, Can children of expats go to public schools in Riyadh? ThanksI believe that public schools are for Saudi nationals only, Californian :) Plus, I doubt you'd want to put your kids in public schools here! Read More
Pet owners: A mini guide for relocating ,with, your pet(s) by ITpro
Hi all :) We all know relocating is not easy and requires lots of preparations and effort and having a pet certainly won't make things easier. Saying that and knowing it might be too much work and costly, still it's worth it. If you are a ...
ITpro, could you kindly share the contact info or location of the "Egyptian" vet who helped you with your cat? Thanks! Read More
Can child go to any type of school with Business Visa by ma2011
Hello all, Expecting a work visa but my child will be issued business visa -i was told. If my 6 year old comes on Business visa, is it possible for him to study at any school (private or otherwise)? If the mother has Iqama(work visa) does that mean ...
So, I can understand that a school will admit a child without asking for their iqama at any point? Sorry, I just needed to get clarification on this point :) Read More
Urgent: Visit Visa for Children!!
Mr. Omrani...Thank you so much for your quick response and helpful feedback. Read More
Urgent: Visit Visa for Children!!
Has anyone encountered something similar to this: Both parents got work visas, and have minors they would like to have travel with them at the same time. Employer suggested the kids get a visit visa to enter then have this converted to a residence ... Read More
A very Urgent Day Care service Required.Within 12 hours i guess by Fidgety Soul
My Friend is really in trouble and i have assured her to do something for her.I am pasting her message as it is [b][color=#F20C2C]URGENTLY HELP: I was asked to start my new job TODAY...so i have nooo place to leave my baby girl Jaida who is 2.5 ...
I found this article while googling a daycare/pre-school I've heard about: ayshak.blogspot.com/2008/10/nurseries-in-riyadh-2 Hope it helps! Read More
A very Urgent Day Care service Required.Within 12 hours i guess by Fidgety Soul
My Friend is really in trouble and i have assured her to do something for her.I am pasting her message as it is [b][color=#F20C2C]URGENTLY HELP: I was asked to start my new job TODAY...so i have nooo place to leave my baby girl Jaida who is 2.5 ...
leave the job ,Let's not get judgmental now :) A tip on a daycare would be best appreciated at this point! Read More
Arriving in Sept, visa profession "Mubarmij hasibilali" ??? Means ?
Mubarmij = Programmer Hasibali = Computer "Computer Programmer"! Hope this helps! Read More
About Ramadan by gowiththeflowUK
Hi all, just posted an article in the Guide section under general, just look at the latest article, it is listed there under the same heading as this post, and is directed mainly at new expats to Riyadh who may have limited information about ...
I'm loving all the active threads GWTFUK! You ROCK! Read More
About Ramadan by gowiththeflowUK
Hi all, just posted an article in the Guide section under general, just look at the latest article, it is listed there under the same heading as this post, and is directed mainly at new expats to Riyadh who may have limited information about ...
I'd like to start off by thanking you for taking the initiative to educate all of us about the Holy Month of Ramadan. I just wanted to add to some points in the article: "It is better to offer 'Magrib Namaz/salat' and then break one's fast, ... Read More
Can Vonage be used from a hotel room
From my experience with my husband using an internet connection at a hotel, I'll say it might not be very functional. We had an awful connection on SKYPE, and non whatsoever for MagicJack (another VoIP thing we bought in the US). So, don't expect ... Read More
Experiences with Aramco? by jamonline
What are you experiences with Aramco? I am considering a job with them and hope to move my family to KSA this summer.
musicman had posted some links on a previous thread, here's one of them i found: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jwd8esu-S3c&feature=share I've also watched a documentary on PBS once about American Expats' experience living on the ARAMCO compound ... Read More
Will an American TV work in Saudi? by redgems
Hi All - Does anyone know about or have experience with bringing over an American TV to KSA? We want to bring our Sony Bravia/NTSC TVs to KSA - will the TV work? Is there anything we should be aware of before we try plugging away and subscribe to ...
