New arrival questions - Help required!

newukarrival
Newbie

Posts: 3

New arrival questions - Help required! Nov 10, 2014 14:18:29 GMT

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Post by newukarrival on Nov 10, 2014 14:18:29 GMT

Hi,
I have used this forum constantly, since I have received the job offer from Aramco (really excited to begin my new adventure!) and have found it extremely helpful in answering several of my questions.
I have now received my visa and due to arrive in Saudi in December. I have a few final questions (please bear with me

) and would really appreciate any guidance.

1. Loss on sale of private motor vehicle: I understand that we can receive 0.5x our salary for sale of a car. Do we just need to present an invoice from a dealership and car registration documents? How long does it take to process that? Is the amount received a lump-sum or can it vary?

2. Cash in Lieu. I have opted for the cash in lieu option and wondered what documentation do we need to claim the monies? Is that received prior to departure or once when we land in Saudi Arabia? Has anyone shipped their belongings privately? Any recommendations on shipping companies?

3. I am travelling with my wife to Saudi Arabia and know that she can not drive off compounds. However, if she wishes to go to the mall and/ or other places can she hire a car/ take the bus/ other means of transportation by herself?

4. I am considering whether to bring appliances with me or buy them at Saudi Arabia. Could anyone please recommend whether we should be purchasing from our home town (concerned about voltage issues) or buy it locally? Are they priced similarly?

5. How easy/ difficult is it to take time off during the probation period (90 days)? I have my brother's wedding after a month and half of joining and am concerned whether can take two weeks off.

6. Transportation to/ from work and other places: From what I gather, there is a bus network operated by Aramco to take you to work as well as to other areas in Dammam/ Dhahran. Is the network good or is having a car a necessity (mainly for my wife)?

7. Getting a car: Can you rent/ buy a car prior to receiving your Iqama? How long does the Iqama process take?

8. In-Kingdom medical test: I was confused from reading the material to understand whether there is there a medical test, similar to the one we had prior to obtaining the visa? or is it just a blood test to check for HIV?

9. On arrival clothing: Does my wife have to wear an abaya at the airport when she arrives?

Any other advice/ recommendation/ tips/ important things to get for a new arrival are most welcome and would be greatly appreciated

.

Thank you in advance for helping me.

Newukarrival

newukarrival Newbie Posts: 3	New arrival questions - Help required! Nov 17, 2014 14:09:29 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by newukarrival on Nov 17, 2014 14:09:29 GMT Hi! Could someone please help with the questions above. Any help would be much appreciated.. thank you!

vpainter
ExPats Administrators

Moderator

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

New arrival questions - Help required! Nov 21, 2014 7:27:12 GMT

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Post by vpainter on Nov 21, 2014 7:27:12 GMT

1) sorry cannot help with this, hopefully someone else will be able to do so.

2). Cash in lieu is received prior to coming so you can send over a shipment if you want to.

3). Your wife can use the Aramco provided shopping buses or she can hire a taxi or private driver to go off the compound or shopping.

4). You can buy here or at home. You can bring your 220V appliances from the UK. You will have more choices in the UK. Or you can buy them here. Aramco is putting 220V plugs in the kitchen and other rooms in the house. You may need a plug adapter for those you bring. You can get those here as well.

5). If possible you should work that out with your supervisor or manager prior to coming. They would have to approve any time off. Your relocation agent/recruiter should be able to put you in touch with them. Or go ahead and write a letter stating you need 2 weeks off and requesting it be approved prior to coming.

6). Buses are used by many employees to go to work and back home. Wives seem to want a car if they are in a compound and are happier having one.

7). If a rental car is available, you can rent one from Majestic with your temporary Aramco ID.

8) . Even if you know your blood type, you will have a blood test to determine your blood type.

9). No, your wife does not have to wear an abaya at the airport. She just needs to dress conservative clothing. A long sleeve or 3/4 sleeves blouse that covers the hips and is not low cut with loose fitting pants. Or a long loose dress - ankle length with long or 3/4 sleeves.

10). Read the Frequently Asked Questions discussion group.

bamaster
Advanced Member

Posts: 91

New arrival questions - Help required! Nov 21, 2014 8:52:29 GMT

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Post by bamaster on Nov 21, 2014 8:52:29 GMT

Cash in lieu was not given to me before arriving. I had to apply for it through the company portal website. It was dispersed in my first paycheck. Same with auto sale documents. I had to give proof of sale to a dealership and proof of prior ownership (I supplied auto insurance paperwork) to personnel. It was also dispersed in my first paycheck. Settling-in allowance, too.

Yes, there is another blood test on the day of your new hire orientation. It is part of the Iqama process. They test for blood type and for HIV again. No other medical procedure is performed.

newukarrival Newbie Posts: 3	New arrival questions - Help required! Nov 25, 2014 17:25:38 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by newukarrival on Nov 25, 2014 17:25:38 GMT Thank you all. Much appreciated

vpainter ExPats Administrators Moderator Posts: 3,701 Job Status: None of the Above	New arrival questions - Help required! Dec 2, 2014 6:07:08 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by vpainter on Dec 2, 2014 6:07:08 GMT Bamaster, thanks for the update on cash in lieu. Things change all the time.

New arrival questions - Help required!

Post by newukarrival on Nov 10, 2014 14:18:29 GMT

Post by newukarrival on Nov 17, 2014 14:09:29 GMT

Post by vpainter on Nov 21, 2014 7:27:12 GMT

Post by bamaster on Nov 21, 2014 8:52:29 GMT

Post by newukarrival on Nov 25, 2014 17:25:38 GMT

Post by vpainter on Dec 2, 2014 6:07:08 GMT