William Travis
@WTENGEL
American expat in Saudi Arabia
Forum posts
66
Contacts
3
About me
American
Lives in Riyadh
Speaks English, Spanish, Arabic (very little)
Registration: 19 November 2009
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 think there must have definitely been a mis communication. When I was in Saudi we transported many non Saudi patients. The 997 dispatchers never asked if the patient was Saudi or not. Your alternatives would be to call a private hospital based ... Read More
Flying in Riyadh - Light Aircrafts by gowiththeflowUK
Does anyone know where a PPL can hire a light aircraft in Riyadh?
Wallan Aviation. Check them out at Thummama airport. Read More
american compound by seeker of truth
hello eveyone..does anybody knows american compound? what is american compound? and how we can get there? is there any parties or events where different nationalities are mingling? :) wanna have more friends with different nationalities
I see how it is Allie... Read More
american compound by seeker of truth
hello eveyone..does anybody knows american compound? what is american compound? and how we can get there? is there any parties or events where different nationalities are mingling? :) wanna have more friends with different nationalities
Shulz, you are talking about the hotel, not the compound... Speaking of...YOU AND ME! mad Max Thunderstorm arena...fight to the death! Ladies and gents, get your tickets... Read More
Lunch / Dinner on eve of EID by anil.soni
Hello All Expats, I was thinking of arranging Lunch or Dinner on the eve of EID on 10th of September assuming almost all our Muslim expat friends would be busy celebrating EID with their family members. I thought it would be great for all the ...
Also, don't forget to visit USERA everyone, we all need to be together on the 23rd! Read More
Lunch / Dinner on eve of EID by anil.soni
Hello All Expats, I was thinking of arranging Lunch or Dinner on the eve of EID on 10th of September assuming almost all our Muslim expat friends would be busy celebrating EID with their family members. I thought it would be great for all the ...
It was so great to meet everyone tonight! I want to especially thank CAF and her husband for opening their home to us rowdy paramedics. It really was a pleasure meeting every one of you... BTW, Allie, please shift your telescope to room 248, as you ... Read More
Hi all, new member by MaserMan
Been lurking on here for a while and as I will shortly, hopefully, be arriving in Riyadh thought I should sign up! Just waiting to go down to London to get the medical and paperwork done for the visa and my new employers are expecting me to arrive ...
I can't wait for Ramadan! The guys in the station will not be smoking all the day! On an unrelated note, start looking to the skies, there is a rumor that the air ambulance service will be back up and running in the next few days (Prince Faisal ... Read More
Dammam-Bahrain...Is it possible for govnt employees? by showkat
Hi to everyone..Does anybody know if u r a government employee can u travel to Bahrain with Iqama only?Coz my passport is not with me.. Or may be there is any other way to get passport for some time for trip?
I think you have a serious misunderstanding of how things work...to save you the time of doing a search I will give you a brief synopsis... You are here on an employment visa and you have a residence permit (iqama) It does not matter whether you ... Read More
Want to open a bank account but on a business visa by JD
I am a consultant and my engagements bring me to Saudi Arabia often. At times I am here for three to four months at a stretch. Can anyone guide me on how or where to open a bank account. I am on a business visa. Thanks in advance for your ...
Second what Music says. We had guys here doing 60 on and 30 off on business visas and they could not open bank accounts, drive a car, etc, etc. You do need an Iqama, unless there is a special circumstance I am not aware of. Also, be advised, if ... Read More
Dammam-Bahrain...Is it possible for govnt employees? by showkat
Hi to everyone..Does anybody know if u r a government employee can u travel to Bahrain with Iqama only?Coz my passport is not with me.. Or may be there is any other way to get passport for some time for trip?
I believe Saudis are the only ones who can travel on their ID only. If your employer is holding your passport, then they should allow you to take it for a weekend to go on a trip, but I am not sure what their policy is. Do you have a multiple ... Read More
Motorists warned against attempts to dodge Saher by lucky_me
Motorists warned against attempts to dodge Saher By ARAB NEWS Published: Jul 19, 2010 23:43 Updated: Jul 19, 2010 23:43 RIYADH: Following reports of a huge decrease in the number of traffic violations and road accidents with the introduction of ...