Hello Redgems, I know this is an old post, but I have the same concern about the same type of TV. Did you end up bringing your TV? Should I be concerned about the system difference? Thanks. Read More
What do you know about Abdulazziz Int'l School? Al Rowad? by rcknrobn6
Looking to change schools - yet again!! - and would like input on Al Rowad Int'l and Abdulazziz Int'l Schools please. Thanks.
If you don't mind PM me the name PLEASE lol! Read More
What do you know about Abdulazziz Int'l School? Al Rowad? by rcknrobn6
Looking to change schools - yet again!! - and would like input on Al Rowad Int'l and Abdulazziz Int'l Schools please. Thanks.
rcknrobn6, back to your original post...which school are you deserting and why? :) And, best of luck to the kids on their entrance exams. At least, they made it easy on you to pick Abdulazziz. Like you said, the school they like is the school ... Read More
What do you know about Abdulazziz Int'l School? Al Rowad? by rcknrobn6
Looking to change schools - yet again!! - and would like input on Al Rowad Int'l and Abdulazziz Int'l Schools please. Thanks.
Thanks, Sheesha! Are your kids going there? Do you like it? Abdulazziz uses the SABIS system that is such a big deal. Maybe you are familiar with the Choueifat schools? Well, looks like we will be there:) Where is Kingdom School located? Thanks, ... Read More
women driving in Saudi!????????????? by rcknrobn6
Have you heard the news about a major defiance open to ANY and ALL women who want to drive in The Kingdom? This is going to take place on June 17 all over KSA. There is a Facebook page called "I will drive starting June 17." Check it out there or ...
http://youtu.be/nUiUMIiBjB0 Enjoy :) Read More
June 17th? by rcknrobn6
Will you ladies be taking part in June 17's "Women of Saudi just DRIVE" day? What do you think will happen?
I did read the article, and I just felt that it's safer that as an expat it's best not to take part in this since the consequences will be ugly! Polygamy just came to mind as an example of an issue that's looked at differently in the two cultures. ... Read More
June 17th? by rcknrobn6
Will you ladies be taking part in June 17's "Women of Saudi just DRIVE" day? What do you think will happen?
Well, amegy, it looks as if "the Romans" are going to be driving on June 17. What say you?I say: Drive On! Just don't go "home" crying at the end of the day! :) Don't get me wrong, I wish for a law allowing women to drive there more than ... Read More
June 17th? by rcknrobn6
Will you ladies be taking part in June 17's "Women of Saudi just DRIVE" day? What do you think will happen?
When in Rome, do as the Romans do! I don't think any sane Saudi lady would go against the tide in this particular time of turmoil, let alone expats! Read More
Mobile phone question to/from USA
You did give them the right number to call because calling out from the USA is 011 then country code then number-unlike the rest of the world. I've been calling my husband 01196654xxxxxxx. Just make sure they have an international calling ... Read More
International schools in Riyadh
I need to find out if there is more international school with british curriculum in riyadh. I have already British Int. School, Al-rowad (both american and british), Al alameen (British islamic international school), Saud Int. School, ... Read More
Employment Saudi Visa from the USA by philia
My husband is in the process to get his Saudi employment visa from the USA. He has everything he needs except that he can not import his picture to the application form with the Enjaz (company that Saudi Embassy in US works with). Any advice for ...
My husband is in the process to get his Saudi employment visa from the USA. He has everything he needs except that he can not import his picture to the application form with the Enjaz (company that Saudi Embassy in US works with). Any advice for ... Read More
Newly arrived by Janric
Hi everyone Happy New Year! Just thought I'd pop in to let you know I have finally arrived in Riyadh. My boys and I have been here just over a week and are gradually getting aclimatised. We've been made welcome by others on the compound and ...
Janric, Happy New Year to you too. I'm so happy to hear the great news. Makes me feel there's light at the end of the tunnel for us :) You gotta keep me posted my friend! Hope the boys like the new place and enjoy their new school. Best of Luck ... Read More
Flu Shots by Alliecat
Should getting a flu shot have left a large purple and yellow bruise on my shoulder? Are the results of injecting something usually more bruising than removing something (blood)?
