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Post by laselva on Dec 7, 2013 2:10:46 GMT
We are arriving in three weeks to Rakkah. I have opted for CIL so I chose Atlas Cargo to handle my shipping on my own based on a shippers list I received from my ##. My Atlas move coordinator says I should seriously consider NOT to bring 110V Appliances as the Customs confiscate this. I told Atlas that I am moving to a Aramco compound that is all 110V compliant but I still have been advised against shipping them.
I want to ship a fridge with icemaker, air purifiers for the rooms, toaster and other small kitchen appliances.
Could anyone that shipped through CIL option on their own please share their experience with 110V appliance shipment. Much appreciated in advance.
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Post by Coffeemama on Dec 7, 2013 6:18:06 GMT
We didn't take the CIL, but I do know that people who have gotten shipments recently have all had their 110 appliances come through fine. No confiscations.
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Post by laselva on Dec 7, 2013 22:53:19 GMT
Coffeemama,
Thanks for your reply I am assure now and will ship my 110V appliances with big Aramco tags :-)
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Post by vpainter on Dec 8, 2013 7:01:01 GMT
You are right to put large tags on all your shipment boxes with:
your name - badge number if you have it
Saudi Aramco
the compound you are going to.
KSA
I would write Dhahran-Rakah on the tag for the compound, DHA is more recognizable. Aramco has an agreement with customs that you may bring in 110V appliances because of the compound voltage.
I print address labels and return address labels with all that information and stick it on everything in the shipment. Then I put these labels with the information on every side of every box the shipper packed. I use reuseable file labels and print the information on them twice and cut them down the middle. I use these labels on anything I do not want a permanent label on.
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Post by laselva on Dec 8, 2013 9:10:44 GMT
Vpainter...as always thank-you much. What a fabulous resource you have been. I am looking forward to meet you in person and express my sincere graude...you have been a boon for us and I am sure many new arrivals will attest to that. Cheers!
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root
Member
Posts: 19
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Post by root on Jan 9, 2014 18:04:27 GMT
Hi laselva, I just sent you a PM, if you can share your experience of shipping via atlas. I am trying to find our shipping options on my own expense.
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Maursh
Senior Member
Posts: 169
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Post by Maursh on Jan 9, 2014 20:27:01 GMT
This is probably too late for Lasaleva, but if it helps anyone else...
The Rakkah villas are pretty much 110v throughout except for three sockets in the kitchen. This is contrary to what we were advised at orientation which was that they could "flip a switch" and all outlets would be converted. Any appliances you buy locally will be 220v and, wait for it, have a different plug to that which the 220v outlets have as well as the 110v. In essence we are having to use an adapter for every appliance which we buy or have brought in form the UK.
Consequently, if you can bring in 110v appliances with US standard plug I would suggest it for smaller appliances (although I don't know what the customs situation is).
There are some exceptions though: Lasaleva mentions a fridge. The outlet where the fridge is situated is 220v so although there are solutions (relocate appliance, install transformer, run extension cable), I expect it will turn out to be more trouble than it is worth!
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root
Member
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Post by root on Jan 9, 2014 21:11:21 GMT
Maursh, Thanks for the update. It is definitely not too late for me  . I am expecting a move next month to Rakkah. When you say except for three outlets in the kitchen, do you mean there are three 220 volt outlets in the kitchen? Can you also specify the exact locations. I am assuming two over the counter and one for the refrigerator. Correct? |
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Maursh
Senior Member
Posts: 169
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Post by Maursh on Jan 10, 2014 7:22:38 GMT
There is one over the counter (by the oven), one behind the fridge and one in the utility room, not over the counter but on the other side. There also might be ones behind the dishwasher, oven and washer/dryer since these are new appliances and I assume draw enough power to require 220V. Incidentally, I have been informed that they are standard US 220V outlets (two flat pins perpendicular to each other and one round pin with a flat side).
The outlets behind the fridge and in the utility room are not really convenient. We will probably use the one in the utility room for the iron once our ironing board arrives and we have doubled up on the one behind the fridge for the water cooler, but it is a bit of a minor inconvenience. Although each outlet is a double, there is only space for one adapter and it also means that once an adapter plus a plug has been added some appliances are six inches away from the wall. A particular issue among residents is that they cannot open the dishwasher fully owing to the oven being in the way (this can be resolved simply by angling the appliances). I suspect this is simply a case of the plug and adapter forcing the oven miles from the wall.
Things might get better once our shipment arrives since we have a dozen gang boxes in there, but for now it is a bit awkward. My husband is talking about replacing each socket face throughout the 220V set to take UK plugs.
I also should say, albeit as a footnote, that we are loving Rakkah. Very peaceful, beautiful houses and so great for children of all ages - they have a freedom that wouldn't happen on a larger camp. The fact that there is not a lot on site has forced us to go out more. We have been here for two weeks and I have made numerous trips on the Aramco bus service.
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root
Member
Posts: 19
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Post by root on Jan 10, 2014 17:12:42 GMT
Thanks again for the great detailed reply. This helps us a lot in deciding which 110 V appliances we should bring from USA and which ones to buy in KSA. The info about the 220 V plugs is surprising! The appliances that you can buy in KSA, do they have UK or US style 220 v plugs ? The wall outlets should match to what is available in KSA markets. Right!
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Maursh
Senior Member
Posts: 169
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Post by Maursh on Jan 11, 2014 8:22:39 GMT
The wall outlet do NOT match what is available locally - this was my point that we need an adapter for EVERY outlet.
All appliances bought locally come with a standard UK plug (3 large flat pins) - had we known this we would not have left behind many UK appliances.
Outlets are 110V or 220V US
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. I am expecting a move next month to Rakkah. When you say except for three outlets in the kitchen, do you mean there are three 220 volt outlets in the kitchen? Can you also specify the exact locations. I am assuming two over the counter and one for the refrigerator. Correct?