Common Expat Mistakes in Saudi Arabia — How to Avoid Them

TL;DR — • Don’t fly without a visa plan, document pack, and passport validity checks. • Activate health insurance and pick your clinic + ER in Week 1. • Go wallet → bank after Iqama; run a test remittance first. • Only sign housing on Ejar; document move‑in/out with photos. • Switch banking to authenticator‑based MFA; keep backup codes. • Learn Najm accident flow and save 911 + two hospitals. • For exit, run a 90‑day plan so EOS, deposits, and account closure don’t chase you home.

20 mistakes — and how to avoid each one

1) Flying without a visa plan or passport‑validity check

What happens: You arrive but can’t complete onboarding or your family can’t be added as dependents because documents aren’t aligned. Why it happens: People assume “HR will sort it.” Do this instead: Confirm visa type, issuance steps, and passport validity windows for you and dependents before booking. Pack originals (marriage/birth certificates) + scans. Keep a one‑page PDF bundle.

Script — HR (EN)

“Kindly confirm the visa type, required passport validity for me/dependents, and the issuance timeline so I can align flights and school bookings.”

نص — الموارد البشرية (AR)

«نرجو تأكيد نوع التأشيرة ومتطلبات صلاحية الجواز لي وللمرافقين والجدول الزمني للإصدار حتى ننسّق الرحلات وحجوزات المدارس.»

2) Arriving without active health insurance or network awareness

What happens: Clinic rejects you or you pay out‑of‑pocket. Why it happens: People don’t know their policy start date, network, or co‑pays. Do this instead: In Week 1, request a policy summary, pick a clinic + ER near home/work, and store your member ID in your phone wallet. Keep a claims folder.

Script — HR/Insurer (EN)

“Please share the policy summary, network hospitals/clinics, and coverage start date for me and dependents.”

نص — التأمين (AR)

«نرجو تزويدنا بملخص وثيقة التأمين وشبكة المستشفيات/العيادات وتاريخ بدء التغطية لي وللمرافقين.»

3) Relying on cash/wallets and delaying a bank account

What happens: You can’t receive salary cleanly, and rent/school payments become a weekly scramble. Why it happens: Waiting on Iqama or not having a salary letter ready. Do this instead: As soon as Iqama is issued, open a bank account with a salary letter; enable online banking + MFA in‑branch; add beneficiaries and send a test transfer.

Script — Bank (EN)

“I have Iqama and a salary letter. Please open my account and help me enable app + authenticator MFA today.”

نص — البنك (AR)

«لدي الإقامة وخطاب تعريف بالراتب. نرجو فتح الحساب وتفعيل التطبيق + الموثّق اليوم.»

4) Sending a large first remittance with no test

What happens: Compliance reviews delay funds; recipient details have a typo. Why it happens: New sender profile, big amount, missing purpose note. Do this instead: Add recipients in Week 1; send a small test with purpose (tuition/family support); save receipts and case numbers. Keep two providers as Plan A/B.

5) Signing a lease off‑platform (no Ejar) and skipping inspections

What happens: Disputes at move‑out and slower deposit refunds. Why it happens: Verbal agreements, no photo evidence. Do this instead: Use Ejar; document move‑in with room‑by‑room photos + meter readings; agree move‑out inspection date and deposit timeline in writing.

6) Missing Iqama renewal windows and dependent updates

What happens: Banking/clinic access issues; visa actions blocked. Why it happens: No calendar tracking. Do this instead: Put Iqama/visa dates in your calendar with 30‑day and 7‑day reminders; confirm dependent coverage and school docs are current.

7) Ignoring public decency and everyday etiquette

What happens: Awkward moments or complaints; trouble at events. Why it happens: Assuming rules are identical to home. Do this instead: Dress modestly, ask before photographing people, and be mindful in public spaces. During Ramadan, avoid eating/drinking in daylight in public; run errands after iftar.

8) Not knowing the accident flow (Najm) or emergency basics

What happens: Traffic chaos or fines; missed steps. Why it happens: No prep, no app, no kit. Do this instead: Save 911; install Najm; keep a car kit (triangles, torch, wipes, water, phone mount, spare cable). Photograph damage; stay safe; follow instructions.

9) Underinsuring (car/travel) or misunderstanding co‑pays

What happens: Surprise expenses after incidents or trips. Why it happens: Assuming a basic package covers everything. Do this instead: For cars, know your excess, windscreen and agency repair terms. For frequent flyers, consider annual multi‑trip travel cover.

