Why do we seem to get ripped off at every given opportunity in the ME. | ExpatWoman.com
 

Why do we seem to get ripped off at every given opportunity in the ME.

2725
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 00:30

A friend has some personal things being shipped from Qatar, just a few boxes, nothing major... Due to Eid their consignment was in dock for a further 3 days due to people being off, she was charged 1000 extra, then she was given a invoice for cleaning of the container????

As for my experiences, on settling my internet provider account, we were in credit by 418 rials, and they wouldnt give us the money back. Trying to cancel OSN was a nightmare, all the kept saying was "we will try"... isnt it just a flick of a switch..... and to top it off, our landlord demanded to keep our deposit and wanted a months rent, so the total he received was 29500.

My cats are in a cattery waiting to be relocated, that itself has been very trying and stressful. the cattery initial cost are 7800, relocation for 5 cats is 19000.00.

Hire car company received a months rental, even thou hubby used them for 3 whole years. cost 4000.00.

Having all our furnitures shipped 27000.00

The long and short of it, I know we have moved countries, by only 250 miles, and at present the cost so far is approx 86000.00.

None of the above includes setting up in our new place.....deposits, fees etc.

Just wasnt expecting it to cost so much.

409
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 12:44
These are the costs to consider for living in a 'tax free' region. It's called the "Expat Tax" ... the extra money we all pay when we get ripped off trying to live overseas. But I think we are all beginning to wonder if it's worth it anymore! Paying taxes back home means I get free schooling for my children, a legal system that is fair - and if I get an unfair speeding ticket, I can feel like I have a chance to overturn it - and decent weather! I totally understand why some people are willing to put up with the extra costs of living in Dubai. If I were from a dangerous country like South Africa or a developing country like India or Pakistan, I'd find Dubai attractive as well ... Do you have any idea how arrogant that is? Seriously can you read that again? How insulting can you be? Oh those poor people from those undeveloped and dangerous countries might like it here but us from superior parts of the world are too good for this place. Please by all means why don't you leave? I find you aggressive, Marroosh. Don't you think she meant that some people have a choice to be here and others (from dangerous countries) don't? Why do you read conflicts and problems in a lot of posts? Chill and enjoy your vacation. Life is too short. If you can't see the arrogance in it, or in many of the moan threads, there is not much more to say. I do find it insulting to the people from those countries and I am entitled to express my opinion on it. Nothing to do with seeking conflict, it's an observation of the general attitude on threads like this. Really, if life is so awful here, why do people stay? Why do people keep coming from so called developed and safe countries? Because there is no work. Since you asked, Marroosh, I stay because my husband needs to be in a central location for the company he's building. And despite my misgivings, I have to put my family's needs ahead of my own. Enshallah, Marroosh, one day you will have a family of your own and realize that things aren't always as simple as you make them out to be.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 12:18
These are the costs to consider for living in a 'tax free' region. It's called the "Expat Tax" ... the extra money we all pay when we get ripped off trying to live overseas. But I think we are all beginning to wonder if it's worth it anymore! Paying taxes back home means I get free schooling for my children, a legal system that is fair - and if I get an unfair speeding ticket, I can feel like I have a chance to overturn it - and decent weather! I totally understand why some people are willing to put up with the extra costs of living in Dubai. If I were from a dangerous country like South Africa or a developing country like India or Pakistan, I'd find Dubai attractive as well ... Do you have any idea how arrogant that is? Seriously can you read that again? How insulting can you be? Oh those poor people from those undeveloped and dangerous countries might like it here but us from superior parts of the world are too good for this place. Please by all means why don't you leave? I don't think there was any offence, realistically its fair comment to suggest that anyone's perspective of Dubai is formed by a comparison to where they are from, that's unavoidable really, so if someone is unfortunately from a deprived, underdeveloped or war torn area their impression of Dubai is naturally going to be many times more positive than that of someone who came from a first world infrastructure. Its all a matter of perspective upon which opinion is framed rather than arrogance, maybe that opinion is offensive to you, but to deny the right of anyone to express their opinion is more disturbing than the opinion itself Imo, presuming I am permitted one. No offence intended. Of course you are entitled to your opinion just like I am. But the post shows a sense of superiority. Which happens a lot on this forum. The problem with the wrtten word as opposed to the spoken one is that we can only guess at the tone. I read it again trying to see your point of view but to me It doesnt come across as being surperior or offensive. Maybe I tend to look at things differently and of course my personal perspective is purely subjective to my outlook. Clearly it has struck a nerve but perhaps it would help if you tried to see it more as factual comment.
Anonymous (not verified)
0
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 12:03
