Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Report of what it's like to live there - 10/01/15
Personal Experiences from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, Africa , Asia , Latin america , and Europe.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington DC, 8 hours to Frankfurt and 5 hours and half from Frankfurt to Jeddah.
3. How long have you lived here?
From 2013 up to now.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Working with US Consulate in Jeddah.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Some houses are in the U.S. Consulate compound, and the rest are in two different compounds: Sierra, near by the American School, and Al Basateen, near the British School.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Everything is available but very expencive.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Everything is here, but it costs as much as in the States.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Various kinds of ants.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
APO or DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Around US$10 per hour.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, but they cost as much as in the States.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
You can use them.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
None.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It is important, but you can use English also.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Maybe not. the city has some ramps.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Public transportation is not available. US Consulate folks are not allowed to take taxis.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
All American and Japanese brands can be seen here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Very poor service at $26 dollars a month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
They have three providers.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
You have to bring your pet with you. They don't like dogs here at all. Pet care is available but very expensive.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Not really.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Many, but you have to look for them.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
For women: a black long-sleeve max-wide dress you wear over your regular clothes. Men can get by with anything except shorts.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes, especially lately (the last 9 months). Read the news and the country reports.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is very poor. Fancy hospitals have very poor service and are very expensive.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Bad.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
There will be dust storms and bad air quality from time to time.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very hot and humid from May to November, and just hot from November to May.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
We have the American International School, the British International school, and a French school. Not very strong schools at all.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
None or very basic.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Yes, but they are very expensive.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
No. You have to arrange for a private coach to train your kids. One hour costs 100 SAR (around 26.00 US dollars).
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
The morale in post is very good.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Beaches and getting together.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It may be good for families, but not for couples or singles --- especially women.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not at all.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Of course, the only accepted religion here is Islam.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Nothing. I guess being Muslim is good because of Makkah and Medina.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
The beaches, old markets, and ruins, but you have to drive at least 3 hours, after getting permission from the security office in the consulate and informing the Ministry of Foreign affairs, which is a long process.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Carpets.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
We have some museums, ruins and the beach around 45 minutes from the town. It is a very expensive city. You can't save money, especially since they cut the 15% danger pay and the SND. It is very humid and hot, and we get dust storms from time to time.
10. Can you save money?
Not really.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
What the schools are like. Women can not drive at all. The black dress which you must wear on top of your clothes. There is nothing to do but hang out in the mall and at restaurants.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter clothes.
4. But don't forget your:
Light clothes - plus a lot of books and movies.
5. Do you have any other comments?
Think twice before you come.
