LB101 | ExpatWoman.com
 

LB101

LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2016 - 16:36
Thank you! Very helpful replies.
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2016 - 15:27
Can anyone recommend an interior designer who doesn't cost a fortune? Moved to a new villa and would like some advice on a few pieces and colors but not looking for a complete make over. Hi LB101, I've just completed my diploma in Interior design from Australia (last week) and am looking for some free clients to build my portfolio. If you're interested in having a chat, please let me know and I'll send you my details. I've helped many friends with colour schemes and random furniture pieces so would be happy to help :) Hi there Sorry for the delayed response but yes, I would be very interested in meeting you. I will try to work out how to send you a message.
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2016 - 16:17
Thanks all. Looks like I need to head to MOE.
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2016 - 16:17
Yes I have one - bought at Better Life MOE.... It's a Seimens make.... Actually I'll be selling mine second hand mid March as we are relocating back to the UK if you're interested (had it for 15 months)? Unfortunately I need it by 21 Feb when we move into our new place so the timing wont quite work. Shame! Are you happy with it though?
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2016 - 07:54
Hi, where are the best places to buy mid price garden furniture? We want a table and chairs and parasol that will last a few years. Probably a step up from ikea and Ace as I've heard that they don't last more than two summers (please correct me f I'm wrong) but don't wants to spend thousands. I also need some made to measure curtains so would be grateful for any recommendations. I don't want to go to dragonmart! Thanks in advance.
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2015 - 14:47
Thanks for letting me know. That is a bit rubbish. My husband was upgraded from Gatwick to Dubai last summer when he had gold membership so I was hoping it was a bit of a regular thing when you reach platinum. How disappointing!
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2015 - 08:34
There is a forum called expat Singapore which might be useful.
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2015 - 08:31
The government has made it harder over the last two years for expats to get into local schools. I have friends who were permanent residents and hoping to get their kids into local school but when it came down to it, they were offered a place in a school miles away from their house and the school was near the bottom of the rankings. Citizens get first choice, then PRs then expats so the likelihood of getting into a good school are slim. That said, a colleague of mine did manage to get her kids into one of the best local schools but it was complete chance and they are not quite sure how they got so lucky!
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2015 - 10:52
Also, a maid costs between 500to 800 for a live in and about 1200 plus for a live out.
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2015 - 09:33
I recently moved from Singapore. School fees are about $25k per year. Nursery fees are around $10k. You will be looking at at least 5.5k per month to get a house. There are nice houses on the east coast, a bit further out but transport links are generally good. UWC has opened a campus out East too if you are looking for an international school. Condos are of a much higher standard than apartment blocks are here, especially newer ones. The majority have a lovely pool, gym and small playground. If you want space, you can get larger apartments in an older block. Eg. We lived in a 4 bed apartment which was 2700sqft next to Holland Village for 6k per month. The condo was built in 1986 so old but great space and pool. Most people I knew were paying between 5.5k per month (house on east coast) to 10k for a brand new apartment near the city. Groceries are about 25% higher. Alcohol is not unaffordable. A slab of 24 beers will cost around $60 , bottle of wine goes from $15 upwards In The supermarket. Personally I find eating out more expensive in dubai when you include alcohol. The hawkers markets are great for quick meals and there is a wide selection of restaurants. People tend to take out loans for their cars. The dealers actually charge more if you pay cash! We paid about $600 per month on the loan over 3 years and got a good price for the car when we sold it. The traffic is slower than here but there are still crazy drivers especially taxi drivers so people with young kids tend to get a car (in my experience). The added cost to the car is the ERP charge every time you go through a toll which adds up quickly. Utilities including Aircon were from 400-700 per month depending on how much we used the Aircon. Water bill was on top of that. The trains, buses and taxis are very cheap. As for salary, I think you could do it on the salary you mention but would not be saving much after rent and school fees unless you live far out. Hope that helps.
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2015 - 08:40
True on point 1. For point 2, there is no problem getting an I ternational visitor a temporary card for the gym and pool. As PP says, they just show their passport. On point 3, none of my friends have paid for parking as far as I'm aware.
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 09:08
Thanks. Is it common for these sort of rugs to smell then? I'm worried we hvae been ripped off and there is something wrong with it.
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 September 2014 - 06:48
Thanks all. Unfortunately I won't be traveling before his birthday and I stupidly didn't look in DDF last time I went through. So if I start off at about 30% off the asking price, I might end up with 10% off the price? Or is the best strategy to offer cash? Sorry for all the questions. I'm new to this haggling!
