So I've been applying for jobs in abroad as an English teacher and have been offered a position with 3 different companies. Nothing is set in stone but its at the 95% stage and awaiting for confirmation. I will be taking the best offer of the three so atm its a waiting game. Having said that I could be gone within a month at the earliest. Ill be moving to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I am excited to go KSA and nervous to leave the UK. The weather will be a big change something we are all looking forward to and so are the benefits that come with the job mainly tax free income :chinese:

 

On a side note everyone is pushing me to sell my zx and I haven't entertained the idea. My other two cars will be sold along with some other household items. Im thinking of taking my zx with me eventually and it isn't much to ship over. £1200 shipped in a container with insurance (quick quote online), which takes 30 days. I dont know how much customs, taxes, fees etc i will be paying here and if any there. RORO services are generally cheaper but no chance Ill be taking that option. Does anyone have any knowledge about export costs etc and what else should i expect?

 

Ideally Id like to drive it down but dont think the wife will be too happy with the idea. Plus last thing for my zx is to get that leak fixed. Any one have any links or contacts in saudi?

 

Ill still be on here :D checking back and seeing whats what and may even buy another zx there!!

Sorry to see you go buddy. Good luck over there and best wishes for the future. Keep popping in from time to time, see what's going on.

So I've been applying for jobs in abroad as an English teacher and have been offered a position with 3 different companies. Nothing is set in stone but it's at the 95% stage and awaiting for confirmation. I will be taking the best offer of the three so atm it's a waiting game. Having said that I could be gone within a month at the earliest. I'll be moving to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I am excited to go KSA and nervous to leave the UK. The weather will be a big change, something we are all looking forward to and so are the benefits that come with the job , mainly tax free income. :chinese:

 

On a side note , everyone is pushing me to sell my zx and I haven't entertained the idea. My other two cars will be sold along with some other household items. I'm thinking of taking my zx with me eventually and it isn't much to ship over. £1200 shipped in a container with insurance (quick quote online), which takes 30 days. I don't know how much customs, taxes, fees etc I will be paying here and if any there. RORO services are generally cheaper but no chance I'll be taking that option. Does anyone have any knowledge about export costs etc and what else should I expect?

 

Ideally I'd like to drive it down but don't think the wife will be too happy with the idea. Plus last thing for my zx is to get that leak fixed. Any one have any links or contacts in Saudi?

 

I'll still be on here :D checking back and seeing whats what and may even buy another zx there!!

 

Since you're an English teacher, I thought I'd highlight a few 'minor' punctuation errors. ;)

 

Only messing. You probably did it from your phone anyway. ;)

 

As for the opportunity, absolutely go for it mate! I have something sitting in the wind at the moment. It's a slim chance it'll happen, but opportunities don't come around like this all too often. In terms of teaching abroad; my father taught English as a foreign language in Portugal back in the early 70s, around the same time as the Portuguese revolution. He loved it and the only reason he came back was due to the change in the education system after '72. TBH, I'd quite like to do it!

 

In terms of shipping your car, personally I'd rather NOT ship my car via container. Having worked extensively in the shipping industry (marine), I wouldn't put my car in a container, they can get quite a battering. Driving to get a little closer could save you money. Driving to Greece would probably be your best bet. There are plenty of agents in Piraeus that will onward ship your car to Saudi. Driving there wouldn't be too difficult either. I'd personally do that. You can get ferries out of Piraeus to Limassol (Cyprus) and then a ferry from Limassol to Port Said or Alexandria in Egypt (there might even be a route from Piraeus direct). Drive down to Suez and take a ferry across the Red Sea to Jeddah; they're pretty regular in service. Paperwork however, I have no idea on. You'd probably need to get an international carnet, however this is generally for goods and freight. Insurance would be your other hurdle. You can probably get a special limited policy for that purpose.

Edited February 24, 201411 yr by Funkysi
Geographical correction!

Sounds like a great opportunity for you - bit different from sunny ol Manchester!

Great opportunity and life is to short to miss out on it. Hope all goes well and it would be nice to see a Z in the sun.

