Things to buy and consider before move to KSA

zsb
Advanced Member

Posts: 59

Things to buy and consider before move to KSA Jun 4, 2013 21:20:18 GMT TigerTiger likes this

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Post by zsb on Jun 4, 2013 21:20:18 GMT

Following is a list which I gathered from the forum and also in discussions with some other folks at KSA. Please note this is just my personal opinion and everyone will have a different list/opinions. Please feel free to add or provide your feed back if I missed items which will be really good to have in KSA. Many thanks in advance:

Electronics
• Laptop
• Ice dispenser (optional)
• Gae door opener (single door)
• GPS
• Microwave (Fill inside with all your spices)
• Get Vonage or Magic Jack
• Clean air purifier
• Vacuum Cleaner (Steam and Regular)
• Wifi Internet Radio
• Get VPN in USA
• Cordless Phones
• Wall Clock
• Alarm Clock for bedroom
• Flatscreen can easily be purchased at KSA

Clothing:
• Socks, underwear and underpants for the whole family (for one year supply at least)
• Belts, shoes, pants
• Long sleeves shirts for the ladies
• Bathing suits, jeans, pants, shorts, and tops
• Buy Abaya for wife (supposedly the one in KSA is heavy, per orientation one can find cotton one which is light online in USA)
• As water quality is not that great, the clothes life is usually shorten.

Bedroom:
• Bed Sheets
• Bedroom curtains
• Pillows
• Lamps
• Decoration pieces

Kitchen:
• Blender/food processor
• Microwave
• Sandwich maker
• Coffee Maker
• Can opener
• Toaster
• Skillets
• Chopping board
• Stoe Containers
• Knives
• Peeler
• Water filter (tap and shower)
o Brita filters from costco
o Undersink reverse osmosis system
• Lots of snacks (eg. cereal is quite expensive in KSA $10-15)
• Other kitchen stuff (optional)
• Kitchen Towels
• Dishwasher softner

Home:
• Weighing scale
• Bring supply of cleaning products
• Dining room light fixtures
• Small Chest for storing goodies
• Bedroom furniture, lamps and supply of light bulbs
• Fans for bedrooms
• Home Décor (supposedly its expensive in KSA)
• Space-saver bags (Bath Bed & Beyond)
• Small safe
• Medicines (Tums, Aspirin, Children medicine, nighttime, Nyquil and Dayquil, Halls cough drops, visine, anything you use for daily basis) Cold and cough medicine
• Q-tips and gloss
• Foil
• Thermometer
• Iron
• Air Freshener
• Outdoor welcome mats
• Hanging Clocks
• Iron (iron stand is provided at KSA)
• Ds (d rods are available at KSA Ikea)
• Bulbs

Bathroom:
• Shower heads which are filtered
• Duvet
• Towels
• Shower Curtains
• Shampoo (favorite)
• Deodorant (favorite)
• Culligan filters and showerhead
• Other decoration stuff

Kids (following is for K4):
• Kids books and movies
• Toys
• Car seat (boaster)
• Movies or video games
• Backpack (2)
• Insulated lunch bag (2)
• Wet Wipes
• Ziploc bags (1 gallon size)
• Ziploc bags (1 quart size)
• 1 box Mr. Sketch WASHABLE markers, 12 count
• Hand Sanitizer (girls)
• 1 package small paper plates (boys)
• 1 roll Bounty paper towels

Other (Optional):
• Lot of check books
• Gas Grill
• Bicycles
• Golf gear
• Racket ball
• Tennis rackets
• Swimming floats for kids
• Scuba Gear
• Stuff for Patio

Label Your Items:
Labels to mark your shipment... Go to Office Depot, or Office Max and get the Avery removable stickers. They work great and peel right off. Name, Saudi Aramco, badge number (if known) and compound, KSA.

Things to do before leaving:
- Have $1000-2000 cash (Preferably few hundred SRA). You can get better rates in KSA compare to USA.
- Get an unlock cell phone
- Program international number of your credit card to make sure you can call if any problems +area code -Number
- Find routing number, IBAN number, and account number etc of all banks.
- Let your recruiter know how many boxes you will be travelling with.
- Get the contact information of the school registrar and find out what documents are needed.
- Get your Kid tested for TB (valid of 12 months) and needed for first grade plus. Not required for K4.
- Get an App called IPray and tweek the settings for Dhahran
- Things you don’t want to lose put them in the suit cases

Create a binder with the following (Organize it in a binder)
o Multiple copies of passport
o Multiple pictures
o School Transcripts
o Marriage Certificate
o Birth Certificate
o Etc

Thing to know at Dhahran:
- Cell phone at Commissary (100SR for phone and 100SR for loading it)
- 03 to dial landline
- 05 when calling cell phone to cell phone
- 939 for everything you need around the house
- Check with payroll to make sure they have the right banking information
- Get Saudi DSL
- Get Aramex account for shipping (when in Saudi)
- Wifi DSL router is provided by housing in Dhahran
- Flat screen TV’s can be purchased at Dhahran
- IKEA items are more expensive than in USA IKEA
- After getting Iqama, you will receive multiple exit/re-entry visa valid for one year

