Rigger64
American expat in Saudi Arabia
Forum posts
137
Contacts
14
About me
American
Lives in Jeddah
Speaks English
Registration: 26 August 2013
Accommodation in Jeddah -Struggling by hymakar
I have joined one of the largest retail Companies at a Senior Management position. I have been struggling to find a house since one month in Jeddah. its been a terrible experience, there are no real estate agents in this city, i am running around ...
He abandoned us to pursue higher education in the states - or that's what he's telling everyone. I think it's just a quest for beer and bacon... Jus' sayin' ;) :cool: :whistle:SM, didja notice Trap did NOT deny the beer and ... Read More
Accommodation in Jeddah -Struggling by hymakar
I have joined one of the largest retail Companies at a Senior Management position. I have been struggling to find a house since one month in Jeddah. its been a terrible experience, there are no real estate agents in this city, i am running around ...
He abandoned us to pursue higher education in the states - or that's what he's telling everyone. I think it's just a quest for beer and bacon... Jus' sayin' ;) :cool: :whistle: Read More
Homeschooling-Jeddah? by valleygirl
Can anyone tell me if you are homeschooling in Jeddah? I will be homeschooling my son and was looking for other homeschool families...
Hello everyone! I will be joining my husband in Jeddah at the end of the summer. We may send our 3rd grader to school IF we get her in, but I have a senior (who wanted to come), so I wanted to homeschool him. I can still do that, even though he ... Read More
Lotus IV compound by Rigger64
Good afternoon, EB family! I've found out my accommodation will be at the Lotus 4 compound. There's very little available to Google on this compound. Does anything have any experience with or pics of the compound? I'll be there ...
I'll send an IM with details. Read More
Lotus IV compound by Rigger64
Good afternoon, EB family! I've found out my accommodation will be at the Lotus 4 compound. There's very little available to Google on this compound. Does anything have any experience with or pics of the compound? I'll be there ...
I did arrive, Mohd, but to be honest I was not impressed with Lotus 4. The apartment was filthy and badly in need of repair - with visible mold showing in the bathrooms. There was tape in the bottom of the bathroom fixtures - which looks like it ... Read More
After 5 months... by Rigger64
I was supposed to be here back in February. After only 5 "short" intense months I am now on the ground in Jeddah. Arrived this morning on the flight from Dubai, landing about 340am, and was in and out of the airport in less than an hour. ...
First time to Jeddah and the Kingdom, but def not first time traveler. Airport/passport worker looked at me, probably suspecting me to be a neophyte, and pointing me towards passport line WITHOUT anyone working it... Not happening. As soon as he ... Read More
After 5 months... by Rigger64
I was supposed to be here back in February. After only 5 "short" intense months I am now on the ground in Jeddah. Arrived this morning on the flight from Dubai, landing about 340am, and was in and out of the airport in less than an hour. ...
Um... Summer+Ramadan... Lets see... Too hot to think and everyone's on holiday so they don't see you "not thinking"? R Read More
After 5 months... by Rigger64
I was supposed to be here back in February. After only 5 "short" intense months I am now on the ground in Jeddah. Arrived this morning on the flight from Dubai, landing about 340am, and was in and out of the airport in less than an hour. ...
Too funny, DJ. Whatever it takes!! Read More
After 5 months...
I was supposed to be here back in February. After only 5 "short" intense months I am now on the ground in Jeddah. Arrived this morning on the flight from Dubai, landing about 340am, and was in and out of the airport in less than an hour. ... Read More
Car Insurance requirements by Rigger64
I know I can probably google this but I'd like to work smarter not harder... I know all countries have different insurance requirements. Heck, here in the US each state has its own requirements, i.e... X for a car with a lien on it, X+ for ...
Jeejo, Please excuse my ignorance on most things GCC related - but if you're not in Oman...? R Read More
Lotus IV compound by Rigger64
Good afternoon, EB family! I've found out my accommodation will be at the Lotus 4 compound. There's very little available to Google on this compound. Does anything have any experience with or pics of the compound? I'll be there ...
Thank you, brother. Good advise. Checking boxes now. Copies of Visa and other docs ready to go. Still have to sell a car today - well, the car's been sold, I just need to deliver and collect the $$!! Heading out for a few things to pack and ... Read More
Lotus IV compound by Rigger64
Good afternoon, EB family! I've found out my accommodation will be at the Lotus 4 compound. There's very little available to Google on this compound. Does anything have any experience with or pics of the compound? I'll be there ...