Thanks everyone and I appreciate everyone's help, tips and advice on here. I wouldn't still have my zx if it wasn't for the support and motivation form you guys!!

 

Funkysi I tried to keep it grammatically correct but I am at work and its my last day !! I figured someone will pick up on it!! lol :euro:

 

personally I'd drive it but it depends, I'll be starting straight away but not sure if they will give me a few days to settle in etc. They are paying for my flight :). Ill ask after I've signed the contract ;)

I checked a few routes. With the cost of fuel + the cost of the ferry and overnight accommodation throughout Europe, you probably couldn't save much, if anything. But for the experience, I would certainly drive. The big highways in Egypt connecting places like Alexandria, Port Said, Suez etc are not too bad. I am not sure I'd drive my Z right across Egypt though as many of the roads are in a really poor state.

For car carrier service, I recommend Mitsui OSK Bulk Shipping. They're a Japanese company who I managed ships for. They have regular services from Europe, through the Middle East and out to the Far East. Nissan UK use them too. You're a couple of hours from Newcastle also, so you can drive your car right to the docks for clearance. They vessels usually do the northern European routes of Hamberg, Bremerhaven and Antwerp, before the UK, then stops in Le Havre, Valencia, Barcelona, through the Mediterranean with stops in Naples and onward to Piraeus, they then stop in Izmir in Turkey before transiting Suez. First stop after that is usually Jeddah. I wasn't that fond of Jeddah when I went. Found it quite a strange place.

Found it quite a strange place.

 

You should have fit right in there then Si.....pmsl.....:tt2::lol::lol:

Hardy harr! Strangest place I've been to was probably Bin Qasim in Pakistan.

Having lived and driven in Ksa for a year, my advice would be to leave it here safe and in the uk for when you come back. It will get destroyed in Saudi - their driving is officially the worst in the world and the trucks and large lorries are driven by the lowest paid and unskilled workers. The death rate on the roads is truely appalling and beyond comprehension to a western mind. I saw plenty of accidents - on average at least one person killed a week I'd say. I would absolutely not take a low car like a zed - you would be a sitting duck mate! I only drive a big modern 4x4 when I'm there and that is 100percent about survival!

 

My strong strong advice would be get out there, settle (you may hate it) and then after a good few months to a year of acclimatising then consider taking the car. You would also have the time to make the necessary contacts to make the import work smoothly, if you know what I mean. Ksa is not like England, not in any way!

 

There are many many more challenging things to come to terms with other than taking the zed out immediately.

 

I was in exactly the same position as you, and I'm so glad that I didn't rush into anything.

 

That's my personal tuppence!

 

M

Thanks everyone and I appreciate everyone's help, tips and advice on here. I wouldn't still have my zx if it wasn't for the support and motivation form you guys!!

 

What a wonderful opportunity! Hope it all works out for you.

 

And remember when teaching English:

 

Grammar - The difference between someone knowing their shit or someone knowing they're shit.

 

Capitalization - The difference between helping your Uncle Jack off a horse or helping your uncle jack off a horse.

I wasn't that fond of Jeddah when I went. Found it quite a strange place.

 

Hate that place!

Sailing past the livestock berths (where they slaughter the animals as they leave the ship) used to make me wretch!

 

Also may have slightly pranged a ship in there once....only slightly though.....

Also may have slightly pranged a ship in there once....only slightly though.....

 

I hope you didn't get in confused with Alang! :lol:

Btw - having travelled all around KSA - Jeddah was the most relaxed, sane and nicest city in my opinion! I was based in Riyadh but went all over. Having said that, it does depend when one goes - it seems that the Mutawa are cyclic in areas by clamping down really hard for a few years when cities get too liberal.

 

If you want to see how the youth entertain themselves in cars, google Saudi driving accidents or something like it. Beware - it WILL be graphic!

Btw - having travelled all around KSA - Jeddah was the most relaxed, sane and nicest city in my opinion! I was based in Riyadh but went all over. Having said that, it does depend when one goes - it seems that the Mutawa are cyclic in areas by clamping down really hard for a few years when cities get too liberal.

