James Wong
@Jaming
English expat in Saudi Arabia
Forum posts
60
Contacts
3
About me
English
Lives in Jeddah, Makkah
Speaks English & Cantonese (Chinese)
Registration: 26 October 2013
Rugby/Touch Rugby in Astana?
Good luck with that. I taught in one of the NIS school (Aktobe) and with some Kiwi colleagues we tried to introduce Touch Rugby last Summer. Thought KZ has both a Men and ladies national Rugby team and the Ladies team just became Asian Champion ... Read More
Threats of violence towards Expat men by science.teacherman
The Kazakh public has reacted strongly nationwide to the scandal of violence against men by other men because of issues involving women that both me know. If you are unfamiliar with this issue, refer to this link: ...
Hi Fred, I don't know if you have worked or lived in KZ for a while, but in my experience and observation there is an underlining "fear" or "envious" or "jealous" trend towards expats. It is normal at an ... Read More
Healthcare in Kazakhstan by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Kazakhstan ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Kazakhstan? Thanks in advance for ...
Hi STM, My experience with Interteach are very similar, they are supposed to have someone who can speak good English, but most of time they don't we ended up using hands, signs and Google Translate. Our "International Team management" ... Read More
Top 5 tips to live in Kazakhstan by expat.com
Hi, When you are going to live abroad, you may have a lot of questions. Hence to facilitate you in this process, we are inviting expats to share their top 5 tips with regards to settling and living in Kazakhstan. What recommendations would you ...
I would suggest the followings:- 1) Have an open mind about the cultural and mind set of the country and people - Forget the film Borat. Expect things are not as "straightforward" as it is - There are lots of bureaucracy even in the ... Read More
Certificate of Good Conduct...how to obtain it quickly.
Correction - I did have some obstacles before I managed to get the documentation. Initially I was informed b my IVP that its a straightforward process just needed to go to the right place with someone who can speak the local languages. Thought the ... Read More
Moving to Astana by Bmolly86
Hey guys. So was just wondering wat kind of a lifestyle to expect in Astana. I've been offered a job out there and I'm in two minds whether to take it or not. Is the night life good out there and the general day to day living etc. any ...
In the short time I was there, I found that it is like another capital city lots of things to do and see during the day and lots of things to do and different types of food to eat in the evenings. Again like other "big" city can be costly ... Read More
Hot water
Hi, Do you have the "Communal" heating and water system or flat's own heating/boiler system? If it is the first there may be a break/leak somewhere in the system. Need to report it to your VP-EA ASAP and follow up. If it is your own ... Read More
Moving from USA to teach Biology at NIS in Kazakhstan by txbiogirl
Hiya! I am moving from the USA to Kazakhstan to teach Biology at NIS in August 2014. I was born in Illinois, raised in Arizona, and been in Texas for all of my adult years. Currently I'm in the Dallas area, in the same house for almost 30 ...
Hi Ladies, Please don't get carried away by bring the kitchen sinks as well ;-) Unless you want to pay for the extra weights/bags you should consider buying the none essential daily item locally, which is available at most ... Read More
Moving from USA to teach Biology at NIS in Kazakhstan by txbiogirl
Hiya! I am moving from the USA to Kazakhstan to teach Biology at NIS in August 2014. I was born in Illinois, raised in Arizona, and been in Texas for all of my adult years. Currently I'm in the Dallas area, in the same house for almost 30 ...
If you are flying AS you have 20kg on the luggage in hold plus 7kg for hand luggage and may be a bit more for the "handbag" as well. So my advice would be if you don't need any heavy winter items now (after checking the local weather ... Read More
Moving from USA to teach Biology at NIS in Kazakhstan by txbiogirl
Hiya! I am moving from the USA to Kazakhstan to teach Biology at NIS in August 2014. I was born in Illinois, raised in Arizona, and been in Texas for all of my adult years. Currently I'm in the Dallas area, in the same house for almost 30 ...
;Hi Ladies, Check your locations' weather and if it is still hot and sunny, bring some sun cream. As you could still get sun burn here. We don't want you looking like a "lobsters" before you settle down do we ;). Enjoy the ... Read More
Moving from USA to teach Biology at NIS in Kazakhstan by txbiogirl
Hiya! I am moving from the USA to Kazakhstan to teach Biology at NIS in August 2014. I was born in Illinois, raised in Arizona, and been in Texas for all of my adult years. Currently I'm in the Dallas area, in the same house for almost 30 ...