Thanks,
Zsb

giftovie Newbie Posts: 6	Things to buy and consider before move to KSA Jun 5, 2013 4:57:47 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by giftovie on Jun 5, 2013 4:57:47 GMT Thanks for this great information.is very useful : :
	gift2013

UmmRiyam
Senior Member

Posts: 338

Things to buy and consider before move to KSA Jun 5, 2013 5:10:57 GMT

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Post by UmmRiyam on Jun 5, 2013 5:10:57 GMT

Regarding abayas, I've never seen a cotton one sold here. I think it would stick to your clothing and be quite annoying to wear...unless it were more of a dress than an abaya, and you didn't wear pants underneath it. The best material for abayas is SILK, but they're not easy to find, and not cheap. Most abayas are made of synthetic material, such as polyester. There are heavy ones and very light thin ones. You find the heavy ones more in the winter time and the very light ones in the summer time. Once you're here, it's easy to go to any abaya shop and choose the material you like and the style you like, and they will sew the abaya or alter a pre-made one for you. The plain black ones with no embroidery or crystals run from 200-350 riyals in the regular mall abaya shops (Mall of Dhahran or AlRashed Mall). You can find them cheaper in the souks.

You certainly don't NEED to bring all those things. Almost everything on the list can be found here. The only real problem being the lack of selection of 110V appliances. We have SACO World, IKEA, Pottery Barn, and many other stores for home furnishings.

The Aramco homes all have dry rods installed for the pinch pleat ds that you hang with dry hooks. If you want another kind of window covering, then you can find the curtain rods in IKEA, Home Center, SACO, or Pottery Barn, and I'm sure many other places as well.

All of the medicine you listed can be found here, so don't stress if you forget something. There are no fruity flavored tums though; I've only found peppermint called Rennie. Whenever you take your children to the dr, they will prescribe cough medicine, allergy medicine, tylenol, saline drops, etc.

I would definitely bring multivitamins, especially if your kids like the gummy vitamins. Also, bring any herbal supplements you might want/need because the stock at GNC is limited and of course more expensive.

revive
Senior Member

Posts: 180

Things to buy and consider before move to KSA Jun 5, 2013 15:00:06 GMT

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Post by revive on Jun 5, 2013 15:00:06 GMT

zsb: many thanks for the comprehensive list.

A few questions came to mind:

Gas Grills: are they not available for purchase in Dhahran, or are they available but significantly more expensive than in the U.S.?

Bicycles: same question. I can't believe something as ubiquitous as bikes can be that expensive. If at all, they might be cheaper in Dhahran. (Note: we are very casual bikers, so we are not picky at all).

Mattresses: someone advised us that mattresses in Dhahran stores come in different sizes than the U.S. So if we want to use our linens, we need to bring mattresses from the U.S. Can someone confirm this?

zsb
Advanced Member

Posts: 59

Things to buy and consider before move to KSA Jun 5, 2013 16:06:41 GMT

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Post by zsb on Jun 5, 2013 16:06:41 GMT

Hi revive,

As mentioned by UmmRiyam, most of the things can be purchased at Dhahran, but based on my discussions with few folks at KSA, the quality may not be the same (and maybe a bit expensive)and for electronic goods, there are limited choices due to 110 voltage.

As far as bicycles, I heard the choices are limited. However, if you are a casual rider, it may not be an issue. I want to take a bike for my daughter as there are several choices in the states.

I can check on the mattresses issue, as I have not heard that before. Will let you know.

I am planning to take half cash in lieu and if I go over the weight limit, I may leave some stuff here.

Thanks,
zsb

revive
Senior Member

Posts: 180

Things to buy and consider before move to KSA Jun 5, 2013 18:19:09 GMT

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Post by revive on Jun 5, 2013 18:19:09 GMT

THanks zsb.
I browsed through SACO summer promotion catalog and found some grills & bikes.

Compared to U.S., Weber grills cost double:
catalog.saco-ksa.com/promotion/#63

However, budget grills like Char-Broil cost just a little bit more than in the U.S. (maybe ~20% more):
catalog.saco-ksa.com/promotion/#48

Likewise, bikes seem to cost just a little bit more than in the U.S.:
catalog.saco-ksa.com/promotion/#14

SACO does not sell mattresses though, so I still couldn't figure out the sizes.

soverydeb Guest	Things to buy and consider before move to KSA Jun 6, 2013 3:09:30 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by soverydeb on Jun 6, 2013 3:09:30 GMT Bring your mattresses from the US, then all your sheets will fit. The mattress sizes in KSA are slightly off and the quality/feel are totally different.