10) Treating the exit as “two weeks of errands” instead of a 90‑day project

What happens: EOS disputes, deposit delays, bank accounts stuck open. Why it happens: No timeline; documents scattered. Do this instead: Run a T‑90 countdown: HR/EOS, Ejar termination, utilities/Internet, school clearances, car sale, final remittance, Final Exit, bank closure. Keep a single exit folder.

11) Relying on SMS OTP for everything

What happens: Lose access when a SIM changes or roaming fails. Why it happens: Didn’t switch to app‑based MFA. Do this instead: Use an authenticator app, store backup codes offline, and keep a temporary prepaid SIM in Month 1 and exit month.

12) Waiting to contact schools until after housing

What happens: Waitlists and long commutes. Why it happens: Reversing the order (home first, school later). Do this instead: Book assessments in Week 1–2; pick home on bus routes; keep report cards and vaccinations scanned.

13) Budgeting without a buffer (heat, setup, deposits)

What happens: Stress at the end of Month 1. Why it happens: Underestimating A/C usage and one‑off costs. Do this instead: Build a local buffer (one month of expenses), track four weeks of real spending, and lock a budget number by Week 4.

14) Forgetting home‑country admin (residency, filings, reporting)

What happens: Banking or residency problems back home; late fees. Why it happens: “Out of sight, out of mind.” Do this instead: Keep at least one home account/card alive, set mail handling, and if your country has global reporting (e.g., US persons), put deadlines in your calendar and consult a professional.

15) Over‑shipping and over‑packing

What happens: You pay to move items that are cheap locally. Why it happens: Packing habits from previous moves. Do this instead: Triage: keep (carry‑on) documents/tech/meds, ship only what’s costly to replace, sell/donate bulky items. Photograph valuables and note serial numbers.

16) Not building a local network (then feeling isolated)

What happens: Slow logistics, fewer leads, harder weekends. Why it happens: Assuming work contacts are enough. Do this instead: Join compound groups, sports clubs, parent chats, and professional associations. Volunteer for an event; it accelerates friendships.

17) Underestimating heat/seasonal rhythms

What happens: Uncomfortable viewings, low energy, poor sleep. Why it happens: Daytime errands in summer, no A/C plan. Do this instead: View homes early/late; test A/C; use blackout curtains; shift errands toward evenings; hydrate and stock electrolyte sachets.

18) Traveling without aligning Exit & Re‑Entry timing

What happens: Change fees, messy payroll windows. Why it happens: Issuing too early or without HR’s schedule. Do this instead: Time the visa close to travel and salary, and double‑check dependent status before booking.

19) Not documenting HR/bank/landlord decisions

What happens: “We never said that” moments. Why it happens: Verbal approvals. Do this instead: Send recap emails after calls; save PDFs of letters/receipts; keep a folder with consistent filenames (YYYY‑MM‑DD_topic.pdf).

20) Ignoring contract fine print (probation, notice, allowances)

What happens: Surprise clawbacks or lost benefits. Why it happens: Skimming the offer letter. Do this instead: Clarify probation, notice, housing/schooling allowances, overtime/bonus, EOS, relocation/shipping, exit ticket—and get it in writing.

Mistakes by persona — focused playbooks

Singles

• Mistake: signing a long lease far from work/social life.

• Fix: start with a short term or compound studio; validate commute at peak hours; use ride‑hail for Month

Couples

• Mistake: choosing space over location.

• Fix: pick a neighborhood with evening life and safe walks; confirm visitor parking and building access rules.

Families

• Mistake: housing first, schools later.

• Fix: school assessments first; shortlist homes on bus routes; confirm medical clinics and pharmacy hours.

Contractors/consultants

• Mistake: treating visa, housing, and insurance as employer‑handled.

• Fix: document each responsibility; keep receipts and no‑dues letters; plan a final exit sequence even if your contract runs short.

Students/trainees

• Mistake: assuming campus handles everything.

• Fix: ask for insurance, housing, and transport details; keep emergency numbers and a guardian contact handy.

Red‑flag checklists (print or screenshot)

Housing red flags

• Lease not on Ejar.

• No move‑in photos or meter readings.

• Vague deposit terms.

• No maintenance contact or SLA.

• Poor A/C or no fiber Internet.

Banking & remittance red flags

• SIM name mismatch vs passport.

• No salary letter; delayed bank app activation.

• First transfer is a large amount with no test.

• Single remittance provider (no Plan B).

Health red flags

• Policy start unknown.

• No clinic/ER pinned.

• Missing vaccinations upload for kids.

• No pharmacy near home saved.

School red flags

• Waiting to book assessments.

• Not mapping bus routes.

• Missing report cards and transfer letters.

Exit red flags

• No EOS estimate at T‑

• Ejar termination not scheduled.