I do, DJ - but I've got too many irons in the fire getting ready to fly tomorrow. Spell check didn't correct it and I didn't double check it... Argh.... Go figure... R Read More
Lotus IV compound by Rigger64
Good afternoon, EB family! I've found out my accommodation will be at the Lotus 4 compound. There's very little available to Google on this compound. Does anything have any experience with or pics of the compound? I'll be there ...
Dang auto-correct! :mad: This was suppose to read... "Does ANYONE have any experience..." R Read More
Lotus IV compound
Good afternoon, EB family! I've found out my accommodation will be at the Lotus 4 compound. There's very little available to Google on this compound. Does anything have any experience with or pics of the compound? I'll be there ... Read More
Arabian Homes, Sierra Village by Rigger64
Hey! My company has told me they have a 1br apartment for me in Sierra Village - as temporary accommodation until my family arrives. I've googled and google-earthed the compound so I have a general idea of its whereabouts and such but does ...
Awesome. Thanks. I'll pm you shortly. Read More
Arabian Homes, Sierra Village by Rigger64
Hey! My company has told me they have a 1br apartment for me in Sierra Village - as temporary accommodation until my family arrives. I've googled and google-earthed the compound so I have a general idea of its whereabouts and such but does ...
Very good to hear, Yolande. Would you be willing to share some pics of the interior of your home? Thanks, Rigger Read More
Dirt bike and/or 4 wheeler by Rigger64
This may sound sophomoric but being as KSA is a dry, (not-completely) but desert country are there any good places to ride dirt bikes or 4-wheelers around Jeddah? Any clubs, etc.... I'm torn between dirt bikes or jet skis and am leaning ...
Thanks, WW! That's the info I was looking for! I may have to take advantage of riding in both times of the year and types of weather! Rigger Read More
Sim Card on arrival by Rigger64
I've been told by several expat friends that before I leave the airport in Jeddah I need to buy a sim card for my iPhone 5. This raises several questions: - These are prepaid Sims, right? How would you reload the Sim before having your Iqama? Do ...
This sounds good but it raises the question, there's only one sim card on my iPhone 5, does this mean you have to carry around two Sims - and swap voice for data as needed? Seems a bit confusing or at least bothersome. Do you have any idea ... Read More
Shortchanged by I.S.P. by Jeddah1
A friend pays for what she is told is a month's internet service. Not even two weeks into... her internet service runs out. (??) She calls to inquirer and is told her Skype usage is probably to blame as it eats-up a lot of bandwidth. (what??) This ...
TLL, help me out here, please. What are we considering GIGANTIC usage. Streaming a Netflix via VPN connection (this I could see), surfing Youtube (possibly), extensive daily scanning of EB and the like...? My family will use Skype/MagicJack to ... Read More
strong internet acess by firaz500
Hello .. which is the good internet acess company ... Actually i need a fiber optic line .. pls help me ...
Anybody know what internet service Sierra Village uses? 150/month is cheap enough to do on my own if the provide service stinks! Thanks, Rigger Read More
Arabian Homes, Sierra Village by Rigger64
Hey! My company has told me they have a 1br apartment for me in Sierra Village - as temporary accommodation until my family arrives. I've googled and google-earthed the compound so I have a general idea of its whereabouts and such but does ...
Sounds awesome! We have a friend of the family who just moved into SV from an off-compound villa and they are very happy! Just hoping that the Company can work their magic come summer time... :huh: R Read More
Going stir crazy in Jeddah! by gpetr67
Hello fellow expats.......I have now been in Jeddah for 10 weeks. I do not live on a compound, I live in the city about a 5 minute walk from the US Embassy. I am honestly just looking for some fellow expat friends. Evening are long and lonely, ...
Currently in Charlotte, NC. Just finished up 2 years running an Army Reserve Transportation Battalion. If I can ever get there, I coming to Jeddah to work in Supply Chain Management, developing a logistics department from the ground ... Read More
Arabian Homes, Sierra Village by Rigger64
Hey! My company has told me they have a 1br apartment for me in Sierra Village - as temporary accommodation until my family arrives. I've googled and google-earthed the compound so I have a general idea of its whereabouts and such but does ...
