Thank you for visiting the Expat Arrivals Forum. We have thousands of local expats waiting to answer your questions on living and working abroad.

Read our terms of use.

Filter by Destination:

Moving to Riyadh vs. Jeddah

Expert Info

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on
Destination: Saudi Arabia
I'm due to move with my wife to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia over the course of the next few months. That said, I have been doing research and I'm wondering if we should consider basing ourselves in Riyadh rather? There seems to be a more relaxed atmosphere in Jeddah, and it's by the beach - which is nice. But, Riyadh seems to have a larger expat community and more events put on by emabassies and foreign organisations. I'm also an avid golfer and Riyadh seems to have more courses available, can anyone comment?

Women's Groups in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Expert Info

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on
Destination: Riyadh
Hi All- I moved with my husband to Riyadh about two weeks ago. We are renting an apartment, so we are not surrounded by other expats in compound life. I'm looking for ways to meet people or get involved in activities in the city. Does anyone know if there are any women's groups in Riyadh, or how to go about joining a worthwhile social network?

IB Schools in Cape Town

Expert Info

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on
Destination: Cape Town
I'll be moving with my husband and two kids from the UAE (though we're American) for at least 3 to 5 years come this July. Can anyone recommend a reputable international school with an IB curriculum and an suburb close by that's safe and convenient. We don't mind living in an apartment if the city centre is a viable option. Thanks.

Waiting for Residency Permit in South Africa

Expert Info

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on
Destination: South Africa
Hi All- I submitted my application for Permanent Residency in South Africa on an exceptional skills basis in June 2010 and I have yet to receive. I know all applications now go to the "hub" in Pretoria - which seems akin to throwing them into the depths of Mordar and waiting for the God of Horror to spit them back up either approved or lost completely. Can anyone give advice on how to track progress. Any other expats applying for their residency permit in South Africa who can share their experience. I guess misery loves company and I'm looking for any advice I can find.

Best South African Bank for Expats?

Expert Info

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on
Destination: South Africa
Hi All- I've been an expat in South Africa for just over four years and pretty much decided to open a bank account with Standard Bank for the obvious reason that it was the branch closest to my house and I was too lazy to walk elsewhere or research more extensively. Now, finally, I'm considering settling more permanently and suddenly my South African bank becomes important because, hey, I need a loan! Just wondering if any expats have been through this process and can recommend which bank is the most conciliatory toward offering foreigners a bit of cash to play with.

Taking a dog to Spain

Expert Info

Submitted by tompitman on
Destination: Spain
Hello, one more question -
We are planning a move to Spain and want to know if we can bring our dog, and what is involved. Do I need to get a pet passport? Can I simply take him in the car and drive out there?
Let me know, many thanks... 

What's the cost of living in Spain?

Expert Info

Submitted by tompitman on
Destination: Spain

Hi - we are planning a move to Spain (Mallorca) and would be interested to know the cost of living compared to London. I imagine it is much cheaper, particulalry now, but I am sure there are some items that cost more. How do you reckon living costs compare to London - which items are cheaper and which cost more. Many thanks.

How do I get English TV in Spain?

Expert Info

Submitted by tompitman on
Destination: Spain
hello. we have recently bought a house in Mallorca, Spain, and will be spending six months a year there from now. We want to be able to get English TV and are hoping we can take our Sky box from the UK to Spain. Will we be able to get English TV in Spain via Sky? And if this doesnt work, what are the other options for getting English TV in Spain? I know there are thousands of English expats in Mallorca, so I guess it must be possible, and look forward to your help!! 

Is Madrid kid-friendly?

Expert Info

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on
Destination: Madrid
I've lived my whole live in slow, suburbia and now we're leaving the periphery of Philly (Philadelphia, USA) for the big, bustling metropolis of Madrid. As much as I'm worried about my own adjustment I'm more concerned for my kids (Kale is 7 and David is 9). Can anyone expats advise if Madrid is kid-friendly, and recommend some good activities?

Expat Health Insurance

Cigna Health Insurance

Cigna Global Health Insurance.

Medical insurance specifically designed for expats. With Cigna, you won't have to rely on foreign public health care systems, which may not meet your needs. Cigna allows you to speak to a doctor on demand, for consultations or instant advice, wherever you are in the world. They also offer full cancer care across all levels of cover, and settle the cost of treatments directly with the provider.

Get a quote from Cigna Global - 20% off

Moving Internationally?

Sirelo logo

International Movers. Get Quotes. Compare Prices.

Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.

Get your free no-obligation quotes from select removal companies now!