Allons-y
American expat in Saudi Arabia
Forum posts
71
About me
American
Lives in Jeddah
Registration: 21 October 2010
Exchanging Riyals for U.S. Dollars by TexasPilot
When I lived in Jeddah I had this all worked out but now I'm in Riyadh and have to start all over again. Where do I get a good haircut, where do I buy food, etc... Most important right now, does anyone know where I can exchange Riyals for U.S. ...
*I went ahead and did the conversion at my bank (Alawwal)... which amounted to more or less what the exchange rate is. Saved time and probably wouldn't get beaten by much. Read More
Exchanging Riyals for U.S. Dollars by TexasPilot
When I lived in Jeddah I had this all worked out but now I'm in Riyadh and have to start all over again. Where do I get a good haircut, where do I buy food, etc... Most important right now, does anyone know where I can exchange Riyals for U.S. ...
**Urgent update needed... What is the "best" place to change riyals to USD these days? For around 3,800 SR, what would be the likely range of money "taken" as commission from banks/places in Batha/etc.? For example, at that ... Read More
Batha: dinner suggestion solicited, where can I fix a squeaky shoe?
Thanks very much for the reply. Read More
Batha: dinner suggestion solicited, where can I fix a squeaky shoe?
Greetings, readers. I enjoy spending time in Batha and will be there in a few days. A few colleagues will eat dinner with me there, and I would like suggestions for where to eat. I don't want anything pricey or fancy, just a place that has ... Read More
Final exit visa but iqama just expired by Allons-y
Greetings, readers. My company learned that I wasn't going to renew my contract and promptly refused to renew my iqama. Therefore, my iqama expired a month and a bit before my flight out of the country. The company did issue me a final exit visa, ...
Based on a comment I read here, it seems policies have or may have changed since I originally posted. Therefore, I cannot comment on the current situation any more than has been posted earlier in this thread. Good luck. Read More
Final exit visa but iqama just expired by Allons-y
Greetings, readers. My company learned that I wasn't going to renew my contract and promptly refused to renew my iqama. Therefore, my iqama expired a month and a bit before my flight out of the country. The company did issue me a final exit visa, ...
If your iqama has already expired, I believe your sponsor has to pay a fine and process some paperwork to get you a final exit visa. Read More
Final exit visa but iqama just expired by Allons-y
Greetings, readers. My company learned that I wasn't going to renew my contract and promptly refused to renew my iqama. Therefore, my iqama expired a month and a bit before my flight out of the country. The company did issue me a final exit visa, ...
I haven't learned of many good bosses in this country, and it seems yours is creating problems. I don't think there is any advice I can give. It seems everything has to be settled between you and your sponsor. Good luck. Read More
Final exit visa but iqama just expired by Allons-y
Greetings, readers. My company learned that I wasn't going to renew my contract and promptly refused to renew my iqama. Therefore, my iqama expired a month and a bit before my flight out of the country. The company did issue me a final exit visa, ...
Hi, Jhun. If your sponsor has a final exit visa for you that was received before the date of your iqama expiring, I think you will be okay to leave within 60 days of the iqama expiring. My hope is that he has it and will give it to you soon. If ... Read More
Changing money at a good rate without an iqama
Greetings. I overheard someone say that it's not possible to change money from riyals to a foreign currency without an iqama. Is this true? Where in Riyadh is the "best" place to change money from Saudi riyals to U.S. dollars? By best, I mean the ... Read More
A good tailor for men's clothing is needed
Greetings. I used different tailors in Jeddah and was happy with their work and the prices that are lower than what I find in the U.S. Now, I'm in Riyadh and I don't know any tailors. I have a pair of black dress pants I would like to get copied ... Read More
Final exit visa but iqama just expired by Allons-y
Greetings, readers. My company learned that I wasn't going to renew my contract and promptly refused to renew my iqama. Therefore, my iqama expired a month and a bit before my flight out of the country. The company did issue me a final exit visa, ...
