Looking for essential tips to thrive as an expat in Saudi Arabia? From navigating daily life to finding the perfect home for you, this article has got you covered.
Moving to a new country can be exciting but comes with several challenges. Be it maintaining their social lives or adjusting to the cultural norms, and expats usually find it difficult to settle in a new country. Follow the tips below to live a comfortable life in KSA as an expat.Â
Banking and Finance
Managing your finances is a crucial step for a smooth expat experience. Open an account in a local bank to manage your finances easily. Multiple banks are available in Saudi Arabia, some of which offer services specifically for expats.
Moreover, plan a monthly budget according to your financial situation. The cost of basic utilities such as electricity, gas, and water in KSA is quite low. Furthermore, there are a variety of food options available, ranging from affordable street food to high-end restaurants. This gives you the flexibility of enjoying food options within your budget.
Buy a SIM card
Buy a Local SIM card to stay connected to your phone. Some of the best telecom service providers are STS, Mobily, and Zain.
Find the perfect home
Research accommodation that suits your needs and budget in the area you will be living in. Most expats live in Jeddah or Riyadh, where you can easily find accommodation ranging from villas to modern apartments.
If you are looking to save, try buying a house in a less central area. This will significantly reduce your living costs, as rental prices in these areas are much lower compared to popular neighborhoods.
Transportation
If you plan to drive your car in KSA, you will need a Saudi driving license. Before driving, go through the driving test procedure and make sure you are aware of the local traffic laws.
However, if you are comfortable with public transport, you can download ride-share applications such as Uber and KSA. Buses are the most common form of public transport. They are much more affordable and have routes in major cities and towns.
Healthcare in Saudi Arabia
The healthcare system in KSA is quite developed. Both private and public sector hospitals offer excellent healthcare facilities. Remember to opt for healthcare insurance that covers the costs of both public and private healthcare facilities. You can even ask your fellow expats for recommendations for an English-speaking doctor.
Start Learning Arabic
Not many people in KSA are proficient in English. You may find people in your businesses or the younger generation who understand and speak English; however, not many locals are familiar with this language. Therefore, to help communicate with the locals, try learning basic Arabic. You can start with learning greetings and common questions and then progress to advanced Arabic. Apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone can help you learn Arabic at your own pace.
Maintain a Social Life
- Find a support group
Immigrating to a different country might make people feel isolated; however, this is rarely a concern for expats in Saudi Arabia. The country’s large expat community provides great opportunities for you to communicate with fellow immigrants and learn from their experiences. There are multiple expat clubs all around KSA that plan get-togethers and other social events. Do not hesitate to attend these events and find a new social circle, as it will help you adapt to your life in Saudi Arabia.
- Go for Leisure Activities
Moreover, if you want to explore the country by yourself, several sports and recreational activities are present in KSA. If you are interested in golf, soccer, swimming, or tennis, many sports centers offer these activities.
To get the true Saudi experience, try going for camel rides or desert camping. If you live near the country’s coastline, you can also go for swimming or other water sports.
- Find a Work-Life Balance
Having a work-life balance is essential to living a healthy life. Adjusting to a new work environment can be challenging, and you might find it difficult to take some time out for yourself. Therefore, it is necessary to set clear boundaries between work and leisure from the start.
While you take care of your physical health, also focus on your mental health. Allocate some time to your hobbies, social activities, and exploring the country’s tourist attractions. Engage in activities to destress yourself and stay in touch with your family and friends to keep yourself connected.
Develop a routine that includes relaxing activities, such as reading, watching movies, or exercising. You can also consider joining a community gym to keep yourself physically active. Moreover, make sure to get enough sleep, as it is crucial to having a balanced routine.
- Know the Social Laws and Etiquette
It is important to note that casual mixing between men and women is not encouraged in Saudi Arabia. Expats and locals engage in mixed gatherings, especially in their professional lives. However, other events are usually segregated.
Moreover, you are also expected to dress modestly in public. Women mostly wear an abaya, while men avoid wearing shorts. However, the abaya rule has now been relaxed in some major cities, but it is still advised to dress modestly. Â
Also, many businesses temporarily close down during the five prayer times. Therefore, keep track of these prayer times to sync with the operating hours of the local shops and businesses around you.
Adapting to the Saudi culture and norms might take some time, but it is possible if you keep an open-minded approach to it. Keep in mind that Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country. Hence, many of its social norms are in line with Islamic values. Public practice of other religions is also not allowed. Therefore, you will not find churches, temples, or other places of worship in KSA except mosques.
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