Hi all new NIS teachers, Some VERY important advices! Keep all your flight's paper works including the following:- 1) Flight tickets E-tickets 2) Boarding Passes/Cards 3) Prove of payment Receipts and credit cad/bank statement As "The ... Read More
Moving from USA to teach Biology at NIS in Kazakhstan by txbiogirl
Hiya! I am moving from the USA to Kazakhstan to teach Biology at NIS in August 2014. I was born in Illinois, raised in Arizona, and been in Texas for all of my adult years. Currently I'm in the Dallas area, in the same house for almost 30 ...
Hi, You have a choice of try ringing the Halyk Bank Representative office (Tel: 020 7861 9530) and see if they have any to exchange or Take some £ and exchange them in Astana during the transfer Or wait until you arrive and exchange it at a ... Read More
Moving from USA to teach Biology at NIS in Kazakhstan by txbiogirl
Hiya! I am moving from the USA to Kazakhstan to teach Biology at NIS in August 2014. I was born in Illinois, raised in Arizona, and been in Texas for all of my adult years. Currently I'm in the Dallas area, in the same house for almost 30 ...
Hi Peter, Being "British" we tried to be fair and as an IT Geek, factral as well. I don`t say something that is not true or point out things that is NOT true. However, I tried not to say anything bad in public, as some people, feeling ... Read More
Moving from USA to teach Biology at NIS in Kazakhstan by txbiogirl
Hiya! I am moving from the USA to Kazakhstan to teach Biology at NIS in August 2014. I was born in Illinois, raised in Arizona, and been in Texas for all of my adult years. Currently I'm in the Dallas area, in the same house for almost 30 ...
Scrappydoo , You may have problem getting through on the phone (of most VISA Section of Embassies). they are always busy, but its worth a try. For future, may I suggest that it is always worth going to the (any) embassy (Visa Section) personally, ... Read More
Moving from USA to teach Biology at NIS in Kazakhstan by txbiogirl
Hiya! I am moving from the USA to Kazakhstan to teach Biology at NIS in August 2014. I was born in Illinois, raised in Arizona, and been in Texas for all of my adult years. Currently I'm in the Dallas area, in the same house for almost 30 ...
Hi Scrappydoo, My experience with the KZ Embassy in England are very positive only took 5 working days, but I went there myself and collected it 5 working days later. Booked the flight start after that collection in Victoria (Air Astana's main ... Read More
State expat employees or NIS teachers by Art teacher man
Hi everyone. I will be working as a teacher with the new Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Aqtobe and was wondering if anyone here was doing the same or is working for the State. I'm trying to get a better idea how the State handles pay and ...
Hi Kazpat, You seem to be someone with "experience and local knowledge". Would you like to enlighten us with your own experience of the KZ banking and transfer process? Read More
State expat employees or NIS teachers by Art teacher man
Hi everyone. I will be working as a teacher with the new Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Aqtobe and was wondering if anyone here was doing the same or is working for the State. I'm trying to get a better idea how the State handles pay and ...
The rate used to converted from USD to Tenge is not the best and can change from day to day, when it hits our bank their USD conversion rate is not so good either. If you convert it from Tenge to GBP than you have do it between certain time and day ... Read More
marrying a kazakh girl! by arshad_rhm
Hi guys!! My name's Arshad. Well I am into a kazakh girl. I really like her. Hopefully I want to marry her soon. But I still didn't propose her. I'm also trying to learn russian languages because we have problem in our communication. I ...
Just be aware that there are small number of the population who are just "hunting" for a foreign husband for whatever "reasons" that may be considered to be "wrong". So don't rush into an marriage unless you are ... Read More
marrying a kazakh girl! by arshad_rhm
Hi guys!! My name's Arshad. Well I am into a kazakh girl. I really like her. Hopefully I want to marry her soon. But I still didn't propose her. I'm also trying to learn russian languages because we have problem in our communication. I ...
I agreed with keithwlp, you have to treat the Kazakh girl just like you would with any lady in the world, respect and treat her well. That is if you are really serious about have a long term relationship with her and not just see it as a quick or ... Read More
Immigration card date check! by Jaming
An Ex-Pat from Britain just got sent to jail for few days, as his Immigration card is out of date for one or two days (01/06/2014). The judge instead of fining him took the jailing option to give a "rich" person a lesson and sending a ...
Hi Peter, You are very learned, observant and experienced person. The Guardian article is very interesting and have some very contrasting views from the young twenties something of former USSR states (CIS). May be I am only been here since late ... Read More
Immigration card date check! by Jaming
An Ex-Pat from Britain just got sent to jail for few days, as his Immigration card is out of date for one or two days (01/06/2014). The judge instead of fining him took the jailing option to give a "rich" person a lesson and sending a ...
Hi Peter, I agreed with most of what your comments about the bureaucratic maze we have all encountered and yes there are lots of inconsistencies all around. Even within the ex-pats work arena, specially when being told to follow X process and than ... Read More
Immigration card date check!
An Ex-Pat from Britain just got sent to jail for few days, as his Immigration card is out of date for one or two days (01/06/2014). The judge instead of fining him took the jailing option to give a "rich" person a lesson and sending a ... Read More
Rugby in Kazakhstan
Did anyone know that the Kazakhstan Women Rugby team retained the Asian Women (Rugby) Championship this Saturday in HK. They are also qualified for the Women Rugby World Cup in France later this Summer as ... Read More
State expat employees or NIS teachers by Art teacher man
Hi everyone. I will be working as a teacher with the new Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Aqtobe and was wondering if anyone here was doing the same or is working for the State. I'm trying to get a better idea how the State handles pay and ...
Love to help you to answer any questions, but need to be sure this is genuine. As there are people "watching" and "Monitoring" and some just "Hoaxers/Pranksters". Read More
Sports bar in Aktobe by Janna12
Hello, Please advise is there any sports bar/pub in Aktobe to watch rugby games. Thanks in advance
Like most Brits we love most sports including Rugby, Football, Cricket, Athletes, swimming etc... Mostly as "armchair" spectators. I watch as much popular sports online as possible here, as the only live sport is football with the local football ... Read More
Sports bar in Aktobe by Janna12
Hello, Please advise is there any sports bar/pub in Aktobe to watch rugby games. Thanks in advance
Rugby is not a sport that they show at sports bar in Aktobe, or many parts in KZ, its mainly football here. I was "working" with Saracens RFC within their volunteer management team until October last year and try and keep up with their progress ... Read More
Australia to Kazakhstan money tranfer? by NucMed
Hi, has anyone had any experience with transferring money from an Australian bank to a bank in Kazakhstan? (I'm with Sberbank in Kazakhstan). The ATM fees are starting to bite ... Australian banks don't use the SWIFT IBAN system ... Cheers, Peter
Hi peter, Please see below website link regarding Australia banks and according to that information they do use SWIFT PDS : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_system_in_Australia Your bank in KZ should also have a SWIFT/IBANK code which you can ... Read More
Australia to Kazakhstan money tranfer? by NucMed
Hi, has anyone had any experience with transferring money from an Australian bank to a bank in Kazakhstan? (I'm with Sberbank in Kazakhstan). The ATM fees are starting to bite ... Australian banks don't use the SWIFT IBAN system ... Cheers, Peter
My colleague is from NZ a Kiwi and did the transaction from his KZ VISA (Debit) card to his VISA (debit) card in NZ and was successful since December and every month. Is your KZ VISA linked to a "current" account or the deposit account you have ... Read More
The other side of the Kazakhstani postcard by Julien
Hi, As a tourist in a foreign country, very often, we are enchanted with what we discover. Living abroad is different. It's a rich experience but there are also some difficulties to face. When people ask me for advice on living abroad, I ...
Really sorry to hear about what happened between you and your husband. There are two sides to a coin and it may not be a suitable matter to be discuss in too much details in an open forum like this. However, I do understand what you are posting and ... Read More
transportation
It is not advisable in some country to take an unofficial Taxi, but in KZ it is ok (generally). Even at my local Hypermarket they sell the Taxi sign. Just use your common sense, don't pay upfront and keep your wallet out of sight and split your ... Read More
Long Weekend - Aktobe, KZ
There is another long weekend coming up later this month due to "Nauryz ". Anyone have suggestion for something to do in and around Aktobe or Kazakhstan that will not break the bank? Read More
Long Weekend - Aktobe, KZ
Its a long weekend in Aktobe, KZ. Apart from chilling out and watch the 6 Nations and footie online. What else is going on? Read More
Cost of living in Kazakhstan by expat.com
Hi everybody, It would be very useful to talk about the cost of living in Kazakhstan. Don't forget to mention where in Kazakhstan you are living. How much does it cost to live in Kazakhstan? > accommodation prices > public transportation fares ...