Thanks for the info. Google was not especially helpful for interior picks. I really just wanted to have the information. Making decisions is always easier the more data you have available. Regarding location of apartments... See answer to ... Read More
Arabian Homes, Sierra Village by Rigger64
Hey! My company has told me they have a 1br apartment for me in Sierra Village - as temporary accommodation until my family arrives. I've googled and google-earthed the compound so I have a general idea of its whereabouts and such but does ...
Definitely thankful, Ahmadaq! Thankful beyond all get out (that's a Southern phrase of amazement!). But I'm also aware of the fact that a large portion of my company is still owned by the royal family so... :whistle: 'Nuff ... Read More
Dirt bike and/or 4 wheeler by Rigger64
This may sound sophomoric but being as KSA is a dry, (not-completely) but desert country are there any good places to ride dirt bikes or 4-wheelers around Jeddah? Any clubs, etc.... I'm torn between dirt bikes or jet skis and am leaning ...
Thanks, DJ. Good info about the beach and jet skis. For 4 wheelers I'm talking about ATV's - not 4x4 trucks or SUVs. To me, much more fun!! Read More
Compound in Jeddah to rent in by Elsievro
Good day all, my husband arrived in Jeddah last week, we are looking for a villa in a nice compound with 2 or 3 bedrooms and private garden if possible. Im also not sure what is cheap and what is expensive there. We are looking to rent in Jeddah or ...
Thanks! While I do often rely on luck for most things - and a prayer or two - in this case, my employer is sourcing my accommodation for me. I will let them know of opportunities at MB. One of our directors lives there. R Read More
Dirt bike and/or 4 wheeler
This may sound sophomoric but being as KSA is a dry, (not-completely) but desert country are there any good places to ride dirt bikes or 4-wheelers around Jeddah? Any clubs, etc.... I'm torn between dirt bikes or jet skis and am leaning ... Read More
Running and runners In Jeddah by rgp
Hi, Wondering if anyone fancy running - long distance, short distance, competitively or just casual run during your idle times. I usually run anywhere in Jeddah but these days our spot usually at Al Thalia Walkway park (just off Thalia St and Al ...
rgp, Are there any good running stores in Jeddah? I've got a couple of hundred miles on my current pair, and will probably replace them before I fly, but will need to find a good store for the future. I've got a lot of years of running ... Read More
Car Insurance requirements
I know I can probably google this but I'd like to work smarter not harder... I know all countries have different insurance requirements. Heck, here in the US each state has its own requirements, i.e... X for a car with a lien on it, X+ for ... Read More
Compound in Jeddah to rent in by Elsievro
Good day all, my husband arrived in Jeddah last week, we are looking for a villa in a nice compound with 2 or 3 bedrooms and private garden if possible. Im also not sure what is cheap and what is expensive there. We are looking to rent in Jeddah or ...
Gary, are there still vacancies at MB? Thanks, Rigger Read More
Arabian Homes, Sierra Village
Hey! My company has told me they have a 1br apartment for me in Sierra Village - as temporary accommodation until my family arrives. I've googled and google-earthed the compound so I have a general idea of its whereabouts and such but does ... Read More
Going stir crazy in Jeddah! by gpetr67
Hello fellow expats.......I have now been in Jeddah for 10 weeks. I do not live on a compound, I live in the city about a 5 minute walk from the US Embassy. I am honestly just looking for some fellow expat friends. Evening are long and lonely, ...
@ Greg and everyone else, too! I'm not in Jeddah yet but if all goes as planned I hope to be there by the week of the 18th. I'd definitely be up to a coffee get-together - or lunch/dinner/Whatever.... Take care, Rigger Read More
must be visited by DinKSA
Hi everyone I would like to hear from you places must be visited in jeddah. like big malls, diners, cafes, streets etc. you can also share your memories about places.
You're right, DJ. Guess we'll have to make do without him while he expands the brain bucket... :cool: Read More
must be visited by DinKSA
Hi everyone I would like to hear from you places must be visited in jeddah. like big malls, diners, cafes, streets etc. you can also share your memories about places.
