puj75 | ExpatWoman.com
 

puj75

39
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 July 2017 - 13:33
forgot to mention, it will be a company decision to give people salary increases. depending on your lifestyle inflation is approx. going to be 2.5-3% (this is estimated and CANNOT be confirmed as everyone's lifestyle is different)........ they have said that they will not look at income tax for individuals in UAE (although there is a new tax for dependants in KSA). they are looking into corporate tax for possible introduction in the next 10 years or so this should not impact individuals.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 July 2017 - 13:30
hello all - I am a VAT advisor based here in Dubai and am introducing vat - so for you all a little insight; 1. vat rates that have been announced - 5% / 0%/ exempt 2. no tourist refund scheme in Dubai as yet 3. residential rent - no VAT (exempt) 4. health care - 0% however this will be on a defined lists of treatments and not on everything (remainder being 5%), we are expecting 5% on scuh things like cosmetic therapies 5, food - in Dubai will be 5% 6. dewa - 5% (but only on the gas/ electricity and water - unlikely to be on the housing tax element) 7. education - 0% but as with healthcare this will be on a defined list of services, this has not been released yet. 8. only registered businesses can charge VAT and not a personal individual/small company who is not registered 9. go live for KSA and UAE is currently being held at 1 jan 2018 (with the other GCC territories going later in the year and possibly 2019) 10. threshold for businesses to register is mandatory - 375k AED or voluntary registration - 187.5K AED 11. VAT will be implied on everything that has not specifically excluded by the law. so it is likely souq.com will have VAT applied on its products 12. there is a great guidance for more information on UAE MOF website however if you want to ask questions then I don't mind giving some help and guidance. hope you have found this helpful puj75
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 April 2017 - 11:07
for indian hard wood furniture - arts and crafts in Al quoz. they are good but I promise you now - haggle cos you can really get the price down a lot. I bought 2 beautiful pieces and I really haggled - even walked away and told them my final price - they came running after me in the car and agreed to the price ! if you are shopping on a budget - avoid spinneys and waitrose it is ridiculous the price out there. Homebox is good for glasses and mugs and general pans and stuff but homecenter is a little better on quality. you must remember prices can vary depending on the area you shop in (rents of the shops are added into the price so there is no consistency!) so go to areas like bur Dubai and karama and items will be cheaper and you can haggle
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 March 2017 - 13:08
CAN BEAT A TAWA ............ also the chappti will never blow up like it should under the chappati maker.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 February 2017 - 16:54
since coming to Dubai - I found that I had a chest infection and sore throat and have been recently using a air purifier with all that nanoe technology in it and I no longer have the problem but make sure that you shut the door as you need to make sure of the capacity of it to service the room area.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 February 2017 - 16:52
I LIVE IN kamoon 2 and I don't have that problem.......??
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2017 - 12:19
mine is all working again now
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2017 - 10:28
happened to me at deira city center but he told me the meter was faulty and that I was within my right to refuse the charge - I paid him the extra as I felt sorry for the poor chap.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2017 - 10:20
this is going to sound so odd.......but it is bugging me. ok, so in the UK - I go for a manicure and they exfoliate your hands. soak your nails, cuticles done, hand massage and lovely creams, a little hand wax glove for tender sweet smelling skin and you feel as though I could work for a hand commercial (if it were not for my small hands and wrinkly skin !!!HA HA HA HA HA but it is the feeling that counts - you get my drift ??) so moved to Dubai, walked into a nail salon - needed my nails doing badly over grown and in a bad way - looks like I am auditioning my hands for the feet double for gholum in lord of the rings - or the hobbit. so put my hands out - all I got was take the nail varnish off, a file, cuticle tidy up and a repaint - with a 10 second massage - if you blink you would have missed it. is that what a manicure here is like and is that normal ? or was I just conned ? and if I was conned - can anyone recommend a good person at home or to go to - before they lock me up for scientific experimentation My hands look terrible.......... thanks loads........