 

If you want to see how the youth entertain themselves in cars, google Saudi driving accidents or something like it. Beware - it WILL be graphic!

 

ive seen them crazy videos driving on two wheels while changing the other two. and them spinning the cars on the motor way!!

 

What a wonderful opportunity! Hope it all works out for you.

 

will be sent to riyadh or jeddah, and i have seen them crazy videos driving on two tires and changing the other two tires, the spinning motorway cars!!

And remember when teaching English:

 

Grammar - The difference between someone knowing their shit or someone knowing they're shit.

 

Capitalization - The difference between helping your Uncle Jack off a horse or helping your uncle jack off a horse.

 

lol yep from what i heard half the students arent arsed about learing, they are there because they have to be!

 

Hardy harr! Strangest place I've been to was probably Bin Qasim in Pakistan.

where is bin qasim never heard of the place? ive been to most major cities in pakistan, traveled through the northern area to the boarders of china and gilget

 

Having lived and driven in Ksa for a year, my advice would be to leave it here safe and in the uk for when you come back. It will get destroyed in Saudi - their driving is officially the worst in the world and the trucks and large lorries are driven by the lowest paid and unskilled workers. The death rate on the roads is truely appalling and beyond comprehension to a western mind. I saw plenty of accidents - on average at least one person killed a week I'd say. I would absolutely not take a low car like a zed - you would be a sitting duck mate! I only drive a big modern 4x4 when I'm there and that is 100percent about survival!

M

 

is it that bad? ive been to saudi before but just mecca, been to dubai and abu dhabi was like driving in the states. i dont think it can or could be any worse then what ive seen in pakistan. believe me shit it cray cray, people animals everything everywhere imagine 2 way traffic on one side of the M1!! worse then that!!

Bin Qasim is on the Indian Ocean coast.

It is a sh*thole of the highest order. I used to run into their on an old containership. Awful. Just awful.

Nice one mate - sounds like a great opportunity. I'm really pleased for you and wish you the best of luck out there.....

 

I'd have driven the ZX down myself too; although at £1,200 the shipping is probably cheaper than the fuel..... Until you get there, that is:wink:

 

Don't be a stranger though!!

 

Richard:thumbup:

Nice one mate - sounds like a great opportunity. I'm really pleased for you and wish you the best of luck out there.....

 

I'd have driven the ZX down myself too; although at £1,200 the shipping is probably cheaper than the fuel..... Until you get there, that is:wink:

 

Don't be a stranger though!!

 

Richard:thumbup:

is it that bad? ive been to saudi before but just mecca, been to dubai and abu dhabi was like driving in the states. i dont think it can or could be any worse then what ive seen in pakistan. believe me shit it cray cray, people animals everything everywhere imagine 2 way traffic on one side of the M1!! worse then that!!

 

It can be pretty grim mate tbh... I have driven in Pakistan and I know what you mean - it is bad there but not the same as say Riyadh.... Dubai and Abu Dhabi is totally different and yeah, tame like in the states. Never been to Mecca ( for obvious reasons!) but I understand it's just incredible....

 

They don't wear seat belts at all in KSA - I have seen kids standing on there parents shoulders out the sun roof and children and babies just n there mothers laps in the car with no belts at all. Everyone speeds and many times impatient drivers will scream up the inside ( or outside) making a single lane into three cars wide, at 90. With 2 wheels on the sand.... If you drive around a bit especially at commute times, you will encounter fatalites within 2 weeks.. My wife came over for a visit to see if she would move out, and we saw a terrible pile up on the way out from the airport.... :(

 

I don't wanna come over all negative - far from it - it's an amazing experience and I learned a huge amount as I'm sure you will. All I'm saying is get your boots on the ground for a while, take stock and then decide about the getting your pride and joy car over. If nothing else, You'll probably meet other ex pats who can advise or friendly locals who can offer tips.

is it that bad? ive been to saudi before but just mecca, been to dubai and abu dhabi was like driving in the states. i dont think it can or could be any worse then what ive seen in pakistan. believe me shit it cray cray, people animals everything everywhere imagine 2 way traffic on one side of the M1!! worse then that!!

