Moving to Riyadh

Hi Shikha,

How r u ?? Well regarding the salary it will completely depend on your lifestyle. I will answer your queries first,

1) Yes this is a decent salary package.

2) A decent cost of living will cost you approx 2.5k SAR/Month for a small family.

3) Accomodation is actually a big concern. Definitely not for the availaibility or money wise, but surely for the location However, i would suggest you that you try to get the accomodation from the employer. Thats what I did and feeling good abt it.

4) Life for you will be completely fine and not fine depending on you, if you can adjust, you are gonna enjoy... else first few months are actually traumatic... like the cultural shock and all.

5) If you will be coming on your husband sponsored visa, you will not be allowed to work legally. Howver you can pursue your small time hobbiles and earn some hard cash. So the question for sectors for you and pay pacakage is completely nullified.

6) Are u saying Taking a car from your home country or Buying it here, Its not at all feasible or rather its insane to get the car from India. Buying cars here is dirt cheap, but it is very essential to have a car in first few months as you will feel stranded and there is no proper public transport developed. A 2nd hadn good car will cost you somewhere 22-25K (minimum range for good car). Loans are also avialable for the same for a period of 1 to 5 yrs range.

7) Social life - I would say Its of 2 types here, One with the same sexes and the other with the opposite. Outside western compounds it is strictly of the same sexes, no mingling of the different sexes are allowed off compound. However, on compound, its completely opposite.

Any further info required ????

Cheers !!

Hi Shikha,

I agree with what Saimans said. I think that is a decent package.
Cars are not expensive here, and the petrol is very cheap.

Regards

Amin

saimans wrote:

7) Social life - I would say Its of 2 types here, One with the same sexes and the other with the opposite. Outside western compounds it is strictly of the same sexes, no mingling of the different sexes are allowed off compound. However, on compound, its completely opposite.

This may mislead her.  Shikha, you are married so you and your husband can socialize with other couples/families whenever and wherever!

Enjoy

Alliecat wrote:

saimans wrote:

7) Social life - I would say Its of 2 types here, One with the same sexes and the other with the opposite. Outside western compounds it is strictly of the same sexes, no mingling of the different sexes are allowed off compound. However, on compound, its completely opposite.

This may mislead her.  Shikha, you are married so you and your husband can socialize with other couples/families whenever and wherever!

Enjoy

Thanx Alliecat, That was an eye opener for me also !! Learning is always an upward curve.....

Hey,

Thank you Saimans, Amin & Alliecat for your prompt reply & the help.

Just a few more queries:
1) Saimans when you talk about spending 2.5K SAR/month towards cost of living --- what all things does it cover? Does it also cover the accomodation rent?
2) You got the accomodation from the employer. Is it a part of your package or they helped you find one?
3) Have read about walled compounds & communities, on an average how much do they cost as compared to normal 1 BHK appartment in a decent locality?
4) Is International driving license accepted in SA or will my husband have to apply for SA license as have read that getting a license is quite tough out there?
5) How about purchasing electronics from there for our house - is it expensive or cheap? Do we get second hand electronics & is it advisable?
6) Have read that a female can work there as a teacher in schools & university. Is it true?

Please looking forward for your reply so as to make our decision about accepting the offer or not.

Regards,
Shikha

Some of the Answers pertaining to your queries which might be helpful for you :-

1) Saimans when you talk about spending 2.5K SAR/month towards cost of living --- what all things does it cover? Does it also cover the accomodation rent?
It covers alomost all, fuel, food, groceries, litte entertainment except the Housing rent.

2) You got the accomodation from the employer. Is it a part of your package or they helped you find one?
It was a part of my contract, since I never wanted to come to this country without the housing accomodation. I will advise you to negotiate with the employer to find a house for you. That will be hassle free.

3) Have read about walled compounds & communities, on an average how much do they cost as compared to normal 1 BHK appartment in a decent locality?
Walled compounds or western compounds do cost and a lot as compared to the appartment outside and moreover the waiting period for these compounds is enormous. Decent Apartment outside will cost u some where 2k SAR ( This is as per my knowledge. However, the price for the compounds will depend totally on the facilities provided by them.

4) Is International driving license accepted in SA or will my husband have to apply for SA license as have read that getting a license is quite tough out there?
Intl DL will be accpeted temporarily (for 3 months - i think so). However you will have to get the KSA DL ASAP. Everybody has to go through this system/process to get the DL. Its not that tough. But patience is the key here.

5) How about purchasing electronics from there for our house - is it expensive or cheap? Do we get second hand electronics & is it advisable?
Its almost the same as compared to India. yeh there are some online shops where you can buy second had stuffs.

6) Have read that a female can work there as a teacher in schools & university. Is it true?
Yeh its very much true. But for that you will have to be sponsored by that school or university and not on your husband sponsored Visa.

I have answered your queries to the best possible knowledge.

Cheers

Very good mr. saimans and alliecat.
Best regards