What To Bring - First Time
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HI all. I have been here reading a lot about Riyadh and what to expect. I am from Canada; with a job offer to Riyadh (still pending Visa). Yes, i too have the 3 months probation.. which is not really a concern except I still won't sign a contract for a one year stay. I am married and wife will join me after some time (after I get my Iqama, i guess)
Anyways... My question revolves on what to bring with me? Cash wise? I am expected to pay for everything.. employer only providing salary...
Sorry if the questions seem silly.... Buying car will have to be done by cash? what about everyday things? Can I pull out money using my Canadian bank card?
Thanks everyone 
ps. excellent forum... keep up the good work
Hello Johnro,
Congregations for your new job
let me ask you why are you concern about how much you should bring with you? is your employer not trustful enough to pay you on time?
Usually, people take in mind to bring a reasonable amount of money to cover the first month necessary expenses. Then you will be able to depend on your paycheck taking in mind that your salary is decent enough to cover your expectation of your desired lifestyle.
I would tell you bring 10,000 SR in cash, you might not consume it all and the excess will be saved & easily returned, better then bringing exact figure that might not cover your expenses. But if you are also going to pay for the accommodation then bring more than that.
It is wise to make sure that your credit card / ATM card will be working fine in Saudi as an emergency solution in case something not expected happened. And its your bank who has the best answer!
Though, credit cards are rarely rejected here.. but no one knows. One of my Dutch friends was visiting here late 2013 for a task and he found that his personal card was not accepted so he used his AMEX provided by his company.
About buying a car, you should wait till you arrive. And in the first period rent a car to be able to move around.
Once you found your situation stable and your employer is not going to provide you a car which usually they do or they will pay you good transportation allowance. Then, you can buy a car on the lease basis after getting your Iqama.
One option might be also good enough, check if your employer can buy you the car in cash and they deduct from your pay on monthly basis, this way you will avoid the banks interest rates! they register the car under their name with you being the authorized user and you can travel, go wherever and everybody is relaxed.
Welcome to Saudi and best luck
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