Buddha | ExpatWoman.com
 

Buddha

Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 July 2015 - 19:25
Can u check when the fee hike for Sept was announced. If it was after you paid deposit then legally they have to return deposit if you request.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 July 2015 - 11:46
Sorry, I agree with the salon. I rarely go to salons but when I do , the last thing I want is to hear babies crying ( or folks chattering on mobile phones).
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 July 2015 - 11:11
If the schools advised of an increase in cost of fees AFTER you paid the deposit then you can cite this as reason to ask for deposit back and legally they have to....
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 July 2015 - 12:18
Sorry..I forgot to say that Zoom cafe is enclosed and perfectly ok to eat and drink there.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 July 2015 - 14:41
Parking on opposite side of Novotel is free. The sports centre itself has a Zoom cafe open...sells dunkin donuts, wraps, salads, paninis, tea, coffee etc.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 June 2015 - 21:19
By way, if you are repeatedly checking prices of flights then clear your cookies before you book as the price will come back down. For some reason, the prices go up the more often you check but if you refresh your cookies it comes back to original price.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 June 2015 - 11:59
You will have to go to RAK as nowhere sells alcohol in dubai till after 8pm
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 18:36
Try some of the medical clinics. I know Keith Nichols for eg were looking a while ago, think filled now but in guessing clinics are always looking.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 17:20
299a month?! I pay way less than that for mine.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 14:23
Because of child care and transport out here, you will probably be best applying for a TA job at whatever school your child goes to. Regarding age - children who turned 11 between 1st September last year ie 2014 and 31st Aug this year, 2015 will just have finished year 6 in the British system. They go to secondary in September which is year 7.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 18:24
I land at Birmnigham and just after you pass through customs there are normally a couple of stalls selling them. If you arrive at un social time then WH smith generally have some. I think one of the booths was Lycamobile..guy set it up for me but had to pay for it in WH smith so I'm guessing you can but one at any time. I'm just a tad technologically not great so prefer someone to set up. Otherwise , find nearest supermarket..Tesco do a good pay as you go as do Sainsburys.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 16:33
if you opt out you pay for your own DEWA which isn't just water and electricity but every year there is a housing fee of 5% of your rent added to your DEWA bill which means if for eg you are renting for 150k a year you will pay 7500 a year in housing fee which will be added to your DEWA bill.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 16:18
I would be very careful opting out of Emirates housing. Once you opt out you can't go back in and rental costs tend to rise every year as does utility costs. Our rent has gone up 10% every year since arriving. Now where in Dubai is really that far so alothugh better, it isn't essential to live right next to the school. Emirates also put staff up in Layan which is 15 mins from Silicon. Might be worth enquiring re there.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 16:14
I just pick up a sim at the airport..generally get free texts, 60mins call and 1Gb for £10.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 16:11
You can't change to a UAE licence till you have your residency and ID. Once you hsve this you can go straight to office and get it immediately..you need an approved eye test done in Dubai, a letter from your husband giving you permission, loads of passport photos,copy of husband passport and ID and money. You can drive a hire car on a UK licence but not a private car. Once you hsve residency you MUST convert to UAE licence or you will be driving illegally.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 12:07
Google the slump exercise. Very simple and hugely effective
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 June 2015 - 21:05
Time has got an evening groupon deal running at the minute.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 June 2015 - 15:25
I would say that in two years you will start to find it more difficult. We do hsve similar monthly income and pay two school fees secondary BUT I work parttime and we have eroded savings. It will be difficult to find accommodation for 8k a month. Even if you do, then every year accommodation costs rises but salaries tend not to. Paying part of the school fees will also erode your salary. Do you have air fares home included? And what type of medical cover ie many don't hsve dental included which is expensive here. If it were me, I would be negotiating for full school fees AND at least 10k a month for housing. To put in perspective our school fees were 90k three years ago and now 140k Our rent has gone from 80k to 120k in three years.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 June 2015 - 14:06
Depends what way you go and how easily you can get out of Ranches. Once out of ranches and you go um Sequim and Al Khail it is 20/25 mins in the morning but afternoons for pick up can be awful so it can be quicker to go business bay and in over Garhoud..this is probably 25 mins from roundabout at Ranches. If you go straight onto the E311 then you can get caught in the mornings going to the 66. Not sure how long that takes. You can park front of school in morning or in church car park, generally spaces. In afternoon you best either to park other side of Road from school and walk across the bridge or the hospital car park at the back. A lot of mums arrive at school up to an hour early to get a space at front of school so best park at back or over other side.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 June 2015 - 22:06
It's also factoring in things like car hire if go home on holiday. Have you family to stay with..I don't and have huge costs associated with trips to uk. Rental income on my uk property doesn't cover the mortgage once costs are taken off the rental income so I am always topping up. Other stupid things ie if kids need braces for eg then a lot of medical insurance don't pay for this or indeed any dental work. I think first step is to find out whether school fees are totally paid and for how many kids...some companies cap it at two. Once you know that you can then start to budget a bit better. Typically classes for kids out of school such as football etc START at AED50 but can easily be double...again all things that need considered.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 June 2015 - 22:00
Might be tax free but school fees, high rent etc etc Is there chance your husband can get employment ?
