Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Report of what it's like to live there - 08/06/08
Personal Experiences from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, lived in three other places.
2. How long have you lived here?
2 months.
3. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
6 hours.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
On the diplomatic quarter, housing consists of large townhomes with small cement patios, most poeple can walk to work.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Most European and U.S. products are available, except the obvious limitations of liquid and pork products.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Multi-system electronics (TV, DVD player).
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Lots of variety though not always in pleasant settings, women closed off w/curtain.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Above average quality but one pays U.S. prices -- well worth it.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Readily available - haven't had a problem.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Private, hidden.
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes - inexpensive.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It helps but is not required.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Movement is limited and most acitivity is indoors so it is less of a hardship than in most big cities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
2. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Right.
3. 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 are acceptable - SUVs abound - hardly any convertibles or motorcycles.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
No - slow but functional.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
International calls are surprisingly inexpensive.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
Many options available.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Yes.
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?
No.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual is the norm though suits are expected for proefssional meetings and evening events.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Quite pleasant though hot and dry - a little sandy at times.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No petty crime, some harassment but much less than in most cities (not overt), obvious threat of terrorism.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
A little sandy some days, above average health care.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Sunny, hot, windy.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
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?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Surprisingly large.
2. Morale among expats:
High as long as not separated from family.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Socializing is about the only extracurricular activity -- perhaps that explains why people are incredibly friendly.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Limiting for families and singles, good for couples.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Socialize with the many varied nationalities.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Rugs, knives, East Indian handicrafts.
9. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Definitely -- much easier and more livable than I imagined.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Lawnmower and gardening supplies.
3. But don't forget your:
Music and movie collection, board games, entertaining housewares, strappy sandals, sundresses, jewelry.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Girls of Riyadh.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Girls of Riyadh.
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
The Kingdom.
7. Do you have any other comments?
This city is surprisingly livable - sterile but the people are quite friendly and the genuinely welcoming on the whole.
