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Is this enough salary to make the move???

5

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 00:09

My husband has been offered a job in Dubai paying 30,000AED per month. I'm just wondering how expensive it is to live in dubai? We have 2 children that are about to start school but the company will pay for 75% of there schooling. Is this enough to live off in Dubai or will it be a struggle?

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Buy me a Pony36483

687

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EW GURU

Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 21:16

I have not read through this whole thread. I am only responding to the posts that mention my username: The DEWA Bill was ultimately 40,000AED as it was not discovered until halfway through our second payment period. Long story short, the Landlord had not fulfilled their commitments regarding fixing various things prior to us taking residence. That is what the rent committee is for, but you will still need to pay money owed to government bodies such as DEWA and then be reimbursed after going through a court case. 5 months later and we are still awaiting our reimbursement... So the point I'm making and Glenfiddich is trying to emphasize is that you need to have some decent money tucked away for emergencies here. Another example is the story one expat told me of her daughter slipping down the villa's stairs and literally breaking her neck. She called an ambulance to get her daughter to the hospital, both the ambulance and the hospital would only take cash before they would help the daughter. Fortunately, as she was leaving the house, a neighbour had run up and shoved 10,000 AED into her hand saying " you'll need this" . Not everyone has that amount of cash lying around. What do you do if it you don't have it? Simples also makes a decent point that not every one will have such misfortunes. But the thing is, you don't know until it happens to you.... if you can't pay for such things and you're tied down here with rental contracts, work contracts, etc presumably you could end up in gaol. Unfortunately the post with all the costings on it was deleted by the moderators last year because QF2011 chose to use it as ammunition to troll one night. So it is not available on here any more. Sorry to all those it could have helped. <em>edited by Buy me a Pony on 13/02/2012</em>

167

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 21:05

With two children, definitely not. Classes after school, keeping them amused indoors in hot weather, flights home, a couple of cars. All costs a lot here. IF you were just a couple then it would be ok. Rent is horrific. If your package includes accommodation then you're it's not too bad...

STILLadviceseek...

425

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 20:55

We came here for 2 years from NZ 11 years ago and are still here. We survived on one salary (and not a great one either) for quite a few years. I would say come for the experience. I think you could have a nice lifestyle on that salary if you budget sensibly. Just a point from an earlier post. I drive a small 4WD and drive quite a bit. I would never spend 1000 dhs a month on petrol. It only costs me about 90 dhs (NZ$ 30) for a full tank. Make sure flights and medical insurance for you all are included in the package. I calculated the petrol based on my car which is 120 to fill, and I calculated filling 2x a week, which is likely for me, obviously petrol costs will vary depending on car and amount of travel, however I always over budget as I think its better to be safe then sorry :) <em>edited by STILLadviceseeker on 13/02/2012</em>

1913

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EW EXPERT

Latest post on 02 February 2012 - 11:22

We came here for 2 years from NZ 11 years ago and are still here. We survived on one salary (and not a great one either) for quite a few years. I would say come for the experience. I think you could have a nice lifestyle on that salary if you budget sensibly. Just a point from an earlier post. I drive a small 4WD and drive quite a bit. I would never spend 1000 dhs a month on petrol. It only costs me about 90 dhs (NZ$ 30) for a full tank. Make sure flights and medical insurance for you all are included in the package.

5400

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 02 February 2012 - 01:14

OP, cut your coat according to your cloth. Plenty single income families live on less. Plenty double income families live on less. Do your research, investigate costs of everything. Buy Me A Pony did some interesting research on costs which should be available on here somewhere if you do a search. The UAE is the sort of place where you can have people living on opposite ends of the scale. FInd your niche on the scale and slot in. Welcome. :) But after BMAP did all that research, didn't she get hit with a surprise 20k DEWA bill? Dubai is not the type of place where you want to be living on the financial edge. Not all of us have the same misfortune as BMAP's family did, landing up in a villa which has been poorly maintained and nobody noticed the water leakage problem until after BMAP got her first DEWA bill. That doesn't detract from the usefulness of BMAP's spread sheet, which would apply in most people's normal circumstances here. Well worth OP studying it.

SpiritGunner53325

151

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 21:04

It would be probably the best, if the OP would give us an idea of her lifestyle/situation in NZ and what she is expecting of living in Dubai + her husband has to think about, if the new job would really make him happy.

2958

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 20:59

You need to ask Buy Me A Pony to let you hve her spreadsheet of costs. She did an extensive collection of costs given by loads of different people on here to enable her husband to get the right deal - I'm sure she;d share the info with the OP to help.

