HI Everyone!!

OH!Canada wrote:

Hey Guys,
I just moved to Khobar, Saudi Arabia from Toronto, Canada.
Serious culture shock!
Although I'm kinda happy to see all new expats on the same boat; e.g. nothing to do..
I've been reading the forums and noticed a lot of talk about compounds and all the great things that go on there, but everyone I've met tells me that you have to LIVE in the compound or know someone living there to get in.
Is there anyway around this?
Do I have to flash my passport or something?

Welcome to EB & kingdom. that's true you have to live in compound or know someone who can take you often over weekends. u dun need to flash passport to get in they usually check ID or your name will be registered in Guest lists.

Good luck

@ OH!Canada!
Welcome to Expat.com and KSA!
I should say it is just the matter of time to get settled down...If you happened to visit Jeddah, We can have a cup of coffee together..Cheers!

OH!Canada

I just moved back here from the states (lived there for the past 6.5 years). Kinda feeling weird. Reverse culture shock probably.

Anyways, it really depends on what you're looking for. I know this compound called Oasis where you don't need to know anybody there. All you do is call and reserve a table at their restaurant. Once you do that, your name will be registered at the gate. It's a buffet and they also serve hookahs. It's about 100 riyals per person i think.