• Internet/utility cancellation left to the last day.

• No closure certificate plan for banks.

Scripts you’ll actually send (EN/AR)

Bank — onboarding (EN)

“I have Iqama and a salary letter. Please open the account and enable app + authenticator MFA today. I’ll add beneficiaries and send a test transfer.”

البنك — فتح الحساب (AR)

«لدي الإقامة وخطاب تعريف بالراتب. نرجو فتح الحساب وتفعيل التطبيق + الموثّق اليوم. سأضيف المستفيدين وأرسل تحويل تجريبي.»

Landlord — Ejar + inspection (EN)

“Please share the Ejar draft with start/end dates, rent schedule, and deposit. Let’s book move‑in/out inspections and confirm deposit return timing.”

المؤجر — عقد الإيجار (AR)

«يرجى مشاركة مسودة إيجار موضح فيها تاريخ البداية/النهاية وجدول الدفعات والتأمين. نود حجز معاينات الدخول/الخروج وتأكيد موعد استرجاع التأمين.»

HR — EOS & final exit (EN)

“Planning a final exit in [month]. Could you share a provisional EOS estimate, the clearance checklist, and confirm the last payroll date?”

الموارد البشرية — نهاية الخدمة (AR)

«أخطط لـ الخروج النهائي في [الشهر]. نرجو مشاركة تقدير مبدئي لمكافأة نهاية الخدمة وقائمة المخالصات وتأكيد تاريخ آخر راتب.»

School — assessments (EN)

“New arrival; we’d like assessments for [child/grade]. Please share the documents, fees, and bus routes for [district].”

المدرسة — تقييم القبول (AR)

«وصلنا حديثاً ونرغب في تقييم قبول لـ [الطفل/الصف]. نرجو مشاركة المستندات والرسوم ومسارات الحافلات لـ [الحي].»

Remittance provider — large transfer (EN)

“I’ll send a final transfer to [country]. Please confirm limits, FX, and delivery time. I’ll begin with a small test.”

مزود التحويل — مبلغ كبير (AR)

«سأرسل تحويلاً نهائياً إلى [الدولة]. نرجو تأكيد الحدود وسعر الصرف ووقت الوصول. سأبدأ بـ تحويل تجريبي.»

One‑page self‑audits (tick as you go)

Month‑1 self‑audit

• ( ) Visa/iqama complete; document pack scanned

• ( ) Insurance active; clinic + ER pinned; member ID saved

• ( ) Bank open; app + MFA; test remittance sent

• ( ) Housing on Ejar; move‑in photos; Internet booked

• ( ) School assessments booked; bus route checked

• ( ) Safety: 911 saved; Najm app; car/home kits ready

• ( ) Budget baseline set; local buffer funded

• ( ) Community: one club/group joined

Final‑exit self‑audit

• ( ) EOS estimate (T‑90); HR clearances track

• ( ) Ejar termination scheduled; inspection/date set

• ( ) Utilities/Internet cancellation receipts queued

• ( ) Car sale/transfer planned; insurance cancellation ready

• ( ) Final remittance tested; main transfer booked

• ( ) Bank closure certificate requested after EOS

• ( ) School transcripts/transfer certs received

• ( ) Travel docs + visa printouts in carry‑on

_Last updated September 1, 2025. This page is practical guidance, not legal advice. For items that can change (visas, leases, insurance), confirm with official portals or your HR/insurer on the day you arrive.

Signals • Fixes • Proof — a rapid‑response layer for each mistake

To make this page actionable, here’s a repeatable triad you can apply to any mistake: Signals you’re at risk, Fix this weekend, and Proof you did it right. We illustrate it for the first 10 mistakes and give templates for the rest.

1) Visa planning

Signals: You can’t list the exact visa type or passport validity you need; family documents are “on another laptop.” Fix this weekend: Create a one‑page visa sheet with your type, steps, and dates. Scan marriage/birth certificates; store in a single cloud folder. Proof: You can forward a single PDF bundle to HR in one email; your calendar has visa/Iqama milestones.

2) Health insurance

Signals: You don’t know your network clinic or co‑pay. Fix this weekend: Email HR for the policy summary; choose clinic + ER; add member ID to your phone wallet. Proof: Clinic registration confirmation email; ER pinned; ID card shows in wallet.

3) Banking

Signals: Salary is going to a colleague’s account “for now,” or you still use only cash/wallet. Fix this weekend: Book a branch visit; list required docs; draft your bank script (below). Proof: App installed; MFA switched to authenticator; first test transfer receipt saved.

