Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Report of what it's like to live there - 01/18/10
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, Khartoum, Luxembourg, Bucharest
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?
USA - around 24 hours to fly to Home of Record.
3. How long have you lived here?
Around six months - Current
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government - U.S. Embassy
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
I live in leased housing. It is built to American specs, but there are constant problems.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
It's available, just expensive.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Someone else besides me.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut, all the biggies.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
none
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
APO
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
available, good and affordable.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
At the Embassy.
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?
I don't use one here.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Not a chance.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes, affordable.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Depends. If you live on the Dip Quarter, you can get by with just English.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Too many. Not a good place for someone with physical difficulties.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
No, not safe.
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?
Most any vehicle would be suitable. I personally do not have one here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Available but around $100.00 per month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Mine is issued through the Embassy
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?
I don't think so.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
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 for an Embassy empoyee's spouse.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business at work and casual otherwise.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
moderate
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes, always.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The pharmacies seem well stocked.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot, very hot
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?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
No school age children.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Sizable.
2. Morale among expats:
Not so good at the embassy. Outside, I have met some folks who are happy.
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?
Not much.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
No. Not for anyone.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I think openly gay and lesbian individuals are severely punished.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
You bet. Christians cannot openly worship.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
None
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Carpets
9. Can you save money?
some, but dropping.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Not a chance, and I advise others to think real hard before comitting to coming here.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
rain coat
3. But don't forget your:
travel Agent's phone number.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
If you don't have to be here, don't. My spouse came because the they were authorized to return. She is about to leave. Post is not ready for spouses.
