|
|
Post by nyski on Jan 14, 2014 1:44:51 GMT
Hi, I have several questions about a possible upcoming move to Dhahran. 1. What type of housing would GC 17 receive? We have 3 children. If it doesn't completely work for us are we allowed to renovate it (at our expense of course)? 2. Is it possible for us to purchase a motor boat and keep it at Half Moon Beach? 3. Should we bring car seats for our children or do we need to purchase new ones in Saudi Arabia? 4. What are the options for daycare for children? 5. How difficult is it to purchase cars on arrival? 6. Is it true that the Dhahran hospital is inside the camp? 7. What sort of expenses can we expect in terms of grocery shopping and eating out? I think that is it for now. Sorry for all the questions, I have been trying to search for forums but keep getting error messages. Thanks  |
|
|
|
Post by vpainter on Jan 14, 2014 20:09:23 GMT
1). You will probably receive a 3 BR with a study townhouse. You can make additions like building in the gae or patio or both with housing approval and yes at your expense, using Aramco approved contractors. You can paint as you want and there are painters for hire.
2). If there is an opening for that type of boat, then yes. Otherwise you would get on a waiting list.
3) they can be purchased here, but not the same selection you would have back home. If you are particular about the one you want, you should bring it with you.
4). There are no day care centers here. There are private home mother's day out; private preschools in people's homes. These are found by word of mouth and the Community Information Center might have information on them when you arrive you can call them.
5). You will need your resident visa and iqama (especially this). You can lease a car immediately with your temporary Aramco ID. Your coworkers can assist you with this when you arrive. You may be met at the airport by a coworker and they will probably take you the next day since you will arrive at night.
6). Yes
7). Depends on how often you eat out and where. Restaurants for 5 people 100SR to 800+SR depending on the type of restaurant. A local hole in the wall could be 50SR (for 5) for an egg sandwich and a fresh squeezed juice each.
Groceries depends on the type of food you enjoy and how often you eat at home. When we had five years ago it was about 2500 to 35000SR/month depending on what staples and cleaners we needed. Also we bought whatever we wanted regardless of price. We mostly ate at home with a weekly or biweekly meal out. Food has risen in price. Food is imported so can be expensive. Local produce is cheap when available. Milk is 7SR/half gallon, so not bad.
|
|
|
|
Post by nyski on Jan 15, 2014 1:03:48 GMT
Thank you so much. I received your email. It was so helpful. The home is much larger than I expected. As long as we have 3 bedrooms (even if one is a converted study) I will be thrilled.
You are so helpful. It is such a relief to have this forum to get honest answers to my questions.
|
|
|
|
Post by UmmRiyam on Jan 15, 2014 6:20:48 GMT
If you're from USA, then definitely bring your car seats. Car seats are subsidized by the US gov't so they are much cheaper in USA than in Saudi. Also, most of the car seats here are European, so you may or may not like the differences. For example, most of the car seats here don't have that plastic latch in the middle to keep the shoulder straps together.
Car seats also travel for free, in addition to your regular baggage allowance. So, you can bring one for each of your kids without a problem, and it can be in a box.
|
|