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 August 2014 - 10:50
Hi again, I ended up not buying the watch in the UK. I have had a look here and it is marginally more expensive but I couldn't get the one I wanted in the UK on time. Does anyone know if it is appropriate to negotiate on the price in the shop? I went to Omega and they immediately gave a 10% discount without me asking which makes me wonder if they would go lower but wasn't sure if it is appropriate to negotiate here....
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 August 2014 - 09:59
Izzy - sorry, "verging on judgmental" would have been more appropriate than "verging on aggressive"
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 August 2014 - 09:37
Thanks to those of you who have left helpful messages. Daza, thank you for explaining my post to those who have left messages verging on the aggressive side. It is people like you who keep me coming to this board - it seems like there are an increasing number of people who come on here looking for a fight. 1) I never called her a nanny - I referred to her as a maid. However, I do value and respect her and want to help her further her career where possible and it is good for her to be able to say "I went on x training course" in an interview. As I also said, I think it helps to have someone in authority explaining the importance of things like hygiene. Other cultures have a very different standard of hygiene when it comes to newborns. I want anyone coming near my newborn, family included, to wash their hands when they have come home/finished in the kitchen etc before touching her (in the first few weeks). I also want her to understand how important it is not to let anything unsterilized go in the baby's mouth in the early weeks. 2) She has experience with my older child (aged 3) and is wonderful with her, as well as experience with other families but has always started with them when the children are about 10months. Being around a newborn is very different to being around a 1 year old. I know mothers of older children who feel a little nervous about picking up a newborn. I did say that she isn't going to be left alone with the baby. I am taking a year off work and don't plan to go off gallivanting around town having manicures. However, if I am exhausted, I may ask her to take the baby for a walk around the apartment complex and I want her to understand WHY she cannot let anyone else touch or pick up the baby. I also may ask her to change the occasional nappy while I am playing with my older child. I will also ask her to sterilize the milk bottles and dummies 3) Lolacat, yes, I can and I will teach her and talk through these things myself but I know from having maids in other countries that sometimes they pay more attention if something is learnt in a training course and they also appreciate the investment in the course. 4) I think First Aid training is essential for anyone looking after children and will be going on a refresher course myself. She has not been on one so I would like her to learn the basics. Wow, I can't believe I'm having to defend myself for a fairly innocuous post. Thanks again to those of you who have given me names of places to contact.
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 July 2014 - 11:35
Thanks all, very helpful
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 July 2014 - 17:41
I'm looking to buy an Omaga or Tagheur watch for a special birthday present. Does anyone know if Dubai is cheaper than the uk for these sorts of things? I'm already in the Uk and can't find any Dubai prices online to compare the cost. TIA
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 July 2014 - 23:06
What are you supposed to do if you don't have your UAE license yet? I only have my UK license at the moment (I haven't been driving in Dubai).
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 07:18
We did try to get her to go home over the summer instead but she said she wouldn't have saved up enough money by then. To be fair, she offered to not go at Xmas and to delay it until next summer but we felt that she should have a holiday before then. We will have family staying over Xmas week so will have help then. My big worry is January when school starts and my husband travels for work a lot. I'll speak to her today and see if we can come to a compromise.
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 06:20
Thanks for your replies. I was thinking I could cope but my 3 year olds 5am wake up call this morning has reminded me what I'm in for and I will need the help. I also suddenly got the feeling yesterday that I was starting to be taken advantage of. people back home would roll their eyes at this thread as they all cope ok on their own! Her previous employers sound pretty mean. They could afford to stay in Dubai for nearly a year after him losing his job but not to pay for her flight home.im always amazed at people who expect these ladies to look after their children but have no respect for them.
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 14:52
I'd also avoid Dory at all costs. The same fish is sold under the name Sutchi and Vietnamese catfish. It's farmed in Mekong river, one of the most polluted in the world and some reports say it could actually be harmful.
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 May 2014 - 18:29
Thanks ladies. How about breastmilk storage bags? Can you get them in Dubai? I would look myself but am back in Uk and wasn't organized so forgot to check before I left. how about infacol and gripe water? id love to get the pram here but not sure on the luggage allowance rules as I will have a stroller with me already as I'm traveling with my 3 year old.
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 15:02
Fab, will have a look. Thank you!
