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3/17/2001 23:09 EST
" Pay Day: All positions are paid monthly (usually the 1st of the month) by check, in Saudi Riyals. The checks can be cashed at the compound or at any bank. Money can be exchanged and transferred to your home account by telex or bank draft for a small fee. (Contact your local bank.) <P> Currency: The Saudi Riyal is a strong currency internationally and maintains a fairly constant rate of exchange. Generally the US Dollar equals 3.75 SR. Canadian dollar exchange are based on the US dollar value and the market exchange rate between the US dollar and the Canadian dollar. See the Currency Converter (During early 1999, the exchange between the US dollar and the Canadian dollar was about 1.50+ Canadian dollars for each US dollar.) <P> Salary: Your contract will indicate your monthly salary in Riyals. Generally, each 1,000 SR salary per month is equal to $3,200 US dollars per year. A salary of 10,000 SR/month would be equal to $32,000 per year. (Based on an exchange of 3.75 SR per US dollar). At current exchange rates, 10,000 SR/month would equal about $43,200 Canadian/year. <P> Tax Exemption: According to US IRS regulations, you can exempt up to $70,000 per year from federal income tax provided you are employed by a foreign corporation and that you are out of the US for 330 days in any 365 day period. It does not matter when money is transferred to US banks but rather when you are in the US. (Contact the IRS and ask for Publication #54 and IRS Form #2555.) IRS Publications Canadian tax law does differ. Please check with official federal and state government agencies for details and regulations. <P> Work hours: The work week is 40 hours with 8 hour shifts depending on the assigned unit, your job and the employer. This will be specified in your contract. <P> Overtime: For most staff level positions, overtime (time and one half) is paid for approved hours over 40 in any week but only if it is specified in your contract. <P> Uniforms: Depending on the type of job or profession, if the employer requires uniforms they are usually provided by the employer. <P> Language: Because the staff is multi-national, English is the common work language. All of our jobs require full fluency in English. Interpreters help in communicating with Saudi clients. Most Saudi professionals are fluent in both written and spoken English in addition to other languages. However, there will be ample opportunity to learn Arabic. <P> Amenities: The housing complexes are usually nicely landscaped with gardens and recreational facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, recreation halls, cafeterias, small grocery stores, hair dressers and banks. Just about everything you need for daily living is in easy reach and there are opportunities to socialize with the staff. <P> Shopping: Shopping is a true temptation throughout the Kingdom. Many luxury items such as gold, rugs and French perfume are very reasonably priced because they are not as heavily taxed. Electronics such as cameras and radios are also good buys. ""If you know where to look"" goes the local saying, you can find just about anything. The Kingdom boasts some of the most spectacular shopping malls in the large cities and some of the most interesting Bedouin ""souks"" where you could purchase such items as a camel saddle, frankincense, Bedouin silver jewelry and craft items. <P> Groceries: Grocery stores are plentiful throughout the Kingdom and competition helps to keep the prices in line. Although you can find American name brand processed foods like KIX or Cheerios in most stores, these types of food are more expensive. Basic groceries such as eggs, cheese, bread, meats and vegetables are fairly reasonable and plentiful. Most housing complexes feature a grocery store but there are also larger stores in town. <P> Restaurants: If you get homesick, even small towns may host American style establishments like Wendys or Pizza Hut. Of course there are bound to be more traditional foods available at ""middle eastern"" concerns (don''t miss out on schwarma) along with a fair share of Chinese & Indian food. <P> Female Attire: You should bring comfortable casual clothes such as jeans or slacks, long sleeve shirts, long skirts and warm sweaters. When you are shopping or in public places, inside or outside the compound grounds, your arms and legs should be covered as much as possible. The abaya, a long black garment, should be worn over your clothing everywhere in Saudi Arabia. All Saudi women cover their head and face in addition to wearing the Abaya. Ex patriot women do not. <P> Radio & Television: The national Saudi Arabian radio station broadcasts in Arabic (AM) and English (PM). Short wave radio broadcasts of the Voice of America (VOA), British Broadcasting Company (BBC) and other stations are popular. Saudi Television has 2 channels, one in Arabic and one in English. Recently the cable news network, CNN, is also available. In some areas that are serviced by ""dishes"" many channels from various countries can be viewed. VCRs are very popular and tapes are easy to locate. <P> Videos & CDs: Most communities have a central staff library which provides a video tape or book exchange. Some first run videos are available in the Kingdom although they are not ""official"" copies. Musical tapes are easily available and CD''s can be found. However, music stores are sometimes shut down, from time to time, by the Mattawah. There are many book and stationary stores where you can even find New York Times best sellers on the shelves. <P> NOTE: Do not bring any pornographic material into Saudi Arabia. <P> Safety: Because alcohol and drugs are totally restricted and because only the military is permitted to own guns, the streets are much safer than in most cities in North America. The government maintains tight control on it''s citizens and expatriots. The important aspect to remember is don''t commit any offenses, as the penalties are harsh. One of the most dangerous activities is driving. Because of the new highways drivers travel at high speeds. So do be careful. <P>Pets: Due to the large number of abandoned animals, pets must be left at home. Importation of cats into the Kingdom is prohibited. You may be able to bring a dog but it is a long involved process. You may adopt one of the many stray cats or dogs while in country. <P> Transportation: Transportation will be provided in the form of a car or shuttle service to and from the work site. <P>NOTE: Women can NOT drive anywhere in Saudi Arabia. <P>Packing: Most positions provide fully furnished housing. Mostly you want to pack your clothes and shoes. We suggest that you buy two of the biggest suitcases you can find and pack them full. Most employers do NOT provide excess baggage allowance. Do not take kitchen utensils, bedding, televisions and VCRs as these are readily available in the Kingdom and may already be included in your housing. Besides, Saudi Arabia uses the European PAl standard so VCR''s and some TV''s will not work in the Kingdom. <P>Forbidden items: Do not take alcohol, illegal drugs, pornography of any type and pork products. These items are forbidden in the Kingdom and will be confiscated in customs. <P>Your passport: Your employer is your official sponsor and are required to hold your passport when you are in the Kingdom. The employer is technically responsible and accountable for you. Duplicate passports can be obtained from the U.S. government or Embassy if this makes you nervous. <P> Religion: Islam is the only recognized religion in the Kingdom. There are no churches, temples or other public places of worship except Mosques. Many expatriates gather in small, informal, private worship. "
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