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 June 2015 - 20:46
Sorry if I am being nosey..are you coming on your own with the kids? I don't have a maid but I think a decent one is about AED2.5k a month plus visa costs plus flight home plus paying agency maid when they take holiday. I wasn't including transportation costs separately but it will def be more than AED1000 a month. Hiring a car is anything from AED1700 to around AED3000 for a decent family car and much more for a 4x4. You can probably buy a decent car for maybe AED1500 a month but then you have insurance and bills, cars need serviced more often out here. If you aren't coming out on your own then you will prob need two cars.. Electricity etc in a villa will probably be more than AED1500 a month...bear in mind that in with your electricity you pay a housing fee which is annually 5% of your rent. Ie I am in an apartment for AED120k so every year I have to pay 5% of 120k which works out at AED500 a month, this gets added to your electricity bill. The more expensive your accommodation is the more you pay. If you are going to be working full time you will need to decide what you are going to do with your kids in the holidays. Holiday camps are way, way more expensive than back home. I'm not trying to be negative but so many people come out here and don't factor in the extra costs.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 June 2015 - 19:57
You need to check the schooling allowance. Be aware that schools tend to hike their fees every year...we have had a 7% rise every year. Housing also tends to increase annually..salaries don't tend to. Secondary school will be more expensive than primary, in some cases almost double the cost. Childcare both for your youngest and after school isn't easy to get. A lot of people have maids at home who either taxi to school to collect the kids or kids go on school bus, again this is another expense. We live out here on a very tight budget and it isn't nice. If I had time again I would be looking for ALL school fees paid( some companies cap school fees and recently school fees have increased dramatically so even those getting fees paid are now having to top up), housing allowance of at least AED12k a month ( doesn't get you much) and probably at least AED25k a month. Re rent in advance, some companies will advance this and take from your salary ( only caution with this is that they if they let you go at end of probationary period you can be left owing money) School fees also get paid termly in advance. Most schools will want AED500 per child just to apply. Sorry, I can't help you with schools as we live in Dubai.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 June 2015 - 18:48
Ultimate athletics.. Look for their Facebook site
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 June 2015 - 22:00
I think you need it in writing from the school.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 June 2015 - 20:59
I agree, check with school then. I think it depends on how sensible your child is and what plans you have in place in case of an emergency. My secondary age daughter does on occasion come home alone. Probably wouldn't let her younger sister but that's more because of the difference in their responsibility levels...youngest is in a dream world half the time. I do know some year 6 kids at my school who do but loads of friends live nearby and many have maids. Some people will be quick to jump and say no but it depends on your child and emergency plans. In uk, there is NO legal age for when you can leave a child alone - it is your right as a parent to judge. In NZ , I think the legal age is 14 which I personally think is very strict but then I also know 16 yr olds I wouldn't trust home alone whereas I know some 12 year olds who would be fine. I also have a couple of my friends numbers programmed into my daughter phone so if for some reason I don't turn up, she can phone them in an emergency.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 June 2015 - 15:12
If you are not married then he can't sponsor you and your child which means your child can't go to school. It also means you can't get medical insurance. If I were you I would just nip to a registry office and get the "bit of paper" Also, if you get pregnant out here and aren't married then there can be big issues.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 June 2015 - 14:51
