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," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
"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," commented one expat who made the move to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Saudi Arabia?
- How do I find a place to live in Saudi Arabia?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Saudi Arabia?
- What is the average cost of housing in Saudi Arabia?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Saudi Arabia?
- What should I pack when moving to Saudi Arabia?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Saudi Arabia?
- Why do people move to Saudi Arabia?
- What are healthcare services like in Saudi Arabia?
- What are medical services in Saudi Arabia like?
- What are typical rents 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.