hamlay
English looking for information about Thailand
Forum posts
87
About me
English
Lives in Al Khobar
Registration: 13 May 2011
Qatar Vs Saudi Arabia - Pro's & Con's by hamlay
Hi All, I'm considering a possible move to Qatar with my family. I am a Western Expat currently living in Saudi Arabia. I'm interested to hear any experiences from people who have lived & worked in both Saudi & Qatar and which they believe is the ...
Just giving this thread a bump.... I delayed making a decision on the move from KSA to Qatar for 6 months but now need to make a final decision. Any words of wisdom out there?! Thanks Read More
Autostar Lease Agreement - How to end it early by hamlay
Hi All, Does anyone have experience with Leasing a Car through AutoStar? I want to understand if you take out a lease agreement over say 4 years, what are the options to terminate the lease early? Thanks
Thanks for the advice. A work friend also told me it is possible to sell the lease to another person and transfer the lease into his name. ..This sounds easy enough but I'm not sure what benefit the new owner has as I assume they'd have to be ... Read More
Autostar Lease Agreement - How to end it early
Hi All, Does anyone have experience with Leasing a Car through AutoStar? I want to understand if you take out a lease agreement over say 4 years, what are the options to terminate the lease early? Thanks Read More
Qatar Vs Saudi Arabia - Pro's & Con's by hamlay
Hi All, I'm considering a possible move to Qatar with my family. I am a Western Expat currently living in Saudi Arabia. I'm interested to hear any experiences from people who have lived & worked in both Saudi & Qatar and which they believe is the ...
Thanks Wilson, ..If housing is more expensive then I need to consider asking for an increase in my housing package. I better do some more research into this. Cheers Read More
Qatar Vs Saudi Arabia - Pro's & Con's
Hi All, I'm considering a possible move to Qatar with my family. I am a Western Expat currently living in Saudi Arabia. I'm interested to hear any experiences from people who have lived & worked in both Saudi & Qatar and which they believe is the ... Read More
educational qualification attested in the UK by mikesharp
Hi there, anyone has attested his certificate in the UK? How long it takes, I'm trying to phone Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau but no one is asnwering. Any experience you have had in getting your certificate attested in the UK? Thanks Mike
Hi mike, everyone is giving their own experiences however things seem to change from week to week so take all advice with a pinch of salt. When I did my degree it was first notorized by a uk solicitor which only took couple of days and was fine for ... Read More
Car hire without an Iqama. by 1967tazz
Hi all, After changing my sponsor, I have just returned to Jeddah to await my new Iqama, I have been to a car rental company today to be turned away, as my Saudi driving licence is attached to my old Iqama... Is there a way around this, as the ...
I'm surprised to hear that your KSA driving licence becomes invalid if you change your iqama due to change of employer. ..can someone else confirm this please just in case the OP has been given some bad information. Read More
Mobily giving free exchange from WiMax to 4G LTE Connect routers by hamlay
Hi All, I recently started getting Mobily messages on my WiMax router saying there was a problem and Mobily would give me a free 4G LTE router and new contract if I go into a store. Finally after a week the messages became more frequent and today ...
Hi Wilson, what about the duration of the contract tough. Did you get an email confirming when it expires? thanks Read More
Mobily giving free exchange from WiMax to 4G LTE Connect routers
Hi All, I recently started getting Mobily messages on my WiMax router saying there was a problem and Mobily would give me a free 4G LTE router and new contract if I go into a store. Finally after a week the messages became more frequent and today ... Read More
What's the best area in Khobar (Non-compound) to live in by ilnot1
Hi peeps, I recently relocated to Khobar and vigorously searching for spacious 3 BR flat in a nice neighborhood. My budget is 50K max, where do you think I should look? Thanks in advance for your help. Wael
As already suggested Al-Rakah. ..Particularly the area behind Extra / Park Inn hotel / Hyper Panda. Prices vary up to around 80K, but is lots of choice at the 50 - 60K mark. Very nice and spacious apartments. In terms of agents a lot of the ... Read More
Advice on Salary offer please? by tuigjrh
My company gave me the details of their offer. It is the position of a senior structural engineer in Riyadh (based on 10 years of engineering experience). The package is as follows: - 21,000 SAR basic Salary - 14,000 SAR for accomodation, ...