You may well be right there. I work for one (in Aktobe) and they are not doing IB at the moment just CIP/CIE. It may be easier to find an international school than trying to get in a local school of any kind. They like their paperwork and stamps ... Read More
Cost of living in Kazakhstan by expat.com
Hi everybody, It would be very useful to talk about the cost of living in Kazakhstan. Don't forget to mention where in Kazakhstan you are living. How much does it cost to live in Kazakhstan? > accommodation prices > public transportation fares ...
NIS, may not be following IGCSE or IB. You will have to check with the recruiter/HR Dept. As where I work they do CIP (Cambridge Integrated Programme) a sort AS/A2 and GCSE, but UK universities may not recognized them. What are your kids' age ... Read More
KZT to USD "devaluation" by Jaming
Someone informed us here in Aktobe that the KZT has just been devalued to USD1 = 175/180 KZT from 155KZT. Is that true? Are other currencies affected?
The Tenge to Sterling is now around 309.8 KZT (310 KZT) from 255.5 KZT. Lost money :-( . Read More
KZT to USD "devaluation"
Someone informed us here in Aktobe that the KZT has just been devalued to USD1 = 175/180 KZT from 155KZT. Is that true? Are other currencies affected? Read More
KZT to USD "devaluation"
Someone informed us here in Aktobe that the KZT has just been devalued to USD1 = 175/180 KZT from 155KZT. Is that true? Are other currencies affected? Read More
Australia to Kazakhstan money tranfer? by NucMed
Hi, has anyone had any experience with transferring money from an Australian bank to a bank in Kazakhstan? (I'm with Sberbank in Kazakhstan). The ATM fees are starting to bite ... Australian banks don't use the SWIFT IBAN system ... Cheers, Peter
Book an appointment to see an English speaking person and get them to interpret for you. You may need to go to another branch to do this. reserve at least 1/2 day at branch. At ATM you can either use KZT of USD to do the transfer, and select English ... Read More
Australia to Kazakhstan money tranfer? by NucMed
Hi, has anyone had any experience with transferring money from an Australian bank to a bank in Kazakhstan? (I'm with Sberbank in Kazakhstan). The ATM fees are starting to bite ... Australian banks don't use the SWIFT IBAN system ... Cheers, Peter
Check with your banks if they do VISA to VISA transfer. Normally we do the transfer from here to an outside country, but should be able to the same the other way round. But do you have a debit card or credit card? Debit would be easier and cheaper ... Read More
Australia to Kazakhstan money tranfer? by NucMed
Hi, has anyone had any experience with transferring money from an Australian bank to a bank in Kazakhstan? (I'm with Sberbank in Kazakhstan). The ATM fees are starting to bite ... Australian banks don't use the SWIFT IBAN system ... Cheers, Peter
How about VISA to VISA transfer or Mastercard to Mastercard t/f? Read More
State expat employees or NIS teachers by Art teacher man
Hi everyone. I will be working as a teacher with the new Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Aqtobe and was wondering if anyone here was doing the same or is working for the State. I'm trying to get a better idea how the State handles pay and ...
Just before Xmas managed to transferred some money (after conversion to STG and opening another account) to a UK Bank (Building Society) with an IBANK code. It ONLY took 2 x half day and a lot of patient. The Kazcom branch do have a English speaking ... Read More
New To Astana by Pimms
Hi I just arrived in Astana three days ago with my husband. He will be working here and I just wondered if there are any British Womens groups or International Womens groups for trailing wives/spouses to meet for coffee, lunch, book club, mah-jong ...
Welcome to Kazakhstan. Mah-Jong is an interesting game that will both keep your mind active and a social-able game. Not sure how many of the ex-pats community can play the game thought. However there are a fair amount of Chinese resources companies ... Read More
Clean place to stay by Jaming
I will be stopping over at Almaty on my way back to London in December. Do you know of any cheap but clean place to stay for 1 night?
Arrived at Almaty (earlier than expected) got a "cab" and booked in one of the hotel your suggested. Thank you Kam. Read More
Clean place to stay by Jaming
I will be stopping over at Almaty on my way back to London in December. Do you know of any cheap but clean place to stay for 1 night?
I tried using the website for the taxi, but as I don't in Almaty, I am having problem doing it. Can anyone help or advice? Read More
Clean place to stay by Jaming
I will be stopping over at Almaty on my way back to London in December. Do you know of any cheap but clean place to stay for 1 night?
Thanks Kam, May be next time, as I only have few hours and my flight is just after noon. Read More
Clean place to stay by Jaming
I will be stopping over at Almaty on my way back to London in December. Do you know of any cheap but clean place to stay for 1 night?
