Top 10 Things to Know Before Moving to Saudi Arabia — Expat Guide

1) Secure the right visa and confirm passport validity windows for Final Exit / Exit & Re‑Entry before you book flights. 2) Health insurance is mandatory for expats; learn how to verify coverage and pick clinics in your network. 3) Start with a digital wallet on arrival, then open a bank account after your Iqama with an employer salary letter. 4) Choose a home using Ejar (digital lease); understand deposit & inspection rules and Internet options. 5) Your first remittance should be a small test before the main transfer. 6) If you drive, learn Najm accident flows and keep emergency numbers. 7) Dress modestly and respect the Public Decency code; many shops now stay open during prayer times. 8) Arriving with family? Book school tours early and align your home to bus routes. 9) Keep a folder for documents (visa, Iqama, bank, lease, insurance, school). 10) Plan your final exit with a 90‑day timeline so EOS, deposits and account closure don’t chase you home.

1) Visas & paperwork, picking the right route

Common routes: tourist e‑visa, employment (work), family/dependent visas, and Premium Residency (eligible profiles). For workers, your sponsor/employer handles most actions in Absher/Muqeem; keep your passport and Iqama valid and on hand at every step.

What to check before you fly:

• Passport validity: Absher guidance requires at least 60 days for Final Exit, 90 days for Exit & Re‑Entry; families must meet the same validity thresholds.

• Exit strategy: If you’ll travel mid‑assignment, align Exit & Re‑Entry with pay cycles and housing; fees aren’t refunded if you change your mind.

• Document pack: Contract + salary letter, passport + visa page, marriage & birth certificates (originals + scans), vaccination cards (kids), degree/attestation where applicable.

Scripts you’ll actually send (EN/AR)

• HR (EN) → “Please confirm the visa type, issue timeline, and passport validity needed for Final Exit / Exit & Re‑Entry for my dependents.”

• الموارد البشرية (AR) → «نرجو تأكيد نوع التأشيرة والمدة ومتطلبات صلاحية الجواز لتأشيرة الخروج النهائي/الخروج والعودة للمرافقين.»

2) Health insurance & hospitals — what’s mandatory, and how to use it

Mandatory coverage: In Saudi Arabia’s health system, expats in the private sector must have health insurance, and CHI (Council of Health Insurance) provides e‑services to check coverage. Tourist visas also bundle mandatory insurance. Your employer usually enrolls you; ask for a policy summary, network list, and co‑pays.

How to use it well

• Pick a clinic & ER near home/work; store member ID in your phone wallet.

• Learn the claims flow (direct billing vs reimbursement), referral rules, and any pharmacy limits.

• Carry ID + insurance to every appointment; keep copies of lab results and vaccinations.

• Save 911 and your nearest ER; add a bilingual wallet card with allergies/blood type.

Script (EN) → “Could you send the policy summary (network hospitals, co‑pays) and confirm the coverage start for my dependents?” نص (AR) → «نرجو تزويدنا بملخص وثيقة التأمين (الشبكة الطبية، نسب التحمل) وتأكيد تاريخ بداية التغطية للمرافقين.»

3) Money & banking — wallet → bank, first payroll, and remittances

Month‑one workflow 1) Wallet on arrival: Pay taxis, groceries, deposits. 2) Bank after Iqama: Bring Iqama, a salary letter, and your registered mobile. Activate app + MFA in‑branch. 3) Add beneficiaries (home & local) and run a small test remittance. Label recipients (“Rent‑[District]”, “School‑[Child]”). 4) First payroll: When salary lands, send your main remittance and set recurring rules.

Avoid delays

• Name on SIM/bank must match your passport (prevents OTP headaches).

• Keep two remittance providers ready.

• Save receipts and case numbers for large transfers.

Script (EN) → “I have Iqama and a salary letter. What else do you need to open the account and enable online banking today?” نص (AR) → «لدي الإقامة وخطاب تعريف بالراتب. ما المطلوب لـ فتح الحساب وتفعيل التطبيق اليوم؟»

Deep‑dives: Best bank accounts for expats; Remittances by country (India/PH/PK/EG/UK/US/CA).

4) Housing — renting vs compounds, Ejar, deposits & inspections

Two good paths

• Compounds: Community, facilities, bundled services; higher rent but easier arrivals.

• City apartments/villas: More choice and price range; check parking, security, fiber Internet.

Ejar matters

• Digital lease with authenticated terms; do a move‑in inspection (photos of walls/meters).

• For move‑out, use mutual termination on the Ejar platform; schedule an inspection and confirm deposit return method & timeline.

Viewing checklist

• A/C age/service, water pressure, dust ingress, noise at night, pest control history, parking, fiber availability, school bus routes.

5) Everyday costs & budgeting — set your month‑one baseline

Baseline categories

• Rent/compound • Utilities • Internet/mobile • Transport (ride‑hail/fuel) • Groceries • School (fees/bus/lunch) • Insurance • Remittances • Savings/Buffer.

Smart setup

• Track the first 4 weeks and lock a budget number by Week

• Guard a local buffer (1 month of expenses) to cover deposits, movers, and late bills.

• Save your recipient list with clear nicknames to avoid errors.

6) Transport & driving — ride‑hail, licenses, Najm, and car basics

Month‑one: Use ride‑hail while scouting neighborhoods and school/work routes. Driving later: If converting your license or testing locally, learn the insurance & accident flow. For minor insured collisions, call Najm or use their app; for injuries or uninsured vehicles, follow traffic police instructions.

Car kit: triangles, torch, wipes, water, phone mount, spare cable, basic first‑aid. Home kit: keep two ride‑hail apps saved to favorites (work, school, clinic).

Script (EN) → “Could you confirm installation for home Internet at [address] and whether you need the Ejar copy?” نص (AR) → «هل يمكن تأكيد تركيب الإنترنت المنزلي في [العنوان] وهل تحتاجون نسخة من عقد إيجار؟»

Deep‑dive: Driving in Saudi Arabia (licenses, loans, insurance, Najm).

7) Culture & daily life — dress, prayer, Ramadan, and social rhythm

Dress & public decency

• Dress modestly in public; avoid clothing or behavior that violates the public decency rules. Many visitors find that long, loose outfits work everywhere; keep a scarf for conservative settings. Public Decorum Charter and Public Decency Regulations set the baseline, while U.S. trade guidance notes abayas/head coverings aren’t required for foreign visitors.

• Prayer times: Many shops now remain open during prayer; pharmacies and petrol stations often operate through. Expect some venues to pause briefly.

Ramadan rhythm

• Late evenings, iftar/social time; many offices run adjusted hours. Avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight; plan errands after sunset.

Everyday etiquette

• Ask before photographing people; be mindful with music volume in public; queues are taken seriously in official settings.

• Public displays of affection are discouraged; alcohol remains prohibited (don’t bring it in, don’t post about it).

8) Safety & emergencies — 911, scams, and digital hygiene

• Emergency number: 911 works across major regions; store it and your nearest ER (home/work).

• Car accidents: If at least one party is insured, Najm handles the report (app/call center).

• Scams: Beware overpayment/refund scams on marketplaces and “courier link” phishing.

• Digital hygiene: Switch banking to authenticator‑based MFA; save backup codes and revoke old device logins.

Wallet card (EN) → “Emergency at [plus code/address]. Adult/child with [problem]. Breathing? conscious? [Yes/No]. Landmark: [store/mosque]. Call: [number].”

9) Schools & family life — admissions, documents, buses, fees

• Shortlist 2–3 schools by curriculum (British/US/IB/CBSE/FBISE); book tours/assessments in Week 1–

• Prepare report cards, transfer certificate, vaccinations, passport scans.

• Align your home with bus routes; ask for pickup windows.

• Weekend rhythm: parks, indoor play, sports clubs; book swim lessons early.

Script (EN) → “We’d like assessments for [child/grade]. Could you share documents, fees, and bus routes for [district]?” نص (AR) → «نود حجز تقييم قبول لـ [الطفل/الصف]. هل يمكن مشاركة المستندات والرسوم ومسارات الحافلات لـ [الحي]؟»

Deep‑dive: Education for Expats (fees, curricula, allowances).