I can think of two things. First, the new law states that you have to surrender your iqama before going to the airport and exiting, so maybe your employer will take it weeks in advance (I'm not sure on the time frame). Second, there is a limit to ... Read More
Final exit visa but iqama just expired by Allons-y
Greetings, readers. My company learned that I wasn't going to renew my contract and promptly refused to renew my iqama. Therefore, my iqama expired a month and a bit before my flight out of the country. The company did issue me a final exit visa, ...
I think that traveling on an expired passport would be an issue for airlines and immigration. Maybe you will find out if it's okay to travel on an expired passport by contacting the appropriate airlines/immigration offices. I don't think HR is the ... Read More
Final exit visa but iqama just expired by Allons-y
Greetings, readers. My company learned that I wasn't going to renew my contract and promptly refused to renew my iqama. Therefore, my iqama expired a month and a bit before my flight out of the country. The company did issue me a final exit visa, ...
Rwin, I don't think you will have a problem exiting on June 20 with an iqama expiring on May 8, but I don't think it's wise to try to travel anywhere with an expired passport. I recommend trying to get a new passport ASAP. Good luck. Read More
Final exit visa but iqama just expired by Allons-y
Greetings, readers. My company learned that I wasn't going to renew my contract and promptly refused to renew my iqama. Therefore, my iqama expired a month and a bit before my flight out of the country. The company did issue me a final exit visa, ...
I did not have any problems at the airport, and I visited my country's consulate general just to be sure that that would be the case, but your situation is unfortunately not the same as mine because you do not have a final exit visa. That was the ... Read More
Excess baggage fee vs. using a shipping company
Thanks for the reply. I shipped some things before boarding the plane to avoid excess baggage fees. Read More
Excess baggage fee vs. using a shipping company
Greetings, readers. I'm not exactly sure if I have excess weight for my baggage- I hope to weigh my suitcases soon- but I think it will be the case. Would you recommend that I ship some things or pay the excess baggage fee with my airline? The ... Read More
Final exit visa but iqama just expired by Allons-y
Greetings, readers. My company learned that I wasn't going to renew my contract and promptly refused to renew my iqama. Therefore, my iqama expired a month and a bit before my flight out of the country. The company did issue me a final exit visa, ...
Thanks for the replies. My consulate said that using the final exit visa within 60 days of its issue will mean "mafi mushkila" about the iqama's expired status, so I don't anticipate any problems. Read More
Final exit visa but iqama just expired
Greetings, readers. My company learned that I wasn't going to renew my contract and promptly refused to renew my iqama. Therefore, my iqama expired a month and a bit before my flight out of the country. The company did issue me a final exit visa, ... Read More
Cheap calling cards for calls abroad = ?
Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, I am without a smart phone; mine is almost as basic as the come! Maybe I will buy a fancier phone soon and be able to follow your advice. Read More
Cheap calling cards for calls abroad = ?
I appreciate that. I might try the suggestion, but there are times when I'm away from my computer and I want to use my cell phone to call another cell phone. That's why I'm after a phone card with good rates. Read More
Cheap calling cards for calls abroad = ?
I sometimes call abroad people from my cell phone as a surprise, but when I just dial directly using my Mobily credit, it's expensive. Are there calling cards I can buy online/in a shop in Jeddah/anywhere that will allow me to call other countries ... Read More
Please recommend a good, cheap restaurant- especially for fish! by Allons-y
Hello! I am not in the habit of going out to restaurants in Jeddah, but I now have a friend in this city with a car, so we're going out to dinner tonight and may do so more in the future. Since I'm a big fan of grilled fish (not fried), I'm in ...
Hi, Rockerchick. I haven't been to Amo Hamza yet, but I hope to get there sometime. Thanks for the info! Read More
Please recommend a good, cheap restaurant- especially for fish! by Allons-y
Hello! I am not in the habit of going out to restaurants in Jeddah, but I now have a friend in this city with a car, so we're going out to dinner tonight and may do so more in the future. Since I'm a big fan of grilled fish (not fried), I'm in ...