Absolutely great info, Trap. So looking forward to visiting all these places. Too bad you won't be here to give me the guided tour!! R Read More
TV and 110/220v by Rigger64
I'm not bringing much with me but one thing that is making the trip is my 55" Samsung Smart TV. I know about the move to 220v circuits in KSA and that running a 110 appliance on a 220 circuit will cook the appliance. Are step-down ...
Insurance is a must!! Thanks! R Read More
TV and 110/220v by Rigger64
I'm not bringing much with me but one thing that is making the trip is my 55" Samsung Smart TV. I know about the move to 220v circuits in KSA and that running a 110 appliance on a 220 circuit will cook the appliance. Are step-down ...
Thanks, Trap. Much appreciated! Company is paying for household goods shipment. Since we're not bringing much in the way of furniture or anything else I'd like to have my TV. It will definitely be insured during the move but I ... Read More
Ring for Engagement by my"name"is"raffy
good day, where can i buy a good ring for engagement? definitely a white gold ring. and how will i know that it is real or fake.? thank you.
Thanks for the input, Ahmadaq. I agree, the gold bubble has burst, but still believe gold will remain a solid investment for the remained of my life. R Read More
TV and 110/220v
I'm not bringing much with me but one thing that is making the trip is my 55" Samsung Smart TV. I know about the move to 220v circuits in KSA and that running a 110 appliance on a 220 circuit will cook the appliance. Are step-down ... Read More
Ring for Engagement by my"name"is"raffy
good day, where can i buy a good ring for engagement? definitely a white gold ring. and how will i know that it is real or fake.? thank you.
Tagging onto this post - not about jewelry but about the gold itself. Can you also by bullion or bar gold in the Souqs? Understanding the close monitoring but the commission, how would one insure the gold is real/pure? I'm looking for ... Read More
Is 3000 Saudi Riyal salary is okay to cover living expenses in KSA? by owais.truefriend
I am a chemist. I hold BS degree in chemical technology and I have 4 years work experience. I have got any employment offer through a recruitment agency for a company based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. They are offering me 3000 Saudi Riyal salary 2 ...
I don't have the experience of Trap and the others here but I do have a few questions for you; Have you done your research? SR 3000 equals $800 or about 590 Euro. With a chem degree and 4 years experience you can make more than that almost ... Read More
Dependents Sauudi Arabia by mos0181
HI All I have some questions your advice is appreciated. I have been offered a job in Saudi Arabia but only two of my three children are listed as my dependents as the company does not provide benefits for more than wife and 2 kids. 1. Will getting ...
While I agree with Ammario, you may have one option to help the situation. How old are your kids? If any are younger than school age the question I would ask is if they would be willing to swap the older for for the youngest. Depending on your ... Read More
labor article
Sandal, It's a difficult situation to find yourself in but are you more interested in making a contribution to your job or worrying about a title? A true leader must be willing to get his hands dirty if it means the team will improve. Let me ... Read More
Life begins at 40 (Or so they say!)... by lina0574
So I woke up this morning, just like any other day, full of hopes and patience (I've been waiting 4 months for my deployment to Makkah inshaAllah) ... But then I've come to realized, today marked my 40th year of existence in this life, ...
Happy birthday, my friend. In my family we start counting backwards at 40 😜! Enjoy life. Focus on your blessings and not on those things yet to be accomplished or where you may see failure. Those are both out of your control. Rigger Read More
studying for Masters in KSA by rareshine
Hello to all, Is there a uni. in KSA that will accept expats to study for their Masters? Any info would be helpful. I am thinking something in the lines of what I did here in the states - work during the day, study at night. Thanks in advance.
Don't forget, Trap, the myriad of online courses available in the US, if he can get accepted - which for many is only limited by the students ability to pay.... ;) With that caveat out there, there are many excellent brick & mortar schools ... Read More
apt. near airport wanted by Deutschland_Pilot
Hi there, I am a German Captain working now for a Saudi aviation company. I am looking for a temporary single room or apt. near the airport to rent until I find a good compound. Anybody knew which compounds are near the red see and or airport? Are ...
EB should be paying you a consultant fee, Trap! Read More
Regarding Saudi
Sounds good. Just stay involved and stay interested. Consultant or no, the best advocate for you is you. R Read More
Regarding Saudi
Good luck with that. I was given and signed offer in February. I was given and signed a contract shortly after that. I'm still waiting for process to finalize. Best advice? Ask your potential employer what their expected deadline is for ... Read More
JKI Newbie August '14- Sharbatly Compound by gkjem986
JKA Newbie August '14- Sharbatly Compound Hi! Shakira here. I am so excited as I have just been offered a teaching position at Jeddah Knowledge International to move out in August 2014. I was wondering if there is anyone out there at the moment or ...
