Uman
Senior Member
Posts: 161
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Post by Uman on Feb 23, 2012 1:31:25 GMT
o from the land down under.
I want to enquire about a few things from an Australian point of view. I am going through Background check atm....and have an offer for a position and residence at RT.
Banking; I have been told that it is necessary to open a local bank account for salary to be deposited in. Are the local banks safe and reliable? Internet banking available...? How about for international funds transfer?
Non Residencey Status... For the salary to be Tax free you need to declare yourself as a non resident for tax purposes here in Australia. How does that go with Drving Licenece? Are there any issues I need to be aware of...? I dont own a property.
Water..... I hear there are water issues at RT.....How much of a difference is it really?
Lifestyle...... Is the lifestyle bearable? A chance to meet people? play some music? enjoy life as much as possible?
Food.... Is there much variety with food? Or is it all Kabsa and dates?
Regards,
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Post by Carolina on Feb 23, 2012 4:10:25 GMT
o we have a friend that has just started work for Aramco and he has a home in Perth Australia - he is now a resident although he originally is from Scotland - he would indeed be a good contact for you and he also lives here on RT - if you PM me I will give you his details - you will find him very helpful and he will have good and up to date information for you.
As to food here - there are all kinds of foods to sample here everything from Chinese to Curries - we buy a lot of meat here from Australia and New Zealand we do not like the local meat as it is far too tough for our us even if you try and cook it a long time.
Nearby RT is the fish market in Rahima where you can buy wonderful variety of fresh fish including large shrimps - great for the BBQ! there is also an excellent Western butcher based in Rahima.
Fruit/vegetables are plentiful and I was informed that bananas in Australia are very expensive but they are very cheap.
We often buy fresh fruit and make lovely smoothies.
The main large supermarkets in Khobar will stock everything that you should need - also there of course is always Bahrain nearby to get the extra treats that perhaps you cannot find in KSA.
Our local Commissary here on RT is quite poor - they often run out of stock of certain items and the Commissary is very expensive so we only use it for basic items such as milk, eggs etc.
The water in RT is both sweet water from the tap in the kitchen and the rest throughout the house to wash in etc is raw water - for rinsing hair etc I use the sweet water in the tap in the kitchen - some people here do drink the sweet water but we choose not to - we use bottled water for drinking and for cooking as well.
There is a lot to do in all the Aramco compounds - many different activities so you should never be bored.
All the best
Carolina
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Post by GroveWanderer on Feb 23, 2012 5:49:42 GMT
I posted this on another thread - for those who have a bunch of questions about the lifestyle, availability of food, activities etc.
I have to say I am slightly surprised that so many people who are so close to coming here seem to have so little clue about life here - don't the recruiters give you a rundown on things? From the questions that keep getting repeated, it would seem not.*
I would say everyone who is coming here should take a look at this video, bearing in mind the caveat I mentioned earlier, that this is part of the company PR. Nothing in it is untrue, but obviously it paints a slightly rosy view of things.
*This is not meant as a criticism of the potential employees, but more of the recruitment process. It seems that not enough info about the various aspects of the lifestyle here, is being imparted to prospective recruits.
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Uman
Senior Member
Posts: 161
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Post by Uman on Feb 24, 2012 2:38:16 GMT
Ive actually done a lot of research and reading from this website. I find that with people from different countries have different ideas of netiquette, and thus was after a few views from fellow countrymen who are actually there....if any are there...? Its a small world though right? I will do my medical next week for the visa. The final decision is approaching quickly. I only wish to be fully informed....and in posing these questions information is gleaned about fellow employees and life in RT and Aramco. 8) Oh and they gave me the promo video after the interview. Thanks for your post too Carolina.  PS. Last week of Summer here, went for a run and swim at the beach this morning. It was great.....lots of girls around also exercising.....gonna miss that! |
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Post by Carolina on Feb 24, 2012 5:27:31 GMT
o Uman I spoke with our Scottish friend and he said I could PM you with his contact details so do check your messages. All the best with your medical it is always a relief to get it out of the way and then all being well you will have a better idea of your start date with Aramco. Regards Carolina  |
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Post by xmagic on Mar 7, 2012 3:07:56 GMT
Hey Uman,
I have also being recruited from Australia for a teaching position. I am still waiting on the results of my medical and background check, have you heard anything about a departure date yet? You can PM me if you want.
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