10) Exit & repatriation — don’t leave without these proofs

When it’s time to go, use a 90‑day countdown: align EOS, Ejar termination, final remittance, and bank closure with your Final Exit timing. Keep PDFs of: visa printouts, EOS statement, bank closure certificate, Ejar termination, school transcripts, utility/Internet cancellations, and deposit advice slips.

Tables (print or screenshot)

A) Documents pack (keep one PDF + folder of scans)

B) Budget baseline

C) Housing viewing checklist (one page)

D) Emergency & car kit

Copy‑paste scripts (EN/AR)

1) Bank onboarding (EN)

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

١) فتح حساب بنكي (AR)

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

2) Landlord/Ejar (EN)

“Kindly share the Ejar draft with start/end dates, rent schedule, and deposit so we can sign and pay.”

٢) المؤجر/عقد إيجار (AR)

«يرجى مشاركة مسودة إيجار موضح فيها تاريخ البداية/النهاية وجدول الدفعات والتأمين حتى نتمكن من التوقيع والسداد.»

3) School assessments (EN)

“We’re new arrivals; please book assessments for [child/grade], and share the documents list, fees, and bus routes.”

٣) تقييم القبول (AR)

«نحن جدد؛ نرجو حجز تقييم قبول لـ [الطفل/الصف] ومشاركة المستندات المطلوبة والرسوم ومسارات الحافلات.»

4) Remittance (EN)

“Before sending my final amount, please confirm limits, FX spread, and delivery time for [country]. I’ll start with a small test.”

٤) تحويل مالي (AR)

«قبل إرسال المبلغ النهائي، نرجو تأكيد الحدود وهامش سعر الصرف ووقت الوصول إلى [الدولة]. سأبدأ بـ تحويل تجريبي.»

Last updated September 1, 2025. This is practical guidance, not legal advice. For items that can change (visas, Ejar, health insurance), check the official portals.

City snapshots — choose your launchpad wisely

Riyadh (capital): Corporate HQs, rapid growth, mega‑projects, and strong international schools. Expect longer commutes in core districts; plan around school bus routes and access roads. Neighbourhoods vary widely in traffic and dust exposure—visit at morning and evening peaks.

Jeddah (Red Sea): Coastal lifestyle, strong private healthcare, and a growing expat scene. Humidity affects A/C performance—ask for service history and inspect for salt corrosion if you’re near the waterfront. Weekend life leans outdoors from late afternoon through the evening.

Eastern Province (Dammam/Khobar/Dhahran): Energy sector hub with family‑friendly compounds and easier commutes on average. Cross‑city drives are common; if you’ll work in one city and live in another, test the route mid‑week at commute time.

NEOM/Red Sea developments: Frontier projects with site camps transitioning into permanent districts. Contracts often include transport, meals, and accommodation; scrutinize leave rotation, allowances, and Internet quality before signing.

How to pick quickly: shortlist by (1) commute to office/school, (2) compound vs city apartment preference, (3) clinic in your insurance network, and (4) budget with a 10–15% buffer for the first three months.

Seasonal calendar — plan around heat, holidays, and school terms

• Summer (May–Sep): Peak heat; move‑in inspections are faster at sunrise or after sundown. A/C checks and blackout curtains pay for themselves.

• Ramadan: Shorter office hours in many workplaces; plan errands after iftar. Social life flips to evenings; school timetables may adjust.

• Hajj season: Expect travel and accommodation pressure around Makkah/Medina; book intercity trips early.

• Back‑to‑school: Admissions windows cluster around late spring for the autumn term—start tours soon after arrival.

• Long weekends & public holidays: Popular times for local trips; ride‑hail surge pricing and mall footfall increase—do your big errands early.

Digital life setup — the apps and settings that make month one easier

• Absher: Keep passport/Iqama data up to date; use it for visa inquiries and to view status.

• Emergency: Save 911 and pin your home, work, and nearest hospital on your maps app.