I can attest to this concerning APS. I worked for the law firm defending APS and ended up deploying to Iraq shortly before this investigation concluded and lawsuits started up. Very interesting times in Atlanta in those days. R Read More
Can I use my last name as Surname for my son by shamsherexpat
Dear members, Hope all of you are keeping fine and in Good Health..... We were blessed with a Son last month, at the time of filling-in the birth notification form we filled-in my sons first name along with my last name, the Hospital authorities ...
I have to agree with the Lion on both parts here. Congrats on your son and take the time now to get his birth certificate corrected. I've worked in the legal industry and the U.S. government for more than 30 years and know for a fact that having ... Read More
Running and runners In Jeddah by rgp
Hi, Wondering if anyone fancy running - long distance, short distance, competitively or just casual run during your idle times. I usually run anywhere in Jeddah but these days our spot usually at Al Thalia Walkway park (just off Thalia St and Al ...
No worries! I'm taking it as a challenge and raising my mileage. Don't know that I'll ever run a 35min 10K but the LSDs may get me through my first marathon and my first Half since 1982. I do appreciate the encouragement!! Thanks! Rigger Read More
Running and runners In Jeddah by rgp
Hi, Wondering if anyone fancy running - long distance, short distance, competitively or just casual run during your idle times. I usually run anywhere in Jeddah but these days our spot usually at Al Thalia Walkway park (just off Thalia St and Al ...
Wow! 70min for a 20k is a really quick LSD - for me, that is... :o Read More
Running and runners In Jeddah by rgp
Hi, Wondering if anyone fancy running - long distance, short distance, competitively or just casual run during your idle times. I usually run anywhere in Jeddah but these days our spot usually at Al Thalia Walkway park (just off Thalia St and Al ...
Doesn't sound like a bad idea...as long as you young guys don't mind having a more "experienced" runner (that should read older, slower but steady runner) running behind you and fighting to keep up. Distance is no problem but I've come to realize ... Read More
Hot Water source by Rigger64
While surfing the different blogs, room of them mentioned that some flats or apartments did not have hot water heaters and relied on solar heating for home hot water. They also mentioned that this was an issue during the cooler months. My company ...
That is a powerful comment to remember! Thanks. Read More
Blog submission
Now I'm tracking. But...wouldn't the amount of response your Blog generates be a better determinant of activity that the amount one writes? After all, if all a blog does is collect dust after it's written then the blogger must be doing something ... Read More
Living without dad while he works in Saudi? by Princess MA
So I'm interested to know if any family's have been separated while the dad works in Saudi, mom and kids are are living in their home countries? We starting to find living in Saudi to be unbearable! My kids are missing their families terribly back ...
Amen, Adam. You nailed this one. My first military deployment was to Japan in 1983 and Skype, FaceTime, FB, and the like didn't exist. You wrote snail mail - and waited - and you waited in line to call home. Just before I left a high school ... Read More
Blog submission
Guidance on EB says a potential blog submission must have 10 posts before it will be accepted for inclusion in the EB Blog. If your blog isn't posted somewhere how are you expected to received responses to it? Seems a little like putting the cart ... Read More
Monthly Car Rental in Jeddah vs Long Term Lease vs Just using a Taxi.. by Rigger64
I've gone over the other post on Monthly car rentals and understand most of it. I'm leaning towards just buying a vehicle but also understand all that goes with vehicle ownership (in any country...). If I decide against Buying in favor of Rental ...
Larin, thanks. Please clarify. Is this price monthly for rent, lease or purchase? R Read More
arriving in Jeddah by sabadgeman
Hi Everyone, I will be arriving in Jeddah (Sharbatly) in April, living in a unit rented for me by my company, I am married and in my 50's but for the moment my wife will not be joining me but will come out next year in likelihood. I am hoping to ...
