So everyone has questions when they start planning the move to Yanbu.
Here's a quick overview of what we did (and wish we had done) when we first moved. Everyone is different, please keep in mind I'm just posting on our family's experience.
Below is a quick list of suggestions on what to bring and ship. The company my husband works for limits the weight we can ship, and the container size. I spent weeks weighing everything I wanted to take and making sure I could get as much as possible in our container. In the same sense, I think it's worth it to pay for an extra suitcase or two when you move to bring odds and ends that you want. Whenever we travel, we always take an extra empty suitcase that we fill with supplies when we return. We pay a little extra, but it's worth it to have some things from home!
Home goods
Personal goods
Extras
There is a great bookstore with English books for kids and adults. Videos and games you can find all over. Clothing is reasonable and a large variety of stores throughout the malls in Yanbu. Groceries go in waves. They may have a product for months and then you won't ever see it again, so if there is a product you love, best to bring it, just in case. Always remember this is your new "home" for a while. Make it yours!
Here's a quick overview of what we did (and wish we had done) when we first moved. Everyone is different, please keep in mind I'm just posting on our family's experience.
Below is a quick list of suggestions on what to bring and ship. The company my husband works for limits the weight we can ship, and the container size. I spent weeks weighing everything I wanted to take and making sure I could get as much as possible in our container. In the same sense, I think it's worth it to pay for an extra suitcase or two when you move to bring odds and ends that you want. Whenever we travel, we always take an extra empty suitcase that we fill with supplies when we return. We pay a little extra, but it's worth it to have some things from home!
Home goods
- Any appliances that you cannot live without. All houses in Camp 4 are 110W American plugs, which are difficult to find in Kingdom. Bring a coffee maker, mixer, toaster, whatever you can fit in your container that you may want or need.
- Crockpot. They do not exist here and those of us who didn't bring one, would LOVE to get one. It's almost worth the money to ship one - I miss mine terrible.
- Pictures. This is your "home" - make it yours. We brought about 30 pictures in their frames. They are the same ones that were hanging in our home in the states and I really think it helped all of us adjust to life in Yanbu to feel at "home" here.
- Sheets and Blankets/Comforters. If you like high quality, soft sheets and comforters, pack them. They are more just standard cotton in Kingdom and not as soft and cuddly as what you may be used to.
- Wall decals. The walls of the homes in Camp 4 are concrete and wall decals work great for decorating. You can find some in Kingdom, but they are not the same quality, or as great a selection as you can find in the states. I ordered most all of ours off ebay and spent maybe $60USD. Just added some color to the white walls without having to paint! (I'm lazy that way).
- If you have children, a few toys are good, but you can find most any toys and clothing here. Good quality and very reasonable priced.
- Plastic totes. Pack everything you can in these. They have them, but they are rather expensive. I wish I had brought more for storage and toys.
- Nickelodeon videos. Again, for the kiddies. Disney channel (Disney Jr. included) is part of the standard cable package, but Nick is not. My daughter loves Olivia, Dora and Mike the Knight, so we've brought a supply of videos for her.
Personal goods
- For women, tampons. They cannot be purchased in Kingdom. Bring a supply!
- For children, Tylenol is available, but Advil is a little harder to find. I brought a supply for our daughter.
- Sunscreen. I know sounds crazy, but the sunscreen isn't great here, so bring some with you - especially for little ones.
- If you are an XXL or larger, bring extra clothing and necessities. Clothes tend to run smaller in Kingdom and my husband is 6'4" and has broad shoulders. It's hard to find pants and shirts that fit him properly.
- Clinique makeup. You can find almost every brand, except Clinique, and of course this is the brand I wear. I just bring a supply with me.
Extras
- Cornmeal. We are from the south and there is NO cornmeal here. Have to bring some for cornbread and fried chicken! :)
- Goldfish and Animal Crackers. Again, if you have a child, there are no Goldfish crackers, cheeze its or anything similar. We bring them back with us.
- Spices. Most you can find here, but it can be hit or miss. If you use it, bring it to be on the safe side.
- Seeds. If you are planning to start a garden, there are some that are available, but I brought a lot with me. Herbs and flowers (sunflowers especially), even some vegetables. Watermelon, tomatoes, eggplant and okra do fantastic in the warm weather. Basil is everywhere also.
- Anything you cannot live without. If you love it, try and bring it.
There is a great bookstore with English books for kids and adults. Videos and games you can find all over. Clothing is reasonable and a large variety of stores throughout the malls in Yanbu. Groceries go in waves. They may have a product for months and then you won't ever see it again, so if there is a product you love, best to bring it, just in case. Always remember this is your new "home" for a while. Make it yours!