Hi. I'm a 26 year old UK educated guy moving to work in a bank in Saudi Arabia. I have had no prior experience of living in Saudi - although have spent 2 years living abroad in China (and absolutely loved it so am hoping this experience would be equally fun).

No doubt anyone in my position would have more than a few thoughts nagging in the back of my head about moving to Saudi, I was hoping someone out there would take a few minutes to answer the following concerns i have.

1. Place to live:
I'm thinking of moving into Sharbatly Village Compounds - partly because thats the only place with any kind of information on the internet but also because I've heard it mentioned a few times which must mean its ok. Its about SR32,000 for a one bedroom flat - which is the maximum housing allowance given to me by my employer. Is this good value? Is Sharbatly a good place to live? What are some of its drawbacks? Has the security situation of recent years affected the life style in a dramatic way.

2. Internet connection
What are internet connections like in Saudi? Can you get broadband internet at a reasonable price and is it fast - at least fast enough to operate skype and webcams? Do any of the Saudi ISPs have websites?

3. Telephone calls
Are telephone calls abroad expensive? How much is it to call the US or UK per minute?

4. Cable TV
What channels are available? Do you have to get your own dish? Or is there a central cable TV company offering foreing language content?

5. DVDs and CDs
I know cinemas are not allowed - but can you get DVDs (pirated or otherwise) of english films and television series?

I would be so eternally grateful to anyone who can answer these questions as I really don't know who to turn to regarding these things.

Zaal

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