 

It can be pretty grim mate tbh... I have driven in Pakistan and I know what you mean - it is bad there but not the same as say Riyadh.... Dubai and Abu Dhabi is totally different and yeah, tame like in the states. Never been to Mecca ( for obvious reasons!) but I understand it's just incredible....

 

They don't wear seat belts at all in KSA - I have seen kids standing on there parents shoulders out the sun roof and children and babies just n there mothers laps in the car with no belts at all. Everyone speeds and many times impatient drivers will scream up the inside ( or outside) making a single lane into three cars wide, at 90. With 2 wheels on the sand.... If you drive around a bit especially at commute times, you will encounter fatalites within 2 weeks.. My wife came over for a visit to see if she would move out, and we saw a terrible pile up on the way out from the airport.... :(

 

I don't wanna come over all negative - far from it - it's an amazing experience and I learned a huge amount as I'm sure you will. All I'm saying is get your boots on the ground for a while, take stock and then decide about the getting your pride and joy car over. If nothing else, You'll probably meet other ex pats who can advise or friendly locals who can offer tips.

It can be pretty grim mate tbh... I have driven in Pakistan and I know what you mean - it is bad there but not the same as say Riyadh.... Dubai and Abu Dhabi is totally different and yeah, tame like in the states. Never been to Mecca ( for obvious reasons!) but I understand it's just incredible....

 

They don't wear seat belts at all in KSA - I have seen kids standing on there parents shoulders out the sun roof and children and babies just n there mothers laps in the car with no belts at all. Everyone speeds and many times impatient drivers will scream up the inside ( or outside) making a single lane into three cars wide, at 90. With 2 wheels on the sand.... If you drive around a bit especially at commute times, you will encounter fatalites within 2 weeks.. My wife came over for a visit to see if she would move out, and we saw a terrible pile up on the way out from the airport.... :(

 

I don't wanna come over all negative - far from it - it's an amazing experience and I learned a huge amount as I'm sure you will. All I'm saying is get your boots on the ground for a while, take stock and then decide about the getting your pride and joy car over. If nothing else, You'll probably meet other ex pats who can advise or friendly locals who can offer tips.

 

I understand mate and I appreciate all the advice. Its true I should just take it slow and settle in first but I cant leave my baby behind I dont have no where to put her or store her. Ive recently got her out and worked on her getting her ready for daily use and its looking like ill be packing her in again lol something I rather not do again.

 

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

It can be pretty grim mate tbh... I have driven in Pakistan and I know what you mean - it is bad there but not the same as say Riyadh.... Dubai and Abu Dhabi is totally different and yeah, tame like in the states. Never been to Mecca ( for obvious reasons!) but I understand it's just incredible....

 

They don't wear seat belts at all in KSA - I have seen kids standing on there parents shoulders out the sun roof and children and babies just n there mothers laps in the car with no belts at all. Everyone speeds and many times impatient drivers will scream up the inside ( or outside) making a single lane into three cars wide, at 90. With 2 wheels on the sand.... If you drive around a bit especially at commute times, you will encounter fatalites within 2 weeks.. My wife came over for a visit to see if she would move out, and we saw a terrible pile up on the way out from the airport.... :(

 

I don't wanna come over all negative - far from it - it's an amazing experience and I learned a huge amount as I'm sure you will. All I'm saying is get your boots on the ground for a while, take stock and then decide about the getting your pride and joy car over. If nothing else, You'll probably meet other ex pats who can advise or friendly locals who can offer tips.

 

I understand mate and I appreciate all the advice. Its true I should just take it slow and settle in first but I cant leave my baby behind I dont have no where to put her or store her. Ive recently got her out and worked on her getting her ready for daily use and its looking like ill be packing her in again lol something I rather not do again.

 

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk