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Saudi Arabia - An Expatriate Guide
Overview
Climate and Weather
Getting There
Speaking the Language
Visas, Residency, Immigration & Documentation
Currency and Cost of Living
Foreign Currency - how to secure a favourable exchange rate
Banking
Taxation
Insurance
Business Culture
Healthcare and Medical Treatment
Social Security
Employment
Renting Property in Saudi Arabia
Buying Property in Saudi Arabia
Education and Schools
Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water)
Communications (Telephone, Post, Internet, TV, Radio)
Driving and Public Transportation
Food and Drink
Leisure, Entertainment and Sports
Retiring and Pensions
Taking Your Pets
Expat groups in Saudi Arabia
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Expat Experiences of Life in Saudi Arabia (submit yours here)
I've been here 18 months now and have always driven myself. I hire a Toyota Corolla for SR2200 a month. Driving here is a little daunting at first, but you soon (within a few days) get used to the random flow of things. It's not true about foreigners being locked up in the event of an accident (unless of course you've been drinking or caused a very serious accident). However if you do have an accident, it's helpful to have an Arabic speaking friend you can call to translate to the police, as most police don't speak English...
SABB is really good here and quite helpful. The only thing I would say to you is that you actually can't open a bank account here until you have an Iqama (which is your residence permit) - it usually takes a few months (three they say) to obtain this inshallah! All your UK cards will work here in the ATMs but to be honest its cash rather than cards that they like here. If you haven't got a bank account most companies pay you a cheque which you sign, take to the bank and they will cash it for you...
Non Saudis cannot own a business unless you invest a huge lump sum. You can go along with a business as long as a Saudi sponsor registers it as a business (CR number). Sponsors will take a cut of course and you will face problems if you disagree. It is normal procedure to take the employee's passport. The family passports normally can stay with them. Families have to get onto the employee's iqama (residence permit). You need permission to travel outside the kingdom...
Read more experiences here or submit your own!
Useful Links
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Saudi Arabia property listings
Middle East job listings
Saudi Arabia videos and podcasts
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