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2017 - 10:12
the best place (and even a little haggle) in meena bazaar in Bur Dubai. I found that they have a great selection and also the prices are reasonable compared to what I have seen in the malls and in the souks. good luck.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2017 - 09:59
I have just logged in and all my credit cards have disappeared as well. I have access to current account and savings account on the mobile app
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2017 - 10:53
yes I have tried it and it is just like a gel one but the chrome fades after a week or so
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 December 2016 - 12:29
I am also looking - I have an appointment to see a development called Ellington. (the developers that broke off from the Emaar group to form their own company). I would like to buy as well - off plan and so any advice is gratefully received.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 December 2016 - 11:47
I've used Molly Maid frequently and been happy with them. They take 35dhs per hour. Also, could you pass on your curtain recommendation please, I urgently need my curtains changed! :biggrin: I used a company called Easy blinds - make sure you bargain. I got black out curtains for both bedroom and large balcony doors and they started at 3750 I got them down to 2300. they are very good and quick and I really liked them - would recommend them - zero five zero two one three two one five three,
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 December 2016 - 08:03
I have just moved to dubai (I came alone) and the first two months are the most expensive and you have to remember that alot of landlords want rent up front for a minimum of 6months. Then deposit and Ejari amd dewa fees. Agency fees and the like. Are they going to offer a housing loan ? Some companies do this. Ask for it. You could share but do you really want to share with a stranger where you have your kid ? If you don't mind then easily the above would not apply and you can get a cheap place but it is not your own. Relocation package .....ask for it. You will need it. Without a doubt. I used mine to help me pay the rent up front. Will you want a car ? On 13k you will ve looking at the second car market or a small new car. Petrol is dirt cheap here so don't worry about that. I spend 200 dirhams a month and that is mainly cos I keep getting lost !! Hint. Never listen to the sat nav use Google. If you want to eat out once a week or go out then on that salary I am telling you that 13k won't go very far. You will have to budget and you will have to make sure that you are not shopping in the branded stores. Local stores are cheap and we hae ikea (my life saver in the first month) My recommendation to you would be. Don't be afraid to negotiate hard. Ask for more. And tell them about your daughter and that you want coverage for health and a place at the school for her. That is not an unrealistic thing to ask for. The expat packages can come with a ticket for up to two children. Ask for it....what is the worst that can happen they say no ? Dubai is a wonderful place to live and theRe are loads of ways you don't have to live expensively but on a salary of that amount you will find that you are not going to enjoy the high life and so u need to ask yourself do you want to live comfortably in a nice part of town or do you not mind living on a tight budget.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2016 - 10:55
I am a single woman who has moved out here for the first time on my own as well. I have found it very easy and so I know that fear of not having anyome to talk to or no friends, not having any knowledge of the area of the culture. Don't be afraid.....it is wonderful and i have been here for oNE week and I am loving it and have already made friends with just people you just bump into. It is great embrace it and come on over !!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 October 2016 - 20:06
Can someone recommend a good reliable agency - i am newbie to dubai and not really sure who to use so would love a recommendation. moving into a new rental and want a deep thorough clean of the place before i move in - can someone recommend a company to use or go to ? will probably want someone once a week to help out once i am settled?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 October 2016 - 01:21
i have done cool sculpting but for it to really work you have to really watch your diet - low fat and no carbs. i worked it with a crazy protein shake diet and it did really work - my body fat went from 40% to 14% but i tell you now that i dont recommend it.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 September 2016 - 16:01
Motion Ladies Fitness behind the Burj Al Arab wouldn't be that far from the Marina....they are great. You can buy a monthly pass for around 1200 AED (their prices may have gone up slightly in September) and attend all the group classes you want or you can buy packs of 5/10 etc. They have personal training, pilates, yoga, barre, TRX and are starting crossfit in October....rarely more than 8 ladies in each class so a lot of personal attention. They do have a social environment as well...a lounge for coffees before/after classes and they do brunches when the weather cools down. That is 14,000AED a year! :) Cheaper than liposuction. ha ha ha ha ha - trying not to go down the plastic fantastic route however as i am getting older it is getting harder - one day i might have to entertain it. However today i will stick to crying in the gym !!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 September 2016 - 15:24
hello - a few years ago i had a terrible car accident (car hit ice and i lost control) and as a consequence i suffered terrible nerve damage in my legs and the doctors put me on loads of drugs - gabepetin/ steroids and the like. i had operations and accupunture/ pilates and physio therapy/ hypno therapy - you name it i tried it for the pain. Nothing worked. I could not even sleep with sheets touching my legs as i would scream in pain. i would not wish it on my worst enemy (so to speak) - i spent nights crying to sleep - horrible horrible horrible. now as much as i dont understand homeopathy medicine or not sure i even believe in it - i tried it - i was so desperate. I stopped all the meds and after the course i took - the pain went and i never got it back again. unfortunately i went to a man in Delhi as he was recommended to me and i would never go to anyone who is not recommended so i would suggest that. i hope you get better soon.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 September 2016 - 13:59
thanks alot for all the very useful advice......i really appreciate it. looks like i will be doing serious investigations.......
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 September 2016 - 18:04
have you tried doing the slimming world diet - just online. i have loads of friends that have done it and really done well on it and not scripped on anything at all. Being a diabetic, it did nto work for me as it allows pasta and rice on the diet - which causes a problem for me. I found the best for me was to remain on a high protein - low fat and no sugar diet. i drop 4 kgs in 2 weeks. i have another 6 to go !! the basic idea is to eat high protein foods - eggs/ fish/ meats (white preferably) - make sure that they are as lean as possible. Spices can be used as much as you want but no pre cooked sauces and no flavorings of any sort - stay away from gravies and the like. loads of veggies/ nuts such as walnuts and almonds (healthy oils) / try and stay away from dry fruit as there is too much sugar in them. lentils are good as well. if you want rice no more than a palm full of basmati / wild / brown and defo no other type of white rice or anything like that. no pasta / no potatoes - if you have a craving use sweet potato but not after 8pm. spray oil only when cooking and no tablespoons etc.. Stick to green veg and if you can carmalise it (like onions) STAY AWAY. eat as many and LOADS OF GOOD VEGGIES - courgettes/ aubergine/ cauliflower/ spinach/ letuce etc. keep the carbs low - even milk - stick to only 250ml of skimmed milk a day - i always use that for my coffee. No bread and if you do have a craving then take no more than a slice of rye or German bread and no white or brown - read the ingredients and it will scare you. start the day off good - 2 eggs (i always have them hard boiled with pepper) - handful of spinach and some nuts and berries (raspberries / strawberry/ blueberry). never ever skip breakfast - you do and you will become the cookie monster at night (well i do i know!!) make sure lunch has a lean piece of meat or fish - i keep to a nice big raw salad packed with grated carrot / cabbage/ lettuce/ spinach/ sweetcorn/ tomato (not too many as it can carmalise), cucumber - i cheat here and i add some low fat dressing as I am not that mad to eat totally bland. snacks no more than a piece of fruit - or use a diet protein drink if you are really hungry Most important of all 3 liters of water a day - must must keep hydrated ..............and NO ALCOHOL sticking to this over 2 weeks (and i HAVE LOST THE WEIGHT).
