Expert Info
on 9 Aug 2012
Hi friends, do you have any recommendations on where to stay before securing housing? Secondly, what are the precise steps I should take to find housing and is the public transportation easy to navigate for a new expat?(I read the guide and perused various classifieds, but I am interested in some additional practical advice regarding Jeddah). Finally, how long can I expect it to take to move into my own place (I would like to find something between 35 to 45 thousand a year, and I am open to both compound and non-compound options). This is the only thing that I am nervous about before departing, and any information on some of the first steps I should take would be much appreciated. Thanks so much!
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If you are moving out to Jeddah for work purposes, in most cases the your employer will assist you in securing accomodation. Where you choose to live and in which type of accomodation will depend greatly on your circumstances and budget/housing allowance from your employer.I think this is especially important in your case as your budget does seem very small - one/two bedroom flat cost between SAR 100,000 to 130,000.
If you are from North America or Europe it would be advisable to move into a Western compound, especially if you are women or travelling with a wife and children. This would make the transition to life in Jeddah smoother and you would be surrounded by other Western expats and facillities that you would expect to have in Western cities.
I recommend you contact the following companies Arabian Homes, the Al Basateen Village and Elite Compounds as they would be able to give you more detailed information on what is available. You can find more information and contact details on our Accomodation in Jeddah page.
While there are bus services running throughout Jeddah, most expats travel in a private car or taxi. Depending on your circumstances and how long you will be staying in Jeddah it might be worth looking into buying a car. The process of buying a car in Saudi Arabia is quite complicated and I would advise you to look at our page on Buying a Car in Saudi Arabia for more detailed information. There are number of different options open to you. Driving in Saudi Arabia is not an easy feat and it maybe advisable to hire a driver to take you about.
Good luck with the move to Jeddah.