jyurong
American expat in Saudi Arabia
Forum posts
73
Contacts
2
About me
American
Lives in Riyadh
Registration: 07 July 2011
Any Doggie Playgroups? Walk in DQ? by Primo_Bella
Hi all, I have two small dogs here in Riyadh with me and they are getting so bored of just playing in the yard at home. Has anyone walked their dog in the Diplomatic Quater? Either on housing streets, or on the walking track? Anyone knows if there ...
Hello! I'm in the process of bringing my basset hound over - she's about 8months old and I can't want to get her here. I live in the DQ and see a dog being walked every now and then, but usually not more than one at a time. When I get her here it ... Read More
Returning a car lease
I was wondering if anyone has had any experience in returning a car that they got on lease either from NCB bank or directly from a dealer. I am planning on getting lease and being here for the duration, but if something was to to happen and I left, ... Read More
Nikon d7000
Does anyone know where to find decent camera's and lenses in Riyadh? Is Extra or Jarir my best bet, or are there camera specialty stores that can be found? Read More
Strange Situation!! Urgent Advice Needed by Invisible Style
Hi all, Yesterday I came across a strange situation, My Passport and other documents were few days back submitted in Saudi Embassy at Pakistan for work visa stamping but my passport file returned by them without visa and without ...
Alliecat you got lucky. When they sent mine back for not having a stamp I had to send off to the Virginia department of health to have a notarized letter saying he was a physician, a have the state department of e state attach a great seal to it, ... Read More
Can they keep your passport but issue an iqama ? Is this legal ? by saharadesert
My sponsor says it is the law in Saudi that they keep my passport but they will issue me an Iqama. They also said that whenever I need to travel I can just ask for my passport and pay the $60 travel visa.... Is holding ones passport legal in the ...
Guys, The recent news which you are talking about here is confusing. The current law in effect says that the employee has the right to keep his passport along. I have read the Minister of Labour detailing about it. Your employer insisting on ... Read More
Can they keep your passport but issue an iqama ? Is this legal ? by saharadesert
My sponsor says it is the law in Saudi that they keep my passport but they will issue me an Iqama. They also said that whenever I need to travel I can just ask for my passport and pay the $60 travel visa.... Is holding ones passport legal in the ...
Hello everyone, I've read the newspaper articles and the hearsay - but does anyone have a reference to the actual saudi law that says we can retain our passports? Read More
US Taxes Question
Quick question about taxes for a US citizen in Saudi. I am aware of most of the caveats, but I had a particular question about the 330 day rule for tax exemption. If I am traveling back to the US on business only, does this count against my time? I ... Read More
Haggling for a new car
Is there any sort of "Haggling" that goes on here for new cars from a dealer showroom? I am wanting to get a 2012 Jeep Wrangler and when I went down to the showroom I was told it would 106000 SAR. I have been offered a lease from my bank, financing ... Read More
Is there a job market for me? by Talanathas
I am about to graduate university in Canada with my BBA -I have already earned a diploma in Tourism Management (specializing in HR,F/B and Eco), and will have earned a TEFL certificate to teach English over the summer- As of this Fall I will be able ...
The college system I am with is looking to hire native speaking English teachers... Send me a PM and I can tell you where to send your CV. Read More
diving ??
Just made a post a couple of hoyrs ago about it... Look a few threads down. Read More
Jeep Dealership in Riyadh?
Thanks! I was able to google the BMW dealership which finally led me to dabob rd. Hopefully I can find my new jeep wrangler there tomorrow! Read More
Jeep Dealership in Riyadh?
Can someone help me out with a jeep dealership in Riyadh? I have gone to the jeep website, and "UMC MOTORS" which is supposed to be the dealer in Riyadh, but the map is of such a low resolution, I can't get it figured out. If there is more than one, ... Read More
Getting a Drivers License - An American's Experience
Hello Everyone! I got my drivers license today and feel like I am 16 again. 4 months of having to find a cab, get driven around in circles, and not being able to make a quick stop after work really got old. I know that a lot of people have given ... Read More
Broadband in Saudi by SamUSA
Hello; I have been here for few weeks now... but from my personal Exp. the best broad band is as follows: [b][u]Go[/u][/b]: they have a strong sginal in the area they have coverage [b][u]Mobily[/u][/b]: not that good when it comes to coverage ...
I used mobily HSPA + connect 42 for about 2 months. The speeds were good, around 16mbps down and 2 mbps up. The only problem the "unlimited" plan wasn't really unlimited... You only get 1gb per day of downloads and then the speeds drop off to around ... Read More
How to pay STC Bill?
I know this may sound a bit ridiculous, but can someone explain to me how to pay my STC bill? I was told when I signed up for both my television and Cell service that I could pay online, but I can't seem to locate that option. Also, Does anyone know ... Read More
Importing a Car from US to Saudi
I've been in Riyadh for just over two months and I have decided that I really want to import my customized jeep from the US to Saudi. I have found some reasonable shipping rates that will take between 3 and 4 weeks to get it here - but what I cannot ... Read More
Booking a taxi from home?