As I mentioned earlier, the public safety personnel (police, fire, EMS) are some of the worst about using phones while thy drive. I hardly ever see any of the police or Red Crescent employees drive by who do not have the cell phone attached to their ... Read More
Movie Download Recommendations by Alliecat
I watched a movie last night called [u]"28 Days Later"[/u] and it was [i]really scary[/i]! It's about the end of mankind due to a virus and that's all I'll say! Also, during the week I watched [u]"Children of Men,"[/u], another futuristic film ...
Sherlock Holmes is definitely worth watching. Slumdog Millionaire if you haven't seen it already. Hot Tub Time Machine (pretty vulgar, maybe more of a stupid "frat boy" movie, but I liked it...) The Kingdom is a really good movie that involves ... Read More
Driving License by Dave S
I will be working in Saudi for about a month from August 2010. The company will provide a car but my question is; do I need an international driving permit or will the UK license suffice? Kind Regards, Dave.
The short answer is....I am not sure... If you are driving, you will eventually have to get your Saudi license. If you have an international license, they will simply issue you the license without a driving test, you just need the proper paperwork. ... Read More
Motorists warned against attempts to dodge Saher by lucky_me
Motorists warned against attempts to dodge Saher By ARAB NEWS Published: Jul 19, 2010 23:43 Updated: Jul 19, 2010 23:43 RIYADH: Following reports of a huge decrease in the number of traffic violations and road accidents with the introduction of ...
You would think with all the "consulting" westerners do in KSA we would eventually put ourselves out of work. No end in sight though... Read More
Motorists warned against attempts to dodge Saher by lucky_me
Motorists warned against attempts to dodge Saher By ARAB NEWS Published: Jul 19, 2010 23:43 Updated: Jul 19, 2010 23:43 RIYADH: Following reports of a huge decrease in the number of traffic violations and road accidents with the introduction of ...
Unfortunately Type 1 punishment is the only thing that will work now. The situation has gone on for too long un checked... Read More
How to check for Saher traffic camera violations
Ladies, you don't have to worry about this one, but fellas, if you drive frequently, you might find this helpful. To see if you have any violations from the Saher traffic camera system attached to your license, do the following: Send an SMS text ... Read More
Motorists warned against attempts to dodge Saher by lucky_me
Motorists warned against attempts to dodge Saher By ARAB NEWS Published: Jul 19, 2010 23:43 Updated: Jul 19, 2010 23:43 RIYADH: Following reports of a huge decrease in the number of traffic violations and road accidents with the introduction of ...
I agree whole heartedly Salman. Since the Saher system has been put in place, I have seen a drop in accidents IN TOWN. Unfortunately we are still responding to the horrible accidents on Thumamma road and out towards the Janadriyah area. There ... Read More
Best way to ship a small package from Jeddah to USA
EMS is Express Mail Service, an international network of national postal authorities who work with each other to ship international parcels effectively. Saudi Post would be the least expensive and most effective way to send something in my opinion. ... Read More
Teacher considering taking a contract in Saudi...questions.... :) by Samza83
Hi everyone, First official post! This website has been of great value to my research and undestanding. I am originally from the US but am currently coming into my last semester of a two year MA of Education in Australia. I am 26 and female. I am ...
Pay careful attention to all of the allowances they give you in your contract. Also, as with any contract, if it is not in writing, it will never happen (and sometimes here, even if it is in writing, it will never happen.) What I mean by this is, ... Read More
Traffic Cameras by musicman
Important to know that traffic cameras are being set up at most intersectionsin Riyadh by the traffic police. The project of monitoring, reporting and fining traffic offences has been outsourced to three private companies in KSA, one for each ...
Yeah, my partner on the Camry we use to respond to calls always makes it a point to speed up and say "smile" as we pass the speeding van on Al Aruba. Apparently the emergency vehicles are not getting ticketed...thoroughly annoying, as they are some ... Read More
KSA Work Visa for Iqama for US Citizen by sidurian
I am in the process of obtaining a police clearance for my work visa. the problem is that about 15 years or so ago i had a conviction (not sure what - maybe simple assault stemming from a traffic altercation). Virginia does not allow expungement ...
