LJAcorn
7/12/2016 11:10 EST
Hello! I am moving to Al Khobar at the end of August and had a few questions...
- is there any point in bringing any clothes from the UK (other than the basics) or should I stock up before I come. I have an 8 month old daughter.
- should I bring any kitchen appliances at all?
-other than coffee mornings etc, what else is happening for women locally? I would love to learn to horse ride. Are there any stables locally?
- are there any other recommendations for items to bring such as medicines or books?
Many thanks ??
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DebraKirkwood
7/13/2016 00:47 EST
I live in Riyadh so cannot answer questions pertaining to Al Khobar but I can tell you a few things. Don't bring any household appliances. You may have some included in your rented house. If not they are easily found in the stores and you can choose the ones that are compatible with your electricity. If you move into a compound with mainly westerners (I hope you do) there will be house parties you will want some outfits for. While you can buy clothes here you cannot try them on in the store and it is often diffiuclt or impossible to return if you buy the wrong size. I would recommend you bring a few pairs of sandles, as that is the most popular footware. Any essentail medicines should be brought with you. Many of the most commonly used drugs, such as BP meds can be bought here but bring a 6 month supply to cover you when you first arrive. Don't bring books. While there is a limited supply of books for sale, an E-reader (kindle, ipad) gives you access to any books sold in the west. Your dgter will use the ipad books when she starts to read.
Hope this has answered some of your questions. Welcome to KSA!
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LJAcorn
7/17/2016 08:52 EST
Hi Debra,
Thank you for your kind reply. Excuse the question marks at the end of my original post ( messaging on the move) TBH I am a bit worried about the move. Whilst we are going to be on a Western compound I have concerns over safety ( having said that the world seems to have gone mad everywhere of late) how have you found your time in Riyadh? I have lived abroad before ( china, India) but nothing seems to compare to KSA. The exit visa worries me in terms of general travel. How have you/your friends found this ? I am taking your advice on the appliances and not bringing anything other than my coffee machine :-) I am arriving in the next few months and am hoping its going to have been a risk worth taking!
Thanks again
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DebraKirkwood
7/17/2016 13:24 EST
The exit visa is an administrative pain in the a** but it is never denied so don't worry about that. Safety is only compromised if u put yourself in dangerous situations. Don't be seen without an abya outside the compound, don't show intoxification in public, don' t accept a ride from ANY man other than your taxi driver or husband, always wear your wedding ring when out with your husband, and be very careful crossing the street - world's worse drivers. All pretty simple things. I feel safer here than France or America, which is saying something.. I don't think security will be a big issue for u, unless you have adolescent daughters.
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Ibrahimsmith
8/25/2016 12:22 EST
Good advice from Debra. Pretty safe in KSA, Khobar. Make sure you register with US Consulate in Dammam.
Former US Consulate Warden
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