Mister_Oizo
Member
Posts: 27
Job Status: Accepted Aramco Job
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Post by Mister_Oizo on Dec 24, 2023 7:55:25 GMT
Hi to all Expats here! Good morning and advance Happy Christmas to all.
Does the 1HR provide Cash Advance to Newly Arrived Expats? Or do they include it during the end month salary (Dec-31)?
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papajoe
Member
Flying to KSA on 29th of December, 2023.
Posts: 46
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Post by papajoe on Dec 24, 2023 9:31:03 GMT
Relocation allowance and cash-in-lieu are paid with the first salary, provided that you have requested the cash-in-lieu. I believe this should be done online after you join. Relocation allowance doesn't need to be requested.
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tamsin
Senior VIP Expat
Posts: 655
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Post by tamsin on Dec 25, 2023 7:04:54 GMT
As Papajoe says, it’ll be in your first salary. You need to be in kingdom around the 12th to meet the cut off for payday on the 27th.
If you miss the cut off there is a cash advance if it’s really needed.
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Mister_Oizo
Member
Posts: 27
Job Status: Accepted Aramco Job
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Post by Mister_Oizo on Dec 26, 2023 5:29:32 GMT
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jsam
Senior Member
Joining in March 2023
Posts: 261
Job Status: Aramco Employee
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Post by jsam on Dec 26, 2023 5:49:20 GMT
Just be mindful that you won't get paid till you open bank account for which you will need Iqama. It could easily be almost 1.5 to 2 months before you get any money. Do bring card or cash with you to survive. It took me almost 2 months to get first money.
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tamsin
Senior VIP Expat
Posts: 655
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Post by tamsin on Dec 26, 2023 6:28:20 GMT
Just be mindful that you won't get paid till you open bank account for which you will need Iqama. It could easily be almost 1.5 to 2 months before you get any money. Do bring card or cash with you to survive. It took me almost 2 months to get first money. I don’t know if that’s a payroll thing but on Global you can send it anywhere, just need a bank account. No requirement for a Saudi bank, ever. Edited to add, not ever, they won’t send to Russian accounts. |
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jsam
Senior Member
Joining in March 2023
Posts: 261
Job Status: Aramco Employee
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Post by jsam on Dec 26, 2023 9:55:25 GMT
Just be mindful that you won't get paid till you open bank account for which you will need Iqama. It could easily be almost 1.5 to 2 months before you get any money. Do bring card or cash with you to survive. It took me almost 2 months to get first money. I don’t know if that’s a payroll thing but on Global you can send it anywhere, just need a bank account. No requirement for a Saudi bank, ever. Edited to add, not ever, they won’t send to Russian accounts. That's true, for global they can pay in foreign account but expenses will be in saudi and hence better for new comers to come with cash for contingencies. E.g. sce fee can't be paid with foreign cards and hence one can handover cash to someone in return they can pay with their local card. |
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Mister_Oizo
Member
Posts: 27
Job Status: Accepted Aramco Job
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Post by Mister_Oizo on Dec 28, 2023 1:21:19 GMT
Just be mindful that you won't get paid till you open bank account for which you will need Iqama. It could easily be almost 1.5 to 2 months before you get any money. Do bring card or cash with you to survive. It took me almost 2 months to get first money. I don’t know if that’s a payroll thing but on Global you can send it anywhere, just need a bank account. No requirement for a Saudi bank, ever. Edited to add, not ever, they won’t send to Russian accounts. Based on your experience, which bank doesn't require Iqama, and can easily transfer money anywhere abroad?
That means, if we arrive mid December or End December we will only get our first pay on January 26, 2024?
Can I seek assistance during Onboarding orientation on how to get petty cash (Reimbursement expense), or they don't even cash out at all? |
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jsam
Senior Member
Joining in March 2023
Posts: 261
Job Status: Aramco Employee
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Post by jsam on Dec 28, 2023 3:33:45 GMT
No cash handout is given. You can't open account in ksa without iqama.
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papajoe
Member
Flying to KSA on 29th of December, 2023.
Posts: 46
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Post by papajoe on Dec 28, 2023 10:18:10 GMT
How's the rates at the airport? I tried to get Saudi Riyals at Amsterdam Schiphol airport and I think they took me for a fool and offered me three riyals per euro. I politely declined.
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Post by BlueStaff on Dec 28, 2023 13:03:17 GMT
Simple method is salary gets sent to your home account until such time as you have an account set up in kingdom.
Withdraw a chunk of cash from local ATM using your home bank card every time you need it. When it runs out, withdraw another chunk of cash. Sure it will sting a little with exchange, but nothing like the scalping that the airport will take.
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papajoe
Member
Flying to KSA on 29th of December, 2023.
Posts: 46
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Post by papajoe on Dec 28, 2023 13:35:59 GMT
OK so I'm stuck here now with an envelope full of euros so I just checked with Sharhan Exchange and they buy euros for 4.35 while the going rate is 4.17 now, so that's a 4-5% premium I would be paying. The premium for exchanging USD for SAR is much smaller - almost spot rate.
My international accounts should work in any case but this information might be useful for others.
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jsam
Senior Member
Joining in March 2023
Posts: 261
Job Status: Aramco Employee
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Post by jsam on Dec 28, 2023 15:05:52 GMT
Some confusion here. Aramco does not need a Saudi bank account in order to deposit your salary and other payments. Bring your bank card from home and use that, some banks work on interchange rates with zero fees, these are the best options. Otherwise might need to bight the bullet and pay a bit in fx until you get your local account open. When you get this open you can split your Aramco salary into two accounts. You will though require a Saudi account to pay government taxes and fees associated with iqama, visas etc…AND you can’t open a Saudi account until you have your iqama. Just bring a decent amount of cash,take you local bank card and you will be fine. Aramco don’t do cash advances as far as I’m aware. Just to add, international bank payment option is only for those joining on global payroll. |
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Post by BlueStaff on Dec 28, 2023 16:52:37 GMT
OK so I'm stuck here now with an envelope full of euros so I just checked with Sharhan Exchange and they buy euros for 4.35 while the going rate is 4.17 now, so that's a 4-5% premium I would be paying. The premium for exchanging USD for SAR is much smaller - almost spot rate. My international accounts should work in any case but this information might be useful for others. You will probably be able to sell them at face value to someone on camp 9nce you get settled. |
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