Thanks, SM. Just looked at the one we have at home - it was sitting right in front of me - and its Ventolin. I know we've used ProAir before. Is there a reason you prefer ProAir? I guess there can be pros and cons to the no Rx situation. Read More
arriving in Jeddah by sabadgeman
Hi Everyone, I will be arriving in Jeddah (Sharbatly) in April, living in a unit rented for me by my company, I am married and in my 50's but for the moment my wife will not be joining me but will come out next year in likelihood. I am hoping to ...
Thank Adam. Much appreciated. Cheers!Fingers do not want to cooperate today. Was supposed to be, "Thanks, Adam!" Read More
arriving in Jeddah by sabadgeman
Hi Everyone, I will be arriving in Jeddah (Sharbatly) in April, living in a unit rented for me by my company, I am married and in my 50's but for the moment my wife will not be joining me but will come out next year in likelihood. I am hoping to ...
Thank Adam. Much appreciated. Cheers! Read More
arriving in Jeddah by sabadgeman
Hi Everyone, I will be arriving in Jeddah (Sharbatly) in April, living in a unit rented for me by my company, I am married and in my 50's but for the moment my wife will not be joining me but will come out next year in likelihood. I am hoping to ...
SM, My 8yo uses an inhaler for occasional asthma. You said you brought them in with you. Have you had to replace an inhaler yet? Any issues? We usually have one at school, at home and in my book bag. I actually use on them every now and then ... Read More
Hot Water source by Rigger64
While surfing the different blogs, room of them mentioned that some flats or apartments did not have hot water heaters and relied on solar heating for home hot water. They also mentioned that this was an issue during the cooler months. My company ...
Speaking of "not in compounds"... Trap, I've seen you mention you time in the compounds before but you're not now, correct? My company offered to let me take the housing allowance and find my own place. From reading blogs and forums I believe ... Read More
Travel Insurance for Expats by Rigger64
We all see the Advertisements Expat insurance on the site. From my review of this and other sites I take it that the employer provided coverage is only valid while physically in KSA. Is that correct? If not, what does everyone do for vacation and ...
My thanks to you all. It's one of those things that it would be awesome if they just took care of themselves... No choices, no plans, no anything. Just fix my family when we're broke! The mental pain now is trying to find a stand-alone plan for ... Read More
Monthly Car Rental in Jeddah vs Long Term Lease vs Just using a Taxi.. by Rigger64
I've gone over the other post on Monthly car rentals and understand most of it. I'm leaning towards just buying a vehicle but also understand all that goes with vehicle ownership (in any country...). If I decide against Buying in favor of Rental ...
Nothing? No thoughts at all on this one? Read More
Hot Water source by Rigger64
While surfing the different blogs, room of them mentioned that some flats or apartments did not have hot water heaters and relied on solar heating for home hot water. They also mentioned that this was an issue during the cooler months. My company ...
That was supposed to say "Several of them mentioned..." Read More
Hot Water source
While surfing the different blogs, room of them mentioned that some flats or apartments did not have hot water heaters and relied on solar heating for home hot water. They also mentioned that this was an issue during the cooler months. My company ... Read More
Sim Card on arrival by Rigger64
I've been told by several expat friends that before I leave the airport in Jeddah I need to buy a sim card for my iPhone 5. This raises several questions: - These are prepaid Sims, right? How would you reload the Sim before having your Iqama? Do ...
This sounds good but it raises the question, there's only one sim card on my iPhone 5, does this mean you have to carry around two Sims - and swap voice for data as needed? Seems a bit confusing or at least bothersome. Do you have any idea what ... Read More
Internet Wireless Routers
Thank you, my friend. I may be in touch shortly... Read More
Sim Card on arrival by Rigger64
I've been told by several expat friends that before I leave the airport in Jeddah I need to buy a sim card for my iPhone 5. This raises several questions: - These are prepaid Sims, right? How would you reload the Sim before having your Iqama? Do ...
Thank you! Excellent. But to clarify - Data is unlimited, and it 2 hours of calling time and 2000 texts per....month? for SR30/wk or SR120 a month? Read More
Travel Insurance for Expats by Rigger64
We all see the Advertisements Expat insurance on the site. From my review of this and other sites I take it that the employer provided coverage is only valid while physically in KSA. Is that correct? If not, what does everyone do for vacation and ...
