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Post by the_only_way_is_up on Jan 27, 2012 17:09:05 GMT
Sorry two completely unconnected topics... I should be (subject to passing my visa medical) arriving in Saudi in April time. Can someone kindly let me know the 2012 public holidays in Saudi? I need to try and figure out when I'll be making my visit back home etc and knowing my "free" days off would be very useful... Also, I understand the plug sockets on campus are of the US variety? Are the sockets two or three pin? I ask only because I'll probably need to bring transformers with me (most of my uk appliances need 220v I believe) and most of the ones ive looked at have a three pin US adapter on them... Thanks in advance  Lucy |
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Post by Colts18 on Jan 27, 2012 17:56:16 GMT
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Post by gareth0127 on Jan 27, 2012 19:51:08 GMT
In regards to plugs and sockets there are loads of good posts with lots of info so it's worth doing a search but the basics are:
-you will have at least 1 220v socket in the kitchen, many people have had others around the home changed.
-almost every appliance you buy here has a Uk style plug. You will need adaptors(which are poor quality here) or you can buy the correct style plug here and change them.
-if you look at your Uk appliances (and ones you buy here) you will find a lot of them are rated 100-240v 50/60hz so they can be used without transformer. (we brought several appliances from uk and we do not need to use a transformer anywhere in our home,also, a decent quality one with a good power output will be expensive, very big and ugly)
-Saco in khobar seems to be selling more 110v stuff these days, I'm not sure what plugs are on those items but it's very easy to buy the correct style plug and change it yourself
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Post by the_only_way_is_up on Jan 28, 2012 10:54:12 GMT
Thank you both for your replies.
My concern is: according to a post I read on here, the apartments secretaries are given do NOT have a higher voltage power point in the kitchen! Im not shipping my belongings over as I don't have that much to bring so I need to pack all I initially need onto the plane. I keep reading that it's difficult to find 110v appliances particularly vacuum cleaners. I don't think I'll easily find a 110v vac in UK and based on the 250v one I currently own, these are not dual voltage... Is it really that difficult to find a 110 vac? I won't need a fancy one - I don't think there'll be much floor space to clean, just one that works a fairly well.
Will I be able to go off compound before I get my iqama (to go to malls etc) or am I stuck on compound until it arrives?
Sorry for bein a neurotic pain in the rear...
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Post by vpainter on Jan 31, 2012 1:21:56 GMT
You will have an Aramco ID and be able to ride the shopping bus prior to having an iqama. You can take a taxi with Your ID as well.
I bought my 110V vacuum at SACO. They can be found, just not a lot of choices.
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