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 September 2016 - 17:37
Try this - https://flatreviews.com/ i use it - it is not always kept up to date but it gives a general idea. Kind regards
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 September 2016 - 19:48
my home is in the marina and i work for Al tayer head office next to gicco - i have not started yet but they have given a company car - so i did not know what would be best and should i ask - i dont want to appear rude.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 September 2016 - 16:56
ikea ??????? cheap and cheerful.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 August 2016 - 18:49
does anyone know whether the android boxes that you can buy allowing you access to worldwide TV is legal in dubai ? someone told me that they are ?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 August 2016 - 20:10
OSN show Game of Thrones same time as the US. i wish i could give you a double like for that comment ! now just how to get my weekly edition of trash hollyoaks from the uK ......i love a bit of mind numbing programs !!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 August 2016 - 19:22
do they have satellite TV or cable TV that shows modern TV that is not illegal ?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 August 2016 - 20:59
i know this maybe stating the obvious but have you actually gone to the company and asked them for extra money or told them how you feel about some getting the accommodation and others not ? sorry if i have stated the obvious and i do not wish to offend. I negotiated my contract and I got what i wanted - i am coming out to Dubai in October. :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 August 2016 - 15:29
Hello - i am preparing for my move to Dubai, I am a diabetic and i am slightly worried about my diabetes treatment out there. does anyone know and can solidly recommend an excellent diabetes specialist in Dubai ? i am so nervous about getting the right treatment out there........as i am very careful about it and want to stay healthy......:biggrin:
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 August 2016 - 15:26
For the first interview (the psychometric interview) i wore a dress (below the knee) and stilettos. it was a little on the tight side so i did not breathe for most the interview - HA HA. it was navy blue in color with a lace bodice overlay. Navy blue (colour to match the dress) suit jacket. the second interview was a little more formal as it was with the CFO and so wore the trouser suit - charcoal grey and a pastel purple blouse. Stilettos again. It all worked and so i am pleased. will admit though now that i am working my notice period - it feels as though it is dragging...........i want to go now !!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 August 2016 - 15:00
thanks everyone - well interview done and i got the job....... so BIG BIG THANK YOU for all your advice and help i am so excited - words just dont seem to express how i feel at the moment.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 August 2016 - 14:57
thank you very much for all your kind words. My move date is 1 november so all very exciting !!! cant wait to get into dubai life - i spend all my days trying to research as much as i can about dubai so that i am prepared WOW the paperwork - there is so much to get done !!! :cool::cool:
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 July 2016 - 10:57
thank you so much for the response.......i am so nervous and want this job so badly !
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2016 - 18:56
ok, so finally i am coming closer and closer to my interview and have done all the research about dubai that i can possibly do ! However need some guidance on dress code. i have three interviews lined up (it is for just the one job) but do i wear - 1. trouser suit 2. Phase 8 dress (below the knee) and as it is sleeveless - i will wear a jacket with it. (it is navy blue with a white bodice part - it is very demur but it is very fitted but in no way revealing at all). which is the best option ? Would it be frowned on for a female to wear a trouser suit - is a very fitted dress ok or should i run out and get something a little more appropriate ? i am quite short so was thinking of wearing heels but i am thinking that this will be ok and there should be no issue. Any tips on what to wear or what not to wear - i am so worried about not creating offence. any advice would be gratefully appreciated.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2016 - 16:18
seems a little impractical to me - 50cms in length made out of crystal - so you can take it to the gym with you. you will have had a workout just getting the bottle to the gym...... better used full as dumbell !
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 June 2016 - 11:50
hi all. does anyone know the rules around bringing money home to the uk for an expat working in Dubai? I want to know does the money get taxed when you bring it home to the UK ? or if no one knows the answer - does anyone know a good international income tax specialist to ask the question from ?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 June 2016 - 14:18
WELL FINAL INTERVIEW IS BOOKED ! i am travelling to dubai very shortly for the final interview and extremely nervous - i think it is because i have never wanted something so much now !!!! I am so looking forward to a new adventure that i cannot wait to get on that plane ! WISH ME LUCK
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 June 2016 - 18:05
thank you so much for advice.....i am so nervous as it is probably the biggest thing i have ever done in my life.