These are the costs to consider for living in a 'tax free' region. It's called the "Expat Tax" ... the extra money we all pay when we get ripped off trying to live overseas. But I think we are all beginning to wonder if it's worth it anymore! Paying taxes back home means I get free schooling for my children, a legal system that is fair - and if I get an unfair speeding ticket, I can feel like I have a chance to overturn it - and decent weather! I totally understand why some people are willing to put up with the extra costs of living in Dubai. If I were from a dangerous country like South Africa or a developing country like India or Pakistan, I'd find Dubai attractive as well ... Do you have any idea how arrogant that is? Seriously can you read that again? How insulting can you be? Oh those poor people from those undeveloped and dangerous countries might like it here but us from superior parts of the world are too good for this place. Please by all means why don't you leave? I don't think there was any offence, realistically its fair comment to suggest that anyone's perspective of Dubai is formed by a comparison to where they are from, that's unavoidable really, so if someone is unfortunately from a deprived, underdeveloped or war torn area their impression of Dubai is naturally going to be many times more positive than that of someone who came from a first world infrastructure. Its all a matter of perspective upon which opinion is framed rather than arrogance, maybe that opinion is offensive to you, but to deny the right of anyone to express their opinion is more disturbing than the opinion itself Imo, presuming I am permitted one. No offence intended. Of course you are entitled to your opinion just like I am. But the post shows a sense of superiority. Which happens a lot on this forum.
Anonymous (not verified)
0
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 12:00
These are the costs to consider for living in a 'tax free' region. It's called the "Expat Tax" ... the extra money we all pay when we get ripped off trying to live overseas. But I think we are all beginning to wonder if it's worth it anymore! Paying taxes back home means I get free schooling for my children, a legal system that is fair - and if I get an unfair speeding ticket, I can feel like I have a chance to overturn it - and decent weather! I totally understand why some people are willing to put up with the extra costs of living in Dubai. If I were from a dangerous country like South Africa or a developing country like India or Pakistan, I'd find Dubai attractive as well ... Do you have any idea how arrogant that is? Seriously can you read that again? How insulting can you be? Oh those poor people from those undeveloped and dangerous countries might like it here but us from superior parts of the world are too good for this place. Please by all means why don't you leave? I find you aggressive, Marroosh. Don't you think she meant that some people have a choice to be here and others (from dangerous countries) don't? Why do you read conflicts and problems in a lot of posts? Chill and enjoy your vacation. Life is too short. If you can't see the arrogance in it, or in many of the moan threads, there is not much more to say. I do find it insulting to the people from those countries and I am entitled to express my opinion on it. Nothing to do with seeking conflict, it's an observation of the general attitude on threads like this. Really, if life is so awful here, why do people stay? Why do people keep coming from so called developed and safe countries? Because there is no work.
14
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 11:45
These are the costs to consider for living in a 'tax free' region. It's called the "Expat Tax" ... the extra money we all pay when we get ripped off trying to live overseas. But I think we are all beginning to wonder if it's worth it anymore! Paying taxes back home means I get free schooling for my children, a legal system that is fair - and if I get an unfair speeding ticket, I can feel like I have a chance to overturn it - and decent weather! I totally understand why some people are willing to put up with the extra costs of living in Dubai. If I were from a dangerous country like South Africa or a developing country like India or Pakistan, I'd find Dubai attractive as well ... Do you have any idea how arrogant that is? Seriously can you read that again? How insulting can you be? Oh those poor people from those undeveloped and dangerous countries might like it here but us from superior parts of the world are too good for this place. Please by all means why don't you leave? I don't think there was any offence, realistically its fair comment to suggest that anyone's perspective of Dubai is formed by a comparison to where they are from, that's unavoidable really, so if someone is unfortunately from a deprived, underdeveloped or war torn area their impression of Dubai is naturally going to be many times more positive than that of someone who came from a first world infrastructure. Its all a matter of perspective upon which opinion is framed rather than arrogance, maybe that opinion is offensive to you, but to deny the right of anyone to express their opinion is more disturbing than the opinion itself Imo, presuming I am permitted one. No offence intended. well said chezmoi I am new to this thing but came on here looking for tips etc, but couldn't help but notice this convo! Somethings are expensive and other things are cheaper. There are a lot of expenditures but those still amount to less than the Tax I would have to pay at home, and I would have to pay for other things on top of that. Plus most tax havens are more expensive to live in. I have always thought that.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 11:34
These are the costs to consider for living in a 'tax free' region. It's called the "Expat Tax" ... the extra money we all pay when we get ripped off trying to live overseas. But I think we are all beginning to wonder if it's worth it anymore! Paying taxes back home means I get free schooling for my children, a legal system that is fair - and if I get an unfair speeding ticket, I can feel like I have a chance to overturn it - and decent weather! I totally understand why some people are willing to put up with the extra costs of living in Dubai. If I were from a dangerous country like South Africa or a developing country like India or Pakistan, I'd find Dubai attractive as well ... Do you have any idea how arrogant that is? Seriously can you read that again? How insulting can you be? Oh those poor people from those undeveloped and dangerous countries might like it here but us from superior parts of the world are too good for this place. Please by all means why don't you leave? I don't think there was any offence, realistically its fair comment to suggest that anyone's perspective of Dubai is formed by a comparison to where they are from, that's unavoidable really, so if someone is unfortunately from a deprived, underdeveloped or war torn area their impression of Dubai is naturally going to be many times more positive than that of someone who came from a first world infrastructure. Its all a matter of perspective upon which opinion is framed rather than arrogance, maybe that opinion is offensive to you, but to deny the right of anyone to express their opinion is more disturbing than the opinion itself Imo, presuming I am permitted one. No offence intended.