Why no iqama? Sounds strange and could give you a big headache. Who will pay the travel costs every 90 days and where will you have to travel to? Also what about when the business visa expires? Do you have to leave every 6 months and take holiday to ... Read More
What do you think of the customer service of salesmen in Saudi Arabia? by alsagisi
I would like to hear from you guys about the customer service in Saudi Arabia. Thank you!!! Please visit my blog at challengedfashionista.blogspot.com!
would be nice to be served by a chasier who can count. The till (pos) already tells them how much change to give yet it still takes then a while to take the money from the till and count it out 3 or 4 times first. Read More
The forum for Jeddah is so dead... by simplysk
Hello Fellas, Whats happening? no posts no news? Where are the people? anyone planning for a get together?
The Saudi forum in general is dead. Only a couple of posters who seem to keep it going. Read More
New car prices in Saudi.
Yes and was nearly 30% cheaper than would have been in uk. Read More
New car prices in Saudi.
New cars are generally cheaper than the UK. ...cars have 20% tax in UK. Read More
How to check for Saher traffic camera violations by WTENGEL
Ladies, you don't have to worry about this one, but fellas, if you drive frequently, you might find this helpful. To see if you have any violations from the Saher traffic camera system attached to your license, do the following: Send an SMS text ...
I think you'll find I'm right. You might not want to believe me but I'm right. :whistle: ...nobody should be paying SAR500 within the first month from the date of the violation. Anyway I have a great solution to the problem.....don't speed or run ... Read More
Considering moving to Khobar
If your coming as a single guy make sure its the right job and the right salary. ..Work will be a big part of your life as there is not lots & lots to do after work. If you like fishing and playing 5-a-side football you could be ok. You can also ... Read More
How far is khobar from the train station? by Princess sunshine
We found the holiday inn at half moon bay to be pretty amazing (according to the pics online). Wed like to take the kids by train. Approx how far is half moon bay, khobar frm the train station??
Park Inn Khobar is only a SAR20 taxi ride from the beach / station / Shopping malls/ etc Have a look at the Park Inn website for the latest deals. Read More
How to check for Saher traffic camera violations by WTENGEL
Ladies, you don't have to worry about this one, but fellas, if you drive frequently, you might find this helpful. To see if you have any violations from the Saher traffic camera system attached to your license, do the following: Send an SMS text ...
To confirm my understanding of the fine system For speeding: The fine is SAR500, HOWEVER if you pay within 30 days it is reduced to SAR300. For Red Light: Same thing. Happy Driving! Read More
Do I need a Bahrain entry/exit visa by laimaries
Hello! I'm an expat in SA staying in Dammam. I have a Saudi multiple exit/entry visa & have used it a couple of times to visit Bahrain. I'm planning to travel for a week to visit Turkey & since I'm going on a budget on this trip, I'm thinking of ...
Didn't fully understand your question as you say you have a Saudi exit/entry already. So assuming your Saudi visa is not going to expire during the time your away, what you do is; 1. Drive across causeway to Bahrain. You will get the Bahrain entry ... Read More
where to exchange SAR to $$ in Jeddah by andsoitis
Can anyone tell if if how and where I can exchange SAR into $$$ is jeddah? I am heading to Sri Lanka where I have booked a tour and must pay in $$ when i arrive your help is appreciated
Do you bank with HSBC in uk? If so Sabb premier let me use their currency exchange service when I showed them my HSBC premier card. Think I got 1 to 3.76 rate. Read More
Which is the better city, Dammam or Khobar?? by Alliecat
Just curious ... :)
I think the corniche in Dammam is nicer than khobar. I also think some of the new small shopping malls in Dammam are nicer than the smaller malls in khobar. I do find the Saudi people in khobar more cosmopolitan and friendly though. In general ... Read More
Affordable hotels in dammam for weekend!!
The Park Inn hotel in khobar is new, nice and only a few km's from the corniche. ..not sure what you consieder affordable but it's about sar600 per night. As for driving, sure you need to keep your wits about you but it's pretty easy during the day ... Read More
Whats the options for working in Saudi & living in Bahrain - Visas
Hi All, I'm currently living and working in Al Khobar, Saudi. I also have my family with me and we all have Saudi Iqama's (resident permits). Once my current rental agreement ends I'm thinking of trying to live in Bahrain while still working in ... Read More
not working 25th and 26th
most people will be working or leaving/left KSA on vacation. I'm flying out tonight :cool: Merry Xmas Read More
Jubail housing ?? by valleygirl
Can anyone tell me if 130,000 SAR/yearly will be enough for a nice secure compound? We need a 4 bedroom and I am having a hard time finding not only housing compounds that are available but I cannot find anything about the amounts...PLEASE HELP!!
there are lots of compounds in Khobar. Try looking at the following website for some ideas; rightcompound.com Hamlay Read More
Hiring a Maid - What are the options? by hamlay
My family will soon arrive in the Kingdom and so I need to find a maid. I have no idea how to do this - where / how / how much / etc, so looking for some practicle advice. Are there any agencies which will supply the Maid or do you have to sponsor ...
Thanks TLL. ..I'm not interested in recruiting myself as I can't wait 6 months. Would prefer to use an agency. I've not noticed any agencies around. Does anyone have a contact in Al Khobar / Dammam area? Thanks Read More
Jubail housing ?? by valleygirl
Can anyone tell me if 130,000 SAR/yearly will be enough for a nice secure compound? We need a 4 bedroom and I am having a hard time finding not only housing compounds that are available but I cannot find anything about the amounts...PLEASE HELP!!
Bit of a long drive but you could also consider living in Al Khobar / Dammam / Dhahran if you have a car and don't mind the extra time. ..Is a lot more going on in this area. Read More
Hiring a Maid - What are the options?
My family will soon arrive in the Kingdom and so I need to find a maid. I have no idea how to do this - where / how / how much / etc, so looking for some practicle advice. Are there any agencies which will supply the Maid or do you have to sponsor ... Read More
flats - commission by mikeandrews
Is it standard practice in Riyadh to have to pay SR 5,000 commission before you've even signed the lease?
You sure it's a commission and not just a deposit? When I got my apartment I paid a few thousand (they asked for 10k initially) for them to hold the Apartment until I signed the contract. However this money was deducted from the total price. Read More
Thai /Asian supermarket by Mudman
Are there any shops selling thai/asian foodstuffs ? I know the supermarkets sell very limited ingredients, but I'm after lime leaves, lemon grass, Pla Slid, luk chin pla etc.
Yes there are several Chinese food stores in Khobar. ..Sorry I don't have any address / directions, but next time I pass one I'll make a note of the street and let you know. I've yet to find a Chinese restaurant that does 'real' Cantonese or ... Read More
Family Visa requirements - Working in KSA but Living in Bahrain
Thanks Olivier, helpful information. As it happens my UK visa agent managed to get a positive result yesterday from the Saudi Emabassy in london after a 4 month delay. So with some good fortune the family will be getting Saudi visas / Iqama's ... Read More
Family Visa requirements - Working in KSA but Living in Bahrain
just in case it was not clear...i'm asking about visa for Bahrain for thai passport not visa for KSA. Thanks Read More
Family Visa requirements - Working in KSA but Living in Bahrain
Hi All, Another boring visa question I'm afraid. I'm really struggling to find any information regarding what Family Visa I would need to get for the following; I'm a UK Citizen with KSA residency (Iqama) but due to issues with getting family visa ... Read More
New entry..
You could devote all your spare time to building the worlds largest model railway.........or go running every day.....or clean your filthy flee pit of a room. Life is what you make of it my friend. :) Read More
Mobile Phones
STC, ZIAN & Mobily to name just 3. They all have websites in English with all the details. Just google them. Read More
Taxi from Al Khobar to Bahrain Airport - how much? by hamlay
Hi all, Need to take a taxi to Bahrain Airport next week. What is the normal cost from Khobar including all fees? Just been quoted SAR300 but want to get an idea if this is reasonable. Thanks. PS how long should I allow for the journey on a ...
The costs I mentioned 300SAR were each way to Bahrain airport. Read More
Work in KSA, wife work in Dubai by kevoch
Hello. Let's start I've been in KSA on 3 month contract so I am familiar with Saudi culture and lifestyle. Now I am back in my country but I got offer to work for one of goverment department (my profession: enginner). I have wife, we are a young ...