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 14:57
Thanks. I thought it was rainy season in Maldives? The rain might be a welcome relief though! Has anyone been there in August? Any recommendations for places or hotels in Cyprus?
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 14:51
Thanks. I thought it was rainy season in Maldives? The rain might be a welcome relief though! Has anyone been there in August? Any recommendations for places or hotels in Cyprus?
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 14:00
Hi this is going to be our first summer here and I'm looking for ideas of reasonably nearby places to go to escape the August heat. We will be away most of July but need to come back in August so want to go away for 5 days mid August. I will be 7 months pregnant so ideally dont want to fly for longer than 4 hours. Any ideas? TIA
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 March 2014 - 09:59
Can anyone tell me where to find kids bedroom furniture? I'm looking for somewhere cheaper than Pottery Barn but not IKEA.
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2014 - 19:28
Great news! How can I join? I found the Facebook page but couldn't see info on any get together. Thank you!
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2014 - 12:39
What a shame! We are moving to Tiara. Hopefully there will be a chance to meet people round the pool there.
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2014 - 09:17
Does anyone know if there is a Palm mums group, similar to the Dubai Marina mums Facebook page? We are moving there and would love to get involved and meet other families.
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 February 2014 - 07:39
Hi we are looking for a live out helper and can be flexible on the start date. We are an English family with one 3 year old boy and 2 cats. I work part time and we will be living in the Marina. We have just moved from Singapore where we had a wonderful Filipino nanny for 2.5 years and who we were all very sad to leave behind as she became part of the family. I'd be very interested in talking to your maid if she thinks we will be a good fit. Please contact me on wool101 at outlook dot com if she is interested. thank you
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2013 - 11:45
OP, I'm thinking along the same lines. We have a toddler so were originally looking for somewhere with a garden but really like the Marina. We're new to Dubai and there seem to be so many different buildings to choose from that I'm not sure where to start looking! Have you seen any which are more child friendly than others (eg. good pool areas, playground etc)?
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 18:16
Thanks all. sarahlou, has the rattan part lasted ok? We are moving from Singapore so in theory the furniture should be made to withstand harsh climates. Prices here are a lot more than what everyone has said they are in Dubai though so will wait til we get there.
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 06:47
Is it common for landlords to be open to negotiation on the rent price or do the majority stick with the advertised price?
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 August 2013 - 15:24
Hi We have just moved to Dubai and i did the school thing in April, the children start at 3 here but i am not sure that it is compulsory. thanks everyone. to worriedmum, we don't know where we will be living yet. We think that The Greens sounds nice but haven't visited yet to look around places. Ideally we want to be close to media City and whatever school my son gets into. edited by LB101 on 19/08/2013
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 August 2013 - 09:25
I doubt education in Singapore would be "much more expensive" than in Dubai. in Singapore, school fees cost around GBP12,000 for a 5 year old exclusive of extras and rise with age. Is that around the same?
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 August 2013 - 03:58
I also find the weather pretty draining in Singapore and would welcome a change from it. We enjoy being outside a lot, going for bike rides, etc but I find myself overheating and knackered pretty quickly so it would be great if these things were easier in Dubai. Are there places to go for bike rides? I visited Dubai for a long weekend in April to meet up with a friend. It actually rained most of the weekend but I was told it was freak weather! We had a fun weekend.. Stayed in the Marina which was quite noisy with the construction and went to some great restaurants. I didn't know there was a chance we would move there though so just looked at it through the eyes of a tourist. I loved the fact there were English shops!
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 August 2013 - 03:12
Thanks everyone, we're definitely thinking twice about the move based on feedback. to New 64, do you get more space for your money rent wise? How do you feel the quality of accommodation compares? I love the new condos here with beautiful facilities but find the apartments too small. As a result, we live in an old one to get more space but lacks the gym, gardens etc. I guess the decision will come down to money in the end.has anyone got any more plus points about living in Dubai vs Singapore?
LB101
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 July 2013 - 13:15
Thanks - that's very helpful. I keep reading about how bad the driving is and your comment worries me as I find the driving in Singapore pretty appalling! A few more questions - is Dubai an easy place to move to and find your feet? The move to Singapore from London was a very easy transition -we quickly met some great friends and found our way around pretty easily. Most of the people we met (expats) we welcoming and helpful so it didn't take long to settle in. What's your experience of settling into life in Dubai?
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing