Hi, i'm due to move to KSA in march (09) and was wondering if any one can give me any info. i think i will be living on the oasis gardens compound - does anyone know what it's like?
also i have any iphone (which i will get unlocked before coming) - can i buy a sim card to use in it - i've heard the iphone isnt sold in KSA.
plus, lastly, whats the best way to meet other expats, i'm a single male in my late thirties and would like to meet like minded friends.

any help would be great...have tried to research, but you can only find so much on the web...Thanks  

Hi baggers, I brought my manky old Nokia 6330 (after I got it unlocked) and it works fine with a local Mobily sim. The rates here seem very cheap and you can pick up a handset without all the bells and whistles for peanuts, or the latest N-series if you want to splash out.  

thanks for that, i'll bring it and see how it goes, i've a couple of older phones so i might bring one of those, just in case. Looking forward to some warm wheather now!!!  

hi baggers, i have move to khobar recently, Im irish and love it. the city is nice and great bargins for mobile phone. a fraction of the prices at home. you can buy a very good second hand phone which is only a few months old. Im staying near the oasis gardens. so if i can assist you in any way give us a shout  

Thanks irishguy, looking forward to it, bit aprehensive but sure it will be fine when i get there. is there anything / much to do outside the compounds and did you go out with family. how have you got on meeting people - kind of not like i'll be able to walk into a pub to meet new people!! Any info would be great, even down to what sort of clothes, if much at all to bring...kind of thought may just be best buying out there. Oh, how have you found staying in touch.. planned to get on the internet / facebook asap...any advise?
Cheers  

Hi Baggers,
The oasis garden has a good mix of expats, Alot of english there as far as I know and a lot of the management are from europe too. Getting hot now so bring sun block  

Hi baggers,
Its really easy to meet people as every one knows that there were in thye same situation as well. No pubs, but you will not miss them at all. Working hours can be long but you can go to a private beach on fridays. Mainly lot to do in the compound. Shopping center are great. NIce city in general. When you settle you can go to bahrain on your days off. Its only 30 min drive. Things are cheap in some ways .Cloths to bring is really same as you would ware at home. You cant wear shorts out side of the compounds, as far as I know. It is not as bad as you may think. Respect the culture and the rest ll in to place. Still expats clubs you can get involved. I came out on my own and really like it here. Takes a few days to get used to the heat.
Cloths are same price really as at home. And make sure cloths are cotton. Jeans are fine . As shopping is done at night. You will save lot of money over here .Im near the oasis gardens.