Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Pros and Cons of Living in Taif

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Mar 20, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Taif, Saudi Arabia include its mild climate, its proximity to the holy city of Mecca, and its vibrant culture. On the other hand, the cons of living in Taif include the lack of public transportation, the limited availability of entertainment and leisure activities, and the conservative social norms that may be difficult for some to adjust to.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue
GeoBlue
GeoBlue

What are the pros and cons of living in Taif?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Taif responded:

"Expats and digital nomads living in Taif, often appreciate the pleasant weather, with its cooler temperatures and lower humidity compared to other parts of the country. They also enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, including the nearby Al Hada and Al Shafa mountains, which offer opportunities for hiking and picnicking. The city is known for its historical sites, such as the Shubra Palace and the Al Rudaf Park, which provide a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture. Additionally, Taif is famous for its rose gardens and the annual Rose Festival, which attracts visitors from all over the world. The cost of living in Taif is relatively low compared to other major cities in Saudi Arabia, making it an attractive option for expats and digital nomads on a budget. However, there are also some challenges and drawbacks to living in Taif. The city is relatively conservative, which may be a significant adjustment for expats and digital nomads coming from more liberal countries. The strict dress code, gender segregation, and limited entertainment options can be frustrating for some. Furthermore, the public transportation system in Taif is not well-developed, making it difficult to get around without a car. Traffic can also be a problem, especially during peak hours. The language barrier can be an issue for those who do not speak Arabic, as English is not widely spoken in the city. Lastly, the job market in Taif is limited, with most opportunities being in the education and healthcare sectors. This may make it challenging for expats and digital nomads to find suitable employment or freelance work," explained one expat in Taif.

Answer this Question

Traveling MailboxTraveling Mailbox
Connect

Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Traveling MailboxTraveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Traveling Mailbox
Traveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox lets you view your postal mail online anywhere and it's is affordable, simple, and flexible.
Learn More

Traveling MailboxTraveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox lets you view your postal mail online anywhere and it's is affordable, simple, and flexible.
Learn More

Contribute to Saudi Arabia Network Contribute
Help others in Saudi Arabia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Saudi Arabia.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal