Lenochka | ExpatWoman.com
 

Lenochka

Lenochka
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Latest post on 02 October 2013 - 14:55
and where is THERE ? :-)
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 June 2013 - 18:57
what does good amount mean ? of course you get LOTS more for a Rolex/Chopard as you also pay A **** OF A LOT MORE than for a Swatch/Flic Flca etc :-)
Lenochka
98
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 May 2013 - 17:35
I haven't seen a single American movie with English subtitles....at least not in the cinemas... yep, of course you have have that if you're watching a DVD or BluRay at home... but in the cinema... original, i.e. American Movies do not come with subtiles as default...they have to be added.... German, French, Arabic etc.....that all costs money, hence I would doubt that you get English subtitles for English spoken movies....
Lenochka
98
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 15:04
Rents for apartments in Switzerland are generally not fixed, i.e. you simply rent it on an ongoing basis. Termination notice is usually 3 months, possible for every end of the months. i.e. send a termination letter at the end of January one will need to vacate the flat by the end of April.... Main moving months are 1. April (termination letter is sent by end of December) and 1. October (termination letter is sent at the end of June). Generally end of December is not really accepted as moving out due to the holidys). Rent is paid monthly....and non payments will be handled strictly with claim letters, court oders and evictions done by the police... Of course there are the occasional fixed lease contracts for example when people go abroad for some time...the contract is limited for say 2 years...but the rent is still paid monthly....so the ridiculous fact that you have to take a loan to rent your apartment for 1 year when you may get made redundant half way through does not exist......!! <em>edited by Lenochka on 30/04/2013</em>
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 April 2013 - 18:01
the operator of the cruise should be able (should actually arrange it) to organize the invitation. The invitation you will need to get to the embassy together with the passport. Price of the visa will vary on your nationality. Alternatively, if the tour operator of the cruise does not organize/help wit the invitation, you can arrange one using a slew of online services such as http://www.visahouse.com/ I have used them before and were ok !! St. Petersburg is a great city...have fun and enjoy !
Lenochka
98
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 15:29
It might be that it is a "somewhat" straight forward process.... anyway, be careful....if you sponsor them, whilst on any sort of employment visa yourself, it might be difficult once you loose your visa (lots of people still being made redundnat, being moved to different jobs/countries etc) which might pose a problem for your parents should they need to move/leave too......
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 19:14
will you sponsor them ? in what capacity ? Normally you require a company which offers a job to someone to get a visa.... I don't think you can simply sponsor your parents.... as far as I remember not even houseowners (who invest a lot of money) get a permanent resident visa......
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 07:28
Iranian Hospital is certainly fine. A friend of mine delivered there and she was absolutely pleased. Re: suggestion to get insurance.... I think that would be a tad too late and she'll not find anybody who'll take her and includes the pregnancy...there is generally a lead time before you may become pregnant if it is to be included.... you are already into your 5th month...and therefore they will not take you ! if they do, then be sure that the term "pocket friendly" most certainly will become another meaning for you....:-)
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 March 2013 - 07:29
Haven't lived there permanent as expat...but spent considerable time working on a project (6 months during a period of 9 months,i.e. 3 weeks in a row, 6 weeks in a row, 5 weeks in a row etc). I agree with previous posters....do NOT even think about moving there BEFORE you have visited yourself ! This place is SOOOO DIFFERENT to anything else I had seen before (and that was a lot). Traffic is horrendous, even if it is not raining, clean is something you will (almost) never find, for a decent apartment you will pay a fortune and even a bigger fortune if it needs to be next to workplace/school etc etc. My boss asked me if I want to move there permanently.....my reply was "your budget will never be enough to make me move there" (maybe that is not 100% true.....everybody has a price....but it would need A LOT OF MORE $$$ to convince me to move there....) Bottom line - visit and think very long and hard what you will be up for !!
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 11:38
some other large banks do not accept Syrians as clients....they are on the restricted country list...
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 11:34
OP... that's questioning like my DH's talking....always in riddles :-) what debate ? When ? what channel ?
