Dec 2017 Update: Moving out, buying your 1st car, Bahrain
Dec 16, 2017 0:52:17 GMT
NeelRuP and penguin like this
Post by StarboyX on Dec 16, 2017 0:52:17 GMT
Hey everyone,
I see many of you read my original "I arrived from Canada in March 2017" thread.
In fact, after I wrote it, I had met several other Canadians who mentioned it the thread as they were also using US cash at Lulu's in Munirah until everything was set up and sorted.
Well it's December, and a lot has happened:
1. After 2 months, everyone moves on from Munirah into the real world, yet, many of us still come back to Munirah for:
Barber
Drycleaning
Groceries
2. Many of us moved out to Gulf Homes Compound in Dammam. It's less than 10 minutes from work, has mixed apts. in the co-ed compound.
3. I'm used to -40 weather; in June, it actually hit 50. Just sayin' ...
4. I was probably one of the last to get a license, and I finally did:
Get translation done from HR in Midra, pay the fees, and as I learned, just go through them. It's a lot easier.
All you need to do is get your eye exam from a hospital as listed, no, JHAH is not one of them.
You'll then get a notification to pick up your license at Khobar Driving School, and an Aramco rep will help you there.
Make sure you have funds deposited to pay for your license, and you can choose the length of validity.
5. So the next step, buying a car:
Depending who you ask, what you're looking for, and your budget, almost everyone will say the same things: "Classifieds"
That's Aramco's internal classifieds, and one section is for vehicles.
Most people will also say expat driven vehicles are better maintained, better condition, etc.
That's subjective, so don't believe the hype.
If you have any experience with used vehicles, ask for service records/history and in addition to seeing the vehicle, judge for yourself.
Haggling is a given, so don't be shy!
Now, there are rules:
If you're single or bachelor, as in not married or wife is not here, you can only get a vehicle with up to 5 seats.
If you're here with family and have more than 3 children or 3 dependents (I'm not sure it's N/A for me), you can get a vehicle with more than 5 seats.
Only Saudi citizens/nationals can purchase vans or pickups, so if you've thinking about the Ford Raptor, think again!
6. Insurance:
In Saudi, insurance is just % value of the purchase price of the car, so there's really no shopping around to do.
Again, make life easy, and get insurance from Ace Insurance in Midra.
You can get basic third party up to full comprehensive, and that includes covee in Bahrain, passengers, and "blood money".
The last part is probably the most important component you'll want, especially as an expat.
7. Driving itself:
You'll get used it, that's all I can say.
Be alert, and seriously turn the phone on silent or leave it alone.
Yes, those few seconds can make a difference.
Don't ever flip the bird, cut people off, race, follow, and especially drift in Saudi.
8. Driving on camp:
When driving on camp, follow all rules, especially speed, stop signs, and red lights.
If you get a ticket on camp, you'll have to answer to management.
Yes, you driving on camp is related to work, and your work performance, and will go against you.
9. Driving off camp:
There are cameras all over; I got a ticket within the 1st week off camp for speeding.
You'll get a notification via text and can check on the Abhser app.
I still haven't figured out if there is a points/demerit system in Saudi.
If you get a ticket, pay it off within the time period, b/c if you don't, it'll go up and in some cases, you might have issues exiting/entering the country, or other GCC countries.
10. Bahrain:
If you drive over to Bahrain, you'll need to take out third party insurance at the border.
Also, if you go frequently, get the Causeway Booklet from HR in Midra; it'll save you pages in your passport.
Finally, when you're in Bahrain, be smart, be safe, and be vigilant.
A lot of people, men and women, especially Aramcons, go over on weekends.
Everyone just wants to go, let loose, have a good time, and come back, safe and sound.
Well, that's just it: if you act up, draw attention, or get into a fight, that can cost you more than you know.
You'll either end up in jail, or deported from Bahrain back to Saudi.
Similarly, don't drive back to Saudi with banned products; it's just not worth it.
