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Post by harden on Apr 16, 2018 13:21:13 GMT
Hi everyone,
Just want to start by saying thank you to all the contributors to this forum. There is such a wealth of information and as I've been interviewing and (now) planning for our move to KSA, I certainly appreciate the valuable content and depth in the conversations. It's been great to organize our thoughts with your help and we're excited for the journey ahead.
In our case, we are currently starting the background, medical and visa portion of the process. We will be in Dharhran and are a family of four, planning to arrive together from Houston. We have a fairly good idea of what we plan to take with us, but would appreciate hearing your experiences when you first touched down in KSA. Anything you can share about the workflow starting with the immigration and arrival process, the timing of getting into your new home (in camp), start of work, things you wish you brought with you to help initially get settled, iqama, rental/purchase of a car, other helpful tidbits/challenges, etc., would be appreciated.
Thanks for reading. |
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Post by daoilman on Apr 17, 2018 17:15:37 GMT
Hey Harden,
Been in KSA for almost a month or so. Still going through the on boarding process. All I can say is that it is an experience. I'm on camp in a great location so haven't had to worry about renting a car. I have used taxis to get off camp and used the Aramco buses to get to the mall and stuff.
Everything has been relatively smooth so far. I'm happy I left my family at home for a month because things take time to get done here. For example, it took me about a couple of weeks to get internet and a Saudi phone and that would have been misery if my family was here. Patience and an open mind is a virtue when you get here. Just go with the flow and you and the family will be alright.
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Post by harden on Apr 19, 2018 16:14:38 GMT
Hey daoilman,
Thanks for the insight.
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Post by nguyen on Apr 21, 2018 16:17:31 GMT
I've been here 11 months now. I arrived first since our three kids were in school in Houston. It works out well because I got all the necessary done such as got the dog imported, bought a car (must have if you have kids and it's hot), internet, phones, etc. Once my family arrived, we processed their iqama and we got them out and spent the summer back in Houston. As what to bring, my recommendation is bring what you and the family need. We did not have any issues bringing stuff over. I have three kids age 16, 13 and 10 at the time we arrived so contact me if you need more specifics. Glad to help!!!
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Post by vpainter on Apr 30, 2018 7:36:14 GMT
Every home is going to be 220V, so you need to plan for this. All your small appliance needs can be found in the locak communities.
There are some houses that still have some 120V, but that will totally go away over the next 2 years. This is a government mandate that Aramco is having to abide by.
There are lists from folks i. The Frequently Asked Questions Discussion groups on what people have wished they had brought. Would still be relevant today.
You can find most things here if you have time to go look for them. Many still bring in vitamins, some food stuffs, and many other items.
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Post by kazimdemir on Aug 19, 2019 18:02:05 GMT
I've been here 11 months now. I arrived first since our three kids were in school in Houston. It works out well because I got all the necessary done such as got the dog imported, bought a car (must have if you have kids and it's hot), internet, phones, etc. Once my family arrived, we processed their iqama and we got them out and spent the summer back in Houston. As what to bring, my recommendation is bring what you and the family need. We did not have any issues bringing stuff over. I have three kids age 16, 13 and 10 at the time we arrived so contact me if you need more specifics. Glad to help!!! Hi Nguyen We are also in Houston and waiting offer letter. I like to get touch base with you. It seems I will be needing your experience. My email address is demirs2002@yahoo.com
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