Don't count on getting a straight answer out of anyone, as the amount of time since the offense, the particular offense, etc. all play a role... At the end of the day it all really comes down to whoever is holding the "approved" stamp that day at ... Read More
How much max cash (SAR) can you carry on yourself while leaving KSA? by harooon
Let's say if you're leaving for 2-3 weeks on single e/e? I feel like reading somewhere an upper limit of 25K SR? is it so? would really appreciate prompt answers! It would be an icing on the cake if someone could point the source as well like MOFA ...
It is not leaving that is the problem... It is arriving in your destination where issues might arise I assume... Depending on what country you are traveling to, the maximum allowable limit without having to declare is different...but I think it ... Read More
Is compulsory to submitt a passport to the employer by basheerusman
Hi, I got offer in good company with reasonable package (at initial stage) in riyadh, but my offer is through consultant. Is this compulsory to submitt my passport to them? I don't want to submit my passport to the employer or vendor what needs ...
I have not heard of any employers denying multiple entry exit visas as of yet, but i could imagine if one had taken out a loan at one of the banks or in some other way may be indebted to the Kingdom or the company, they might restrict their ... Read More
World Cup 2010 - Where to watch it in Riyadh? by Sandman
Anyone out there know of any good venues to watch the World Cup from? I want to take my young children along to watch some games therefore somewhere child freindly.
Missed you guys at the game this afternoon...it was a nailbiter until about 89:59... Were you using the telescope Allie...or were you just absent all together? Read More
Is compulsory to submitt a passport to the employer by basheerusman
Hi, I got offer in good company with reasonable package (at initial stage) in riyadh, but my offer is through consultant. Is this compulsory to submitt my passport to them? I don't want to submit my passport to the employer or vendor what needs ...
There is a way to obtain a second valid passport if you are from the USA. Those interested can PM me for more details... Read More
World Cup 2010 - Where to watch it in Riyadh? by Sandman
Anyone out there know of any good venues to watch the World Cup from? I want to take my young children along to watch some games therefore somewhere child freindly.
The other day one of the guys brought his wife down to watch the game with us...either they didn't notice, or they did not mind. Either way, they are pretty accommodating for the Westerners. How close is the Brzeen Allie? I will have to make an ... Read More
World Cup 2010 - Where to watch it in Riyadh? by Sandman
Anyone out there know of any good venues to watch the World Cup from? I want to take my young children along to watch some games therefore somewhere child freindly.
The Brzeen Hotel is nice. They have a large coffee shop in the ground floor with a large projector screen. The prices for coffee and stuff are expensive, but i bring my own food and drink in, they don't mind. There has been a group of westerners ... Read More
Emergency Services in Riyadh
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 ... Read More
Moving to Riyadh in July by jamesg2166
Hi everyone, My name is James, i will be working at King Abdulaziz Medical City as a Paramedic. I will be living at the hospitals compound. Does anyone know what the compound is like?
I updated it yesterday... I know i have been lax. Check it out... I rode someone's moped at an accident scene and ended up having an accident of my own! Read More
Moving to Riyadh in July by jamesg2166
Hi everyone, My name is James, i will be working at King Abdulaziz Medical City as a Paramedic. I will be living at the hospitals compound. Does anyone know what the compound is like?
Well I am happy to help in any way i can. Believe it or not, many of the Saudis on the ambulances have some basic English, and they posess the basic skills to control your bleeding and take you to the hospital of your preference, where the doctor ... Read More
Moving to Riyadh in July by jamesg2166
Hi everyone, My name is James, i will be working at King Abdulaziz Medical City as a Paramedic. I will be living at the hospitals compound. Does anyone know what the compound is like?
Of course you know the number here is 997, but there is never a garauntee you will get an American, more than likely an Egyptian doctor and a few Saudis. Shulz is right, the system for the Red Crescent (more than a few of you currently working at ... Read More
Private flying around Dammam by vlastimirs
Hi, is there a possibility of renting a light 2 or 4 seater plane or a microlight around Dammam? I desperately need an hour or so :) Cheers!
Try Wallan aviation. They are a licensed Cessna training center. I don't know how desperate you are for flight time, but the cost per hour is ridiculously expensive here. Apparently they have to import the avgas, and the cost is something along the ... Read More
Marrying Saudi woman..!! by warrenpower
it is possible to marry a saudi woman if you are nonsaudi???