Sparkle75
Newbie

Posts: 6

Things to buy and consider before move to KSA Jun 6, 2013 3:48:44 GMT

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Post by Sparkle75 on Jun 6, 2013 3:48:44 GMT

Hi zsb we are from Canada and also in the process of getting our visas , may be there before or after Ramadan . I want to know can we take half cash in lieu as we are less then half the weight that was assigned to us . If you are allowed to do this pls let me know it will be a great option .
Love your detailed list of things to take and also the answers given by others .love the forum

vpainter ExPats Administrators Moderator Posts: 3,701 Job Status: None of the Above	Things to buy and consider before move to KSA Jun 6, 2013 18:47:47 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by vpainter on Jun 6, 2013 18:47:47 GMT There are also lists from people over the last 2 years in the frequently asked questions area of the forum. ZSB, Ok if I add your list there also? Otherwise it is eventually buried in the forum.

zsb Advanced Member Posts: 59	Things to buy and consider before move to KSA Jun 6, 2013 19:31:54 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by zsb on Jun 6, 2013 19:31:54 GMT vpainter, You are more than welcome to post it on FAQ. Many thanks for all your help. zsb

zsb
Advanced Member

Posts: 59

Things to buy and consider before move to KSA Jun 6, 2013 19:56:35 GMT

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Post by zsb on Jun 6, 2013 19:56:35 GMT

Sparkle75,

It is my understanding that atleast from the USA, half cash in lieu is allowed. Just to be sure, you should contact your relocation agent in Canada and he/she should be able to confirm whether you can take half cash in lieu or not.

zsb

gbhatia
Advanced Member

Posts: 82

Things to buy and consider before move to KSA Jun 7, 2013 7:53:10 GMT

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Post by gbhatia on Jun 7, 2013 7:53:10 GMT

Here's what we went learned from our move over :

The Shipping/Cash In Lieu option is divided into two components.
Component 1. Employee only
Component 2. Family

From Canada (at least in our case), you can elect to ship Component 1, 2 or both components above. The remaining components will be paid out in Cash in Lieu at ~ 50 % of the actual shipping rates.

For us, the employee got 1 E-box (air shipment) plus the sea shipment weight allowance
The Family got 1 E-Box (total) plus the Sea Shipment allowance

If you elect cash in lieu, remember that you are also giving up the E-Box portion of the allotment.

Also, if you do go over the weight allowance you've elected, you do pay the full cost to ship the ovee which is double the per lb cash in lieu you are getting.

antemareundae
Members

Posts: 70

Things to buy and consider before move to KSA Jun 8, 2013 11:08:00 GMT

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Post by antemareundae on Jun 8, 2013 11:08:00 GMT

You mention tums, I wonder... one of us is a heavy user of Gaviscon chewable tablets. Are they available? What about their Equate Wal-Mart equivalent? This is quite important.

Ezoprazole... is it also easy to find through a doctor?

Thanks in advance!
Ante.

vpainter
ExPats Administrators

Moderator

Posts: 3,701
Job Status: None of the Above

Things to buy and consider before move to KSA Jun 8, 2013 20:59:55 GMT

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Post by vpainter on Jun 8, 2013 20:59:55 GMT

No Equate brands here. I have never seen Gaviscon here, but they usually have some sort of equivalent. I recommend you bring a year's supply. Why a year? So you're covered until you go home again or can find a replacement here. We bring in a year's supply of our different vitamins, not a problem. We do bring it in our checked luggage.

Do not know the answer for the other drug.

Sparkle75
Newbie

Posts: 6

Things to buy and consider before move to KSA Jun 10, 2013 14:33:56 GMT

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Post by Sparkle75 on Jun 10, 2013 14:33:56 GMT

Thanks zsb and gbhatia
It's the same in Canada as gbhatia has mentioned either take spouse and dependants or the employ cash in lieu.
Waiting for my sons school clearance and visas
Gbhatia any thing particular that we Canadians

will miss there that I should bring

Things to buy and consider before move to KSA

Post by zsb on Jun 4, 2013 21:20:18 GMT

Post by giftovie on Jun 5, 2013 4:57:47 GMT

Post by UmmRiyam on Jun 5, 2013 5:10:57 GMT

Post by revive on Jun 5, 2013 15:00:06 GMT

Post by zsb on Jun 5, 2013 16:06:41 GMT

Post by revive on Jun 5, 2013 18:19:09 GMT

Post by soverydeb on Jun 6, 2013 3:09:30 GMT

Post by Sparkle75 on Jun 6, 2013 3:48:44 GMT

Post by vpainter on Jun 6, 2013 18:47:47 GMT

Post by zsb on Jun 6, 2013 19:31:54 GMT

Post by zsb on Jun 6, 2013 19:56:35 GMT

Post by gbhatia on Jun 7, 2013 7:53:10 GMT

Post by antemareundae on Jun 8, 2013 11:08:00 GMT

Post by vpainter on Jun 8, 2013 20:59:55 GMT

Post by Sparkle75 on Jun 10, 2013 14:33:56 GMT