What do I need to know before moving to Saudi Arabia?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Saudi Arabia, they said...
"My advice would be to take it easy - your company should do most of the work although on arrival be ready for an information overload as well as not sleeping very well in the first few weeks and don't worry it takes a few weeks to settle but you will adapt very quickly and get out there ! join every club etc you can ! it is hard to meet people and always remember your manners as it stands to you for the next invite," explained one expat living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Get Quote
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote
"The best information I would give to someone moving to Saudi Arabia is: do not bring anything with you that you cannot carry in your suitcase. We recently moved back to Saudi and the customs gave us a very bad time with our home shipment. They broke new furniture, charged us duty on our used electronics, put things from someone elses shipment in ours and I imagine put some of ours in someone elses. There are numerous things missing and broken. We figure it is just another way to harras Americans," said another expat in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Saudi Arabia?
- How do I meet people in Saudi Arabia?
- What is life like in Saudi Arabia?
- Is there a lot of crime in Saudi Arabia?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Saudi Arabia accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Saudi Arabia like?
- Is the cost of living in Saudi Arabia high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Saudi Arabia?
- What are healthcare services like in Saudi Arabia?
- Is the cost of living in Saudi Arabia high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Saudi Arabia?
- What is the weather like in Saudi Arabia?
- Are there good restaurants in Saudi Arabia?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Saudi Arabia?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Saudi Arabia?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Saudi Arabia?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Saudi Arabia?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Saudi Arabia?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before moving to Saudi Arabia?
If you live in Saudi Arabia, newcomers to Saudi Arabia would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.