If you're caught, the vehicle you're in will be impounded on the spot.
Ultimately, you'll be terminated and sent home.
I see many of you read my original "I arrived from Canada in March 2017" thread.
In fact, after I wrote it, I had met several other Canadians who mentioned it the thread as they were also using US cash at Lulu's in Munirah until everything was set up and sorted.
Well it's December, and a lot has happened:
1. After 2 months, everyone moves on from Munirah into the real world, yet, many of us still come back to Munirah for:
Barber
Drycleaning
Groceries
2. Many of us moved out to Gulf Homes Compound in Dammam. It's less than 10 minutes from work, has mixed apts. in the co-ed compound.
3. I'm used to -40 weather; in June, it actually hit 50. Just sayin' ...
4. I was probably one of the last to get a license, and I finally did:
Get translation done from HR in Midra, pay the fees, and as I learned, just go through them. It's a lot easier.
All you need to do is get your eye exam from a hospital as listed, no, JHAH is not one of them.
You'll then get a notification to pick up your license at Khobar Driving School, and an Aramco rep will help you there.
Make sure you have funds deposited to pay for your license, and you can choose the length of validity.
5. So the next step, buying a car:
Depending who you ask, what you're looking for, and your budget, almost everyone will say the same things: "Classifieds"
That's Aramco's internal classifieds, and one section is for vehicles.
Most people will also say expat driven vehicles are better maintained, better condition, etc.
That's subjective, so don't believe the hype.
If you have any experience with used vehicles, ask for service records/history and in addition to seeing the vehicle, judge for yourself.
Haggling is a given, so don't be shy!
Now, there are rules:
If you're single or bachelor, as in not married or wife is not here, you can only get a vehicle with up to 5 seats.
If you're here with family and have more than 3 children or 3 dependents (I'm not sure it's N/A for me), you can get a vehicle with more than 5 seats.
Only Saudi citizens/nationals can purchase vans or pickups, so if you've thinking about the Ford Raptor, think again!
6. Insurance:
In Saudi, insurance is just % value of the purchase price of the car, so there's really no shopping around to do.
Again, make life easy, and get insurance from Ace Insurance in Midra.
You can get basic third party up to full comprehensive, and that includes covee in Bahrain, passengers, and "blood money".
The last part is probably the most important component you'll want, especially as an expat.
7. Driving itself:
You'll get used it, that's all I can say.
Be alert, and seriously turn the phone on silent or leave it alone.
Yes, those few seconds can make a difference.
Don't ever flip the bird, cut people off, race, follow, and especially drift in Saudi.
8. Driving on camp:
When driving on camp, follow all rules, especially speed, stop signs, and red lights.
If you get a ticket on camp, you'll have to answer to management.
Yes, you driving on camp is related to work, and your work performance, and will go against you.
9. Driving off camp:
There are cameras all over; I got a ticket within the 1st week off camp for speeding.
You'll get a notification via text and can check on the Abhser app.
I still haven't figured out if there is a points/demerit system in Saudi.
If you get a ticket, pay it off within the time period, b/c if you don't, it'll go up and in some cases, you might have issues exiting/entering the country, or other GCC countries.
10. Bahrain:
If you drive over to Bahrain, you'll need to take out third party insurance at the border.
Also, if you go frequently, get the Causeway Booklet from HR in Midra; it'll save you pages in your passport.
Finally, when you're in Bahrain, be smart, be safe, and be vigilant.
A lot of people, men and women, especially Aramcons, go over on weekends.
Everyone just wants to go, let loose, have a good time, and come back, safe and sound.
Well, that's just it: if you act up, draw attention, or get into a fight, that can cost you more than you know.
You'll either end up in jail, or deported from Bahrain back to Saudi.
Similarly, don't drive back to Saudi with banned products; it's just not worth it.
If you're caught, the vehicle you're in will be impounded on the spot.
Ultimately, you'll be terminated and sent home.
