Arriving in Jeddah

Hey ..don't worry everything will fine,just 4 da beginning it will be little bit different 4 u...but da life style is nice...u just need a person that know da city well..&abut ur music(ipad)&books u can bring it,u can bring all ur property that u need..&u some time's need 2 make a shopping out of da compound coz der mall & a lot of shopping places

Hello Steve,

Welcome to Expat.com

For better visibility, a new discussion was created using your post on the Jeddah forum.

I invite you to browse through the various discussions on the forum which may provide you with some useful information.

Best of luck for your project,

Hasnaa
Expat.com Team

sabadgeman wrote:

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 tap into the knowledge of those already living there.... 

What is included in the package price in so far as recreation is concerned? I note that there is a gym, swimming pools health suite etc is that free or if not what are the charges?

I note there are shops etc on the compound but wow easy will it be for me to source the likes of fresh fruit veggies and fish or do need to go off compound for this?

How good is broadband on the compound can I skype with my Children and family legally?

What do I really need to consider bringing with me from the UK to make life easier?

Is there stuff I should not bring (yes I know no porn no drink no drugs/medicine unless you have a doctors letter) Can you bring novels into Saudi either in printed or electronic form? What about personal pictures?

Has anyone brought iPad's or computers hard drives etc into Saudi is it worth it or best to forget your music and books? They will really be what keeps me sane I must say 

Sorry for the million questions but really finding out before you get there is far better I think......

Best wishes to all

Steve

Health club and pool are all free
I couldn't tell you about the internet provided by sharbalty if any good I got mine from mobily. The speed of the internet does fluctuate between peek times and yes you will be able to skype your family without a problem.
Fruit and veg is easy to get hold of and i believe fish is also easy to get hold of. If compound shop doesnt have it hyperpand will which is 10min walk away.
You can bring all the music you want and books and pictures they will not say anything to you. If your caucasian than you will not have any problems but you could have trouble with haggling with prices with the locals as soon as you walk into the shop your rate will be triple to what they would charge a local because they will assume your on multi million pound contract

Hi June88, Hasnaa and Huyam

Thanks for replying great to see that I can bring my muzak!  My iPad has loads of books to keep me happy so that is great as well.

I have started to browse the blogs Hasnaa and I am also trying to contact people who live in Jeddah as well by IM but thus far what I have seen makes me a little less apprehensive. 

Thanks again all 

Steve

Hi Steve,

I wish you all the best on your move to Jeddah. I hope it will be something that you enjoy rather than it be a burden!

I think for single most people would agree life can be a little dull, so if your wife does want to join you any earlier it would certainly help in the settling down process.

In regards to books, iPads, DVDs, (and even medicine) I have never been asked any questions. I would suggest that nothing you bring could be deemed offensive. If you were ever asked about them.

Apart from that I wish you all the best!

FYI don't have your wife join you until the fall (sometime in Aug) or during the year. Most western expat women and children leave for the summer months & the compounds are fairly empty. except for males. That would make the transition for your wife and children that much harder.

Depending on your kids ages their transitions could be pretty easy. My girls are almost 5 & 2 & we came last Sept. they have transitioned very well. It helps my oldest is outgoing and invites herself places so she made friends pretty quickly.

Hi

I do like your nom de plume hahaha I can identify with the 5 & 2 syndrome, we plan on Helen coming out around December time and yes she will go back to Scotland in the high summer so she gets both worlds 9the joys of being a lady of leisure) . The kids are grown up but I would love for my Grand daughter to see something different when she gets a bit older.

I have always been a wanderer first in the forces and then a a contract worker, so scuba diving music and reading keep me sane lol I just get on with it. The medicines I need are an epipen for a food allergy I have a letter from my doctor but it was for when I worked in Dubai and is over 3 years old now.

Anyway thanks for the tips and taking the time to read and reply to my post it is appreciated!

Regards

Steve

Morning Adamb123

Thanks for the tips greatly appreciated, good to see that the consensus of opinion is that music and books are not a problem.

My other great passion scuba diving seems to be well catered for. The earliest that Helen can get out is November which is good as she will miss the high summer and Ramadan.

Anyway thanks for the tips and taking the time to read and reply to my post it is appreciated! Perhaps we can meet for a coffee once I get there in April?

Cheers

Steve

You shouldn't have problems bringing in an epi pen though I don't know if you can find them here if you need a replacement.

I brought in inhalers for asthma with me without a problem, I had a doctor's note, but no one even questioned the medicine. I had some in my carry on and in my checked baggage.

Thanks again stressedmom

Don't worry jeddah nice city

Hi there we will be on the compound in September your questions really helped us  too!! All sounding good so far. We really need good internet to Skype.

If you find that the Internet isnt very good on your compound you can go to one of the mobile phone providers (Mobily or STC) and you can get a years subscription of unlimited 4G internet (with router) for 1200sr.

This is plenty good enough for Skype / Facetime or even streaming movies from the internet, (although may not be the best option for heavy downloaders or game playing).

I hope you enjoy the move to KSA!

stressedmom wrote:

You shouldn't have problems bringing in an epi pen though I don't know if you can find them here if you need a replacement.

I brought in inhalers for asthma with me without a problem, I had a doctor's note, but no one even questioned the medicine. I had some in my carry on and in my checked baggage.

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 after a hard workout.

You should be able to replace them very easily, most medication is readily available and can even be brought at a pharmacy without a prescription.

As mentioned epi pens can be tricky in Jeddah and I have been recommended to pick one up for my daughter the next time we go to the UAE.

adamb123 wrote:

You should be able to replace them very easily, most medication is readily available and can even be brought at a pharmacy without a prescription.

As mentioned epi pens can be tricky in Jeddah and I have been recommended to pick one up for my daughter the next time we go to the UAE.

Thank Adam.  Much appreciated.

Cheers!

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 after a hard workout.[/quote

Rigger -
I can get inhalers easily here, they are just not the ones I prefer to use. Ventolin can be found at any pharmacy (I just prefer ProAir). Also available are Advair & Symbicort for maintenance (again I prefer Dulera, but it is not available here). I also picked up symbicort in Spain without  a prescription.

Rigger64 wrote:

adamb123 wrote:

You should be able to replace them very easily, most medication is readily available and can even be brought at a pharmacy without a prescription.

As mentioned epi pens can be tricky in Jeddah and I have been recommended to pick one up for my daughter the next time we go to the UAE.

Thank Adam.  Much appreciated.

Cheers!

Fingers do not want to cooperate today.   Was supposed to be, "Thanks, Adam!"

stressedmom wrote:

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 after a hard workout.[/quote

Rigger -
I can get inhalers easily here, they are just not the ones I prefer to use. Ventolin can be found at any pharmacy (I just prefer ProAir). Also available are Advair & Symbicort for maintenance (again I prefer Dulera, but it is not available here). I also picked up symbicort in Spain without  a prescription.

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.

After having asthma for 15 plus years it is just which medicine has worked best for me. I have tried Ventolin, Proventil, & ProAir and the ProAir always gave me the fastest results. I still feel I have to use the Ventolin more often, but if I could use Dulera I might feel differently.

stressedmom wrote:

After having asthma for 15 plus years it is just which medicine has worked best for me. I have tried Ventolin, Proventil, & ProAir and the ProAir always gave me the fastest results. I still feel I have to use the Ventolin more often, but if I could use Dulera I might feel differently.

Got it.  Thanks!

welcome in jeddah
You can practice your normal life in any city in Saudi Arabia, except for contraband your hello againز