For now, the family will be covered by my wife's state coverage as a teacher. I'll keep digging on the travel insurance questions and see if anyone else has any ideas. Trap probably hasn't seen this yet.... ;) Read More
Sim Card on arrival by Rigger64
I've been told by several expat friends that before I leave the airport in Jeddah I need to buy a sim card for my iPhone 5. This raises several questions: - These are prepaid Sims, right? How would you reload the Sim before having your Iqama? Do ...
Yes, the company is providing a phone but I've spent too many years in Govt service with an issued phone to feel comfortable carrying on personal business on a company phone. Call it an integrity thing, call it fear of Big Brother being in my ... Read More
Internet Wireless Routers
I know they are available but at what cost? I'm currently using a Motorola SurfBoard wireless router and it absolutely rocks. I run all my home computers, our cell phones and my smart TV through it with no issues. Should I bring it with me? ... Read More
Sim Card on arrival
I've been told by several expat friends that before I leave the airport in Jeddah I need to buy a sim card for my iPhone 5. This raises several questions: - These are prepaid Sims, right? How would you reload the Sim before having your Iqama? Do ... Read More
Travel Insurance for Expats
We all see the Advertisements Expat insurance on the site. From my review of this and other sites I take it that the employer provided coverage is only valid while physically in KSA. Is that correct? If not, what does everyone do for vacation and ... Read More
Monthly Car Rental in Jeddah vs Long Term Lease vs Just using a Taxi..
I've gone over the other post on Monthly car rentals and understand most of it. I'm leaning towards just buying a vehicle but also understand all that goes with vehicle ownership (in any country...). If I decide against Buying in favor of Rental ... Read More
Living without dad while he works in Saudi? by Princess MA
So I'm interested to know if any family's have been separated while the dad works in Saudi, mom and kids are are living in their home countries? We starting to find living in Saudi to be unbearable! My kids are missing their families terribly back ...
Hang in there, my friend. People always assume that Dad has the best of it - being "free" and on his own... In reality, It means being "free" from those you love and you end of feeling bad because you've dumped the responsibilities of being a ... Read More
moving to Saudi
Dr. Rex is correct. The normal processing time, once the sponsor is in place and has their own iqama, is 90-ish days or so. Depending on the size the employer (and the contacts they have with the right Ministry) this time may be cut down a bit but ... Read More
Living without dad while he works in Saudi? by Princess MA
So I'm interested to know if any family's have been separated while the dad works in Saudi, mom and kids are are living in their home countries? We starting to find living in Saudi to be unbearable! My kids are missing their families terribly back ...
You are wrong about that! Little children are smarter and more aware than we think. Hope you can be with them soon.Have to agree with Trap on this one. My wife (SPN1 above) and I have experienced childhood separation anxiety for all age groups - ... Read More
I've been waiting... by Rigger64
... To be able to write this! The job offer finally came through. It looks like I'll be inbound to Jeddah very soon. Just have to tie up a few loose ends with the old job first. If the company has their way I should be in the Kingdom sometime in ...
@Emil - not yet in KSA. Hopefully soon. @Lina - thank you so much for your heartfelt and very kind thoughts. This is the kind of warm wishes that are going to make this transition to expat life a good one. R Read More
Phonological differences between Arabic and English
Hmmm.... Seems that Phonetics junkies aren't active blog participants. Might have been an interesting topic. Might have been... RIrbazkhan, On second thought, I do have a question for you. Your languages are listed as English, Urdu, Punjabi, ... Read More
Phonological differences between Arabic and English
Hmmm.... Seems that Phonetics junkies aren't active blog participants. Might have been an interesting topic. Might have been... R Read More
Wine in Jeddah + looking for parties to have fun by Haithum
My name is Haithum and i'm a British Citizen .I'm looking for a Wine here in Jeddah and i'm looking for parties to have fun .,. Any help ???
Interesting... I wonder if it's the Non-A version? You know, O'Douls but in wine. Of course, this leads to my next thought... Non-A beer and wine is like Decaf coffee. Why bother :huh: R Read More
NEW TO THIS WEBSITE AND LOOKING FOR FIENDS IN JEDDAH
Welcome to the Blog and to Jeddah, Jo! Rigger Read More
Good Sushi in Jeddah
My thanks to Trap and SM. It looks like I'll have more than enough places to get my sushi fix. Very much looking forward to it. R Read More
Good Sushi in Jeddah
Can anyone make a recommendation? I love sushi - I actually prefer sashimi - and need a fix on a regular basis. With the Red Sea so close I'm hoping the selections are awesome. Creative maki rolls are a plus, too, as long as the flavors don't ... Read More
roller blades/ skates
Interesting. I just bought my daughter her first quad-skates and was wondering if I could find them in Jeddah. Please let me know if you find them. Rigger Read More
soon to be
Best advice here is to research the many blogs and forums describing life in the Magik Kingdom! 99% of any questions you could think of have been answered ad nauseum on the web. Check out all the forum categories here on EB and then checkout ... Read More
Mall crawling and the Geo-bachelor...