Anonymous (not verified)

0

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 20:30

[i'>"Personally - If this doesnt include housing allowance then no, this isnt enough. Im a single woman, on slightly less than this figure, which includes my housing allowance and I struggle to live. "[/i'> I'm sorry, I have to ask how a figure of around 300,000 dhs per year for a single woman and struggling to live are in the same roller disco? Is this really helpful advice for this enquiry? Of course you can do it on that amount, go for it. It won't be a 'struggle' at all, I know, we did it on much less! I'm not even going to put how much less. Just....lots. You could probably even get a few cats. Meow! I think it is helpful advice for this enquiry. Looking at some of the recent threads...villa min 130K; DEWA up to 72K; groceries min 12K... there's 214K without even thinking about car/transport costs, clothing, phone, internet, TV, savings, travel home occasionally.... It's a very, very expensive place to live, dependent of course on your home country, current standard of living and expected standard in Dubai. I think this is what puts people in to trouble. Expecting a certain lifestyle which a lot of people can't afford. Dubai is as expensive as you make it. I am single so I can't talk about school fees and stuff, but I know my spending limits and people do need to live within their means. I would suggest start searching for an appartment in a child friendly area, with school nearby etc. Start with 1 car for the family, and just take it from there. A job abroad isn't only for the money, it's an extra experience added to your hubby's cv as well. I think the whole point of this is that different people do not want the same things - what some are prepared to put up with ie getting by or scrimping does not appeal to everyone! I certainly would not live here if we were just getting by. Dubai IS an expensive place and for someone with children, free schooling at home ( if that applies) and free medical care are a big bonus! Usually your aim in taking a job elsewhere is a BETTER standard of life and yes, to me, that includes financially - always did. Nobody will move to have a living standard below what you are used to, in the end we all come here to have a better live. But a lot of people here want to maintain a certain lifestyle and end up in bad debt, even people who make really good salaries. People tend to live way beyond their means and that doesn't limit itself to grovery shopping. So I think if you live sensibly, and try not to "keep up with the Jones" you will be fine:)

glenfiddich49576

510

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EW GURU

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 20:15

OP, cut your coat according to your cloth. Plenty single income families live on less. Plenty double income families live on less. Do your research, investigate costs of everything. Buy Me A Pony did some interesting research on costs which should be available on here somewhere if you do a search. The UAE is the sort of place where you can have people living on opposite ends of the scale. FInd your niche on the scale and slot in. Welcome. :) But after BMAP did all that research, didn't she get hit with a surprise 20k DEWA bill? Dubai is not the type of place where you want to be living on the financial edge.

Muesli Bar51338

581

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 20:12

OP, cut your coat according to your cloth. Plenty single income families live on less. Plenty double income families live on less. Do your research, investigate costs of everything. Buy Me A Pony did some interesting research on costs which should be available on here somewhere if you do a search. The UAE is the sort of place where you can have people living on opposite ends of the scale. FInd your niche on the scale and slot in. Welcome. :)

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 20:10

agree that i can't see the point in upping sticks to move to another country unless there's going to be a significant increase in salary and standard of living...why scrape by when you can do that at home !! and have decent Chinese takeaway! LOL !! we've always enjoyed the one in Motor City..just the same as at home except they don't do the duck pancakes... You need to tell them on the other thread!

3901

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 20:08

agree that i can't see the point in upping sticks to move to another country unless there's going to be a significant increase in salary and standard of living...why scrape by when you can do that at home !! and have decent Chinese takeaway! LOL !! we've always enjoyed the one in Motor City..just the same as at home except they don't do the duck pancakes...

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 20:07

agree that i can't see the point in upping sticks to move to another country unless there's going to be a significant increase in salary and standard of living...why scrape by when you can do that at home !! and have decent Chinese takeaway!

3901

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 20:05

agree that i can't see the point in upping sticks to move to another country unless there's going to be a significant increase in salary and standard of living...why scrape by when you can do that at home !!

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 20:02

[i'>"Personally - If this doesnt include housing allowance then no, this isnt enough. Im a single woman, on slightly less than this figure, which includes my housing allowance and I struggle to live. "[/i'> I'm sorry, I have to ask how a figure of around 300,000 dhs per year for a single woman and struggling to live are in the same roller disco? Is this really helpful advice for this enquiry? Of course you can do it on that amount, go for it. It won't be a 'struggle' at all, I know, we did it on much less! I'm not even going to put how much less. Just....lots. You could probably even get a few cats. Meow! I think it is helpful advice for this enquiry. Looking at some of the recent threads...villa min 130K; DEWA up to 72K; groceries min 12K... there's 214K without even thinking about car/transport costs, clothing, phone, internet, TV, savings, travel home occasionally.... It's a very, very expensive place to live, dependent of course on your home country, current standard of living and expected standard in Dubai. I think this is what puts people in to trouble. Expecting a certain lifestyle which a lot of people can't afford. Dubai is as expensive as you make it. I am single so I can't talk about school fees and stuff, but I know my spending limits and people do need to live within their means. I would suggest start searching for an appartment in a child friendly area, with school nearby etc. Start with 1 car for the family, and just take it from there. A job abroad isn't only for the money, it's an extra experience added to your hubby's cv as well. I think the whole point of this is that different people do not want the same things - what some are prepared to put up with ie getting by or scrimping does not appeal to everyone! I certainly would not live here if we were just getting by. Dubai IS an expensive place and for someone with children, free schooling at home ( if that applies) and free medical care are a big bonus! Usually your aim in taking a job elsewhere is a BETTER standard of life and yes, to me, that includes financially - always did.