4) Remittances

Signals: You only have one provider; you’ve never sent a test. Fix this weekend: Add a second provider; send a small transfer; label the purpose. Proof: Two receipts with different reference numbers; beneficiary nicknames are clear.

5) Housing/Ejar

Signals: Your lease is a PDF from an agent; no Ejar record. Fix this weekend: Ask the landlord to migrate to Ejar; take photos of every room + meters; name files with date+room. Proof: Ejar number is in your inbox; a folder of photos exists with consistent names.

6) Iqama renewals

Signals: No renewal dates in your calendar; dependents’ documents haven’t been scanned. Fix this weekend: Add 30‑day/7‑day reminders; scan all dependents’ passports & vaccinations. Proof: Calendar entries show; a dependents subfolder exists.

7) Decency & etiquette

Signals: You’re not sure what to wear to a mixed event or how to handle photos in public. Fix this weekend: Read our Culture guide; prepare one conservative outfit for official visits; learn a few Arabic courtesy phrases. Proof: Outfit ready; phrases in your notes (see below).

8) Accidents & 911

Signals: You don’t know what Najm is; your car kit is a phone charger only. Fix this weekend: Install Najm; buy a triangle/torch; save 911 and two hospitals. Proof: App login screen shows your policy/vehicle; car kit lives in the trunk.

9) Insurance gaps

Signals: Your car policy type/excess is unclear; you’ve traveled twice with no travel insurance. Fix this weekend: Read your policy schedule; if flying more than twice a year, price an annual multi‑trip. Proof: Policy PDF annotated; insurer confirmation of coverage terms saved.

10) Exit planning

Signals: You think “I’ll do it in two weeks.” Fix this weekend: Draft a T‑90 timeline (HR/EOS, Ejar, utilities, school, car, remittance, bank). Proof: A dated checklist exists; a folder “Saudi‑Exit” with placeholders for each category.

Template for mistakes 11–20:

• Signals: [write 2–3 signs you’re at risk]

• Fix this weekend: [one concrete task list]

• Proof: [one document, email, or screenshot you can show yourself]

City‑specific pitfalls (and simple counters)

Riyadh — Big city commutes and dust.

• Pitfall: Long evening drives; signing far from work/school.

• Counter: The triangle test (home–work–school) must fit within ~45 minutes at rush hour; drive it twice before signing. Use tower apartments with good sealing or compounds with tested filtration.

Jeddah — Humidity and salt air.

• Pitfall: A/C strain, window corrosion near the coast.

• Counter: Ask for A/C service history; check window/door seals; plan evening errands; get a dehumidifier for bedrooms if needed.

Eastern Province (Dammam/Khobar/Dhahran) — Cross‑city life.

• Pitfall: Living in one city and schooling/working in another without testing.

• Counter: Drive your intended route mid‑week at 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; pick a home with easy highway access and plan a carpool or bus route early.

Project sites (NEOM/Red Sea) — Rotations & infrastructure.

• Pitfall: Assuming city‑like amenities and bandwidth.

• Counter: Confirm rotation, allowances, and Internet SLA in your contract; pack a travel hotspot and offline entertainment.

Corridor‑specific money pitfalls (remittances)

• India: Name spelling across NRE/NRO and recipient bank often differs from passport; first transfer fails. Fix: Copy exact beneficiary spelling from a bank statement; run a test.

• Philippines: Family prefers wallet credit or cash pick‑up for speed; bank route takes longer. Fix: Store two recipients (bank + wallet) and choose by purpose.

• Pakistan: Large transfers may trigger “source of funds” checks. Fix: Pre‑upload salary letters and pay slips; add a brief purpose note.

• Egypt: Some families prefer EGP for bills and USD for savings. Fix: Ask your recipient which they want first; label transfers accordingly.

• UK/US/CA/EU: Subscription cards and brokerage logins may rely on OTPs. Fix: Keep one home card and convert 2FA to an authenticator app; store backup codes.

Internet & utilities pitfalls (first and last mile)

• First month: You sign a lease but wait weeks for fiber. Counter: Use a 5G pocket router as a stop‑gap; place your main router high/central away from appliances.

• Exit month: Cancelling Internet on move‑out day causes a packing scramble without Wi‑Fi. Counter: Cancel for move‑out +1 day; return router with a receipt.

School pitfalls (and realistic workarounds)

• Late to assessments: Seats fill in peak grades. Workaround: Accept temporary placement or a nearby curriculum while you queue; keep your child’s routine steady.

• Bus routes mismatch: Commute burns hours. Workaround: Choose housing on bus routes; ask for map/pickup windows in advance.

• Paperwork gaps: Missing transfer letters or vaccinations. Workaround: Scan everything pre‑arrival; ask schools for document checklists up front.