"Mall-crawling" - my term for wandering a mall with no specific purpose in mind. Just checking out the spaces - not necessarily shopping... Looking for some input, please. I know that Jeddah has several malls. While in Doha times weren't ... Read More
Centrepoint warehouse sale by rayid
Hai everyone....I am new in Riyadh ,after 16 long years in Jeddah.We used to have centrepoint warehouse sale in Jeddah twice every year .Does anybody have any information abt when and where the sale is in Riyadh...
My thanks to Rayid and Kimos. I'll definitely have to check out Centrepoint. All in time. Rigger Read More
Accountant salary by 95wellington
Hi I've been offered 15k SAR/month in Riyadh in a accounting firm (as a CPA). I have a wife and have lived in Canada.Is this a good salary? Would I be able to save money? Looking forward to hear replies from you Thank you!
We need more information. 15k SR is equivalent to $4k USD. A good CPA in the US will make more than that with experience. What is your experience level? Taking into account the expat friendly tax situation, you might still be challenged if ... Read More
Riyadh can not be just a place to work... by memo-hb
Selam 3alaykum, Good afternoon, Guten Abend, Iyi Aksamlar... :cheers:
Ultimately there is truth in Trap's words. There is absolutely nothing wrong with barbers - or any other service oriented profession. In fact, a consultant is part of the service industry. With that said, just because barbers are good people it ... Read More
Moving In...
Compound hasn't been confirmed but it's supposed to be a 3br villa. If all goes as planned I should be on ground in Jeddah in the next 2-3 weeks. Rigger Read More
Moving In...
Thank you, kind sir. That is exactly what I was looking for. Now I need two more things: to arrive in Jeddah & find the time to shop...! :/ Read More
Moving In...
I posted this in the Riyadh forum by mistake this morning! Where are the best places to buy furniture and electronics? I've looked at IKEA and googled LED/LCD flat screens but would like input from some current Jeddah Expats. I know my ... Read More
Moving in...
You're right! I meant to post this in the Jeddah forum - but thanks for the input! Read More
Which Car should i buy ? by Sujath
Hi Brothers, This is first time i m buying a car s dont have any idea which car shall i buy as i saw a good car on site Expatriates.com with lots of different vendors like Honda,Toyota, Hyundai & Mazda. I m really confuse which vendors should i ...
Historically, both Honda and Toyos are long running, dependable cars. With that said, a comparable Honda will almost always cost you more than the Toyota. This isn't always true but a 9x out of 10 its a good bet. Personally, I like the looks of a ... Read More
Centrepoint warehouse sale by rayid
Hai everyone....I am new in Riyadh ,after 16 long years in Jeddah.We used to have centrepoint warehouse sale in Jeddah twice every year .Does anybody have any information abt when and where the sale is in Riyadh...
Rayid, what and where is the Centrepoint Warehouse sale? It sounds intriguing. Read More
Moving in...
Where are the best places to buy furniture and electronics? I've looked at IKEA and googled LED/LCD flat screens but would like input from some current Jeddah Expats. I know my accommodations will be at least partly furnished but from what I've ... Read More
You are Expat in Saudi Arabia if..... by seeker of truth
Just crossed my mind, feel free to complete the sentence, You are Expat in Saudi Arabia if... You got ticket from Saher! :lol: Come on guys! It's your turn! :)
That was supposed to be, " why I still HAVE them..." Read More
Help me understand... by Rigger64
Obviously, I'm not Muslim. Can someone help me understand, please? I thought there were 5 prayers time each day. Why does DestinationJeddah list 6? Also, other than the Sunrise prayer, how are the times for the other calls to prayer ...
Sadly anytime religion becomes a ritual and strays from a relationship the believers lose sight of why they believe. It's common across all people of faith. Read More