[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” module_id=”teach-in-china” _builder_version=”4.5.1″ background_image=”https:\/\/teachingnomad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Saudi-Arabia-landscape-hero-image.jpg” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” da_popup_slug=”teach-in-china” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Living in Saudi Arabia” text_orientation=”center” header_fullscreen=”on” button_one_text=”Start your adventure in Saudi Arabia” button_one_url=”https:\/\/www.teachingnomad.com\/jobs\/job-board\/c__saudi+arabia\/” module_class=”tnd-page-header” _builder_version=”4.6.6″ title_font=”Lato|800|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#1d1f20″ title_font_size=”40px” title_line_height=”1.2em” background_enable_color=”off” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][et_pb_fullwidth_code admin_label=”Fullwidth Code” _builder_version=”4.6.6″ background_enable_color=”off” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_fullwidth_code][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.8″ custom_padding=”80px||62px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.1″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.8″][et_pb_cta title=”About Saudi Arabia:” button_text=”View jobs in China” module_class=”teach-in-cta” _builder_version=”4.6.6″ header_font=”Lato|900|||||||” header_text_color=”#1d1f20″ header_font_size=”34px” body_font=”Lato||||||||” body_text_align=”left” body_text_color=”#606262″ body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.4em” background_enable_color=”off” button_alignment=”center” text_orientation=”left” background_layout=”light” custom_margin=”||-56px|||” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false”]<\/p>\n
If you’re considering\u00a0moving to Saudi Arabia to teach<\/a>, there are many different things to learn about and take into consideration before committing to such a big lifestyle change. Living in Saudi Arabia will require some major adjustments.<\/span><\/p>\n You can prepare yourself for most of the new experiences you’ll have in Saudi, but there are also some things you just have to see for yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n Saudi Arabia has a total population of 28.7 million people with about 8 million foreigners. The cost of living is noticeably cheaper than its western counterparts. For example, a cappuccino will cost about $2.67 while a one-bedroom apartment can cost between $250 – $400 USD a month. However, all of the schools we work in Saudi provide housing for the teachers. Since Saudi Arabia is in the desert, most of the consumer goods are imported so it will be reflected in the day-to-day prices.<\/span><\/p>\n Prior to moving abroad, schools will conduct the interview, negotiations, and visa before you depart your home country. Just expect the interview and hiring process to take between 1-3 months. Most expats including teachers live in gated community compounds that include accommodations. The healthcare system has standards to US or European hospitals and healthcare facilities. Please plan accordingly but also is ready for changes.<\/span><\/p>\n It is recommended that if you bring about $1,000 USD in start-up funds, you\u2019ll be able to make the transition a little bit easier without worrying about cash. Employers will usually reimburse you for your transportation costs. Most expat experience a better quality of life at a fraction of the price.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Saudi Arabia has a desert climate, so it gets extremely hot during the day and temperatures drop dramatically at night. The summer temperature averages 45C (113F) but can reach as high as (54C) 129 F. The fall and spring range between 84 \u00b0F (29 \u00b0C). Accommodations are built with these temperatures in mind and are typically properly air-conditioned.<\/span><\/p>\n There are plenty of things to do for fun in Saudi Arabia. Soccer (Futbol) is the national sport but they enjoy treasures such as camel racing. Many expats enjoy traveling to different cities and countries nearby including the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n View jobs in Saudi Arabia<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ background_image=”https:\/\/teachingnomad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Saudi-Arabian-bridge.png” height=”406px” custom_padding=”57px|||||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”0px||12px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_cta title=”Cost of living in Saudi Arabia” button_text=”Click Here” _builder_version=”4.6.3″ header_font=”Lato|900|||||||” header_text_color=”#1d1f20″ header_font_size=”34px” header_line_height=”1.2em” body_font=”Lato||||||||” body_text_align=”left” body_text_color=”#606262″ body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.4em” background_enable_color=”off” background_layout=”light” custom_margin=”26px||23px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||19px||false|false”]<\/p>\n The currency in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR \ufdfc), and it’s divided into 100 halala.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The cost of living in Saudi Arabia is about 30% lower than in the U.S., and the\u00a0average foreign teacher salary ranges between $30,000 – $54,000 USD.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Foreign teachers often receive good benefits packages that cover some form of housing, insurance, and education for their children. If teachers don’t have to worry about these extra expenses, then the cost of living feels quite reasonable compared to other places in the Middle East.<\/span><\/p>\n Some recurring expenses you’ll want to budget for will be food, transportation, and any extra goods you may find in the malls! Groceries are reasonably priced compared to what you’re used to; however, if you choose to eat out all the time, it will add up. As for transportation costs, many expats find that they can afford a more luxurious car in Saudi – it’s also cheaper to fill up with gas due to the country’s position in the oil sector.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-4px||42px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”99px|||||”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|0px||||”]<\/p>\n Once you get your residence permit in Saudi Arabia, you can choose what kind of bank to open an account with. There are local and international choices, and mobile\/online banking is common.