At that age you should be able to do a lot with him whilst playing with him, out walking or in the car. Sitting down formally at that age may not necessarily be the best method.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 June 2015 - 21:16
You should be able to find a place in DSO certainly for just over 200k....just ask the company to pay it, don't take the cash. I am sure the company will be happy to pay less than 250k. You will be better off as you won't be paying utility bills nor the annual rent increases which can often be 10%. From DSO you can get to the beach in 20mins and you have are really close to school. My youngest child spent close to two hrs a day in the car and that was too much despite giving me quality time to talk to her ( when I wasn't cursing other drivers). Being on the bus from Palm up to DSO will be brutal for your kids, it makes a long day and the buses out here aren't the most comfortable. One or two schools have buses with better drivers than others but the standard of driving of some school bus drivers is appalling. Please note, I am not commenting on your proposed school as I don't recollect seeing any of their buses so I can't comment.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 June 2015 - 20:19
It is actually a very simple question but the wording makes it look more complicated. The candidates are only being asked to prove that n squared - n -90 = 0 If the possibility of her eating two orange sweets is 1/3 if six orange sweets in the bag.. The actual maths involved is very simple..it's just the complicated language and extra info given that complicates it.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 June 2015 - 18:55
Some of the summer drama camps were offering to pay teenagers to work but I'm not sure which ones.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 June 2015 - 18:42
In the Uk system the kids do GCSE coursework and exams in year 10 and 11 so I am not sure how easy it will be to get into year 11. If you are not planning to arrive till jan then even starting year 10 then won't be easy as kids will have started GCSE coursework in sept in year 10. I think the only way you can find out is to contact the school directly.. I know my daughter has kids over a year older than her in her class - they are either South African or Australian.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 May 2015 - 21:17
Fees are all on this site http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_faqs_school_fees_6135.aspx But bear in mind that many do annual increases. Mine was 9% last year and will be 7% rise again this September
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 May 2015 - 17:06
Try Skynet....you can courier 80kg to uk for about AED1000 Takes 5 to 7 days and door to door. Not sure if they do Philippines but worth asking
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 May 2015 - 22:07
Skype is available here. I use whatsapp a lot as do many of my friends... Just make sure you factor in annual increases in school fees and rent. Our school will rise 7% this year and was the same last year. Seems like fairly realistic...food might be higher if you buy a lot of imported stuff and depending where you shop. If you don't buy a lot of imported food then will be fine. Kids activities are costly..most things are upwards of AED60 a session. Other activites have a yearly fee which can easily be AED1500 or higher. In some schools the year 6 trips for example are "compulsory" these can be over AED1000. Uniforms tend to be costly. <em>edited by Buddha on 09/05/2015</em>
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2015 - 15:18
You can drive a hire car on your UK licence. You can't get a UAE licence till you have your residency but then you must convert your UK one immediately or you are driving illegally. It's a simple process...
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2015 - 15:16
Yep..I get that...just would love to know the secret as I am very poor and would love not to be...
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2015 - 11:22
Live bird2015. -Very nosey question but as a single mum of two I would love to know your secret as to being able to afford a holiday to Dubai staying at Atlantis..