The nurse might have punctured a blood vessel which caused the bruising...nothing to worry about really :) You may want to check this out too: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/side-effects.htm#flu Read More
Halloween Parties by salmanthetauras
Hi there, Is there any Halloween party in Riyadh?? I know it sounds bit different but I guess there is no harm in asking?? Regards Salman
Halloween (or Hallowe'en) is an annual holiday observed on October 31, primarily in Ireland, Scotland, Canada and the United States. It has roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain and the Christian holiday All Saints' Day [All Hallows Day], but is ... Read More
Halloween Parties by salmanthetauras
Hi there, Is there any Halloween party in Riyadh?? I know it sounds bit different but I guess there is no harm in asking?? Regards Salman
when was halloween and when is thanksgiving?Halloween is Oct 31st & Thanksgiving in the US is the 4th Thursday of November Read More
Halloween Parties by salmanthetauras
Hi there, Is there any Halloween party in Riyadh?? I know it sounds bit different but I guess there is no harm in asking?? Regards Salman
Halloween's over! You missed it by a day. Your question should be: "Anyone willing to take me in on Thanksgiving?" ...JK...:P Read More
Long Distance Calls NA by amegy
A friend suggested this product: magicjack.com/6/index.asp Has anyone tried it or any similar products? Any thoughts! My understanding is that in order to have a clear call connection, one would need a high speed internet connection (1Mbps or ...
Thank you all for your feedback. I guess, we can give MajicJack a try along with Skype. We also considered Vonage, but it's too expensive compared to its alternatives. My mother is not tech-savvy either, and she expects a phone call everyday from ... Read More
Cute girl friends by true.to.life
Those people are very fortunate, who has a Cute Girlfriend in their life. We find it difficult to express our gratitude for our friends and we realize their worth when they move away from us......!!!!
has anyone of u seen an un-cute GF??Are you implying that "girls" make sure they stay cute only during the gf/bf stage of a relationship? :D:D:D:D Read More
Long Distance Calls NA by amegy
A friend suggested this product: magicjack.com/6/index.asp Has anyone tried it or any similar products? Any thoughts! My understanding is that in order to have a clear call connection, one would need a high speed internet connection (1Mbps or ...
Great! Thanks for the heads-up Alliecat. I din't know Skype now has monthly plans, I knew of the option to call Computer-to-phone and pay by the minute...but this should be wonderful :) Read More
Long Distance Calls NA by amegy
A friend suggested this product: magicjack.com/6/index.asp Has anyone tried it or any similar products? Any thoughts! My understanding is that in order to have a clear call connection, one would need a high speed internet connection (1Mbps or ...
Thank you shahab.ali...I will be calling family in the USA while in KSA (Inshaa'alla :), still waiting on our visas :rolleyes:)...I just want to make sure the calls are clear as it's pretty cheap. Read More
Long Distance Calls NA
A friend suggested this product: magicjack.com/6/index.asp Has anyone tried it or any similar products? Any thoughts! My understanding is that in order to have a clear call connection, one would need a high speed internet connection (1Mbps or ... Read More
Cute girl friends by true.to.life
Those people are very fortunate, who has a Cute Girlfriend in their life. We find it difficult to express our gratitude for our friends and we realize their worth when they move away from us......!!!!
