About pclisa

Status:

Repatriate 

Gender:

Female

Currently Lives:

Utah, United States

Citizen Of:

United States

Some Forum Posts:

Singapore: Health Insurance for Singapore:

Hello, my husband and I are considering long and short term living in Singapore, as either non or PRs. If anyone has recent experience with private health cover, would you kindly share your experiences and or recommendations? Thank you!

Denmark: moving costs and moving companies:

Hi Linda: I hope that I can help you. My family (3 sons, husband and I) have moved overseas several times and have found that large, commercial movers such as Atlas, Bekins, etc. are able to provide accurate estimates at no charge. Be sure that this is agreed up-front so there are no surprises, however. Also, be sure that you insure your goods for replacement value and that the agent for the company on the arrival end will provide customs clearance services. Good luck to you! Lisa

Saudi Arabia: What is it like being a Mum in Jeddah?:

Dear Stevie: First, let me say that I have never lived in Jeddah. My husband, three sons and I lived in Riyadh on two separate occasions, the last ending June 2002. So, in sone ways, our experience may be useful. From a woman's point of view, the Saudi experience is mixed but positive over all. Yes, I had to wear an abaya and occasionally a headscarf in 100+ degree heat. I couldn't drive (actually, didn't want to after seeing the locals' driving habits -- I used taxis or compound provided shuttles) and had to adjust to making my shopping runs between prayer times. Those were the greatest negatives, which are rather minor. I greatly enjoyed the "exoticness" of the local culture, the openess of other expats and the easier life within the compounds I lived in. Our children could run around within the confines of the compound and I had a regular maid who also babysat. If there were any problems, there were many other women with whom I could consult. Finding a good pediatrician, for instance, was no problem. One lived a couple of villas away. We had one health emergency (torn ankle ligaments) which was handled professionally and with great care by a Canadian pediatrician and a Lebanese orthopedist. The medical care was of western quality, although expensive. Be sure that you have cover through your company or privately. Re: schools, the payment arrangement depends upon your company and your job level. Our boys' tuition was paid for and was quite expensive at the International School (there are British, American and French sections). See if you can get that as part of your contract. Finally, be sure that you know and understand all the terms of your contract. Typically, there is a bonus at the end and sometimes a car included (a huge plus, since selling one can be a nightmare). If you get through all the details of such a move, have fun with it -- it's quite an adventure and one you'll reminisce about for years.

Saudi Arabia: Contract negotiations&:

A couple of other items you might want to consider when moving to Saudi Arabia: payment of tuition for all (if you have any) children to attend the international school of your choice; provision of a car, including insurance and maintenance; some choice of housing compounds. If you are being hired by a local (not multinational corp) company, be very careful about any bonus language in your contract. The possibility of getting double-crossed is great.

Saudi Arabia: Customs / personal belongings,:

Dear Paula: I returned from Riyadh a year ago, and have lived there for a total of 4 years (at 2 different times). My information is fairly up-to-date, but, given the current international climate, I would err on the side of caution by not bringing anything that could be confiscated at all. The other responses have specified most of what you may not bring into the country. However, things that I would advise you to bring would be the following: strong sunscreen in large sizes (20 to 50 spf), as these are very expensive; sunblocking suits for any children, plus hats and insulated lunchboxes for school; a DEET-based insect repellent -- there are nasty little mosquitoes there(!). Spices are also quite expensive (although available), so I'd pack them along. Be sure to NOT bring nutmeg and poppy seeds, as these are viewed as aphrodisiacs and are forbidden. Recipes for your favorite family dishes are handy, as you can adapt local products/foods to make them. I would not recommend bringing many family photos along, as they may be damaged in transit. Your goods may or may not be stored out of the heat (which can reach 120 degrees F), so anything that is heat-sensitive should not be sent but carried along in your flight baggage. Do not pack anything you cannot live without for several weeks, as shipments either by boat (surface) or plane can take a while to get through customs once its landed. Re: electronics, bring your alarm clock. Other items can be bought from other expats and are frequently posted on the bulletin boards at the compounds. Depending on where you live, your villa/apartment may (almost always in western compounds) have outlets for both 110 v and 220 v appliances. Bring what you like but are not overly attached to in case it gets damaged en route. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to write. Good luck! Lisa

Global Expat Forum: ?is GREECE/CRETE good for retiring USctzn?:

Dear Mougham: My husband and I, too are interested in living at least part-time in Greece and have similar questions. Many can be answered by reading the information provided by the Greek Consulate in LA. Their site is http://www.greekembassy.org/Embassy/content/en/Root.aspx?office=8 I hope this helps. pclisa

Greece: whingers!:

Dear Autumn: I, too was surprised by the negative responses to others' queries about living in Greece. My husband and I plan to live on Santorini at least part-time when our children are grown. Would anyone like to share their experiences about life on the islands, and about navigating the legal system when buying property? We are contemplating a business (tourism based) when we move.

Date Joined:

6/16/2003

Total Posts:

9

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