About cpiraino

Currently Lives:

Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

Saudi Arabia: 330 days out of USA:

As long as you don't stay long in the USA over Christmas you should be OK. It's actually a 365 day rule but you can go back for less than 30 days in the first year. Good luck

Saudi Arabia: Moving to Riyadh:

Welcome to the Monkey House! Riyadh is a wild place and depending upon where you are from be prepared to adapt your life! I am a RN at a private hospital and was in culture shock for about 3 months. I am over it now. Do not bring any electronics here. The power system is different and the plugs don't fit. Bring enough protein powder for a few months as it may take a while until you have figured out the navigation system and location for a place that you can buy it. Life is what you make of it here. There are groups for anything imaginable. In use "Strong VPN" and for the most part it works well. I also use a "Slingbox" from Directv and connect to DirectTV via the Internet as the TV options for English speaking stations is minimal. Welcome and have a safe trip. Carlo

Saudi Arabia: Expat wife arrives first:

Know that you will be treated as a "single" woman until your husband arrives. This means you need. Driver to take you everywhere, no socializing with men unless you are in a westernized area. Make sure you bring your original marriage certificate with you and get it endorsed or else he will not be welcomed

Saudi Arabia: offer:

It is very cheap costvof living . Compared to NY it is about 1/2 the cost. Comparatively to the US scale of 100 being average it is about a 75

Saudi Arabia: Sakaka, Saudi Arabia:

It depends where you are from. I know that sounds like a cop out answer...but truly Riyadh is a fascinating place. Sometimes I feel I am in the 1600s and other times it is just as modern as NY or Chicago. It is still a very make dominant society. Women still wear abayas and head covers....prayer times dominate the schedule of people whether you are Arab or not as the country shuts down 5 times a day during prayer times There is a lot of things to do if you look for them. The embassies are very busy with activities and you do not have to be a citizen of the host country to enjoy their activities. Internations membership is a must. It is the other main source of recreation and socialization in the country. If you are up for adventure and don't mind tardiness and limited planning for things to do, you will enjoy your stay

Date Joined:

10/28/2015

Total Posts:

7

Posts/Day:

0.01