Here Goes Nothing... | Aramco ExPats

Readytodothis
Newbie

Posts: 1

Here Goes Nothing... Feb 26, 2015 16:58:59 GMT

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Post by Readytodothis on Feb 26, 2015 16:58:59 GMT

so I'm an uber uber baby in the whole process... they are still preparing the official offer... so thank you to the moderators I have devoured every post I can find on almost any question I have...

A few things I had trouble finding definitive information on...some information was there... but some outdated...
1) is there a way to do some sort of video chat... seems the latest posting were discussing the threat of Skype banning...(only child... parents a little nervous)... any update?
2) of course I understand I will have no idea where I'll be placed... but as a single woman who can't drive... should I assume the placement will factor that in so I can get what I need in line with cultural custom and not being able to travel freely on my own (i.e. access to a gym, supermarket, etc) and hopefully not place me in a compound only with families as opposed to other single women where folks drive everywhere?
3) are people willing to help me figure out things like Netflix, downloading to kindle, etc. as not knowing anyone I'm thinking books and movies might be my saving grace at times
4) will they provide a banned list? i.e. will a book on meditation not make it through or a workout video with women in yoga pants on the cover? Should I assume my complete collection of and the city videos should be given away? = (
5) am I able to travel to the airport and leave the country at will as a single woman? (i.e. visit friends in AbuDhabi for vacation back in the US) or will my dad have to put some sort of paperwork on file... if it matters I turn 45 in May which I understand changes things a bit.
6) what kind of TV/cable shows/channels do we have access to?
7) any restrictions on bringing in my kindle and ipads and computer as long as there's nothing offensive on them?

Thank you so much... I know i'm jumping the gun... but i'm a planner... and this all factors into the final decision of course...

stmayo11
Senior Member

ExPats Community Moderator

Posts: 159

Here Goes Nothing... Jul 11, 2015 7:15:12 GMT

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Post by stmayo11 on Jul 11, 2015 7:15:12 GMT

Not sure if you ever made it over here or not, but I'll address your questions, albeit a few months after your post:

1. Yes, skype video chat works just fine. I use Skype app on my iPhone to video chat with my family all the time. It's just like Facetime, which is blocked on new iPhones sold in the Kingdom.

2. As a single western woman, you'll most likely be placed on camp in the community where you'll work.

3. I can help you sort Netflix and watching movies, Kindle, etc. once you get here. Send me a PM when you're ready to stream and I can get you set up in a weekend afternoon. You'll need a streaming device. My personal favorite is the Roku 3, available on Amazon for $99. Order it before you come. www.amazon.com/Roku-Streaming-Player-4230R-Search/dp/B00UJ3IULO/ref=sr_1_1?s=tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1436597905&sr=1-1&keywords=roku+3&pebp=1436597927760&perid=1W4P89TWGJA0HDHBGEBV

4. There is no banned list. Meditation books are usually OK as they tend to be non-religious. However, a Customs inspector can seize anything he fancies if he's in a bad mood! Things showing too much skin or anything overtly religious (non-Muslim) on the cover will likely draw scrutiny and may be taken.

5. Adult single women will have no problem leaving the country, unless there is a passport or visa problem. It would having nothing to do with your single status.

6. Satellite TV is available through OSN - www.osn.com/en/packages.aspx

7. No restrictions on bringing in personal electronics. Almost everyone traveling here now has some type of electronic device with them

bogiefrommuskogee
Senior Member

Posts: 177

Here Goes Nothing... Jul 12, 2015 1:17:54 GMT

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Post by bogiefrommuskogee on Jul 12, 2015 1:17:54 GMT

I have OSN. It is a decent service but I find they repeat a lot of content so at times it is really good and other times it gets a bit old. Netflix requires a DNS mask or VPN service. The mask may be better because the VPN is much slower due to all the encryption. Band width here is sometimes frustrating. Part of the day I can get upwards of 20 GB but when the system is loaded, it can drop below 2 and video streaming is impossible at that speed. I use routers from both STC and Mobily. Mobily apparently stopped offering their unlimited data plan. Prior to that, it was pretty good. In general, I have always had faster speed with STC but it gets dged down heavily in the evenings. I have a Slingbox on my DirectTV back home so prefer to use it over OSN when bandwidth permits.

bamaster
Advanced Member

Posts: 91

Here Goes Nothing... Jul 12, 2015 4:54:59 GMT

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Post by bamaster on Jul 12, 2015 4:54:59 GMT

There are many posts about how your luggage can be searched and trashing family photos and health/fitness magazines. Or going through your computer/tablet and looking for offensive material. Sure it possible, but it's really not a big deal.

Yes, if you want to stream Netflix/Amazon Prime/Hulu, you will want to have that sorted out before hand and bring it over with you. A reliable VPN service is recommended so that you can get to these things (I like VyprVPN and PIA). Same with Vonage if you go that route. Buy it before you come and bring it with you.

Other than that, don't get stressed out about having your stuff searched through. Being female you will want to read up on being properly dressed. Once you're on compound, life for women gets much easier.

bogiefrommuskogee
Senior Member

Posts: 177

Here Goes Nothing... Jul 12, 2015 5:44:48 GMT

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Post by bogiefrommuskogee on Jul 12, 2015 5:44:48 GMT

I would still recommend a DNS mask over VPN for Netflix or other streaming video. Encryption is unnecessary for Netflix and it just slows down the data rate. VPN is useful to have if you need to visit sites like your bank (more secure) or sites that would be blocked by the proxy server. I have found some medical sites get blocked when trying to investigate diseases, for example. On my Mobily router, I get about 6 to 10 GB/s in the afternoon. The VPN slows that down to about 2. Slingbox requires nothing special to use.

You can (and should) get a VPN app for iPhones, iPads, etc. to safely use public wifi when traveling. A wifi extender is also a good investment to bring with you. My house is concrete so signal does not travel very far through the walls. I did not have that problem when I was in a wood frame house in the Hills.