|
|
Post by Nonno on Jul 19, 2012 2:03:07 GMT
o! I've just been told that my visa physical paper work is on its way so this is really beginning to feel real!  My relocation advisor tells me that if all goes well, I should be in Saudi by the end of August. I understand this means I won't get my first paycheck until October. Can anyone suggest how much cash on hand I should bring for that first month? I'm traveling single and will be living in bachelor housing, if I'm not mistaken (Dhahran, I think). I'm glad I found this site. Thank you to all for all the great advice! Nonno |
|
|
|
Post by vpainter on Jul 19, 2012 16:57:06 GMT
You don't say where you are coming from. So if from the U.S. or UK (these I know for sure) you can bring checks for your checking account and write checks at the NCB bank on camp to have cash once here - a check for $2000 USD/week can be written receiving 7460SR. There are ATM's but using your ATM card will have fees attached according to your bank policy, but is also available. So you don't need to carry alot of cash with you.
Some on the forum have recommended you get some Saudi Riyals before coming, others exchange money at the airport on arrival. Do what feels comfortable for you.
Welcome to Aramco and Dhahran!
|
|
|
|
Post by gareth0127 on Jul 19, 2012 18:10:16 GMT
if you arrive at the end of august or early Sept you will get paid at the end of Sept
|
|
|
|
Post by Overland on Jul 19, 2012 19:27:43 GMT
That's fast! I am assuming that you were told that you would be having your passports returned with the visas included. If so, it appears that was done in 3 weeks based on your previous posts. I am pushing 8 weeks since submittal to ASC with no word.
I would be prepared to make a big grocery shopping trip when I get there. Those "starting from nothing" trips always amount to a fair bit of money. I am expecting to spend 1000-2000SAR at Lulu's immediately. Then there are the other things that you need that wouldn't fit in your luggage. On the other hand, daily living costs were pretty low. Laundry and dry cleaning is REALLY cheap (compared to the US). I had a hard time spending more than 100SAR a day on food and incidentals during my contractor visits. We plan on bringing a small stack of cash to purchase a car. Hoping to use a CC on other purchases at the major retailers. Otherwise, this is a cash based society like it was in the west about 30 years ago.
|
|
|
|
Post by vpainter on Jul 19, 2012 19:42:22 GMT
If using CC's then you need to notify your CC company that you will be living in KSA. CC's have a tendency to be blocked after first use to prevent fraud can be a hassle at point of purchase.
Also, CC's charge you international adjustment fees, sometimes a % of purchase. So know your CC's fee schedule.
Also, be aware that some businesses here charge a small percentage fee for using CC's here. Ask up front to decide if you're going to pay it, try to negotiate not paying it, etc.
|
|
|
|
Post by Nonno on Jul 20, 2012 1:14:49 GMT
Thank you for your response. No, haven't been told anything about the visa or passport yet. I haven't even been told that I've passed the background check however, since I received the visa medical paperwork today, I'm thinking positive! As for time frame, I interviewed May 2nd and received the offer May 30th according to the date stamp. Then it was two or three weeks before I heard from the Relocation Advisor. I heard from the BI Monday last week but as I said, I haven't learned his results yet. Two days ago, the Medical staff emailed me to let me know the visa medical paperwork was on its way. The chest x-ray, blood work, and parasite samples are completed and the TB skin test begins tomorrow with the read on Monday. So hopefully, the relocation advisor's estimation that I'll be in the Kingdom by August 31st is a good one, though if it were up to me, I'd be there now  I'm used to traveling for weeks at a time with limited items in my kit so can do without some things until I decide what to replace and what to have my family ship. I'm thinking I can do without the car for now but am considering a scooter or a bike. I need to lose some weight anyway so a bike would be good.... at least for a few weeks if nothing else. I'm looking forward to finalizing the process and making the trip. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything's good and I'll be in Kingdom by next month. Thanks again for your reply and good luck to you as well! Nonno |
|
|
|
Post by Nonno on Jul 20, 2012 1:17:56 GMT
Thank you for your response and your kind welcome! Yes, you're right, I did forget to mention that I'm arriving from the US. I had planned to pick up local currency at the airport prior to leaving. I've also notified my banks that I plan on being out of the country for a bit and will be using the credit and debit cards internationally so I'm good to go there.
|
|
|
|
Post by Texas786 on Jul 28, 2012 17:25:41 GMT
We took $1500 USD which was just about right. That's because I paid cash $700 USD for a rent-a-car (1 month rental) the next day. The place was off-camp and looked a bit shady and I didn't want to use my credit card. I also bought two sim cards and an internet device from STC for about 500 Saudi Riyals. You really don't need to bring more than 200-300 USD to use at airports (which accept USD payment and return local currency for change). The rest of our money we withdrew from the on camp ATM's and ATM's at the malls.
|
|
My relocation advisor tells me that if all goes well, I should be in Saudi by the end of August. I understand this means I won't get my first paycheck until October. Can anyone suggest how much cash on hand I should bring for that first month? I'm traveling single and will be living in bachelor housing, if I'm not mistaken (Dhahran, I think).
