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Post by vpainter on Jul 13, 2012 19:51:40 GMT
people do have complete Apple set ups. They work just fine. There is an Apple store in the mall.
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Post by azraeil on Jul 14, 2012 7:27:15 GMT
Apple products can be found here in Saudi but the prices are a bit higher than what you would get from the US so I would suggest buying in the US for Apple products. I have an all Apple setup at home and it works fine. (iMac and MacBook Pro).
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Post by DannyT on Aug 14, 2012 2:36:25 GMT
Apple products can be found here in Saudi but the prices are a bit higher than what you would get from the US so I would suggest buying in the US for Apple products. I have an all Apple setup at home and it works fine. (iMac and MacBook Pro).[/quote]
Good information! Thanks! I'm probably going to spring for the new retina Mac book pro. Nice to know it'll work just fine in the KSA.
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Post by expatwife on Aug 14, 2012 8:54:59 GMT
We are almost two weeks here. Just got internet today Just want to share our experience. Our waiting in the immigration line was only 20 mins, mostly because we came with our kids and one of them is a toddler, so they open a new line for family with kids. We were second in that line. Custom was smooth, the only luggage checked was the one that I packed sauce which bottle came in the same dimension as wine bottle. Wished we would've known that we can bring 3 luggage of 70 lbs for each of us. On Emirate site and on our e-tickets only say 2, but in the airport, the rep was telling us that ours came with 3. So glad we brought lots of food items that I know won't be easy to find here. and I follow the recommendation that has been posted in this forum about what to bring. (also bring all toys). things that I wished that I brought are: a good knife (the knife that's prepared in the house is pretty bad, I can barely cut orange), cutting board, peeler, and strainer. I did bring my favorite pan, and spatulas. The compound is nice, clean and very green. Better than we expected and we've seen photos. We also like our house, and surprisingly, this house has quite a lot of stoe. We come in the middle of Ramadhan, so eating and drinking in public is not allowed, but it hasn't been an issue for us other than we don't bring the kids to mall due to that. Our iqama came out only in 3 days after we got our blood checked. The satelite TV we subscribed has all the shows and news we watch back in the states, so that's awesome. Lastly, our internet got installed today, 2 wks after we arrived. Although, it feels much longer for not having internet. If you have family coming with you, renting a car is a must. Getting taxi is not easy, and bus schedule is hard to deal with if you have kids and the hot weather. We didn't even try. Majestic was out of car for rent first day we called but we got one the second day. Now, can't wait for our ebox to arrive. Need my vacuum cleaner.
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Post by DannyT on Aug 15, 2012 14:56:30 GMT
Good insights here. So, to be clear, can any Aramco expat bring 3 luggage pieces or are there restrictions? Its not a special arrangement for families? Im taking the cash option as I'm single and not attached to my furniture/stuff so was hoping to bring 3 bags of stuff (clothing, computer, foodstuffs, etc.).
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Post by expatwife on Aug 21, 2012 11:37:18 GMT
@ Danny, Depends on the airline. We went with Emirates which in the e ticket said only 2 luggages. It may be best to contact them directly.
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Post by Hsara on Aug 21, 2012 22:50:57 GMT
@ Danny,
KLM only allows 2 pieces per passanger - arrived from London last Monday and paid ~ £175 per extra piecs
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Post by divenpuff on Aug 22, 2012 12:35:46 GMT
Will you be reimbursed Hsara for the 175 quid per piece?
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Post by mamaille on Sept 12, 2012 0:35:46 GMT
DannyT, can I travel with knives in my checked in luggage? Also, do you know if the issues with spices and food applies to the ebox? I read in one of the forums that we can pack our spices in the ebox.
Thanks a lot.
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Post by vpainter on Sept 12, 2012 16:48:26 GMT
Yes, you may put your spices in your ebox.
I would think that you can travel with knives in your checked luggage. Call the airline and verify.
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Post by MANTARAY on Sept 21, 2012 13:29:20 GMT
o key west, I am, mantaray new hire and in process, do you have an update for the forum regarding your first month or so? thanks
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Post by vpainter on Sept 24, 2012 5:52:47 GMT
Most people have their excess baggage fees reimbursed after arriving and after filling out and submitting the paperwork.
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Post by expatwife on Sept 29, 2012 10:16:32 GMT
For us, any cost we incur (extra luggage, accomodation, etc) can't be reimbursed. Aramco give extra month pay on first paycheck and that extra pay is to cover expenses for moving etc. I believe that's how they do it now.
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Post by malaika on Sept 30, 2012 16:42:11 GMT
Dan, you can bring the apple PC. It is more economical to buy it in USA and bring it with you. If you need assistance with your product you can go to Bhahrain (nice weekend trip) or the main mall in Al Khobar (name is one apple website) has an approved apple vendor/repair service.
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Post by SQCali on Aug 12, 2013 17:42:17 GMT
Hi Key West Have you heard or seen the location(s) and set up options for female singles GC11+ housing in Dhahran? It would be helpful to know which area is most convenient to get to the office and which may have a stronger sense of community. My hope is that one area will have both elements going for it.
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