One small problem with your plan; Weekends in KSA are Thurs & Fri but Dubai is Fri & Sat. This cuts down your time together somewhat. Hope it works out. Read More
Taxi from Al Khobar to Bahrain Airport - how much? by hamlay
Hi all, Need to take a taxi to Bahrain Airport next week. What is the normal cost from Khobar including all fees? Just been quoted SAR300 but want to get an idea if this is reasonable. Thanks. PS how long should I allow for the journey on a ...
In the end I used the service from a small private taxi firm located in hyper panda al khobar (next to the big Extra). Was 300SAR for a private car (ford crown victoria) and included all the fees. Had a great driver who is a free lancer and so will ... Read More
Looking for a gated compound with pool and everything by R80GS'er
ok i just found out the company we are partnered with have given up on finding compound accomodation for my wife and i is there any one that knows of a western compound in the area PLEASE feeling a bit stressed now thinking they had it sorted and ...
I'm sure you'll find the best solution and you will be happy so good luck. The apartment I'm in has lots of expat women as well (however mostly non English) and shed loads of kids which is nice for my daughter :) Read More
do you think karaoke machine will be good selling in Saudi Arabia?
It might have some market, but good selling then no. Most karaoke places work on the following; Bar Booze Men and women together Decent local music How many of the above do you have.... Read More
Looking for a gated compound with pool and everything by R80GS'er
ok i just found out the company we are partnered with have given up on finding compound accomodation for my wife and i is there any one that knows of a western compound in the area PLEASE feeling a bit stressed now thinking they had it sorted and ...
R80, In my opinion don't feel like you have to be in a compound. You will read lots of misinformation on expat websites and also get lots of advice from people from different social backgrounds to yourself. As a uk expat who has always lived in ... Read More
travel to China and Hong Kong
For China you will need a visa in advance. For Hong Kong it depends on your nationality. (What nationality are you?) If you are eligible to get a visa on arrival in Hong Kong you may find the easiest way is to plan your trip so you go to HK first ... Read More
Broadband in Saudi by SamUSA
Hello; I have been here for few weeks now... but from my personal Exp. the best broad band is as follows: [b][u]Go[/u][/b]: they have a strong sginal in the area they have coverage [b][u]Mobily[/u][/b]: not that good when it comes to coverage ...
Have you tried all 4? I'm using Mobily Wi-Max and at best it's average. It drops out daily. I never get the 2gbps possible speed and most of the time I get about 512kbps, which is rubbish (well compared to the 100gbps service i was on before moving ... Read More
Bank charges in Saudi Arabia by vinnie2332
Hi, Iam interested in opening a bank account in Saudi Arabia, But before I do, I would like to know what the bank charges are and if there is any interest?
I'm with Sabb bank(part of HSBC). ..No charges for opening an account and you don't even have to deposit any money to open it. Read More
BORED BORED BORED by R80GS'er
HOTEL LIVING IS BORING the guys here though great and polite and helpful are not company. and yes there are films in english on but they are all films i have seen i have only been here a week so i don't have the sort of money that means i can go ...
Oh well, you'll be itching to get your iqama then so you can get your licence. Will make all the difference when you get your own set of wheels! Read More
Taxi from Al Khobar to Bahrain Airport - how much?
Hi all, Need to take a taxi to Bahrain Airport next week. What is the normal cost from Khobar including all fees? Just been quoted SAR300 but want to get an idea if this is reasonable. Thanks. PS how long should I allow for the journey on a ... Read More
BORED BORED BORED by R80GS'er
HOTEL LIVING IS BORING the guys here though great and polite and helpful are not company. and yes there are films in english on but they are all films i have seen i have only been here a week so i don't have the sort of money that means i can go ...
You sure about that mate? I hired cars for a couple of months until I got my Iqama. ..have used both Avis and Hanco no problems. have also hired using my international licence (permit from AA) and using my UK licence. The only problem seems to be ... Read More
BORED BORED BORED by R80GS'er
HOTEL LIVING IS BORING the guys here though great and polite and helpful are not company. and yes there are films in english on but they are all films i have seen i have only been here a week so i don't have the sort of money that means i can go ...
