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Post by trebbie on Jul 7, 2018 19:44:19 GMT
The subject says most of what I'd like to know...
If living on camp is it feasible to have a different mode of transport (motorbike; bicycle; roller skates(!?), golf cart(?)) and/or rely solely on the camp buses and then hire a car when you really need one?
Are there car hire locations on camp?
Or do you recommend buying a car?
I'd be moving with Bachelor status.
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Post by BlueStaff on Jul 8, 2018 5:57:20 GMT
Car hire is relatively cheap - there is a Samara car hire on camp.
There are bus routes to take you around camp, so you could survive with no car if you really wanted to. There are "work" and "circuit" routes for In addition there are "shopper" buses that will take you to Dammam, Khobar and the main malls on an evening and the weekend.
Eventually you probably will want to buy a car. Simple things like going to the supermrket off camp, to the mall or even across the causeway to Bahrain at the weekend just become so much easier.
You can buy a golf buggy or small scooter for use on camp. A bicycle also would work, but do you really want to be cycling around camp in 45+ degree heat or more during summer?
Get here, find your feet and take it from there what solution is best for you.
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Post by StarboyX on Jul 8, 2018 14:04:36 GMT
If you live on camp, there's the free bus service, taking you around camp, and even to the malls. Within camp, you can use a scooter/moped, motorbike, and vehicles. Not sure about rollerblades/rollerskates or even a golf cart.
Off camp, you can still get by with Uber/Careem.
Until you get Iqama, you can rent on your current license, within camp, from Majestic, for 100 riyal/day.
Once you get Iqama, you can only rent/drive on your Saudi license.
For long term rentals, is best from off camp as rates are preferred, and yes, there are Aramco deals for the asking.
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Post by trebbie on Jul 8, 2018 20:12:55 GMT
What is involved in getting a Saudi licence (dare I ask)?! Do I have to illustrate that I can fit in with the driving I have witnessed on the roads!  |
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Post by StarboyX on Jul 9, 2018 13:38:41 GMT
Trebbie, my suggestion is wait until you arrive and ask onboarding, as the general process is the same, however the medical/eye exam always seems to be an issue.
Everyone has a story about they got it done, and then you try it next week, and for some reason, there are issues.
Best bet: go thru HR directly and have them arrange everything.
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Post by swiftandsure on Jul 9, 2018 19:55:27 GMT
I didn’t have a car for 18 months and live off camp. I used Uber (mainly) and Careem to commute. It was dirt cheap, and I had very very few problems with it. It cost me maybe 20 Sar in total each day. My wife then came on a visit and I hired a car...and got used to the convenience of it, so hired one ever since. I use Hertz in Khobar - they have an Aramco special rate of 65 Sar per day, which you can book online or at the office.
The problems that did occur were mainly unavailability at times, although I was never late for work. Once security didn’t like the car of a Careem driver, refused to let him in, and I had to walk about 1.5 Kms from the gate to my office in 30 degrees wearing a sports jacket, so that wasn’t great!
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Post by StarboyX on Jul 10, 2018 17:06:03 GMT
Yes, that's right: sometimes security won't let Uber/Careem inside if they don't have proper ID, license, and even if the windows are tinted too dark.
Also, getting Uber/Careem into camp is easy.
Getting Uber/Careem within camp, to leave camp, can be hard, as they can't enter unless with an Aramcon OR security calls you directly at your office or residential landline.
No, cell phones won't work, and yes, I've also had to walk 1/2 a km or so from security to Midra.
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Post by fieryphoenix7 on Jul 10, 2018 17:50:24 GMT
I can attest to this Uber/Careem thing. If you're on camp, don't bother requesting a car, as they usually won't be able to get in. Otherwise, you can take an Uber or Careem and get into camp without much hassle.
Aramco has its own taxi service in the form of Samara/Majestic if you're within camp and need a driver, but they are pretty pricy (and the wait times can be brutal as they are often busy).
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Post by swiftandsure on Jul 11, 2018 16:15:58 GMT
You can get them on camp - but it’s a bit like fishing. I got one home everyday, mainly driven by aramco staff finishing work and driving Uber/Careem as a second job.
You have open the app and watch where they are. If they’re inside the camp boundaries, game on. If not, wait until one is - usually staff as above, or drop offs at the hospital. Look where the driver who has accepted you is - if he’s outside the camp, cancel immediately and go again. Works fine, but it is a bit video game-ish and can take up to 10 mins or so.
Best time to get one inside is around 3.45 to 3.55 as aramco staff slip off early...
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