3901

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 19:57

i don't often do a big shop - pick bits up most days so i shop wherever's convenient - including Spinneys which i don't actually find that pricey....i guess it depends where you come from...

SpiritGunner53325

151

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 19:54

[b'>Spinneys and Waitrose are crazy when it comes to prices[/b'> I agree! And I am really used to sth. - lived in Paris before. I only go there for very special items. Lulu is also a good hypermarket, if you don't mind people touching veggies from time to time ;-) <em>edited by SpiritGunner on 01/02/2012</em>

Anonymous (not verified)

0

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 19:48

It’s quite interesting to watch what people are buying from Spinneys from example; you can spend a lot of money for groceries if you mainly buy important items (yogurts dhs20, fresh raspberries dhs26, fresh tuna dhs100/kg etc etc). But also you can have a reasonable monthly costs if you budget correctly. I spend 500AED monthly for myself. I shop in Geant and Union Coop. Spinneys and Waitrose are crazy when it comes to prices. I once bought 4 items at Waitrose and spent 100.. On nothing! Buy local beef rather than Australian or NZ (sorry ozzy and nz-ladies:)) even vegetables (why is it so hard to spell that!!!lol) are cheaper, dairy products here are great, I woudl only treat myself to Tuna once a.. year?

209

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 19:29

It’s quite interesting to watch what people are buying from Spinneys from example; you can spend a lot of money for groceries if you mainly buy important items (yogurts dhs20, fresh raspberries dhs26, fresh tuna dhs100/kg etc etc). But also you can have a reasonable monthly costs if you budget correctly.

Anonymous (not verified)

0

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 19:23

[i'>"Personally - If this doesnt include housing allowance then no, this isnt enough. Im a single woman, on slightly less than this figure, which includes my housing allowance and I struggle to live. "[/i'> I'm sorry, I have to ask how a figure of around 300,000 dhs per year for a single woman and struggling to live are in the same roller disco? Is this really helpful advice for this enquiry? Of course you can do it on that amount, go for it. It won't be a 'struggle' at all, I know, we did it on much less! I'm not even going to put how much less. Just....lots. You could probably even get a few cats. Meow! I think it is helpful advice for this enquiry. Looking at some of the recent threads...villa min 130K; DEWA up to 72K; groceries min 12K... there's 214K without even thinking about car/transport costs, clothing, phone, internet, TV, savings, travel home occasionally.... It's a very, very expensive place to live, dependent of course on your home country, current standard of living and expected standard in Dubai. I think this is what puts people in to trouble. Expecting a certain lifestyle which a lot of people can't afford. Dubai is as expensive as you make it. I am single so I can't talk about school fees and stuff, but I know my spending limits and people do need to live within their means. I would suggest start searching for an appartment in a child friendly area, with school nearby etc. Start with 1 car for the family, and just take it from there. A job abroad isn't only for the money, it's an extra experience added to your hubby's cv as well.

1247

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 18:10

we make not alot more then this, pay our own housing and our own school fees, we live well and we save. I mean, all these people who say its not enough, where do you shop? Where do you eat? lol. We are paying off one car and own the other. If you want to come, then go for it. We no longer eat out alot because we eat glutenfree (Celiac child) but we used to eat out every weekend. I buy what I want when I want it.... but yeah, I shop in H&M and Debenhams and other high street shops, I dont do Gucci, Prada, Armani etc.

2362

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 18:03

Personally - If this doesnt include housing allowance then no, this isnt enough. Im a single woman, on slightly less than this figure, which includes my housing allowance and I struggle to live. really? where do you live?

192

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 16:36

It varies to be honest on the type of life you want and also what your willing to spend it on. We live in a 2bed villa in springs and my monthly outlays would be about 20k but that includes a mortgage and rent for here too, plus car loan, bills, dewa cos we have a garden to water. Then food shop you can for about 3000 dh a month if you shop in carefour etc and not spinneys exclusively. Id say you can manage it depending on your lifestyle choices!! Good luck

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 16:00

[i'>"Personally - If this doesnt include housing allowance then no, this isnt enough. Im a single woman, on slightly less than this figure, which includes my housing allowance and I struggle to live. "[/i'> I'm sorry, I have to ask how a figure of around 300,000 dhs per year for a single woman and struggling to live are in the same roller disco? Is this really helpful advice for this enquiry? Of course you can do it on that amount, go for it. It won't be a 'struggle' at all, I know, we did it on much less! I'm not even going to put how much less. Just....lots. You could probably even get a few cats. Meow! I think it is helpful advice for this enquiry. Looking at some of the recent threads...villa min 130K; DEWA up to 72K; groceries min 12K... there's 214K without even thinking about car/transport costs, clothing, phone, internet, TV, savings, travel home occasionally.... It's a very, very expensive place to live, dependent of course on your home country, current standard of living and expected standard in Dubai.

