AboutLauren Gilkey Expertise I can answer questions pertaining to local culture and daily living for Westerners (expats) and what they do for vacation within Saudi. I am limited to questions about the Western Coast, since I never visited the Eastern part of the country. I have knowledge about Yanbu, Jeddah, Medinah, and Abhah. I can also answer general questions about what it was like to live there, etc. Please note that I cannot help with job market, job placements, and employment opportunities.
Experience I lived in Yanbu for 4 years and did some travelling in the country.
Question Hi there!
I just read a post about a kiwi girl who was going to be a nanny for a private vip family, me too! Im 34, single and desperate to have even just one person i can have as a contact over there incase it all goes horribly wrong, heaven forbid! how much does it cost to join a ladies gym there, any idea? what else does a western girl do to amuse herself curious, once you take ER private practice, the mentalist, men, alcohol, movies off the list what does one replace them with??? and how much does it cost for a cup of coffee in a cafe? is there anything i will miss terribly that i cant get over there,(thanks for the feminine hygeing advice, lol) and i wonder if they would take weetbix off me in customs.....oh and thanks for the tip about the postal service.!
Answer Hi Kylie,
A ladies gym - cost will vary depending on where you are located, where the gym is, and what it offers. Generally, the cost should be very reasonable, even cheap compared to Western standards. I wouldn't expect the quality or size of Western gyms. You should have a great pool no matter what (in a country that is so hot, what else would you expect?).
Be prepared for a lifestyle change -- no cable tv (although you can get satellite), no alcohol, no movie theaters, no dating, no dancing... it will be different. There is shopping (great shopping, actually). If you live on a coast there is the beach (incredible snorkling in the Red Sea). Otherwise you'll become very adept at entertaining yourself with games, the computer, movies at home, or getting together with friends. You can probably have the internet and get TV from there.
A cup of coffee -- again, that will depend largely on where you live. However the economy is pretty strong and the cost should be very cheap compared to Western standards.
I doubt they would confiscate Weetibix off of you at customs. If they do, have someone mail it to you, I don't think you'll have any problems. They are much more lax compared to Western countries on bringing in food.
If you are moving to Riyadh, I would recommend reading "In the land of invisible women" by Dr. Qanta Ahmed. She grew up in England, went to Uni in the USA, and then moved to Riyadh for a year to practice medicine. Although she grew up Muslim, her family was very liberal compared to Saudi. She has a lot of detail about the city, the laws, the experience, and what to expect that could be very helpful for you. It is well written and incredibly detailed, so you'll be much better prepared.