<\/span><\/p>\n Something to note about banking in Saudi is that due to Islamic law, banks do not pay interest on your balance, nor do they offer high-interest loans. Accumulating [a lot of] debt is a criminal offense, so be sure to stay on top of your payments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you want to earn any interest on the money you store in the bank, you’ll likely want to transfer a portion of it into an offshore account.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Credit card<\/strong>\u00a0– Major credit cards are accepted at most businesses in Saudi Arabia. You’ll also be able to find ATMs if you need one. Most big credit cards are accepted in Saudi Arabia (Visa, Mastercard, and sometimes American Express); however, you’ll be able to open a local bank account and get a new card from them if you’d like. Just be careful when moving money into your investments or transferring any money to your home country bank accounts. Fees may be much larger if you use a local bank instead of an offshore account.<\/span><\/p>\n Cash<\/strong>\u00a0– Cash is still a very common method of payment so it might be a good idea to carry some on you at most times. Don’t forget to negotiate when purchasing items either – don’t pay more than you should!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n There is no personal income tax in Saudi Arabia, so this is one less thing you’ll need to worry about!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/teachingnomad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Saudi-Arabian-currency.png” alt=”Saudi Arabian currency” title_text=”Saudi Arabian currency” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”101px||||false|false” custom_padding=”|20px||20px|false|true” box_shadow_style=”preset1″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n Educator compensation in Saudi Arabia<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ background_color=”#f5f5f5″ custom_margin=”||-1px||false|false” custom_padding=”44px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.8″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.8″][et_pb_cta title=”Housing situation in Saudi Arabia” _builder_version=”4.6.3″ header_font=”Lato|900|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#1d1f20″ header_font_size=”34px” header_line_height=”1.2em” body_font=”Lato||||||||” body_text_align=”left” body_text_color=”#606262″ body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.4em” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”left” background_layout=”light” max_width=”920px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|auto|-3px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false”]<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n The term “compound” sounds intimidating at first, but compounds in Saudi Arabia are one of the best places to live for foreigners!<\/span><\/p>\n Most expats who move to Saudi Arabia to teach end up living in a\u00a0Western compound.<\/a>\u00a0This kind of living situation allows you to experience more freedom than you will once you leave the compound. Most compounds have restaurants, pools, and other amenities within them, and you’ll be around other Westerners, which helps alleviate some of the culture shock that you’re bound to experience.<\/span><\/p>\n The accommodation within these compounds is usually decent quality and quite spacious. However, the downside of living in a compound like this is the cost compared to living outside of a compound.<\/span><\/p>\n Most employers will provide accommodation when you sign a contract with them, but it will differ on whether or not this apartment will be within a compound. Be sure to speak with the school about what you’re looking for to ensure that you don’t end up in a bad living situation.<\/span><\/p>\n Consider who you’re bringing with you as well – if you’re bringing along a spouse and children, they will probably be happier in a compound, as they’ll have more freedom there.<\/span><\/p>\n Western compounds are also good for teachers who are still getting used to living in the Middle East, and many people end up moving out of a compound after a few years. This allows you to get the best of both worlds and experience more of the culture first-hand once you’re ready to do so.<\/span><\/p>\n Tip: When you’re finalizing things with your new employer, ask for pictures of the accommodation – or plan to go out there early and check out your housing situation yourself!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n [\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”7px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/teachingnomad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Saud-compound.jpg” alt=”Saud compound” title_text=”Saud compound” _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/teachingnomad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Saudi-playground.jpg” alt=”Saudi playground” title_text=”Saudi playground” _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/teachingnomad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Saudi-compound-pool.jpg” alt=”Saudi compound pool” title_text=”Saudi compound pool” _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ background_enable_color=”off” custom_margin=”-84px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||80px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-96px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”0px|||||”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”119px|||||” custom_padding=”|0px||||”]<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n As with just about any other country, you need to be careful if you go out looking for off-compound housing. Don’t let anyone try to rip you off, and be sure to negotiate prices down.<\/span><\/p>\n If you’re moving to Saudi Arabia to teach, your contract will likely already have accommodation set up for you so you won’t have to deal with this.<\/span><\/p>\n The main benefit of living off-compound is more freedom in who you can invite over (no security to get through), but do keep in mind that neighbors will sometimes keep an eye on you. If they’re unhappy with anything you’re doing, they’ll make it quite clear. To steer clear of this, be respectful of local customs and culture!