Thank you for the replies. We will probably try for Bangala very soon, though we didn't get there today. Cheers. Read More
Please recommend a good, cheap restaurant- especially for fish!
Hello! I am not in the habit of going out to restaurants in Jeddah, but I now have a friend in this city with a car, so we're going out to dinner tonight and may do so more in the future. Since I'm a big fan of grilled fish (not fried), I'm in ... Read More
Converting to Indonesian rupiahs
If anyone has experience or knowledge of converting Saudi riyals to Indonesian rupiahs, I would appreciate hearing input into where to do it. Would any banks in Riyadh be able to give me rupiahs? Should I convert SR to US dollars and convert the ... Read More
Is there a "best" time to come in the next 7-8 weeks? by Allons-y
I have been living in Riyadh for the past year and would like to get to Kuwait. Is there an optimal time to visit in the coming 7-8 weeks? I know that it will be hot and it's not recommended to visit in the summer, but I would like to visit for two ...
Thanks for the replies, especially the very informative last one! I will see if it's possible for me to get to Kuwait in the coming weeks, though it doesn't appear that I will be able to have as much time as I want off of work. In fact, it seems ... Read More
Is there a "best" time to come in the next 7-8 weeks?
I have been living in Riyadh for the past year and would like to get to Kuwait. Is there an optimal time to visit in the coming 7-8 weeks? I know that it will be hot and it's not recommended to visit in the summer, but I would like to visit for two ... Read More
Haircut by Allons-y
Please help if you can :-). I am a white American who has had 3 pretty bad haircuts here- two in barbershops and one at a hotel salon. I like a modern style for my hair, but the places basically shave/shorten the sides and leave the top pretty ...
I really don't think it's a question of communication, as a friend has the same issue (barbers leaving the top more or less unchanged) despite numerous pleas for a change, and the people I've spoken with don't have bad English. Anyway, thanks for ... Read More
Haircut
Please help if you can :-). I am a white American who has had 3 pretty bad haircuts here- two in barbershops and one at a hotel salon. I like a modern style for my hair, but the places basically shave/shorten the sides and leave the top pretty ... Read More
travel insurance for other GCC countries
I have health insurance from my employer in Riyadh. However, I am about to go to the UAE and Oman. Should I purchase travel insurance for those countries or does the GCC have some sort of agreement amongst itself regarding healthcare? Any ... Read More
Men's shopping
I am flying into Dubai on Thursday, and I will spend at least Thurs./Fri. there (with perhaps Saturday for Abu Dhabi and a Sharjah peek at some point). One of the big things I look forward to is shopping. I work in Riyadh and don't find lots of ... Read More
Bag repair/phone card/stain stick/tailor for jeans
Yes, all four of those things are related! I am looking for help from people who know where to find them. Bag repair: I bought a small "manbag" that had one strap completely fray within a week. I really like the style and would like to have it ... Read More
Shopping for men by Allons-y
Hello to all. It's nice to see that there are fairly dedicated posters here sharing information and thoughts. I would love to get some accurate, detailed information about men's shoes/clothes/accessories in the Middle East and its environs. I am ...
THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the Localizer Mall suggestion. I was there a few hours ago and found it to be the best concentration of men's clothing I've seen so far in Riyadh. The Outlet Moda looks great (I went in just before closing), the Al Pacino ... Read More
Tour Group in Riyadh by gowiththeflowUK
Hi, a few of you have been asking about who arranges tours in Riyadh and Middle East. The lady I have been using and who is highly recommended (especially for women groups taking day trips, but also for family/singles/couples weekends etc) is as ...
Is it possible for 3 people to join the tour either via plane or via a vehicle? Please advise :-). Read More
Hajj without an iqama by Allons-y
I am here on a 90-day working visa, but my company hasn't secured my iqama yet to get me through the year. Because the Hajj is coming so soon, I am worried that I won't have my iqama before the Hajj arrives. If I don't get my passport back ...
