Expat Advice: Moving to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Riyadh
What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?
The best information I would give to someone moving to Saudi Arabia is: do not bring anything with you that you cannot carry in your suitcase. We recently moved back to Saudi and the customs gave us a very bad time with our home shipment. They broke new furniture, charged us duty on our used electronics, put things from someone elses shipment in ours and I imagine put some of ours in someone elses. There are numerous things missing and broken. We figure it is just another way to harras Americans.
What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?
We are in a very small compound with few amenites. The hopuse is Arab style. Most expats in this area have many more amemities.
How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?
My husband chose this place because it is close to his office, and the house is large enough to accomodate us.
Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?
We have been overseas so long, I have no ida what housing costs are in the States and they do vary from state to state.
More Expat Advice about Moving to Saudi Arabia
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guestI am possibly accepting a job as a nanny.The family is from NY and moving to Saudi for 6 months. Im suprised to hear it is cold,How Cold? Can i find clothes there? What do you do for entertainment? do you feel as though your a "prisoner"? As a women,i understand I cannot drive,how do the people look at us US citizens? Can you recieve mail? What about bringing a lap top?
guestwhen we say cold we mean for us, 55 degrees is as cold as I have ever seen it.We have very nice malls and clothing stores here. It can feel a but opressive from time to time but it depwnds on your living conditions, You can bring your laptop of course, it will be a life saver.
hollyhjAs a western women,how are we treated? What are the expectations from the Local people? Can you walk about by yourself? Is it safe? I have read how women are treated and do not want to enter a situation that is unhealthy