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 11:27
These are the costs to consider for living in a 'tax free' region. It's called the "Expat Tax" ... the extra money we all pay when we get ripped off trying to live overseas. But I think we are all beginning to wonder if it's worth it anymore! Paying taxes back home means I get free schooling for my children, a legal system that is fair - and if I get an unfair speeding ticket, I can feel like I have a chance to overturn it - and decent weather! I totally understand why some people are willing to put up with the extra costs of living in Dubai. If I were from a dangerous country like South Africa or a developing country like India or Pakistan, I'd find Dubai attractive as well ... Do you have any idea how arrogant that is? Seriously can you read that again? How insulting can you be? Oh those poor people from those undeveloped and dangerous countries might like it here but us from superior parts of the world are too good for this place. Please by all means why don't you leave? I find you aggressive, Marroosh. Don't you think she meant that some people have a choice to be here and others (from dangerous countries) don't? Why do you read conflicts and problems in a lot of posts? Chill and enjoy your vacation. Life is too short.
2287
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 10:46
Technically Tax Free but in reality there are so many 'fees' to pay at every turn of life in Dubai its more or less a form of taxation. At least in countries where we pay tax there is some chance of relief or concessions depending on our circumstances whereas these endless "Fees" are non negotiable and non deductible no matter what a person's salary or needs are. Fully agree with this. And wether or not it's worth putting up with is totally depending on personal situation. We do the math each year, and so far we're better of here than in our home country (where friends seem to be losing their jobs more and more).
Anonymous (not verified)
0
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 10:42
These are the costs to consider for living in a 'tax free' region. It's called the "Expat Tax" ... the extra money we all pay when we get ripped off trying to live overseas. But I think we are all beginning to wonder if it's worth it anymore! Paying taxes back home means I get free schooling for my children, a legal system that is fair - and if I get an unfair speeding ticket, I can feel like I have a chance to overturn it - and decent weather! I totally understand why some people are willing to put up with the extra costs of living in Dubai. If I were from a dangerous country like South Africa or a developing country like India or Pakistan, I'd find Dubai attractive as well ... Do you have any idea how arrogant that is? Seriously can you read that again? How insulting can you be? Oh those poor people from those undeveloped and dangerous countries might like it here but us from superior parts of the world are too good for this place. Please by all means why don't you leave?
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 10:23
These are the costs to consider for living in a 'tax free' region. It's called the "Expat Tax" ... the extra money we all pay when we get ripped off trying to live overseas. But I think we are all beginning to wonder if it's worth it anymore! Paying taxes back home means I get free schooling for my children, a legal system that is fair - and if I get an unfair speeding ticket, I can feel like I have a chance to overturn it - and decent weather! I totally understand why some people are willing to put up with the extra costs of living in Dubai. If I were from a dangerous country like South Africa or a developing country like India or Pakistan, I'd find Dubai attractive as well ... Couldn't agree more.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 09:00
Technically Tax Free but in reality there are so many 'fees' to pay at every turn of life in Dubai its more or less a form of taxation. At least in countries where we pay tax there is some chance of relief or concessions depending on our circumstances whereas these endless "Fees" are non negotiable and non deductible no matter what a person's salary or needs are.
409
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 08:24
These are the costs to consider for living in a 'tax free' region. It's called the "Expat Tax" ... the extra money we all pay when we get ripped off trying to live overseas. But I think we are all beginning to wonder if it's worth it anymore! Paying taxes back home means I get free schooling for my children, a legal system that is fair - and if I get an unfair speeding ticket, I can feel like I have a chance to overturn it - and decent weather! I totally understand why some people are willing to put up with the extra costs of living in Dubai. If I were from a dangerous country like South Africa or a developing country like India or Pakistan, I'd find Dubai attractive as well ...
3220
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 04:26
Wow that is an expensive move and only 250 miles away?!
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 03:39
"just a few boxes" yet they required a container? As for the consignment being held up for 3 days, any freight forwarder agreement I've been privy to allows for up to 5 business days "storage" not including being held for customs. Sounds like your friend got ripped off or didn't read their agreement carefully before signing off on the shipment. As for cleaning the container - that's laughable. Relocation costs for your cats sounds fairly regular depending on where they are going and who is providing the documentation and delivery to the airline. Is this a vehicle your husband has rented all along or a one off? If the latter, very reasonable no matter how often/long he has rented with them in the past - in North America, it would be considered competitive. Did you do any price comparisons/get quotations before moving? Are your moving costs covered by the employer? If the latter, it could be a deciding factor in quotations/costs (most moving companies ask if your move is covered by your employer, I always tell them no).
367
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 00:58
These are the costs to consider for living in a 'tax free' region.
 
 

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