An Expat Talks about Moving to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Riyadh

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

Three things I wish I brought: more music on my computer, a large jar of vegemite and rexona men's deoderant.

Three things to leave: wireless router, batteries, and personal care products

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Cigna Global Health

With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family. We provide the reassurance of comprehensive core cover, and the flexibility of adding as many extra benefits as you want to ensure you have a plan perfectly suited to your needs.
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What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

Be very sure of what your getting into. Ask questions from as many different sources not just the employment agencies, they just want their money and paint a very rosie picture to what the reality is...

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

4 bedroom villa with three other expats. The villa is quite old, poorly furnished, very cold in the winter, power and electrics can be dodgy, circa 1970-80's fixtures. Cheap and nasty kitchen supplies.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

It was chosen by mt employer

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

My housing costs are provided by my employer