• Najm: Install the app; store your policy and vehicle details so reporting is one tap away.

• Banking: Turn on authenticator‑based MFA and download 12–24 months of statements to your personal archive.

• Calendar: Subscribe to a prayer time calendar and public holiday list to plan errand windows; even with shops open, crowds shift around these times.

What first‑timers get wrong (and how to avoid it)

1) Issuing an Exit & Re‑Entry too early — then canceling and losing the fee. Fix: time issuance close to travel; Absher confirms no refund after cancellation. 2) Letting insurance lag — causing clinic rejections and Iqama issues. Fix: verify status on CHI or the National Portal before appointments. 3) Under‑documenting the apartment — disputes at move‑out. Fix: Photo/video every room and meter on day one; save in your “Saudi‑Documents” folder. 4) Relying only on SMS‑OTP — then losing access while traveling. Fix: authenticator app + backup codes for banks and cloud. 5) Shipping the wrong things — paying more than local replacement cost. Fix: triage with “keep/ship/sell/donate” and scan manuals/receipts instead of packing them.

Do & Don’t — quick table for culture, law, and daily life

Packing & setup — the 10‑item starter list

1) Document kit: originals + scans (passports, visas, certificates, insurance, school). 2) Electronics: universal adapters, surge protectors, travel router. 3) Medications: doctor letter + prescriptions; keep a week’s supply in carry‑on. 4) Clothing: breathable fabrics, layers for A/C; a conservative set for official visits. 5) Admin templates: prewritten scripts (EN/AR) for bank, landlord, insurer, school. 6) Finance: two remittance providers set up; bank list researched. 7) Home starter: extension cords, basic tools, cleaning kit for day one. 8) Car readiness: ride‑hail apps installed; if driving, an emergency triangle and torch. 9) Kids pack: school records, comfort items, a week of lunchbox supplies for settling in. 10) Digital backup: cloud + offline copy of your Saudi folder.

*FAQs* — beginner questions you will ask

Arrival week planner — Day 1 to Day 7 (copy this into your notes)

Day 1 (land + settle):

• Airport SIM, ride‑hail to temporary stay, and a grocery + pharmacy run. Photograph passports/visas and save to your cloud folder. Share live location with your sponsor/HR for the first commute.

Day 2 (admin orientation):

• HR onboarding, medical/biometrics if scheduled, collect your temporary access badge. Ask HR for the salary letter format accepted by banks and the tentative Iqama issue date.

Day 3 (schools & clinics):

• Book two school tours and register at a nearby clinic using your insurance letter/policy number. Pin the nearest ER and print your wallet card from this guide.

Day 4 (housing sprint):

• See 4–6 properties in one district you like and 2–3 in a second district for comparison. Ask about Ejar, deposits, and Internet lead times; verify parking and commute time at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Day 5 (money moves):

• If Iqama is ready: open bank account, enable app + MFA, add beneficiaries, run a test remittance. If not: top up wallet; collect bank requirements and book a branch appointment.

Day 6 (contracts):

• Decide on a property; request the Ejar draft; schedule move‑in and Internet. Confirm deposit return conditions in writing. Add your landlord and favorite taxi to contacts.

Day 7 (rest + review):

• Recheck the week’s receipts, rename PDFs consistently, and prepare your Month‑1 budget. Plan school uniform/books, and set a Sunday evening family planning session for the next week.

The 30‑day scoreboard — measure what matters

• Visas & Iqama: ( ) Applied ( ) Issued ( ) Scanned to folder

• Insurance: ( ) Active ( ) Cards issued ( ) Clinic registered

• Banking: ( ) Account open ( ) App + MFA ( ) Test remittance ( ) Payroll received

• Housing: ( ) Ejar signed ( ) Move‑in inspection photos ( ) Internet installed

• Transport: ( ) Ride‑hail set ( ) Car decision ( ) Najm app installed

• Schools: ( ) Tours done ( ) Assessment ( ) Seat offered ( ) Bus route confirmed

• Safety: ( ) 911 saved ( ) ER pinned ( ) First‑aid kit in car/home

• Budget: ( ) Month‑1 tracked ( ) Buffer set ( ) Subscriptions canceled/kept

• Community: ( ) Gym/club picked ( ) Weekend plan ( ) Favorite café bookmarked

Remittance playbook — smooth, cheap, and predictable

1) Start with a test: Send the minimum to verify beneficiary name, SWIFT/IFSC, and delivery time. Keep a screenshot of the quoted FX and fees.