I can alsomattest to the fact that it is not impossible to marry a Saudi girl. I am personally not married to one, however, one of my good friends that i work with here in Riyadh is. He is an American citizen, adopted Islam, met his wife in the USA, ... Read More
Liabilities of Driving in KSA by HoosierExpat
Hello, we may be sending a few US operators over on 3 month assignment. The key question that has been raised by my legal and HR team is if one of the operators got into an accident (especially with a Saudi), that there may be significant legal ...
As long as you are fully insured, there should be no issues, although I have heard more often then not, if you are in an accident with a Saudi, the blame will be placed on the foreigner. I have been driving here for 4 months now and notched an ... Read More
westerners wearing arabian clothes by eggoide
Hi all, I am moving in Riyadh for few months in July and I wonder if it is common for westerners to wear arabian clothes? I presume it is much more suitable for hot climate and I wouldnt have any problem wearing it and showing my respect to locals. ...
I have two thobes that I wear around pretty frequently. Salman is right, I generally get mistaken for Syrian or Lebanese. I have not had any negative reaction to wearing the thobe, some people assume you speak Arabic though, so be ready for ... Read More
Greetings from a newcomer by Heady
Dear forum-ers: I am new in Riyadh and wanted to say hello to you. I understand it is a sort of tradition for newcomers to ask for tips and advice about living in SA, but I won't ask for anything. I will try and figure out everything by myself...it ...
I am not sure if you are interested in taking fixed wing pilot lessons, but I looked into it a few weeks ago, and it is prohibitively expensive here. Apparently they have to import the Avgas from the UK, and the cost per hour for the aircraft with ... Read More
Activities for my wife... by WTENGEL
Hey fellow expats...my wife is coming for a visit here in a few weeks and I was hoping for some advice form the married couples here...I have been here without her for the last 4 months and I am not very well versed on the social scene for couples. ...
Typical Brit...it's all about you! :P (tongue firmly in cheek) I really love it here in Riyadh and I hope to put the city's best foot forward (even though it will be 50 C, which will make it very hard...) I also am trying to find a diverse group ... Read More
Activities for my wife... by WTENGEL
Hey fellow expats...my wife is coming for a visit here in a few weeks and I was hoping for some advice form the married couples here...I have been here without her for the last 4 months and I am not very well versed on the social scene for couples. ...
I will have about half the time off. I work 12 hours shifts, I can do something the other half of the day with her...I am looking for a few things for her to do while I am at work... Read More
Social Events at Embassies by redgems
How can I find out about events going on at embassies in Riyadh? I've heard there are paid and non-paid events. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Don't feel silly at all Max, I posted a thread and you had a reply. I am by no means an expert, but I am fairly in tune with the single social scene around town...my main deficiency is the married social scene. I saw another post where a gentleman ... Read More
Activities for my wife...
Hey fellow expats...my wife is coming for a visit here in a few weeks and I was hoping for some advice form the married couples here...I have been here without her for the last 4 months and I am not very well versed on the social scene for couples. ... Read More
Saloon or an SUV? by Oz_Sap
Hi guys, A million dollar question - when living in KSA, would you suggest a Saloon/Sedan or an SUV 4WD?:cool: Some say doesn't really matter and others say it does; I am wondering whether my friends here on this forum could break it down a bit ...
It is also worth noting that if you are single or in KSA without your family, legally you are not supposed to own an SUV or 4x4 vehicle... Now, I will also add, that anything is possible in "The Magic Kingdom" and if you are single and REALLY want ... Read More
Social Events at Embassies by redgems
How can I find out about events going on at embassies in Riyadh? I've heard there are paid and non-paid events. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
At the US embassy the organization that puts on social functions is USERA (US Embassy Recreation Association). There office is located on the rear side of the embassy, if you go to the front gate and ask, they will direct you there. There are a ... Read More
Anybody work for Red Crescent Authority?
I am a 25 year old flight paramedic from the United States. I am considering taking a job on the new helicopter EMS being put into place by the Red Crescent Authority. Does anybody have any experience working with the SRCA? Also, nurses or other ... Read More