Thanks for all your help. I have found the "wooden" building its the Zenkov's Cathedral in Panfilov Park. If I have time I will go there this Saturday morning for a quick visit. Read More
Clean place to stay by Jaming
I will be stopping over at Almaty on my way back to London in December. Do you know of any cheap but clean place to stay for 1 night?
Thanks Kam for the useful information. What is the normal estimated taxi rate from airport to old Town/city? May be we can catch up another time? Read More
Cost of living in Kazakhstan by expat.com
Hi everybody, It would be very useful to talk about the cost of living in Kazakhstan. Don't forget to mention where in Kazakhstan you are living. How much does it cost to live in Kazakhstan? > accommodation prices > public transportation fares ...
Location = Aktobe Accommodation and utilities =1 Bed Flat, rental, water, gas, electricity, TV, land line phone and broadband (paid for) Bus fare = 45 KZT or 55 KZT Taxi = 300 KZT to 500 KZT depend how far and if you want to negotiate General food ... Read More
Clean place to stay by Jaming
I will be stopping over at Almaty on my way back to London in December. Do you know of any cheap but clean place to stay for 1 night?
Thanks Kam for the useful information. I am fine with the cheapest and clean hotel, but my colleagues wants basic Travel lodge/Premier Inn standard. I would prefer to pay to 10,000 KZT only, but my colleague is willing to a little bit more for a ... Read More
Clean place to stay by Jaming
I will be stopping over at Almaty on my way back to London in December. Do you know of any cheap but clean place to stay for 1 night?
HI Kam, A hotel or B&B is what I am looking for, but at a reasonable rate distance from airport. Also I heard there is a very special wooden house n the Almaty that a colleague recommended me to see. Can you give me some advice? Read More
Hi, I am from Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Do you know of any clean and reasonable price 1 night accommodation for a stop over in Almaty that is close to the airport (if possible)? Read More
Clean place to stay by Jaming
I will be stopping over at Almaty on my way back to London in December. Do you know of any cheap but clean place to stay for 1 night?
No my colleague from England is also on the same flight route as well. So it will be two of us and if possible two separate rooms. Read More
Clean place to stay
I will be stopping over at Almaty on my way back to London in December. Do you know of any cheap but clean place to stay for 1 night? Read More
Hello guys, by ggaorosie
Hello guys, I'm a new expat. I'm going to Astana on 28th November. It's will be really cold weather, right? I'm really afraid about that crazy cold weather tho.. Here is my question, Where can I get a USIM card for my phone? I can't speak ...
Make sure your phone is unlocked and at least tri-bands. There are few 4, mobile phoine companies, Activ (K-Cell) and Beeline are the most popular one. Can get PAYG Sims from supermarkets and can top up at kiosks (with tax deduction), notes only. ... Read More
State expat employees or NIS teachers by Art teacher man
Hi everyone. I will be working as a teacher with the new Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Aqtobe and was wondering if anyone here was doing the same or is working for the State. I'm trying to get a better idea how the State handles pay and ...
Thanks Art Man - (Moderated: Off-topic. Please start a new discussion in the Kazakhstan forum) Read More
State expat employees or NIS teachers by Art teacher man
Hi everyone. I will be working as a teacher with the new Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Aqtobe and was wondering if anyone here was doing the same or is working for the State. I'm trying to get a better idea how the State handles pay and ...
Art Man - So Kazkam bank do some kind of money transfer but via ATM and not internet. Is that right? Are the the best all round services bank as ell? Is USD the best currency to bring for exchange rather than STG? Read More
State expat employees or NIS teachers by Art teacher man
Hi everyone. I will be working as a teacher with the new Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Aqtobe and was wondering if anyone here was doing the same or is working for the State. I'm trying to get a better idea how the State handles pay and ...
Really. Some very useful and helpful information, but which is the best way of converting and transferring money out without too much "charges"? Read More
Life in Aktobe by slimchung
I noticed that a lot of the thread here deal mostly with Astana and Almaty. I am applying for a job in education in Aktobe so might be there in 4mos or so. For those of you living there, native and foreign, what makes the city unique in ...
How about just normal postal services instead? Is the postal service reliable? Read More
Life in Aktobe by slimchung
I noticed that a lot of the thread here deal mostly with Astana and Almaty. I am applying for a job in education in Aktobe so might be there in 4mos or so. For those of you living there, native and foreign, what makes the city unique in ...
About to start work in Aktobe, what life like: Food (varieties and prices) Weather between September-June Internet & Broadband speed and restrictions Television channels (English speaking) Leisure and sporting activities Radio stations (Musical ... Read More