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 April 2015 - 06:50
Have a look at airbnb
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 April 2015 - 21:22
I have no idea re private schools but state schools will only take applications six weeks before your return date. You apply to the local education authority and must evidence that you are returning to UK ie mortgage statements , copy of notice given to tenants etc. Children moving from year 6 to year 7 ie into secondary school may be different in some LEA's. It is possible they will be allowed to apply in October for admission the following September. As you have missed this, then in guess the six week rule will apply although my LEA said I could apply from the 11th May but you can do this online. LEA must allocate a school but this could be a long way from where you live. The best thing would be to contact your LEA and ask them what they advise and whether it would be of any benefit to move back earlier. My LEA said it wouldn't make much difference. From speaking to others, it appears that it can take a few weeks to sort so kids often don't get places till October or so. I know that OP kids are not year 8 or 9 but for others reading be aware that it is better to return for start of year 9 rather than year 10. If you return for start of year 10 it is much more difficult for your child to be given their GCSE choices as these are likely to have been allocated.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 April 2015 - 10:41
My iPad bought in UK also runs fast.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 April 2015 - 19:49
I have kept training diaries since arriving here...running. Looking at my diaries it isn't worse than last year. Last year I ran at 11.30am on 24th March and vowed that was the last time I ran later than 8am due to the temperature. This year I am still running even at noon , although today was tough and will probably be the last time I don't get my **** in gear before 8am. I think last year and from my diaries it looks as if we had a hot spell mid to late March then a cooler week or two..by mid April it was again very hot. I think this year we've just been luckier with cooler weather so it's hitting harder in the last few days. Ten days ago it was almost cool so I reckon it's the sudden difference making it feel bad.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 April 2015 - 12:46
Beryl Comar at .change Associates is fabulous
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 April 2015 - 23:59
Ok..as someone who is having to return home because school fres and housing taje up virtually entire salary I will give the following advice. 1.check exactly how much they will give in tuition. You said they will pay housing but AED100kndoesnt really pay housing. You need to know that they will pay entire school fees and subsequent increase. You say that two will stay at home..you need to check what happens ehen they get older..will company pay. Some companies only pay for two kids. 2.car -what is the allowance? For a decent family saloon lease you looking atvapprox AED2700 a month. Basic cars can be leased for about AED1700. 3.check the medical cover they offer. My DH gave medical cover but it was basic to say the least and close to AED3k a month to get semi adequate cover. ensure things are in writing before agreeing.. on plus side 16k us dollars is AED57k a month so plenty wriggle room. we have a lot less and pay school fees and housing. it just depend how much of this you want to use on housing and school fees. if it were me, I would take lower salary but housing and schooling guaranteed. both those are increasing drastically every year so if you can get company to agree to cover them
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 April 2015 - 22:10
I would def ask for more housing. I honestly can't think where you will find anything for AED100k with three bedrooms in decent area. Also bear in mind that rents tend to increase every year. Three years ago our apartment was 78k. It's now renting at 120k for new tenants and will go to around AED100k for us in September. Al Warqa near Midriff you might find a 3 bed apartment but it's miles from Al Quoz. Remraan is probably the next cheapest ( look at Dubai Properties) but it's far out and more than AED100k for three bedroom apartment. jebel Ali village which has old, old properties but a good clubhouse etc it think are renting for upwards of AED135k ...it's not too far from Al Quoz but traffic getting into compound in evening can be bad. Properties are also old. There is a new development Jebel Ali water front which is a bit cheaper than other areas but again you are further out of town. I think to get a 3bed in springs you are prob lookng at AED160k. Also good if you check how much of the school fees your company will be paying. At the minute the annual increases on school fees is crazy!!
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 April 2015 - 21:30
It will be tough to find a 3 bed for AED100k. I have a 3 bed apartment but quite far out of town...they are now asking new tenants to pay AED120k. You will get a rough idea by looking on Dubizzle or Propertyfinders but bear in mind that when you see a property and call up they are likely to tell you it is not available but offer to show you something similar but for more money.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 April 2015 - 21:08
If you start just slightly south of old Jumeirah beach Park ( paying one) it is 6.9km all the way to the middle of Umm Sequim beach just before the Burj Al Arab and yes it is open all the way. I regularly run it.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 April 2015 - 16:23
Who knows......plus he says I am wrong... Not a lot I can do but I would like mine cancelled as well...
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 April 2015 - 16:13
Their Dad is refusing to cancel them...
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 April 2015 - 16:09
Thanks. So , if I take kids back to UK but they want to come out to Dubai to see their Dad does he either have to cancel their residency or do they have to come back within six months. Tks
 
 
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