Packing list for Saudi Arabia

Well, for one, don't bring your tv to Saudi Arabia. Your brilliant high-definition plasma flat screen (and even your old dumpy moon box) will not be compatible with the local Saudi system, and there's plenty of tv sets available for reasonable prices in the Kingdom. Otherwise, bring plenty of cool, cotton lightweight clothing and any prescriptions for medication you have. I also recommend bringing a few of the over the counter medications that you prefer (ie. Tylenol or Sudafed). In Saudi you won't be able to find the same brand names, so you'll need to be able to look on the bottle and find the active ingredient, so you can ask for it at the pharmacy. Same goes for contact lenses and solution, and cosmetic stuff.

Average: Select ratingCancel ratingPoorOkayGoodGreatAwesome

Your rating: None

Hi, Alot depends on how much home comfort you want.  You can arrive with just your flight luggage and survive.  If you are in one of the major cities, Dammam/Khobar; Riyadh; Jeddah; then most major shops and brands are available for furnitue, clothing, food, electrical, sports goods etc.  Things tend to be more expensive than US or Europe prices by 10-20%.  However, not everything is here and if you have specific requirements that you feel you can not live wihout I suggest you either check first, or bring them with you.  Medication is one good example - I would say all types of madication is available but definitely not all brands, another example is Mizuno running shoes, while most brands are here I have never found Mizuno, so I buy them on trips home.  Food is similar - most things are here but if you have a special thing you like, then it might be worth bringing a supply with you.  Obviously things NOT to bring include anything that contains alcohol or pork.  an this would include such things as alcohol based mouth wash !!!  If you are getting furnished accomodation then it makes alot of thing easy - even the TV, which is normally provoded.  If you have family coming with you then you my be having a shipment from your home country.  I would suggest that you bring stuff that will make the house 'home' but be very careful with things that are of high value or sentimental value as they can go missing.  Also avoid things like statues, artwork containing images of women and things like that which may end up being damaged as they do not comply with Islamic law.

If you have any questions about specific items or you would lke me to expand the informtion further then let me know.
David 

Average: Select ratingCancel ratingPoorOkayGoodGreatAwesome

Your rating: None

You will likely be provided with both an air shipment for things you will need immediately, and a surface shipment for things that can wait to arrive. The air shipment may take a couple of weeks while surface shipments will easily take several months. A general rule in both instances is do not send anything that is irreplaceable or that you could not bear to lose. It is not usually necessary to ship furniture since most available housing in Saudi Arabia is furnished. Check with your moving company or your sponsor to find out what your weight allowance will be.

Here are some things you may choose to send by air:

• Computer and software
• Some cookbooks
• Tool kit
• Games
• Children’s toys
• Video, DVD’s and CDs

These are some things you may decide to send surface:
• The rest of your kitchen needs
• Clothing
• Sewing machine
• Books
• Household items
• Appliances
• Camping gear

Do not bring your American television set(s), as it is not compatible with local systems and sets are available locally at reasonable prices. In fact, most anything is available here, for a price.

If you pack suitcases remember that you will probably have at least one plane change to make and even a change of airports, as well as a long layover somewhere. If you have small children, the prospect of hauling lots of heavy bags becomes even worse. What follows is a list of things you may want to have with you when you land, and a summary of clothing needs.

If you have children bring some toys and a favorite stuffed animal to make the journey easier. Snacks and juice boxes are easy to carry and always come in handy. A mild decongestant can help little ones to sleep. A change of clothes in carry-on luggage is always recommended. Also, smart travelers carry a copy of their Saudi visa in a separate place from their passport, as well as placing a copy of passport and Saudi visa in each suitcase. In case of a lost passport, it is almost impossible to get a new Saudi visa without a copy of the old one in hand.

It is also wise to bring any over-the counter or prescription medicines your family uses. Medicine is readily available and often less expensive here but not necessarily the same brands or ingredients you are used to. You will need to know the main ingredient of the drug in order to find something similar. Pepto Bismol, for one cannot be found here. Bring your name brand aspirins, vitamins, cold and sinus medicines, cough syrups or anything else your family depends on. Prescription glasses and lenses cost more here, as do contact lens solutions. It is recommended that you bring copies of all your prescriptions with you.

All kinds of cosmetics can be found here at reasonable prices. However, if you rely on a certain brand or color it is smart to bring it with you until you know for sure it is available here.

Most items of clothing are available in the Kingdom, but not always in your size or style. Changing rooms are rare and stores are staffed by male personnel which can sometimes put a damper on lingerie shopping. There are fabric stores for those who are handy with a sewing machine. Patterns are limited so bring those from home. There are also tailors who do excellent work. Your friends will be able to recommend someone.

Exactly what kind of clothing should you bring? Saudi Arabia is extremely hot in the summer. Loose cotton clothing is the best bet. Shorts, tennis shoes, exercise clothing and swim wear for children and adults are acceptable on compounds but sometimes difficult to find here. Good quality children’s clothes and shoes can be very expensive. It is best to bring enough and in various sizes to last until your next visit home. There is a lot of socializing within the western community so do bring some dress clothes. Refer to the following chart for an idea of what type of clothes you need to pack.

Hope this helps.

Average: Select ratingCancel ratingPoorOkayGoodGreatAwesome

Your rating: None