Friday, 1 March 2013

Transport

Korea:

Public transport:
Buses- local & intercity, local come about every 20min, 1500 KRW if using a card, 1800KRW if using cash. Very affordable and convenient but I heard they may stop these buses in some cities. Swipe on and off - in transferring to another bus within 1 hour, it's free.

Taxis- flat rate 2500KRW, after 12am = 2800KRW. Taxis are affordable if not used everyday. Taxi drivers don't speak English usually & can't understand our accent when pronouncing addresses so use a Korean accent (bus terminal = bus-uh terminal-uh). Often unfriendly. Don't like to drive short distances.

Scooters: 50cc now require a licence in most cities but you can still get away with it in smaller cities. Be careful! Especially of other drivers and ice/snow. 2nd hand from 350 000KRW - a cheap, highly convenient mode of transport, but gear up for winter.

Bicycles: If you're up for it.

Walking is safe, even alone at night. Just be wary of red light districts, stay on busy roads. Be firm and assertive if approached by men.

Saudi:

Workplace provide buses for female staff too and from work.

No public transport other than taxis - Taxi drivers very willing to stop for you but there is not meter so know how much you should pay, they will ask you more than they should counting on you not knowing any better. Affordable.

Women are not allowed to drive, ride scooters or bicycles.

Walking is safe at night for short distances. During the day it's fine, even alone - try not to look lost, ignore any men saying hello to you, be firm and assertive...no smiling, cover your hair to avoid unwanted attention.

Shop Times

Korea:

Open - Around 10am
Close - Around 10pm with big stores like Emart closing at 12am

Weekends: Saturday & Sunday - similar hours

Saudi:

Open - Around 8am
Close - Around 10pm

But shops are closed for about 40min every prayer time -about 3 times a day (can get smartphone app with prayer times)

Weekends: Thursday - normal Friday - open at around 4pm

Medical Tests


Korea:
Medical test
-       Blood
-       Heart and lungs = suction cups in awkward places
-       Eyes
-       Ears
-       Teeth
-       Weight & height
-       Blood pressure
-       Check for drugs and cholesterol
ARC – alien registration card = ID for getting cellphone, bank account etc.

Saudi:
Medical test
-       Urine & faecal sample
-       Blood
-       Lungs
-       Check for HIV, Hep A, B, C, pregnancy
Iqama – ID for getting bank account, cellphone recharge.
Note: Can get local sim card using passport.

Thursday, 21 February 2013

First impressions

Korea:

It's cold:)
It's cleanish but why are there piles of rubbish on the corners?
How did these people get a driving licence?

Saudi:

It's clean.
These people got their driving licences at the same place the Koreans did.
I'm a woman and there are different rules for woman.

So far the Saudis are friendlier than the Koreans. It could be that they are not as shy as the Koreans were, everybody seems to speak English really well and that could be why they are more friendly towards foreigners.

Flight

Korea:

8-9 hours from Durban to Dubai. 
7-8 hours from Dubai to Korea

Alternatively:
1 hour to Jo'burg
15 hours to China (Beijing/ Hong Kong)
3-4 hours to Korea

Note: Seoul Airport = Incheon International Airport

Saudi:

8-9 hours from Durban to Dubai
2-3 hours Dubai to Saudi (Riyadh)

Packing

For Korea:

Was going into winter - take a thick coat...hard to find in summer in South Africa.

What to take:
Fitted Sheets - hard to find in Korea

What not to take:
Strappy tops - not allowed to wear in public...can wear a jersey over though.
Biltong

For Saudi:

Also winter - same as a mild summer day in South Africa

What to take:
Abaya - black robe
biltong

What not to take:
alcohol

Tuesday, 12 February 2013

Costs

So far for Saudi :

* medical +- R1400 (incl inoculations, chest x-ray, consults)
* visa +- R2500 (incl courier) (reimbursement by company?)
* clothes +- R4000
* abaya and head scarf (traditional black robe worn by women) +- R260
* to exchange & last till first paycheck - R10000
Total:  +-R18160

Korea:

* medical +- R600
* visa - reimbursed by school
* clothes +- R3000
* to exchange & last till first paycheck - R6000
Total: +_R9600