FIRST EXPENSES AND SOME OTHER QUESTIONS AFTER ARRIVAL

1. Yes, you can easily get used cars within that price range. We have internal classifieds with Aramcons selling cars all the time. As a bachelor, you'll want a car. Uber and Careem can drop you in camp, hard to get a ride from within camp. Also, the taxi services are always booked and charge a lot more. Renting can get expensive, especially if you take out comprehensive insurance. Hyundai Accents are very popular here, as are all Toyotas. Unless you're senior management, or working in the field, no company car.

2. Exit Entry Visa depends on length; 12 month is 2300 SAR from HR. Different prices for 1, 3, 6 month.

3. Food outside is more affordable, if you go local. You'll pay a premium for chained/fast food items, that's just how it is.

4. Cell phone: depends if you get pre paid or post paid. Look up STC, Zain, Mobly for plans.

5. Insurance is cheap, especially if you get basic third party. I took comprehensive on a new vehicle, and basic third party on my older vehicle. It's based on the purchase price you paid, NOT blackbook or any other factors. Generally you can get third party for 1 year for about $500 and comprehensive will be under $1000, depending on options, such as Bahrain covee, rental covee, etc. You can insurance from vendors at Aramco.

6. Hanco in Khobar has a deal for Aramco, as do others. I recently rented a Camry for a week, with comprehensive, and it was about $400.
Without comprehensive, it would be less than 1/2, but I'd rather not risk replacing a rental. Play it safe, by the comprehensive if renting.

No, you don't absolutely need a car.
I guess it depends if you'll live on camp VS off camp, and if you plan to venture into the tri-city area or across to Bahrain.
I know people that don't drive off camp, or don't drive at all.
Personal choice I guess.
Within camp, yes, there are buses and a schedule.
We also now have a bus schedule app, only accessible once registered from work.

Unfortunately, we are NOT allowed to give out specifics about the bus schedule on the forum or via PM.

1. There is a Lulu Hypermarket on camp that's open 24/7, and you get almost everything there. Carrefour off camp has better deals.

Yes, buses run to the malls and to Bahrain.

You need to understand, as previously mentioned, we can't comment any further about bus schedules for security reasons.
Your questions are to specific, more so as we've given instructions about this from the people running this forum, and also from work.

Please be patient and get more details once you arrive.