I am surprised to see how the discussion has turned, but I admit that I am perhaps at fault for not being totally clear. I am not trying to perform Hajj, I am just trying to travel around KSA during the Hajj if my iqama does not get into my hands ... Read More
Colleague's visa by Allons-y
My colleague arrived on the 9th of October with a 30-day business visa from the United States. He is awaiting his iqama and wants to leave the country for the Hajj, but he is now thinking that he is overextending his stay as of Monday. I recall ...
Thanks for your feedback, everyone! I hope you all have an excellent Saturday. :cool: Read More
Hajj without an iqama by Allons-y
I am here on a 90-day working visa, but my company hasn't secured my iqama yet to get me through the year. Because the Hajj is coming so soon, I am worried that I won't have my iqama before the Hajj arrives. If I don't get my passport back ...
I don't have my passport, as it is allegedly at the Department of Labor awaiting its iqama. Are photocopies sufficient to check into places? Read More
Hajj without an iqama
I am here on a 90-day working visa, but my company hasn't secured my iqama yet to get me through the year. Because the Hajj is coming so soon, I am worried that I won't have my iqama before the Hajj arrives. If I don't get my passport back ... Read More
Colleague's visa
My colleague arrived on the 9th of October with a 30-day business visa from the United States. He is awaiting his iqama and wants to leave the country for the Hajj, but he is now thinking that he is overextending his stay as of Monday. I recall ... Read More
Tennis courts and pianos near Imam University?
Musicman, Thanks for your reply. I don't currently live on a traditional compound, and we don't have any tennis courts. Is it possible to play at a compound if one is not a resident? Also, are there any tennis clubs in Riyadh (anywhere at all) ... Read More
Libraries in Riyadh
Are there public (or even private) libraries in Riyadh? If so, are there any that have English, Spanish, and French books? I am still waiting for my iqama but hope to have it soon. What are the regulations for non-Saudis? Could I get a library card ... Read More
Shopping for men by Allons-y
Hello to all. It's nice to see that there are fairly dedicated posters here sharing information and thoughts. I would love to get some accurate, detailed information about men's shoes/clothes/accessories in the Middle East and its environs. I am ...
Thanks for the comments. As far as sales before and after winter, is there a general month when they may happen or is it normally a set week? I tend to wear S, by the way, so I might not find sales here useless! Thanks again for all input. Read More
Shopping for men by Allons-y
Hello to all. It's nice to see that there are fairly dedicated posters here sharing information and thoughts. I would love to get some accurate, detailed information about men's shoes/clothes/accessories in the Middle East and its environs. I am ...
Thanks for the comments. I leave near Imam University, but I am willing to shop anywhere. Any info about the best time(s) of year to find sales or if there are discount retailers/outlets? Also, does anyone have experience comparing Riyadh/KSA ... Read More
Shopping for men by Allons-y
Hello to all. It's nice to see that there are fairly dedicated posters here sharing information and thoughts. I would love to get some accurate, detailed information about men's shoes/clothes/accessories in the Middle East and its environs. I am ...
I saw lots of Duchini shoes at a CenterPoint (CentrePoint) mall today. How's their quality? Also, I guess I can be more specific by stating that I am not a big fan of NEXT, Gap, Banana Republic, or Levis. I prefer more European or Middle ... Read More
Tennis courts and pianos near Imam University?
I have asked many people for help with this matter, but no one has given me an answer outside of "You can play tennis at Al-Khozama or Faisaliah". Where can I gain access to a piano to play (for myself)? A school? A library? What about tennis ... Read More
Shopping for men
Hello to all. It's nice to see that there are fairly dedicated posters here sharing information and thoughts. I would love to get some accurate, detailed information about men's shoes/clothes/accessories in the Middle East and its environs. I am ... Read More