Arriving in Saudi can be a bit overwhelming. This week we just flew back into Saudi, and it hit me what a new experience that it can be for the newbie. Here are some things that you can expect a prepare for:
1. On the plane ride, the last couple of hours you will see women shuffling to the airplane bathrooms to put on their abayas and hijabs. If you are a woman, just dress modestly. Even now when I go in and out of the airport, I just wear a long skirt and a shirt that is not low-cut, and is past my elbows. No need to wear an abaya when you fly in or out!
2. Before you land, they will start collecting and locking up all the beer and wine on the plane. They apparently check the planes in Saudi, and these things cannot be out.
3. When you get to immigration, they will take your picture and fingerprints. Look nice, because this picture will be on your iqama (resident card) and your drivers license and never goes away! Even 8 years after being here, and I still have the same picture!
4. Customs- When you pick up your bags, head over to the "Nothing to Declare" and head out. Occasionally they will check your bags here and look to see what you brought with you. I think they have checked my bag once. There are some regulations such as no pork, alcohol, pornography, sex items, religious material (you can bring a personal Bible though).
5. Pickup- There will be a school official or school driver there to pick you up. Normally we just send one of our school bus drivers. It doesn't matter what time of day or night you get there, someone will be there to pick you up! When you get your flight information, be sure to send that information to your director as well, so that they can make sure that someone is there to pick you up and that your apartment is ready for you. (Just as a double check!)
One of the documents that was made by one of the teachers in Dammam, is an airport arrival information. While it doesn't apply exactly to everyone, it does give you a basic overview of arriving at an airport in Saudi.
1. On the plane ride, the last couple of hours you will see women shuffling to the airplane bathrooms to put on their abayas and hijabs. If you are a woman, just dress modestly. Even now when I go in and out of the airport, I just wear a long skirt and a shirt that is not low-cut, and is past my elbows. No need to wear an abaya when you fly in or out!
2. Before you land, they will start collecting and locking up all the beer and wine on the plane. They apparently check the planes in Saudi, and these things cannot be out.
3. When you get to immigration, they will take your picture and fingerprints. Look nice, because this picture will be on your iqama (resident card) and your drivers license and never goes away! Even 8 years after being here, and I still have the same picture!
4. Customs- When you pick up your bags, head over to the "Nothing to Declare" and head out. Occasionally they will check your bags here and look to see what you brought with you. I think they have checked my bag once. There are some regulations such as no pork, alcohol, pornography, sex items, religious material (you can bring a personal Bible though).
5. Pickup- There will be a school official or school driver there to pick you up. Normally we just send one of our school bus drivers. It doesn't matter what time of day or night you get there, someone will be there to pick you up! When you get your flight information, be sure to send that information to your director as well, so that they can make sure that someone is there to pick you up and that your apartment is ready for you. (Just as a double check!)
One of the documents that was made by one of the teachers in Dammam, is an airport arrival information. While it doesn't apply exactly to everyone, it does give you a basic overview of arriving at an airport in Saudi.
When you get to your apartment, there should be a few food staples, blankets, and towels. There is also internet provided, so that should help until you are able to get a phone.
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