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 06:14
Hi Vilda... of course it is good news - otherwise why would they bother with an interview/conf call if they would not see this is as positive. Sounds to me like they want to have some more insights into the technical part of the job and the role... Do not talk about compensation. You mention that this is suppose to be with 2 other colleagues from the team.. If that is what they are, they won't have a) the knowledge of all compensation factors to be taken into consideration/offered and b) more importantly they will not have a negotiation/decision making power..... tell him to just take the interview, he should describe has past experience and skill set and how that will help him to make a significant contribution to EK's success.... and wait until he receives an offer....and there compensation will be mentioned. Based on that ....negotiations can start.... good luck !
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2013 - 18:37
Check this out http://www.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Philippines/Visa lots of info....under section Visa for UK citizen... at the bottom it also says visas for up to 59 days can be issued at the border on arrival , and it even says that extensions up to 1 year are possible... case sorted ? :-) ??
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 09:12
whatever it is ....unless you have a substantial amount of liquid assets around - and block this for on a "sort of collateral basis",. i.e. you DO NOT SPEND IT ON CARS, HOLIDAYS, BOOZE, WATCHES, BIKES etc, then to get a mortgage for 95% is INSANE !! JMHO of course..and meant on a general level !
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 18:30
Hi, not lived there...but living in Singapore I;ve been there a few times on business. It is WAY different than Dubai/Singapore.....much more crowded, dirty, hectic....don't get me wrong..its a fun place, but... it is a lot more important where you live compared to work/school/nursing home etc. Infrastructure in most part of the city is appalling....what takes you 15 min during the middle of the night when there is nobody on the street may take you 3-4 hours during rush-hour/rain... floodding is quite common as the drainage and other infrastructure can not cope with the amount of water... EVERYBODY needs to be paid for something (some people call it bribing...) you will need to fund the guy who watches your parking spot, your garden, if you need a document etc etc etc...its going to cost you everywhere... Not sure about the schooling etc. However, give the rest of the city I would be suprised if all would be cheap and easy....:-) don't really want to put you off....but I VERY STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU GET THERE ON A LOOK-SEE - AND THIS IS IMPORTANT - B E F OR E YOU COMMIT TO ANYTHING !! Overall a good to very good package is needed to enjoy live and make sure you have a decent component of "loss of quality of live adjustment" compared to more civilzed cities !
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 17:11
not all passports make a reference to your civil standing, i.e. married, divorced, single I^ve got a passport from a European Country...married for more than 10 years...hence there is no you you can tell by looking at the passport if I am divorced, single, married....
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 January 2013 - 16:39
Singapore has an abundance of nice hotels. Of course you can stay in the Marina Bay Sands...it's ok... However...it does not have any atmospere or charm...the lobby is like an airport or a train station....tourist mingle with players in the casino mingle with shoppers mingle with hotel guests...well..I don't need that.... apart from that there is not much around the hotel. you will need to talk a walk/mrt/taxi to all other areas. I would stay a) if you are into shopping - nothing beats the Marriott right at Orchard Road b) Four Season - also Orchard Road, 5 min walk to Marriott, right in the middle of some greenery c) Ritz Carlton, Pan Pacifc, Marina Mandarin, Conrad, Mandarin Oriental - all close to Marina Bay Sands, around Marina Shopping, Millena Walk & Suntec Mall d) Swissotel & Fairmont - both at Raflles Shopping Mall, just across from Raffles Hotel e) Resort World Sentosa - number of different hotels - stay there if you want to be on the manmade island just in front of Singpapore (note - moving around is nt too easy and you will need taxi to get on off if you don't want to take the metro) f) The Scarlet Hotel (boutique hotel in Chinatown - something different Enjoy whatever you choose
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 10:42
without knowing EXACTLY the numbers involved and the wordings of all the clauses and the relevant contracts, it is impossible to judge if you get screwed or not... fact is by early termination you most likely pay a fine & difference in interest rates....! and that is actually, if you take it from a business perspective, correctly handled. Take it to the other side...you would also not be too happy if the bank would recall the mortgage or the loan for your car without notice after less than 1/2 the tenure.... or you would say, ok..but you pay me the premium/hassle fee to get myself re-mortgaged....that's what contracts are for... banks take money in from deposits...and try to use/lend money on the other side....their profit, in the simplest terms possible, comes from the difference in those 2 interest rates....and therefore in order to control this they need to balance the tenure of their assets vs the liabilities, i.e. a long term deposit of 5 years should be lent out for 5 years on the other side... PS: the fact that the interest rates are very very low in a lot of countries, and therefore the margins (gross profit of the bank) are miniscule, means that in some cases, dependant on the ratings of the financial instititution banks customers PAY interest to the bank for keeping their money.....(happens in Europe at some of the large banks now for their institutional clients...)