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/teachingnomad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Buildings-in-Saudi-Arabia.jpg” alt=”Buildings in Saudi Arabia” title_text=”Buildings in Saudi Arabia” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”117px|20px||20px|false|true” box_shadow_style=”preset1″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”cities” _builder_version=”4.4.9″ custom_padding=”0px||4px||false|false” da_popup_slug=”cities” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.1″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.8″][et_pb_cta title=”Security in Saudi Arabia” button_text=”Apply Now!” module_class=”teach-in-cta” _builder_version=”4.5.1″ header_font=”Lato|900|||||||” header_text_color=”#1d1f20″ header_font_size=”34px” body_font=”Lato||||||||” body_text_align=”left” body_text_color=”#606262″ body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.4em” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”left” background_layout=”light” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false”]<\/p>\n A major difference (depending on where you’re from) between your home country and Saudi Arabia will be the amount of security within the compounds, government buildings, embassies, etc. There will be armed guards from the National Guard in places like this, and they will ensure that you adhere to the rules.<\/span><\/p>\n It’s intimidating to see the guards around a building or compound for the first time, as they are armed with automatic weapons, but this is normal throughout the country.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ background_color=”#f5f5f5″ background_enable_image=”off” background_position=”bottom_center” custom_padding=”80px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.8″ custom_padding=”0px||50px||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.8″][et_pb_cta title=”Dress code in Saudi Arabia” button_text=”Click Here” _builder_version=”4.6.6″ header_font=”Lato|900|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#1d1f20″ header_font_size=”34px” body_font=”Lato||||||||” body_text_align=”left” body_text_color=”#606262″ body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.4em” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”left” background_layout=”light” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false”]<\/p>\n The\u00a0dress code<\/a>\u00a0varies a bit from city to city in Saudi Arabia. If you’re teaching in\u00a0Jeddah or Dammam, the dress code is a bit more westernized and less strict. However, if you’re teaching in\u00a0Riyadh<\/a>, you need to be careful to adhere to the rules when it comes to covering up.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n In public<\/strong>\u00a0– You’ll be expected to wear what’s called an abaya over your regular clothing. An abaya is the long black garment that you see Saudi women wearing in photos. You’re encouraged to wear a headscarf as well, just to be safe. As for shoes – wear whatever you’d like.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n As a foreigner in Saudi, you would not need to cover your face like the woman in the photo; however, you will need to wear the abaya (long black garment), as well as a headscarf that covers your hair.<\/span><\/p>\n Before leaving your home, make sure you can tick off these boxes:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0You’re covered up to your wrists and down to your ankles<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0You’re not showing any skin and your clothing isn’t tight or sheer<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0If you’re wearing makeup, it’s toned down<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Religious (non-Muslim) jewelry is hidden<\/span><\/p>\n At home<\/strong>\u00a0– Wear whatever your heart desires!<\/span><\/p>\n In public<\/strong>\u00a0– Cover your legs and shoulders; dress modestly. Also, avoid shorts and skinny jeans. In Saudi Arabia, it’s frowned upon to wear much jewelry. A wedding ring and wristwatch are fine, but avoid walking around with any other jewelry on,\u00a0especially\u00a0<\/strong>jewelry that’s associated with another religion. Suits or nice (not too tight) clothing is acceptable to wear to work, depending on the dress code policy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Before leaving your residence, make sure of the following:<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Your shoulders and legs are covered<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0You’re not wearing shorts or skinny jeans<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0You aren’t wearing extra jewelry<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0You smell good (cologne is quite popular among Saudi men)<\/span><\/p>\n At home<\/strong>\u00a0– Again, wear whatever you want! Don’t go too crazy, but you’re allowed to walk around the western compounds (if you live in one) with shorts on.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”cities” _builder_version=”4.4.9″ custom_padding=”80px||65px||false|false” da_popup_slug=”cities” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.1″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.8″][et_pb_cta title=”Customs and etiquette” button_text=”Apply Now!” module_class=”teach-in-cta” _builder_version=”4.6.3″ header_font=”Lato|900|||||||” header_text_color=”#1d1f20″ header_font_size=”34px” body_font=”Lato||||||||” body_text_align=”left” body_text_color=”#606262″ body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.4em” background_enable_color=”off” text_orientation=”left” background_layout=”light” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false”]<\/p>\nTemperature and weather in Saudi Arabia –<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Banking:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Payment methods:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Taxes:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Living in a Western compound<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Living off-compound<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Women:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Men:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n