Getting to work | Aramco ExPats

swan
Senior Member

Posts: 209

Getting to work Jun 11, 2016 14:23:58 GMT

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Post by swan on Jun 11, 2016 14:23:58 GMT

There certainly are people who get the bus to work.
Compounds where Aramco have organised accommodation (Dhahran Towers, Daar are 2 I'm aware of, not sure about the current status of the towers, I know some people were moved out) have Aramco busses dropping off there.
You also need to think about the other end. If you work centrally, a bus from the central station to work is easy, if your remote, it up can be a longer journey. Also consider how easily you will be able to pop into the central functions to sort paperwork etc (you will e doing this a lot in the early days).
For sure, there are people who don't have a car. I'd say most living outside Aramco have one tho. In the summer this isn't a country where you just walk to a convenient bus stop 5 mins away!

vpainter
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Getting to work Jul 16, 2016 11:42:30 GMT

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Post by vpainter on Jul 16, 2016 11:42:30 GMT

Depending on where you live and where you work, you may find other Aramcons you can carpool with. Aramco knows when you first arrive you will not have transportation. Co-workers many times step in and help newbies get set up. You will get help along the way in the beginning. The patience that was required of you during your hiring timeline has prepared you for the patience you will need in getting set up at work and a place to live and getting transportation sorted out.

Most want a car because of the convenience it offers. Just practice excellent defensive driving skills. If you haven't taken defensive driving ir its been awhile, brush up on it. It will serve you well here.

swiftandsure
Member

Posts: 19

Getting to work Jan 4, 2017 18:09:15 GMT

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Post by swiftandsure on Jan 4, 2017 18:09:15 GMT

Just as an update to this for any new starters - I have been with the company about six months now, and did not buy a car or pay for a Saudi licence.

I live in a rented apartment (not a compound) and use Uber to commute. It costs about 20 Sar per day total and has been totally reliable (and vastly cheaper than camp taxis). There are only two downsides. First, you need to get picked up at a gate. They can drop you off when you're in the car, but for pick up they aren't allowed in. This gives me a 5 minute walk at the end of the day - ironically less than some colleagues who have to walk across the car parks and queue to get out! Second, gate 40 now has to be used for entrance between 6am and 8am. No big deal, but unhelpful if you work beside another gate.

yamaaan
Member

Posts: 22

Getting to work Apr 26, 2017 9:48:34 GMT

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Post by yamaaan on Apr 26, 2017 9:48:34 GMT

Thanks - this is very useful information as I'm thinking whether to get a car or not. I don't particulalry like driving, even in London (let alone the 'Saudi' way of driving), so I use Uber for work and social use as much as I can.

Is Uber readily available in Dharan? I know Aramco/Saudi gov did make a recent investment in Uber so this should become even more prevalent in the future.

Cheers
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Last Edit: May 5, 2017 17:35:19 GMT by vpainter