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 08:37
it is not an easy one...but every early loan termination is different. It takes the difference in the interest rate of your oriringal borrowing vs the current one into consideration and the difference is to be paid by you, respectively should be re-imbursed (with the deduction of a termination fee) to you....depedant on the move of the interest rate. so if you borrowed at 4% for years and now the client can borrow for 2% for 2 years the bank is looking at a loss of 2 % for the period of the cancellation until the end of the 2 years.....
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 08:20
Please STOP refering to as an exchange. You do NOT exchange your licence in any case - you get an additional one. You may need to pass a test (dependant on your nationality/driver's licence - in this case for US it is not the case and it can simply be "grandfathered"). This is true for a lot of countires such as US, UK, Europe, Canada etc. For more "exotic" countries you will need to take driving lessons/pas test... but you will NOT need to give up your old permit.
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 07:49
it is not only the insurance if you want to own the car.... If you have a residence permit and live in the UAE for more than 1 year you need to have a local Drivers licence. Failing that, in case of an accident, even with a rented car, the rental company and their insurance may not pay the whole bill in case of an accident...
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 07:29
if you are resident you need to have a local driver's licence..... however, that is not an issue as it is NOT a transfer but an additional one. you go with your US licence and they will issue a local one...you will keep your US one.. i have my local one as well as my original one for more than 4 years now....
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 12:43
the closer to book may also mean that they price goes up...if something is still available :-) one bargain chip is the duration...the longer you stay the more flexible they normally are.... I would call them now and state that you intend to stay a couple of months...and ask them to give you the best possible and competitive rate... <em>edited by Lenochka on 08/01/2013</em>
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 09:24
used PK Property a few times...always apartments in the Golf Towers. They are very good, flexible and reasonable. Paid between 7.5-9k ....
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 December 2012 - 13:04
The change fee is an admin fee.... if you change the date you can do so with the same fare category...if that is not available anymore you will have to pay the difference of the fare in addition to the change fee...
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 December 2012 - 06:30
Hi, just my 2 cents...I would strongly take into consideration where your husband is going to work. Especially if he will be the one travelling by metro, it will be important that you are close to a metro station. All further out will become a nightmare during the hotter month, i.e. about 8 months of the year :-) Metro is good.. but once you get off the metro then you will need to rely on walking or feeder bus....as I assume you won't 2 cars for a park/ride scheme or you intend to ferry your husband to/from metro stop..... JMHO though... Good luck with your pregnancy and the upcoming move !
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 December 2012 - 11:33
Hi, sorry, can't help about this in Dubai.....but there is a very good shop in Singapore... maybe the send abroad, use Shop & Ship..... check it out http://tintin.sgstore.com.sg/ have fun L.
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 08:27
Is this a X-mas riddle ? :-)
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 13:44
Did you sign the lease already ?? sorry, no offense intended....but what is the point of asking for advice here AFTER the event ?? I didnt sweety :) hence my question at the beginning....good that you were able to avoid that !
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 13:22
Did you sign the lease already ?? sorry, no offense intended....but what is the point of asking for advice here AFTER the event ??
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 December 2012 - 08:45
I stand corrected...sorry... yes, you can find a villa for 100k or less....but, as was mentioned, you might not have the best location/size/age etc....
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 December 2012 - 08:43
I suggest the small little shop in Mall of Emirates opposite the Lebanese Hairdresser (2nd or 3rd row in the vicinity of Carrefour). Not sure what its called but they do keys, shoes, watch repairs, etc. A regular watch shop most likely won't help... PS: I think almost all big malls have such a shop somewhere....
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 December 2012 - 06:06
Can;t tell you if the salary is anywhere to competitive... but... you are not going to get a villa for 100k...... Housing doesn't sound too generous....especially not in case you have kids....
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 December 2012 - 13:34
maybe it's too obvious....or you don't have any...but why don't you ask your neighbours ? :-)
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 December 2012 - 10:25
Where is the "ACE" thread ? :-((
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 December 2012 - 08:59
Didn't know that Istanbul is in the UAE *LOL* I could recommend the Hilton in Ras Al Khaimah....lovely grounds and a nice hotel ! Be careful though...there are 2....take the one at the beach..... http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/uae/hilton-ras-al-khaimah-resort-and-spa-RKTRSHI/index.html the other one is in the city...but has a shuttle to this one...