If you send me a private message, I can give you the number of my driver - great English skills and would be reliable. Read More
NCB Quickpay Registration Center Riyadh???
I have been trying to track down one of the NCB Quickpay registration centers but can't figure out where one is... I would prefer one on the Western side of the city (somewhat near King Saud University) or on the north ring road. Below are the ... Read More
hi all just saying a big hi. by pilot412
hi all new to this.helicopter pilot with the saudai red cross,in riyadh.from ireland just saying hi to ye all.
By red cross, I assume that you are talking about the Saudi Red Crescent HEMS program? Read More
Emergency Services in Riyadh by WTENGEL
Because of an earlier conversation, I thought it might be helpful to post a bit of information about how the Emergency Services work here in Riyadh. I am a paramedic from America and i work for the Red Crescent, which is the public ambulance ...
I have not heard of that happening before. I am currently in Riyadh working for Al-Ghad International Health Science College Paramedic Program. You said it was an off road location - where exactly were you? Read More
Processing time
However long they tell you, add 2 weeks and then double that number. Add that the the number of times you hear inshallah in one day and you should be just about right. Read More
Driver in Riyadh by jyurong
I've been here about 5 days now and have ventured out only a couple of times besides going to work. I wanted to know if anyone knows of a driver that has at least some English skills that they could put me in touch with. I need to go grocery ...
Next time I will definitely do that - I told him it would be around an hour, but I got stuck in the store during prayer time which added another 30 minutes. Anyway, all in all I am not so upset, because I got a lot of the foods I am used too - but I ... Read More
Driver in Riyadh by jyurong
I've been here about 5 days now and have ventured out only a couple of times besides going to work. I wanted to know if anyone knows of a driver that has at least some English skills that they could put me in touch with. I need to go grocery ...
Used London Taxi service this evening to go to Tamimi for groceries... Very good impression, with one big complaint. The cab arrived about 30 minutes after I called them. The cab was *extremely* clean and *very* nice. The driver spoke good english ... Read More
Where are you going in Eid Vacation? by SamUSA70
Ok the vacation is tomorrow.. So where are you people going? lets share... For Me USA and yes to play Football :). Enjoy your vacation. SAM
Since I just got here about a week ago, I guess I'll be sitting here in my hotel working on my Master's Thesis. Read More
Driver in Riyadh
I've been here about 5 days now and have ventured out only a couple of times besides going to work. I wanted to know if anyone knows of a driver that has at least some English skills that they could put me in touch with. I need to go grocery ... Read More
Riyadh Chinese restaurant?
So I looking for a good Chinese restaurant in riyadh that has "american style" chinese food (Crab rangoon / cheese wonton / hot and sour soup / sesame chicken / general Tso's chocken). Anyone know of one? Read More
American Brand Groceries / Corned Beef? by jyurong
So I've been here a few days and am starting to think what I will do with myself when I am off work next week for Eid. I would like to find a grocery store that carries American Brands, particularly Prego Spegetti sauce, Starkist tuna, and Campbell ...
I think I saw a carrefour near my temporary apartment - it says "carrefour - China mart" IS that the correct place? Read More
American Brand Groceries / Corned Beef?
So I've been here a few days and am starting to think what I will do with myself when I am off work next week for Eid. I would like to find a grocery store that carries American Brands, particularly Prego Spegetti sauce, Starkist tuna, and Campbell ... Read More
How much to tip?
So I was wondering what an appropriate tip is in Utah for a doorman, waiter, ect? Read More
Moving to Riyadh and have 1000 questions by sizzles
Hello members! I have spent some time reading through many of the posts here and they had been really helpful! I do still have a bunch of questions as I'm moving to Riyadh soon and so the anticipation and nerves are kicking in! Just a bit about ...
You may want to check out the compound I have been assigned to, Jzala III. From what I understand it is very new and is nice, and they apparently have lots of openings. The compound has been contracted to an aircraft company and mostly houses ... Read More
Exchange rates and Transferring Money
Thanks for the info - I'll hold off on exchanging currency here and just get it once I land. Read More
Jzala Compound 3 Solved - Complete Information!!!
So as some of you may know i have been trying to find out where I will be housed and as much information as possible the past few weeks. After countless hours of searching (and eventually finding out that my employer misspelled the compound name as ... Read More
Exchange rates and Transferring Money
So I should be arriving in about 2 weeks and have a couple of last minute questions. I was planning on bringing 2000 SAR with me to cover incidental expenses, but when I contacted my bank (Bank of America) I found out that I would be paying about 8% ... Read More
housing question and more :) by Expageek
Hi All, I may be moving from the U.S to Riyadh soon. However , I had some questions that I need your help to answer: 1- Any reviews for Jzala compound 3 (riyadh) ? is it really good place? 2- How much is the yearly tution for an American pre-school ...
