Packing for Saudi

Overwhelmed by what to bring and how to pack for 1-2 years of not coming home?  So are most people.  One of the best things that I learned is that you can get almost everything that you need here in Saudi!  We have tons of malls, western stores, and pharmacies. 

The basic luggage that you will be allotted is 2- 50 pound bags, 1- carry on, and 1- personal item.  My luggage suggestion after living overseas for many years is to buy plastic foot lockers instead of luggage.  Luggage gets torn and ripped easily, but those foot lockers are sturdy!!

Plus, they are only $20 at Walmart!  We brought some last time, and just brought more back with us.  We lock them with zip ties and/or luggage locks.

Sterilite Brand Foot Locker

Link: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-Footlocker/45924283

Okay, now the question is what should I pack??  

1. Clothes-- you will want work clothes plus casual clothes.  Example, I wear shorts, tank tops, jeans and shorter dresses-- in addition to my work outfits.

Work Clothes:

Dress code for Men-- dress pants, dress shirt or polo (depends on school for the POLO shirts)

Dress code for Women-- Long skirts (mid-calf to ankle length-- no splits above knee), Shirts that are short-sleeved or longer (nothing sleeveless)  

*** Women in Jeddah can wear dress pants--- it all depend on  the rules set by the ministry of education in that area.  All other Women can only wear long skirts or dresses, sorry ladies***

2. Some little pictures or reminders of home

3. Laptop 

4. Camera

5. Plug adapters for electronics-- I bought mine on Amazon.

Here is the link:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078V3K2Q9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here are some other things that teachers at my school suggested in a group chat:

--NyQuil / Robitussin

--Sharpies

--American Thermometer

--Maxi Skirts

--Colorful Expo Markers

-- Favorite Candy from Home

-- Bathing suit

--Fire Stick

For the ladies:

-- Good quality Bras (you can find at Marks & Spencer, but they are expensive!)

-- Tampons (not available here!)

Some people have also asked about religious books . . . the rule is that you can bring in a Bible or something like that for personal use.  They just don't want you bringing in a ton of religious material.  Also prohibited is alcohol & pork products-- please don't try to sneak in bacon in your luggage. 😂