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 13:40
@ Gladys...exactly proves my point...:-)
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 13:04
You can skip the last part of your journey...but NOT the first.... so if you book Abu Dhabi via Dubai to London and return...then you can skip the Dubai-Abu Dhabi part upon your return.... if you think you can beat the system and just hop on the plane in Dubai to London then you will be in for a nasty suprise...treated as no show and your ticket will be gone...or you pay the difference plus fees.... you will be, as mentioned below, treated as NO SHOW..... PS: otherwise I would save lots of money on trips...:-) as mentioned below...all airlines round the world offer cheaper prices compared to their homebase...and that's a large part of Emirates success....doesn't help the ones who live in DXB but that's just what it is.... <em>edited by Lenochka on 06/11/2012</em>
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2012 - 12:59
Tell them to get lost and hire somebody else, if you are not happy. You only paid the materials...so others can continue...
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 14:31
Hi, it's a great area to live...we lived there for 2 years when our son was 2-4 years old - and we loved it. Walking to the beach though is not really the case.... also walking the rest in summer is REALLY hot...but manageable ! enjoy !
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 07:01
PenPen.....not sure where but I could not find the recipe...can you please post the link ? Much appreciated !! thanks !
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 August 2012 - 07:38
I travelled to Mumbai on business quite a few times....stayed there for weeks in some of the hotels down south....and have to admit I like Mumbai...but only for a few days/weeks. Living there is definitely different. Strongly suggest you go there to have a "look see" before you commit to anything. You might be in for a real culture shock.... and to add...."pretty, clean and organized" in the same sentence as Mumbai are really complete oxymorons......just IMHO though :-) Ok, pretty in some cases maybe....but the others....well....
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 July 2012 - 11:57
Chocs.... are you talking about being Muslim ? well...yes, thats a problem.... but has other ramifications..... others should be no problem....or what are you refering to ?
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 July 2012 - 11:06
I just don't get it....get yourself a licence and stay out of trouble. As soon as you are a resident, you are not allowed to transport/consume alcohol in any shape or form ! Even a drink a hotel bar away from you home is technically not allowed. I know it's not really enforced...but once something happens, you may be in big trouble... just not worth the risk.... that's of course just MHO :-) Have a great weekend
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2012 - 07:33
Hi, We lived in Dubai before we moved to Singapore..and we love it ! Sentosa is nice…for a weekend/day trip…not really sure if I would ever stay there for More than 1 or 2 days. Of course that’s easy to say because we have it at our doorstep… However, if you come to Asia, and beach and nature is what you are craving…then better go to some place in Thailand/Indonesia…and stay in Sentosa on the way back during a stop over in Singapore. The beach in Sentosa is mediocre at best…lots of tankers line up to get in- and out of the harbor…so the water quality is also not exactly what you need for swimming/snorkeling etc…… In addition, bear in mind the cost….Singapore is very expensive and for staying a couple of weeks here You could stay a couple of MONTS in Thailand….seriously !
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 18:48
Been over New Year's Eve last year. Was great ! Tip - do NOT use the "Visa on Arrival" option and order it online. All you get is a piece of paper which says you have been registered....and then you need to queue up at the airport to get the actual visa. It took us more than 2.5 hours to wait....in a crowd of people who do not know how to spell the word queuing nevermind actually doing it.... so, if you can, obtain the visa directly from the Embassy...it;s a bit more expensive.... but well worth the investment ! Have a great trip !
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 11:19
In general it is possible...you can get a PEP (Personal Employment Pass) this has however some criteria you need to fulfill (high salary, qualification etc) they are now more stringent about how criteria is enforced. Generally speaking you will need a job and then the company will sponsor your EP (Employment Pass). These EP's exist in a number of different categories depending on the job/salary etc. check out http://www.mom.gov.sg/Pages/default.aspx good luck !
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 08:54
might have been easier to just ask the question....:-)
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 08:33
and the reasons to revive a 3 year old thread are.....???? sorry, Ladies ! but what's the point ??
Lenochka
98
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 December 2011 - 13:14
Well...if you give up your passport...you will need a visa to visit, won't you ? :-)
 
 
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