Coming to SA

Hello Hajjah1,

Welcome to expat-blog!

As you have many questions, it will be good to start by running through the articles in the Living in Saudi Arabia guide. You will find several sections related to the different milestones of expatriating to Saudi Arabia.

You can also read the topics under the forum categories found on the right of the page for general infos, visa, cost of living and so on discussed my members of the Saudi Arabia forum.

Best of luck,
Bhavna

generally, single women that come here come to work. single women can't come to study or otherwise. the only available visa for you would be an umrah visa or a employment/ business visa. from what I've seen, most people find flats by word of mouth, or from friends/family that already live there. you can check expatriates(dot)com for available accommodations. there is a facebook group - Sisters in Saudi Sand where you can find more sisters that are directly from medinah. wa billaah tawfeeq

Is your employer bringing you on Iqama or business visa ? new trend lately is to bring Americans on business visa since it's 5 year validity.

If you come on business visa note that it will be difficult to get a place on rent, internet etc. So hopefully u come on a permanent visa (iqama).

Rentals in Madinah are considerably low compared to Jeddah, for example you can get 4 room apartment for around 25K which costs around 30 in Jeddah. Again, as a single lady not sure if it's recommended for you to stay there. Suggest you to get a compound which I think is only 1 there or full fledge female housing.

And when ur coming from San Fran, pls bring me some flowers...I wanna wear them in my head....