Can I guess? Can I guess? He's either crying over a CUTE GF who dumped him cause he was a real pain, or he had a crush on his friend's CUTE GF who found out and moved far and away from him :( Either way the CUTE GIRL is loooooooooooooong gone :D Read More
ay body can help me how i can Rent Apartment in DQ by nouremam
Hi All i am searching for rent Apartment in DQ for me and my family 2 or 3 bedrooms
Amegy calling me a Dairy Queen who lives in DQ - I know I got the udders LOL. :lol:too funny, Sparrow :lol: Dairy Queen is a fast food chain here that's famous for its soft serve ice-cream ... With everything abbreviated nowadays, it's abb. DQ :) I ... Read More
ay body can help me how i can Rent Apartment in DQ by nouremam
Hi All i am searching for rent Apartment in DQ for me and my family 2 or 3 bedrooms
Diplomatic Quarter. Google it :)Ya think :P Read More
ay body can help me how i can Rent Apartment in DQ by nouremam
Hi All i am searching for rent Apartment in DQ for me and my family 2 or 3 bedrooms
Hi Nouremam, I was wondering how your house hunt in the DQ has been? Any luck? Any information you can share :)? By the way, when you mention DQ, are you talking about a gated community or a town or what? It's been brought up in a couple of ... Read More
DQ in Riyadh
MusicMan, it's a talent :) Hadeel, read the thread Diplomatic Quarters rules by schulz...seems all sort of things can happen in the DQ :) Read More
Family Reunion! by amegy
Hi All, I've been reading though this forum for months, and I'm so grateful for each and every piece of information each of you have provided. I wasn't sure about registering @ expatblog, since the decision had not been made whether we're ...
WOW! I'm surprised of the variation, but not so surprised now that no one we asked has been able to give us an exact timeframe. Thanks again for all the input! Have a wonderful weekend everyone :) Read More
Family Reunion! by amegy
Hi All, I've been reading though this forum for months, and I'm so grateful for each and every piece of information each of you have provided. I wasn't sure about registering @ expatblog, since the decision had not been made whether we're ...
Hi, Welcome to the forum! I just wanted to add my experience to all of the others, it took my husband about 2 months to get his iqama because everytime he submitted his documentation from the UK they told him he needed something else! After that I ... Read More
What Not to do in Saudi by Nina_01
I thought it would be nice to start this thread on what NOT to do in saudi, since there is a lot on what to do and so on. Anyway, my recommendation of the day would be: (For Women) Try not to be overly friendly to a shop employee. Usually they take ...
PPL'll think, it's bad joints. Arthritis can get bad like that! :p Read More
What Not to do in Saudi by Nina_01
I thought it would be nice to start this thread on what NOT to do in saudi, since there is a lot on what to do and so on. Anyway, my recommendation of the day would be: (For Women) Try not to be overly friendly to a shop employee. Usually they take ...
noooooooooooo.. cause that could legitimately be considered 'driving'!!! I think the motorized skateboard would stymie them! Even better, if it were under my abaya, they wouldn't know--they'd just thing I was one helluva fast walker hehe :PLOL! Read More
What Not to do in Saudi by Nina_01
I thought it would be nice to start this thread on what NOT to do in saudi, since there is a lot on what to do and so on. Anyway, my recommendation of the day would be: (For Women) Try not to be overly friendly to a shop employee. Usually they take ...
I was thinking of getting a motorized skateboard next time I'm home ;) Would that be considered 'driving' ?? http://www.motorizedskateboard.net/tamiimg/ctt.jpgThat's just too funny! Maybe an electric scooter would be better, 'cause sitting on this ... Read More
Family Reunion! by amegy
Hi All, I've been reading though this forum for months, and I'm so grateful for each and every piece of information each of you have provided. I wasn't sure about registering @ expatblog, since the decision had not been made whether we're ...
Thank you all so much, I feel right at home already :) We have 3 little ones who have never been away from dad more than a couple of days. And honestly, I don't want to be left behind shoveling snow ALL WINTER LONG :) We'll see how things go, ... Read More
What Not to do in Saudi by Nina_01
I thought it would be nice to start this thread on what NOT to do in saudi, since there is a lot on what to do and so on. Anyway, my recommendation of the day would be: (For Women) Try not to be overly friendly to a shop employee. Usually they take ...
Ive driven in Colombo, Bombay, Bangalore and Karachi. Jeez, driving there could be even worse with all those tuk-tuks, bicycles, mo-bikes, rickshaws, and humans on the highway. They tell me Cairo is something else. Haven't seen that yet.Well, you ... Read More
Family Reunion!
Hi All, I've been reading though this forum for months, and I'm so grateful for each and every piece of information each of you have provided. I wasn't sure about registering @ expatblog, since the decision had not been made whether we're ... Read More