2) Choose by corridor: India/Philippines/Pakistan/Egypt/UK/US/Canada corridors often have specialized providers with better rates. Keep a Plan B provider in case of maintenance.

3) Timing & tax: Salary day spikes often mean worse FX; consider sending mid‑week at off‑peak times when spreads are tighter. Keep year‑end statements for tax declarations back home.

4) Alerts & limits: Set rate alerts for your target corridor; know your daily/monthly limits and how to raise them (ID verification, source‑of‑funds).

5) Traceability: Save the MT/UTR reference, beneficiary confirmation, and a plain‑English note (e.g., “Aug‑Rent‑Mumbai”); this makes audits and visa paperwork painless.

Glossary — the Saudi terms you’ll hear on day one

• Iqama — your residency ID card for expats.

• Absher — government e‑services portal/app for visas and more.

• Ejar — digital leasing network; authenticates residential contracts.

• Najm — insurance services company that documents many road accidents.

• Jawazat — General Directorate of Passports.

• SAMA — central bank/regulator; consumer protection for banking/insurance.

• Public Decency Regulations — legal code governing conduct/dress in public.

• NCSO 911 — National Center for Security Operations / unified emergency number.

Neighborhood heuristics — pick smart, not just pretty

• Triangle test: home–work–school under 45 minutes door‑to‑door at rush hour; if not, re‑rank options.

• Noise & dust: visit with windows open; ask about filters and look for light dust on shelves/baseboards.

• Elevators & access: for high‑rise living, reserve elevator slots for move day; check generator coverage.

• Parking math: your unit should have 5–2 spots if you’ll own a car and have regular guests; ask about visitor parking rules.

• Night safety: walk the street at 10 p.m.; note lighting, foot traffic, and nearby late‑night shops.

Work & office life — practical etiquette that saves time

• Expect WhatsApp groups for quick updates; keep a professional tone and mute after hours.

• Calendar etiquette: if colleagues observe Friday prayers, avoid scheduling overlaps; many teams prefer early morning or late afternoon check‑ins.

• Keep ID visible on campus; bring a light jacket (A/C).

• If you present to mixed audiences, open with a short cultural greeting; be precise with time and next steps.

Bonus: a realistic household budget exercise (no numbers required)

1) List fixed items (rent, school, subscriptions). 2) Track variable items for four weeks (groceries, fuel/ride‑hail, activities). 3) Add a contingency line for unexpected items (medical co‑pays, appliance repair). 4) Create a one‑off bucket for move‑in (furniture, curtains, deposits). 5) Review monthly; if remittances are a priority, automate them on payday + 1.

Troubleshooting scenarios — copy these solutions

• Bank app locked after SIM change: Use in‑branch reset with passport + Iqama; switch MFA to an authenticator; keep a prepaid SIM active for a few weeks.

• Lease deposit delay: Quote the Ejar termination record and a written timeline; escalate through your broker if needed.

• Visa cancellation confusion: Show Absher’s own guidance confirming no refund for cancelled Exit & Re‑Entry visas.

• Clinic says “inactive” insurance: Check status on CHI; ask HR to update records if you recently renewed.

• Minor car bump: If insured, file via Najm app; photograph damage, keep traffic flowing, and wait for the SMS case number.

Your first weekend mini‑itinerary (family‑friendly)

• Morning: Explore a nearby park or corniche; test your bus route timing to school without the weekday traffic.

• Afternoon: Shopping for home basics; confirm delivery slots and set up utilities auto‑pay where possible.

• Evening: Community event or compound activity; introduce yourselves in the compound group (or building WhatsApp).