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Post by omega on Oct 15, 2015 11:42:02 GMT
Thank you bogiefrommuskogee.
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Post by Teredolites on Oct 19, 2015 9:38:37 GMT
Hi ARCanada,
I've been living in a bachelor unit in Las Dunas since end of March - will try to answer all of your queries.
Furniture are slightly old fashioned, but better than what you get in Dhahran camp bachelor units. I don't if you can remove than as I've not asked (I didn't bring any so, kept all). Mattress is fine with me, but not the pillows (bought new ones from locally).
Kitchen appliances are new and adequate - welcome basket was good for a couple of days grocery supply.
The TV provided by the compound has a cable connection (over 50 channels) - I don't know what STB is.
Internet is high speed, I regularly use it for Skype and FaceTime, plus online streaming. No problem at all. You can connect to the WiFi as soon as you get in to your unit.
Landline should be hooked up and ready. SIMs are not available within the compound but you can buy recharge vouchers for local SIMs. Note you can't get a local SIM without Iqama (except at one location within the main camp; they will let you know during the orientation).
Drinking water from the tap is better than the main camp - you can buy bottled water if you wish (I use a filter jug eg. Brita).
Clubhouse and commissary are open over the weekend. There is a hypermarket at the back of our compound too (7-8 mins walk).
Overall, bachelor units/facilities are better in Las Dunas than Dhahran camp where you have to apply for landlines/WiFi and bring TV etc.
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Post by ARCanada on Oct 20, 2015 17:05:52 GMT
Thanks Teredolites You were a big help in comforting my worries. I am coming into KSA from Edmonton, and can be contacted using the following e-mail address: aziz.rehman.ndt@gmail.com Thanks and best regards AR Canada |
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Post by omega on Oct 20, 2015 19:22:34 GMT
Hi Teredolites,
Many thanks for your note. It's indeed very useful.
My key question is - based now on your 7-month experience - whether the rather (too small) size of Las Dunas is really an issue compared to main camp? I'm just concerned that just the mere size of DHA and the numerous options there would provide more opportunities for socializing and doing things (vs. Las Dunas). What is your take on this?
Some other (rather trivial questions):
- Do we get charged for the units in the camp or are they free (incl. wifi/electricity etc)?
- Do you use a VPN and if so which one would you recommend that works well at the camp (speed-wise)?
Thank you again for your input and time!
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Post by Teredolites on Nov 22, 2015 9:24:23 GMT
Hi Omega,
If you still need the answer to your queries, see below.
Dhahran has definitely more socilising options/activities than Las Dunas. You can always drive or take a taxi to participate if you wish in those activities.
We only get charged a monthly rent that includes all bills.
I do not use a VPN, so no idea on this front.
Cheers,
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Post by bogiefrommuskogee on Nov 22, 2015 9:47:33 GMT
If all you want to do is watch Netflix or Hulu, look into a DNS mask instead of VPN. It will be much faster than VPN since there is no need for encryption. When we had multiple users, I found it more economical to buy a VPN router to plug into my local router than have single services for each computer but VPN is hard to stream. Whether you want a VPN service or router, I recommend you get it/download it before you get here as they are blocked in Saudi. I believe you can still go to Bahrain on a weekend and download one there if you have to. I don't believe Bahrain blocks them. You can also go to a friend's house that has VPN and subscribe to a service on their system. Then I got an email with a wiki download link that allowed me to install the VPN even though I was on the STC proxy server. A friend who is a CSL is very high on Strong VPN. I had a Mobily and STC router but got rid of Mobily when they dropped their unlimited data plan. Even so, STC was always must faster. On an avee day I would get between 6 and 8 mbps and VPN would drop it to 2 mbps. Even though STC says they have an unlimited data plan, I'm convinced they throttle it after a certain point.
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