Employer/contract pitfalls (what to lock in writing)

• Housing allowance bands and who negotiates rent renewals.

• Schooling allowances (cap, number of children, grade limits).

• Transport (allowance vs vehicle), overtime, bonus and EOS calculation basis.

• Medical coverage (dependents, maternity), travel (flight frequency/class), relocation (weight/size), and exit ticket.

• No‑dues/clearance process and reference letters upon exit.

Negotiation phrasing (EN)

“Could we document housing allowance aligned with [district] rents and schooling support for [number] children up to [grade]? Please also include a salary letter template for banking.”

صياغة التفاوض (AR)

«هل يمكن توثيق بدل السكن بما يتناسب مع إيجارات [الحي] ودعم الرسوم الدراسية لـ [عدد] من الأطفال حتى [الصف]؟ نرجو أيضاً تضمين نموذج خطاب تعريف بالراتب للبنوك.»

Digital‑life audit (pre‑arrival and Month‑1)

• Accounts & MFA: Switch banks/cloud to authenticator apps; print backup codes; export 12–24 months of statements.

• Devices: Remove old devices from account access lists; register a spare phone for 2FA.

• Mail & billing: Use a trusted person or virtual mailbox; reroute critical bills; update addresses.

• Data vault: Create folders: 01_IDs, 02_Employment, 03_Banking, 04_Housing, 05_Health, 06_Education, 07_Travel, 08_Community, 09_Checklists.

Myth vs reality — expectations that cause mistakes

Arabic phrases that smooth daily life (with pronunciation)

• لو سمحت/من فضلك (law samaht / min fadlik) — Please.

• شكراً (shukran) — Thank you.

• أين أقرب مستشفى؟ (ayna aqrab mustashfa?) — Where is the nearest hospital?

• هل عندكم إنترنت ألياف؟ (hal ʿindakum internet alyāf?) — Do you have fiber Internet?

• متى موعد التثبيت؟ (matā mawʿid at‑thabīt?) — When is the installation appointment?

• أحتاج خطاب تعريف بالراتب. (aḥtāj khitāb taʿrīf bil‑ratib.) — I need a salary letter.

• نريد إنهاء عقد إيجار. (nurīd inhāʾ ʿaqd ijār.) — We want to terminate the Ejar lease.

• رقم الطوارئ ٩١١ (raqam aṭ‑ṭawāriʾ tisʿa wāḥid wāḥid) — Emergency number is

Expanded scripts — ready to paste

ISP — installation (EN)

“We’ve moved to [address/plus code]. Please confirm the earliest installation slot, whether you need the Ejar copy, and the router return rules.”

مزود الإنترنت — تركيب (AR)

«انتقلنا إلى [العنوان/الرمز]. نرجو تأكيد أقرب موعد للتركيب وهل تحتاجون نسخة من إيجار وقواعد إرجاع المودم.»

Landlord — move‑out (EN)

“We’d like to schedule move‑out inspection for [date]. We’ll share meter photos. Kindly confirm the deposit refund timeline and transfer method (IBAN).”

المؤجر — الخروج (AR)

«نرغب في تحديد معاينة الخروج بتاريخ [التاريخ]. سنشارك صور العدادات. نرجو تأكيد موعد رد التأمين وطريقة التحويل (الآيبان).»

Bank — closure (EN)

“EOS has posted. Please close the account and issue a closure certificate and card closing letters. Let me know about any trailing charges.”

البنك — إقفال (AR)

«تم إيداع مكافأة نهاية الخدمة. نرجو إغلاق الحساب وإصدار شهادة إغلاق وخطابات إغلاق البطاقات. هل توجد رسوم لاحقة؟»

Printable checklists — two pages for your fridge

Page 1 — Arrival & Month‑1

• Visa/Iqama milestones dated; document bundle stored

• Insurance active; clinic + ER pinned; wallet card printed

• Bank open; app + authenticator; test remittance sent

• Ejar lease; move‑in photos; Internet ordered (pocket router backup)

• School assessments; bus route; documents scanned

• Safety: 911 saved; Najm app; car/home kits set

• Budget baseline; local buffer

• Community: one group/club joined

Page 2 — Final Exit (T‑90 to departure)

• EOS estimate; clearance list; last payroll date known

• Ejar termination request; inspection booked; meter photos plan

• Utilities/Internet cancellations sequenced

• Car sale/transfer; insurance cancellation; no‑claims letter

• Final remittance tested; main transfer scheduled

• Bank closure certificate and card closing letters planned

• School transcripts; transfer certificates; uniform resale if any

• Visa printouts; flight plan; originals in carry‑on