i'll be there next month.. help?

arienejoy_04
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Posts: 2

i'll be there next month.. help? Jun 29, 2012 19:11:52 GMT

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Post by arienejoy_04 on Jun 29, 2012 19:11:52 GMT

Good day! First of, thanks for this forum. I have been reading this site ever since I got my offer. However, it seems that I still have specific questions that I need to be answered. I noticed that almost if not all topics here are from the engineering dept and inquiries about families and stuff. Well, I am a pharmacist from the Philippines. So I would be working in the healthcare side. Is there someone here connected to healthcare? Please pm me.

I also have a few more questions:
1. When would be the best time to buy SAR? Is it before I get there or upon my arrival, at the airport?
2. Where would I buy sim card for my mobile? And can I use my phone with a Saudi sim?
3. In my accommodation, do I share it with other employees? Can I see pictures?
4. They say that the house I am about to be assigned is already fully furnished. What then are the things that I have to bring? Do I still have to bring kitchen things like pots and pans? How about pillows? Is it provided?
3. I worry about the internet connection. Can I use the internet as soon as I arrive?
4. I learned that women are not allowed to drive. However, are there any school where I can have driving lessons?
5. During the orientation, we were told that there are numerous classes with which you can enroll. I was just wondering, is it free? Is there any french lessons offered? How about swimming lessons?
6. Where would be the best and cheapest place to buy stuffs like food, clothes, books, toys and gadgets?
7. As what I've told, I think I would be there next month. One of my GREATEST concern. During the orientation, we were told that you can have your month long or LEAVE the country a year after you are hired. So for example I am there by July 2012, I can leave the country for a vacation on August 2013. But, would it be possible that I go home and LEAVE the country April 2013, even if I arrived July 2012?
8. Lastly, I noticed I don't read any posts from Filipinos here. If it happens that there is, can you pls pm me?

Thanks in advance for those who would be kind enough to answer my post

vpainter
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i'll be there next month.. help? Jun 30, 2012 4:46:18 GMT

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Post by vpainter on Jun 30, 2012 4:46:18 GMT

Welcome to Aramco!

I recommend you buy SAR's in the airport on arrival.

If your phone is unlocked and a triband or quadband phone it will work with a KSA sim card. You can buy one in the commissary or in the Al Mujamma building in the Saudi Telecom office.

You will have minimal kitchen pots and pans, dishes, glasses, flat wear,etc. if you have favorite cooking pans bring them. Also bring a favorite coffee maker, microwave, toaster, etc small kitchen appliances. You can buy some here, but it will be very minimal choice. Bring a vacuum - - again very little choice here, but can buy here. These limited choices are for 110/120V appliances. More choices for 220V, you may have to request 220V plugs, but they are slowly installing them now. Most likely new hire homes at this time will be having 220v plugs when renovated for the new resident.
There will be one set of sheets, a blanket and a pillow for your bed.

As soon as you get your Internet ID you will be able to use the dial up service in your home. You can request DSL after arrival. Fiber optic is in limited areas.

You might could sign up for driving lessons with the Returning Students driving instructors in the summer each year. Check with recreation after you arrive or the Returning Student center at least in DHA.

There are classes, but each will have a fee. The instructors are paid by the students. There has been French lessons previously offered. You will be able to get a list after you arrive from Community Services and from Adult Education. Those numbers will be available in your home. Same for swimming lessons, and check with Recreation for those.

The commissary carries a lot on camp. Then in Khobar there are several stores: Carrefour, Panda, LuLu's, Tamimi, Jarir's, Zamils. You can get to these on the shopping buses or by taxi.

You could possibly be able to take your repat vacation in April 2013 with approval from your supervisor. You might could get the time off to go on your own if you cannot get your repat approved for that time, with your supervisor's approval.

Earthsci
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Posts: 25

i'll be there next month.. help? Jun 30, 2012 5:46:43 GMT

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Post by Earthsci on Jun 30, 2012 5:46:43 GMT

I would recommend you buy at least 300 riyals before you come and bring enough cash (say 1000 USD) to support your first two months living and purchasing necessities. Airport is too busy. Arriving at the first time, you may not have chance to buy it. NCB bank at Dhahran provides good exchange rates for most circular currencies.

arienejoy_04
Newbie

Posts: 2

i'll be there next month.. help? Jun 30, 2012 13:22:46 GMT

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Post by arienejoy_04 on Jun 30, 2012 13:22:46 GMT

wow! thanks vpainter and Earthsci. That was fast!
I have few more questions though :?
1. What clothes would you suggest I bring. I mean, I know its a totally different culture there and I have to dress conservative but what clothes would be appropriate. Should I bring with me very thick clothes for the cold or some summer dresses for the heat.
2. I have learned that somebody would be picking us up from the airport and accompany us to our designated accommodations. Can I ask him then to help me in the compound. I mean accompany me to shops and all.
3. Earthsci said to bring 1000 USD. Why would I bring USD? What if I just bring SAR? Would that be just as well?
4. How does ARAMCO pay us? I mean, do I have to open an account or I will just leave it to them and they will just issue me an ATM?

Thanks for bearing with my concerns

vpainter
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i'll be there next month.. help? Jul 13, 2012 20:03:25 GMT

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Post by vpainter on Jul 13, 2012 20:03:25 GMT

Bring clothes comfortable that you enjoy wearing. You can bring whatever you feel comfortable wearing in the summer heat or the winter cold. You will want a one piece conservative swimsuit. If you go off camp you will want to dress conservatively, loose clothing, elbows covered and long pants or long ankle length dresses, and/or an abaya (which you can purchase on arrival) Fly in wearing comfortable, loose clothing as described above.

You may want a sweater or light jacket if you get cold in A/C. You may want a winter coat, once you're acclimated here, it can feel cold. Also when you travel, you may be going where you'd need a coat and winter clothes.

Inside your home you will find the numbers for the taxi companies on camp. They will take you where ever you need to go. Most of your co-workers will assist you if you ask. There is a free bus service which you can also use to go shopping.

Bringing SAR is just fine - no need to exchange or you can exchange on arrival at the airport or at the bank on camp or the AMEX office on camp.

Aramco pays by direct deposit in your home bank, or a bank account you open on camp, or both.

akoypinoy
Newbie

Posts: 3

i'll be there next month.. help? Nov 1, 2012 21:00:51 GMT

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Post by akoypinoy on Nov 1, 2012 21:00:51 GMT

@ arlenejoy_04. I am from Philippines too. Can you update how your experiences are first time you arrived KSA. Was the thread helpful? What are your challenges? What can you add as newbie to KSA traveling alone? Any suggestions for newbies who might be checking this thread.