Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Report of what it's like to live there - 03/29/10
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?
Kingston, Bangkok, Mexico City.
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. About 16 hours through London or Frankfurt.
3. How long have you lived here?
About 8 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
US Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
I live on the Diplomatic Quarter in US Embassy housing. The housing generally stinks.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Everything is here. Basic food costs are much lower than the U.S.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing I can think of.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
All the major U.S. fast food places. Costs are pretty reasonable.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Nothing really. Mosquitoes at night in the winter.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
I use the embassy APO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Lots of domestic help is available. It's about 4-6 dollars an hour.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
On expatriate compounds, yes.
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've used mine--I don't think it's a problem.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
No religious services other than Islam are allowed here.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes, both. The papers aren't expensive but they aren't worth reading. Basic satellite TV doesn't cost that much but selection is very limited.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None really.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
A lot of difficulties like all third-world cities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Most taxis and buses should not be used by women or foreigners. The prices are low compared to the U.S.
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?
Get something big and sturdy to keep from getting smooshed by the insane Saudi drivers. All US, Japanese and Korean car brands are here and parts are easy to find.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
It is expensive and slow.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
You can get a cheap cellphone easily here, and there are lots of different plans.
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?
No.
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?
Depends on your background and expertise.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Women have to wear the black robe called an abaya and cover their hair when out in public. Men can wear pretty much anything.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes. Terrorists, religious police, robbery, very dangerous traffic.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care isn't very good unless you're a wealthy Saudi or have some connections. I've heard some real horror stories. Best bet is to load yourself on a plane and get out of here. That's what the Saudis do if they can!
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?
Air quality can be very unhealthy because of pollution and dust in the air.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Summer is very hot and dry. Winter can be chilly at night, but very nice during the day.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There is an American international school, but I don't know much about it.
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.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
It's pretty large.
2. Morale among expats:
Morale in the U.S. Embassy is pretty bad. Outside it really depends. Some of the expats make big bucks and get out of the country for trips very often.
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?
Zero!
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It's not a good city for anybody.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Homosexuals risk prison, flogging and execution in Saudi Arabia.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes, all three. Islam is the only religion allowed in Saudi Arabia. Women are treated like garbage, aren't allowed to drive and have to have a male guardian. Saudis treat Asian and African workers like dirt.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
I really can't think of anything.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Leave the country.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Ain't much--not much of a culture here.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
There really aren't any.
11. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No way.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
heavy winter clothes.
3. But don't forget your:
DVDs and books.
4. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
"Survival, Evasion and Escape"US Army
6. Do you have any other comments?
Don't come here.