Did you ever find out more information (Or move here?) This is where I'm pretty sure this is where I will be in a couple of weeks. Read More
Al-Salam Aircraft Compound - Jazalah compound
So I have finally found out where I will be housed! The college has rented a 4 bedroom villa in the Jazalah compound that two of us will be sharing. They told me it is brand new and is primarily used by Al-Salam aircraft employees (and is supposed ... Read More
18th Oct by Warbies
Hi everyone I have my arrival date for KSA is the 18th, i will confirm which compound i will be at as soon as i know. I will be working for a company called Almarai and was wondering if anyone on this site either works or know someone who works for ...
I should be in somewhere around that time also... Working for Al-Ghad International College as a paramedic instructor in theIr Bachelor's of Science program. Read More
RC Hobby's Club in Riyadh Saudi Arabia?? by crisfel
Thus anybody knows of RC Hobby's Club in Riyadh Saudi Arabia? And if I purchase an RC Helicopter (Thru Online Shop) then ship it in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. There will be no PROBLEM for that??? Hope someone can help me.. Thanks!
I would be interrested in knowing as well! I got into RC helicopters a couple of years ago and dusted off one a couple of days ago (as I was packing it up to leave for Riyadh). Also - to the guy who looked into flight schools, what did you find? I ... Read More
Multi entry / Exit visa for wife
Does anyone know how difficult it would be to get a multi entry / exit visa for my wife? She will be joining me in December but will be traveling to the UK, France, and China to see some of her college friends over the next several months after ... Read More
American / UK Female Expat to talk to my Wife
I will be coming to Saudi in August with my wife following me in December. I am looking for someone who would be willing to talk to my wife (Just married! :-) either through email or on skype about what its like to live in Riyadh. I will be looking ... Read More
Help with an "Address" in Riyadh by jyurong
Hello, I have accepted a position at Al Ghad International College in Riyadh as a Paramedic Instructor . They have offered me 80,000 SAR for housing (Since my wife will be joining me in December) - now I begin the daunting task of looking for ...
Now the next logical question - Anyone know of compounds near that area? It would be great if someone could set up some kind of map that overlaced google maps that would drop a pin where the various compounds are in Riyadh... Hmmm... Looks like it ... Read More
Help with an "Address" in Riyadh by jyurong
Hello, I have accepted a position at Al Ghad International College in Riyadh as a Paramedic Instructor . They have offered me 80,000 SAR for housing (Since my wife will be joining me in December) - now I begin the daunting task of looking for ...
Wow- Exactly what I needed! Thanks a ton! Read More
Help with an "Address" in Riyadh by jyurong
Hello, I have accepted a position at Al Ghad International College in Riyadh as a Paramedic Instructor . They have offered me 80,000 SAR for housing (Since my wife will be joining me in December) - now I begin the daunting task of looking for ...
Anyone? Going crazy trying to track the area down! Read More
Help with an "Address" in Riyadh
Hello, I have accepted a position at Al Ghad International College in Riyadh as a Paramedic Instructor . They have offered me 80,000 SAR for housing (Since my wife will be joining me in December) - now I begin the daunting task of looking for ... Read More
80,000 SAR housing? by jyurong
So I am in the process of finishing up my contracting process and was told that for housing that they are working on obtaining it for me (not guarenteed) or I would be given around 80,000 SAR. Am I wasting my time looking in a compound for that ...
Still waiting to hear back on the final word for my contract. One time they tell me the will set up a home in the compound for me, and the other time they say they will provide an allowance. I think I have just about decided that if they only give ... Read More
80,000 SAR housing? by jyurong
So I am in the process of finishing up my contracting process and was told that for housing that they are working on obtaining it for me (not guarenteed) or I would be given around 80,000 SAR. Am I wasting my time looking in a compound for that ...
Yes, My wife will be joining me in December. Read More
80,000 SAR housing?
So I am in the process of finishing up my contracting process and was told that for housing that they are working on obtaining it for me (not guarenteed) or I would be given around 80,000 SAR. Am I wasting my time looking in a compound for that ... Read More
Computer hardware by Xtrem
is there any place better than Olaya computer market ? i got the prices and part numbers , the difference is over 500 $$ , i dont want to order my parts again from the US , the warranty is important , plus the time until the parts are shipped ...
can anyone help me i need to build my own custom pc. can i find all this parts here in riyadh? here's the specs. intel core i7-2600k asus sabertooth p67 mother board. cpu fan cooler master hyper 212 plus memory- consair vengeance 8gig video card- ... Read More
arrived on Monday, hi to all by svenmedic
Hi all, i am a german paramedic who arrived on monday in Riyadh looking forward working in EMS. I really soaked up your forum/blog before i came here to get as much information as possible. Before my flight started in Frankfurt i saw alot of Saudi ...
Small world! I am in the final stages of coming to Saudi to work at Al Ghad International College's B.S. Paramedic Program... I was contracted through the SRCA last year but decide not to go in favor of getting married. We all should definitely get ... Read More