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Egypt: Moving to Maadi from US:
Hi there. First of all, good luck on your move to Egypt.
In regards to your kids, depending on how old they are, I would just take the basic necessities to keep them entertained for a couple of months. You can find a lot of store and such here where you can buy almost anything else.
As for flying. Don't take Egypt Air. Lufthansa, British Airways and Swiss are all nice airlines to come here, but they will take you via Europe. IF you want to get here direct, then Egypt Air is possibly your only option. I think they fly from NY.
Egypt: Moving to Cairo in August:
HI there. LE1,000 is nothing. Depending on where your school is I would definitely try to get something close. Good areas are Zamalek, & Maadi. Apartemnts there are average LE3,000.
Egypt: Cairo nightlife as a woman?:
Hi kokolatte,
good luck on your upcoming move. I have been in and out of Cairo for the past 18 yrs. Over this time it has improved greatly, nevertheless it still comes with it's challenges.
In regards to dress. In public the dress is slightly conservative. But when entering hotels, night clubs or bars, it becomes a little more risque'.
Keep an open mind when coming here. There are things that are in your control and things that are not. Not get annoyed by the things that are out of your control. I'll actually be more than happy to email you some things :-)
If you want to get a head start and check out the night life...check out http://www.cairodining.com/ It has some nice places.
Good luck.
Regards,
Mark
Saudi Arabia: Moving to jeddah:
Dear Strasbourg,
good luck on you move to Jeddah. It is one of the more easier going cities in KSA, but nevertheless still strict.
As for living here...well definitely live on a compound. There are a few good ones...they are called Arabian Homes Andalus and Arabian Homes Sierre. Another good one is called Hajarayn. There is a very large one called Sharbatly, but it's average.
Pricing for a 2 bedroom will start you at about SR65,000 per year (US$17,300)....some will top out at about SR110,000 (US$29,300)...normally compounds want their money paid a full year in advance but if you negotiate they will let you pay 6 months.
Some will offer you furnished and unfurnished. I recommend getting furnished for a few months until you get a feel for the place...but then you should buy your own if you intend on staying for at least 2 yrs. Ikea is here and so are other places that offer decent furniture at a fair price.
As for women's freedom in the compounds...no problem..shorts and bikini's...so don't worry there.
Schools...there are a couple of good ones. There is one called the Continental which I hear good things about.
What else can I tell you....well, I suggest you read through some of the other postings to get an idea what to bring and not to bring.
Good luck...
Regards,
MK
Saudi Arabia: Heading to Jeddah:
First of all, congratulations on taking one of the hardest decisions in your life. My best tip I can give you to be able to survive in Saudi is the following: come with the thought in mind that you are only coming here to make money and gain some excellent experience. If you can do that, then the rest is bonus. Now to answer some of your questions.
1. There are many single men and women in their 20's and 30's here. There is a large community of foreigners who congregate on a regular basis. Best thing to do is register with your embassy when you get here, they will be able to lead you in the right direction. As for the compounds, prepare to spend at least SR35,000 for a decent one. One bedrooms range from SR30,000 to SR65,000 per year and many compounds want the rent paid in advance. Some will take full year, others may be willing to take 6 month.
2. I am not going to answer this question as I never know who reads these...let's just say you should not worry, but be careful.
3- Depending on the book. IF you bring the Bible, they will confiscate it. If you bring a math book then they won't. Just don't bring any unnecessary items with you. When passing customs, they tend to check first timers more than people who have lived there for a long time. So if you want to bring in anything, wait until the next time. If you bring movies, they will sit with you and watch them....
4- I personally don't know of teams, but have heard of people getting together to play. Or you can just befriend some Saudis here and play with them. Many are avid soccer players. Furthermore I am sure your embassy will know.
That's it. I wish you the best of luck.
-Mark
Saudi Arabia: relocation to Riyadh:
IL,
for accommodation you need to budget at least SR30,000 for a decent compound. The range for one bedrooms is between SR30,000 and the high end is about SR65,000 on compounds like Arabian Homes & Lotus. These are normally unfurnished.
If you take furnished it will depend. Some will provide oven, fridge, and washer, others like Sharbatly Village will rent them to you. If you want to be here for a while, I suggest you get unfurnished and buy at Ikea located on Waly El Ahd St. You can get Furniture for a bedroom & living room for around SR6,000.
As for maid service, I would talk to people on your compound. They may refer someone to you. Maid cost around SR300 per month and they come at least 2 times a week.
In regards to 4x4's....you can get a new Nissan Pathfinder for about SR86,000. THey're great cars...
Good luck!
-M.
Saudi Arabia: Activities in Jeddah:
Launching a social life in Jeddah is difficult at first, but it will happen. First of all, I hope that you are at least living in a compound, because if not it will make your stay here a little more difficult.
There are many 'functions' at some of the consulates. The US and British usually have a couple each month, some with theme nights.
Then you have the beaches in Obhur. That's about a 20-30 min drive outside of town. A decent place to meet people.
Then you have the local bar on Tahlia...cool place to hang out...darts...alcohol...JUST KIDDING!!
Seriously, give yourself some time, but it will happen. Good luck!!
M.
Saudi Arabia: Will be moving to Jeddah in a few weeks:
Hi Alexis, i have been reading the thread.
I am a German citizenand recently moved to Jeddah about a month ago and am currently waiting to move into a compound. I have female friends (I am male) who have no problem whatsoever living here. They are nurses working for King Faisal Hospital. Granted you have to change your 'lifestyle' but it is doable.
It is true that you must find a good compound. The last thing you want to do is go home to somewhere you don't want to be. If you need a list of some, I can send you some names. Be prepared to pay between SR40,000 to SR70,000 for a one bedroom. US$1=SR3.75.
The Saudi people are normally good and hospitable people. I have many friends who are Saudi's, some whom I have known for 20 years. (I used to live in Riyadh up until the age of 14). As with ANY country in the world, you will find good ones and bad ones. You must judge for yourself.
I wish you luck on your search.
-Mark
Saudi Arabia: Single Muslim American female in Riyadh:
HI. I have not lived in Saudi for a while now (but will be moving there shortly) but I can tell you a few things:
1. women cannot drive
2. you will need to cover most of your body when you go out in public.
3. your best bet is to live on a compound.
4. good luck!
Saudi Arabia: Compensation Package:
Thanks again for your reply. Is there a way I can contact you directly via email? Mine is gemini72@cheerful.com. I have some more things I would like to ask.
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