Need Help-1st time going to Saudi Aramco

Hi,

As VPainter said, you may not have housing unless you are GC 15+. I have seen a GC 15 in temporary housing and he will have to collect rental allowance to rent from the local community. Also, there are 2 GC 14s I know of who have been provided housing in the compounds not owned but leased by Aramco. So I don't really know what is happening - seems some sort of lottery system or it could just be that it depends on what is available when you are being mobilised. That means what you get may depend on your luck. I was not lucky so got dumped in one -hole called Almunira which is basically accommodation for Gc 3 -10 employees, some in their late teens and early 20s. Just like your old boys' dormitory only that you don't share rooms.

On documentation, you should have been provided some info by your RA but if not you need the location of the Aramco Lounge in the airport, the name of the person who should pick you up as, officially, you are not allowed to leave the airport on your own or even with a friend. You should have been given a number to call in case the lounge is closed.

You'd be e given a bage number which you must remember throughout your lifetime in Aramco as you will be asked to recite wherever you go.

I don't kmow if you are married, if you are and would like to invite your family then have a copy of the bio data page of their passports and your marriage certificate.

You should also have been told to have handy 20 passport photos. This will be collected from you at the airport together with your international passport which is needed for your residence permit. Don't scream when the Aramco staff asks to keep your passport - it will surely be returned to you with your Iqama.

If your driving license is not in Arabic you may save yourself some headache by having it officially translated into Arabic, although you can still get it done here free of charge by Aramco.

Safe Trip

1. Standard ID documentation, as already requested copies by RA. Loads of passport photos. Travel, car, bank details. Badge number.

2. Probably Al Munira. One set of bedding, basic kitchen kit (cups, plates, cutlery, pans, kettle maybe), towel. Some food basics, but there is a shop right next door. Our rented house (off Aramco) provided all bedding and towels, and I think some kitchen stuff. I'm not clear in my head exactly what came from Aramco, and what came with out house. BUT all compounds and housing seems to class furnished as different levels of provisions. Some is basically just furniture. Some you just need to bring your clothes.

3. No idea. I'm a dependant!!!

4. Not in shops. Banks should change them. Might be worth having some SAR or USD if you get chance.

I arrived on a Monday.

Tuesday was a rest day. Wednesday and Thursday were orientation. Friday and Saay off for the weekend. Sunday was my first day with my team at work.

The first several weeks is a lot of busy work moving around dealing with the logistics of the relocation.

Bhumi2482,
The Aramco office is supposed to be staffed whenever a new hire is scheduled to arrive, as is a representative from the department you will be joining. That being said, things don't always go smoothly even when you arrive as scheduled, and even riskier if your flight is delayed or flight plans change. But the Aramco office should be relatively easy to find, and if you go there and wait someone should arrive eventually.

Wutz

In reference to the bed linens to bring, is there a standard bed size they use for bachelor housing? I'd like to bring my own sheets over as recommended, but.... I guess I could bring my queen size sheets, and tuck them under if it's a smaller bed, but having an exact fit would be nice as well. Also wondered if there were any updates to the lists from a few years ago in the FAQ section, in terms of things too bring over as a first time bachelor in Ras Tanura. Right now, aside from my clothes and toiletries, I'm thinking of bringing my microwave, George Foreman grill, coffee maker, and a video game unit. I would think that would cover my needs overseas, much the way it covers my needs in the U.S.? Any extra advice would be appreciated. Looks like I'm a month away!!!

Thank you VPainter. While I'm not the best at golf, I guess having a course on the compound will provide plenty of opportunity to get better. I hadn't really considered a vacuum, as I have to admit, being a bachelor at home means I keep things clean, but not sparkling. I'm on a 50/50 about bringing my TV from home. I know a lot of people on this forum recommend just buying one there, but I figure if I have several here at home already, I might as well save the money and pack just one of them?? I guess Ultimately, I will only find out for sure what I'm missing once I get there, but either way, I appreciate the assistance.