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Post by jjoseph8008 on Jul 19, 2013 15:18:46 GMT
Hi,
I am a new hire that is in the process of relocation. I was wondering if someone can help me with some info
a) Where is the grocery store (in rakkah and dhahran main) and how does one get to the grocery store?
b) Can I reserve a rental car online or by phone ahead of my arrival at the compound?
c) Does the new rakkah compound have a rental car location?I read the main dhahran compound has a majestic rental car?
d) How can I get to the rental car location?Is there a taxi service or is it walkable distance?
e) Is taxi service commonly used?It would be great if you can share contact info/methods.
f) Can I order internet service ahead of time before getting there? If not, I read someone talk about mobily 3G internet cards?Are those wireless internet cards available on the compound (rakkah/dhahran main)?Do you need an iqama for that?
g) Is there a store for cell phone GSM cards?Do you need an iqama for that?
h) How long does it take to get an iqama?
i) What is the dress code like in the finance department?
I really appreciate your insight. Thank you very much.
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Post by vpainter on Jul 19, 2013 20:00:06 GMT
Welcome to Aramco!
a) Both compounds have a commissary inside camp. Bus or car or taxi within camp.
b) You need an Aramco ID to rent a car, you won't have that until you arrive.
c) As far as I know Rakkah does not have a rental car office. Majestic of Dhahran may deliver it to you, but probably you would pick it up while you are in DHA.
d) There are 3 taxi companies within DHA, one in Rakkah. And depending on where you work, could be within walking distance. Also a coworker could take you.
e) Yes, the taxi services are used regularly. When you arrive the phone numbers for all these and more will be in your accommodation.
f) You cannot order internet service until you arrive. There is a Mobily and a STC office inside DHA camp.
g) There is a cell phone booth inside DHA commissary and one in Al-Midra (I think - anyone?).
h) Once you arrive you will submit paperwork and passport for a resident visa and iqama. Timeline can be a few days to a few weeks depending on time of year - Ramadan, etc.
i) There are quite a few finance people on the forum, I will wait for them to answer.
Our area, casual: jeans, khakis, polo shirts, colored shirts, suit for important meetings.
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Post by jjoseph8008 on Jul 19, 2013 20:35:09 GMT
Thanks. As a follow up
f & g) Do you if one can get mobily 3d wireless internet cards/GSM cards on the first day without an iqama?
Read that cable internet connectivity takes a while.
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Post by vpainter on Jul 19, 2013 20:43:34 GMT
I honestly cannot remember if I had to give them an iqama when we first got service with them, so I hope someone else can answer.
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Post by GroveWanderer on Jul 21, 2013 4:30:45 GMT
g) In Al-Midra there are STC, Mobily and Zain outlets, providing their full range of services (SIM cards, routers, dongles etc). There's an STC office in Al-Mujamma (the community centre in the core area near the commissary) and the commissary itself has a little cell phone booth that sells Mobily SIMs (I think - they may do STC SIMs as well).
I believe that due to the new regulations regarding all SIM cards being registered with a user, you may need an iqama to get a SIM card. I have seen info in the past that an iqama was not necessary but I think it may be now. Although possibly a passport may suffice.
I seem to recall that if you get a pay-as-you-go SIM, according to a recent announcement, you have to enter your Iqama number as part of the top-up process.
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Post by jjoseph8008 on Jul 21, 2013 13:12:02 GMT
Thanks folks.
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Post by waderand on Jul 21, 2013 14:35:41 GMT
You need an iqama to get a SIM card and to top-off. It can be anyone's who is willing to go with you to do these things.
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Post by Orchid on Aug 3, 2013 13:22:27 GMT
You don't need an iqama to get an STC sim (pay as you go) they will accept your Aramco ID number off your yellow (temp ID) badge. Once you get your Iqama you have to go back into the STC shop and they will update their records.
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Post by Hadia on Aug 4, 2013 13:06:09 GMT
When you buy sawa refills from STC, you have to enter the iqama number associated with the sim card, or it won't take. A few months back when this rule went into place, the lines at the STC offices were very long. Many people discovered that STC didn't have their iqama on file, so they had to rectify in person before having the capability to input the sawa top-off. I know all about this because it happened to two of our phones that had been purchased back when we were new arrivals, before the iqamas came through. If you're able to get a sim without iqama, I strongly encoue you to make sure you have enough prepaid sawa credit on it to last intil your iqama arrives and you can go back to have the number input at the mobile vendor's office.
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Post by mc_monkiez on Aug 13, 2013 12:11:58 GMT
Correct - however if you get your STC simcard using your passport copy, than when you do topup/recharge your account use your passport number as a ID number.
worked!
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Post by jjoseph8008 on Aug 13, 2013 17:07:35 GMT
this is really great information folks...thanks..
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Post by Edmo_NC on Aug 14, 2013 19:24:03 GMT
Hi JJ,
I sent you a PM. Please respond.
Edmo_NC
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