When I first arrived I hired a car. Made a big difference. Whenever I start feel to feel bored I just hop in the car and to explore! Read More
Saudi Consulate in Thailand (Bangkok) - List of Visa Agents by hamlay
Dear All, does anyone have the list of visa agents who are authorised by the Saudi Embassy in Bangkok. I can't find anything on the internet and when I called the Embassy they gave me 1 phone number for one of the agents but nobody is answering ...
Thanks Dave, yes I'm aware of the blue diamond affair. I only need my daughters birth certificate attesting as she was born in thailand even though she is a UK citizen & passport holder. There are actually quite a lot of thai wives in Saudi and ... Read More
questions for KHOBAR expats
Car is easy enough as others have said. On the house front I thought only Saudi's could own property in KSA? Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. Read More
golf around khobar/dammam? by borntobemild
so does anyone know of any golf courses around here in khobar/dammam area?
I'm sure when I was flying into Dammam airport I spotted a sand golf course about half way between the Aramco course and the airport? Anyone any ideas if this could be a course? I'm itching to have a game! Read More
to feel lonely ...... is the most hard thing in the world by Armando2012
I left my family , my friends and my country ... to came here in a strange country , strange habits ,strange food and strange people does I deserve that to gaine money ? although there are many in my motherland gaine money eaisly without leaving any ...
things are not just strange just different. Try to keep busy and you will not have time to think about being lonely. :D Read More
Saudi Consulate in Thailand (Bangkok) - List of Visa Agents
Dear All, does anyone have the list of visa agents who are authorised by the Saudi Embassy in Bangkok. I can't find anything on the internet and when I called the Embassy they gave me 1 phone number for one of the agents but nobody is answering ... Read More
Family Resident Visas - What docs should be Attested by hamlay
Hi All, Sorry for another boring Visa question. Anyway after 3 months of messigng around with Business visas from Hong Kong to get me started then a forced trip back to UK to get my residents visa then finally a lightning 2 day turn-a-round to get ...
Gets more complex as well as my PRO has said all documents must be attested in country of issue and not just my home country. As I was married in Hong Kong and my daughter was boen while we were in Thailand and my degree was from the UK this then ... Read More
Family Resident Visas - What docs should be Attested
Hi All, Sorry for another boring Visa question. Anyway after 3 months of messigng around with Business visas from Hong Kong to get me started then a forced trip back to UK to get my residents visa then finally a lightning 2 day turn-a-round to get ... Read More
Rent a car
Also do them at the main AVIS place on the main Dammam khobar highway. (not far from the budget place as already mentioned). Also Hanco do Lexus ES, LS and BMW 7 series but you have to arrange In advance. Good luck Read More
Hi all and help please! by Nasiya
Hi all, I am looking to move to Saudi soon from the UK, was just wanting to speak to some people who have made the move and more specifically, how the professional side of things are over there as I moved to Egypt last year and faced issues with ...
I've never had a problem getting paid on time nor have anyone I work with. I'm also in Dammam / Khobar and am loving it. ..Went to an uncrowded LuLu supermarked this morning (LuLu is great, better than many supermarkets in the west) bought some ... Read More
2 questions.... by LJanetR
What did you bring from home that you did not need? What item did you forget/didnt think to bring that you wished you had? Going to live in a foreign country with 25kg of luggage to pack is freaking me out.
some people will not agree with me but I'd say you can get everything you need in Saudi. Remember they have most western shops here like M&S, Debenhams, Carefour, Mothercare, H&M, etc, etc. So if all else fails you will be able to buy western stuff ... Read More
Moving to Al-Khobar
Hi, If you are bringing kids I'd suggest you'd need the company to cover the costs of an international school. Worth making sure your package includes enough for a decent home and an SuV along with schooling, medical, holidays and flights home. ... Read More
Compounds by Scabcat
Hi Guys We finally have our dates and are packing in-between reading posts. Can anyone tell me what's included in compound accommodation and what I need to bring, my husband is staying in a hotel for 4 weeks while searching for accommodation but ...
and don't feel like you have to be on a compound. There are some great 'off-compound' Villas and Apartments in the area. Is some compounds on the following website rightcompound.com For apartments & villas best way is to drive around the areas and ... Read More
beds?