3863

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 13:04

[i'>"Personally - If this doesnt include housing allowance then no, this isnt enough. Im a single woman, on slightly less than this figure, which includes my housing allowance and I struggle to live. "[/i'> I'm sorry, I have to ask how a figure of around 300,000 dhs per year for a single woman and struggling to live are in the same roller disco? Is this really helpful advice for this enquiry? Of course you can do it on that amount, go for it. It won't be a 'struggle' at all, I know, we did it on much less! I'm not even going to put how much less. Just....lots. You could probably even get a few cats. Meow! I suppose it can be misleading to the person who is asking the question if 30k is not enough for one person to live alone lest alone more I do agree that we all are entitled to spend our money how we see fit tho :-) Well done for you that you manage to live on a lot less money than this poster, however everyone has different lifestyles and expectations and this person was just giving their honest opinion to the OP's question - there is really no need to make derogatory comments regarding other people's spending habits.

460

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 13:00

[i'>"Personally - If this doesnt include housing allowance then no, this isnt enough. Im a single woman, on slightly less than this figure, which includes my housing allowance and I struggle to live. "[/i'> I'm sorry, I have to ask how a figure of around 300,000 dhs per year for a single woman and struggling to live are in the same roller disco? Is this really helpful advice for this enquiry? Of course you can do it on that amount, go for it. It won't be a 'struggle' at all, I know, we did it on much less! I'm not even going to put how much less. Just....lots. You could probably even get a few cats. Meow! Well done for you that you manage to live on a lot less money than this poster, however everyone has different lifestyles and expectations and this person was just giving their honest opinion to the OP's question - there is really no need to make derogatory comments regarding other people's spending habits.

3863

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 12:59

I think it does depend on the kind of lifestyle you want. Schooling and accomodation are probably the most expensive things here If you both want to rent/drive top of the range cars, eat out every evening etc etc then it would be a squeeze 30, 000AED for a single person is a huge amount almost 70K a year tax free in my home country. How can you not live on that? I manage on my basic alone as i save my commissions and i have a nice car, go out twice a week, buy clothes, use a decent hairdresser/mani pedi etc etc :-)

14

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 12:42

[i'>"Personally - If this doesnt include housing allowance then no, this isnt enough. Im a single woman, on slightly less than this figure, which includes my housing allowance and I struggle to live. "[/i'> I'm sorry, I have to ask how a figure of around 300,000 dhs per year for a single woman and struggling to live are in the same roller disco? Is this really helpful advice for this enquiry? Of course you can do it on that amount, go for it. It won't be a 'struggle' at all, I know, we did it on much less! I'm not even going to put how much less. Just....lots. You could probably even get a few cats. Meow!

2192

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 12:17

My husband has been offered a job in Dubai paying 30,000AED per month. I'm just wondering how expensive it is to live in dubai? We have 2 children that are about to start school but the company will pay for 75% of there schooling. Is this enough to live off in Dubai or will it be a struggle? Yes,it is. Especially since your husbands employer is helping with schooling. We live on less than what your DH will be getting and pay schooling ourselves and we are alright. Even manage to save a nice portion every month too but we live in an apartment. If you want to live in a villa then you will start paying the big bucks for water and electricty etc. You can do it ! Friend of mine single parent gets 20K a month ( all in ) with 1 child and she does it. She lives in a 2 bed in tecom opposite the metro and pays 55K free AC 4 cheques. Her sons schooling is 45K and she rents a car at 1400 aed per month. she does the school run in the morning and picks him up at Lunch time. She has a housemaid and pays 2K a month ( Through the agency ) She is very good with her money and manages to save too and treat herself. You can do it and lots of people do .

3220

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EW MASTER

Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 11:48

My husband has been offered a job in Dubai paying 30,000AED per month. I'm just wondering how expensive it is to live in dubai? We have 2 children that are about to start school but the company will pay for 75% of there schooling. Is this enough to live off in Dubai or will it be a struggle? Yes,it is. Especially since your husbands employer is helping with schooling. We live on less than what your DH will be getting and pay schooling ourselves and we are alright. Even manage to save a nice portion every month too but we live in an apartment. If you want to live in a villa then you will start paying the big bucks for water and electricty etc.

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Image credit: Joby Aviation.

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