I've just got a new bed from Home Centre. It is massive and very well built. I wouldn't be worrying about falling through it! Read More
struggling by sarah.r
hello all! i have a 9 month old daughter and it's a struggle!! i don't know what to do with her and i have no friends here at all or anyone around her age! on top of that i'm stressed out and super bored! what can one do here?! thx :(
Can you not find any baby & toddler groups in your area? Get enroled in one of these 3 days a week and you'll find that your baby will be learning new things and you'll be meeting new friends. If you sit in your home feeling sorry for yourself ... Read More
Thai /Asian supermarket by Mudman
Are there any shops selling thai/asian foodstuffs ? I know the supermarkets sell very limited ingredients, but I'm after lime leaves, lemon grass, Pla Slid, luk chin pla etc.
There is a Thai restaurant and next door is a Thai shop. I think it's down towards the bottom of 4th street but I'll have to check my sat nav to be sure. Anyway it has a good selection of fresh Thai herbs and fruits. Now all I need is for my wife ... Read More
daycares? preschools? oh my! by winteryrose1984
Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum. I have a 2 year and 9 month old daughter and need to know of good places where I can leave her while I go to my job in the morning. Would preschools accept her at this age? She turns 3 on October 15th. ...
I'm also looking for a playgoup for a 2 Year old, so if anyone knows any other places please post the details. Thanks Read More
New in Khobar! by angenkhobar
Hello all, I am 24 y/o teacher from the U.S. and have just moved to Khobar, looking for friends and advice for getting around and trying new things/meeting people! Please do drop a line :) Thank you, Ange
Hi kijor, What compound are you staying on? How are the facilities and price (if you don't mind me asking)? ....just starting to look for when my family arrive :) Thanks Read More
Is Car finance available in KSA by Leedslad
I will be looking to purchase a car when I move to Saudi and I would like to understand is Car finance available or do I need to bring cash with me to buy a car. I have 2 young children and I have heard a lot about how bad the driving is, so I will ...
Many thanks for your reply SaQiB. I have never driven a FJ Cruiser but it looks awesome and with the 4-litre engine so by very fun to drive! ..I hope to be off-roading in a new(ish) 4x4 in the coming months! Read More
Is Car finance available in KSA by Leedslad
I will be looking to purchase a car when I move to Saudi and I would like to understand is Car finance available or do I need to bring cash with me to buy a car. I have 2 young children and I have heard a lot about how bad the driving is, so I will ...
Any comments on the Toyota Fortuner? ..Seem quite reasonably priced new. I've driven them may times in Thailand and never had a problem. Thanks Read More
visa advise please by R80GS'er
hi everyone my boss thinks i can go out to khobar on a business visa and after 3 months apply for residency visa is he right or not? as he has left it really tight for this to be wrong as i am supposed to fly out on the 13th feb
Hi R80GS, Can you give an update on how the visa went and if you have manged to get it converted to a work visa and hence get your family visa? I'm going to be in the same boat soon. If my family was not coming I'd not be concerned, however they ... Read More
Long stay in a Hotel - Negotiating a discounted rate
I am planning on staying in a hotel for my first 3 months in Dammam / Al Khobar until my family join me. Has anyone had any success in negotiating a special rate at any of the better hotels in the area (Crown Plaza / Holiday Inn / Park Inn / ... Read More
investing money in saudi by Xtrem
what's a good way to invest 40k Usd in saudi , as far as i know there are no CD accounts , no bank interrest ,and under the age of 30 u cannot open ur own business ,u even need a saudi partner to do so. what do u people do with your extra money ?
Open a bank account in hong kong and invest in RMB bonds / shares / AUD time deposits. (just my opinion. Thank me if I'm right but dont complain if I'm wrong!) Chok dee! (good luck) Read More
Car Shopping by UniversalStop
Greetings Khobarians. Happy 2011. So I've given the taxi route a valiant effort, but after many evenings and quite a few weekends left to languish in my apartment at the sometimes daunting task of exploring in a taxi, I've decided that I need a ...
quite a good site I found that's not been mentioned is; sauditopcars.com Happy car hunting! Read More
Restaurants in Khobar by RedGoblin
Food is a large part of the "entertainment/social life" here in the Kingdom. And thankfully there are some really good joints to grab a quick bite or have a relaxing good meal. I see that this forum has a lot of people from a lot of places around ...
How about Thai food? Any thai restaurants in Khobar? Also any places to get some good Dim Sum? Thanks. PS I'm new. Hello to everyone :D Read More