Oopsiedaisy | ExpatWoman.com
 

Oopsiedaisy

Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 19 August 2015 - 14:55
We think about buying every year we pay our rent. However considering the inferior quality of construction here, in combination with the volatility of the real estate market, we decide against it every time. And we are here for the long run. For 3-5 years I wouldn't even consider it. But, this my personal opinion.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 19 August 2015 - 14:49
I (well not really me) get the water from the tap. No problems at all.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 19 August 2015 - 14:47
These comments are a little unfair - they said at the outset prices would be adjusted monthly depending on global price movements. Fuel prices change regularly in most other markets, and people manage to budget regardless. Absolutely true. Guess people need to get used to the fact that Dubai is slowly changing from Disneyland into the real world.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 19 August 2015 - 07:55
Alex, welcome to Dubai. You can't necessarily trust posters on this forum either, you never know who is behind a username. You posted your question on the maid section, which is not the right place. Try to post on the Dubai Forum, I'm pretty sure you'll get more replies from young mum's.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 19 August 2015 - 07:51
According to the standardised UAE domestic helper contract, you should give your maid/nanny one day off each week.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 18 August 2015 - 14:37
Found this googling. http://www.meetup.com/Weight-Watchers-Dubai/
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 17 August 2015 - 10:21
Bump
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 15 August 2015 - 09:02
We have a Sharjah resident visa, but are living in Dubai, with a Dubai rental contract. We needed approval from Sharjah police before we could apply for our Dubai Alcohol Licence. Considering Sharjah itself is dry, you're not officially permitted to even carry alcohol through the emirate, I therefor doubt you can obtain a license when you live Sharjah. I'm afraid your best bet is to source from Ajman or RAK, risky, but lots of people do it.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 13 August 2015 - 20:35
CP...... I nominate you for 6 ****** As for advice: the most important abbreviation is TNT. Newbies, please start lot's of TNT's
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 13 August 2015 - 13:49
From what I understand your husband is on your side and wants to spend time with you and your children. That's far more than a lot of other stories I've read on this forum, where DW has to fight for DH's attention. So try and get strength from that, and keep trying to get your husband to move out. To answer your question: no, you're not cruel to anyone. You have a right to enjoy being a family on your own. No matter cultural differences, if DH needs to support his sister and mother, he can do so while living apart.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 13 August 2015 - 13:44
So many possibilities to contribute in our own little micro-environment. - Set A/C one degree higher - Keep curtains closed during daytime in bedrooms - Shorten your shower by one minute - Drive 10k slower etc. etc. building a ski-slope more or less is not going to save the planet. We are.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 07 August 2015 - 16:51
I bought it in Holland, don't remember the price. It's available on amazon for $199
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 07 August 2015 - 09:04
We've had the Pixie for years now. Never had any issues with it and the coffee tastes great.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 03 August 2015 - 07:31
The visa will depend on the nationality of the child. Assuming it is a minor, your parents should also bring a document, statement from parents or foster organisation, which proves that they are allowed to travel with the child. They may not be asked, but better bring it with them.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 01 August 2015 - 23:26
If expats have to pay a VAT then expats need more of a position in this country (passport after a certain amount of time here, free/cheaper schooling, etc). Countries that have VAT also give their citizens and expats rights and a chance to make something of themselves in the country long-term. Not a visa thats finished as soon as your job is and you get booted out of the country. Actually, VAT is a "spending" tax. It is affecting tourists just as much as it's affecting residents, maybe even more so, as lots of tourists come here mainly to shop. VAT has nothing to do with the rights you're mentioning. Most of them are covered by income tax, pension premiums etc.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 31 July 2015 - 19:30
Rents are based on Rera rent calculator, not on what we read in the papers. I hardly believe the calculator will be changing any time soon.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 30 July 2015 - 14:30
I would expect you to be held accountable for your husbands debts, until they've been fully paid. So as was suggested, try to find out. You don't want to find out at the airport. Don't take it personal, but I truly hope that anyone who's left this, or any other country, with debts, is expected to pay them before being allowed to return.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 29 July 2015 - 08:53
If you compare petrol to prices in Europe might as well compare education costs and rentals and any imported food items and internet costs..... In most cases, it is higher here. People on all inclusive packages really have no idea how in so many companies, mid level workers get less than 15k/20k, and anyone wanting to live decently has to shell out 25-50% of their income on housing The actual cost of filling up a car will increase slightly, but what about the knock on effects on everything else from school transport to food to taxis? True, but where I'm from I pay a progressive income tax of 30 to 60% on every penny I earn. That more than covers the (semi) public costs you're mentioning. Everyone who thinks they're better of in their home country can pack up and leave. As an expat you have that option.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 29 July 2015 - 08:13
That's a fair point as well Rawla. However we seem to forget that prices are on the rise in most parts of the western world. It's something that has always been going on, everywhere. My grandparents complained life was getting more expensive, my parents did and so do I. It's a fact of life. The only reason is seems to be going faster here is that the country has been living in a bubble since the start, and is now slowly integrating. My monthly DEWA bill for a five bed villa+ pool is lower than the electricity bill for my four bed apartment in Europe. The housing fee equals the tax I pay on my house there. Petrol is still a lot cheaper, as are cars. Some things are cheaper, other things are not. For us it works out in our favour, but we don't have school fees to deal with. Jobs her are still pretty secure, whereas in Europe unemployment continues to be on the rise. That's a pressure that far outweighs rising costs here. Many of us say we don't live the Dubai lifestyle. We may not, but if I read the travel posts I never seize to be amazed about the trips people here make, Maldives, Mauritius, Thailand, Sri Lanka etc. Mind you, not backpacking, mostly in fancy resorts. So each and every one of us has to decide for themselves wether or not it's still worth staying. We have an option. Our friends in Europe who've lost their jobs don't.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 28 July 2015 - 16:56
its ridiculous, they not doing it to be environmentally friendly or encourage people to use public transport. they know they running out of oil so they trying to make as much money as they can.... come on, where are our battery cars...? Sorry but no. Petrol prices here have been unreasonably low due to government subsidy. Especially when the oil prices were $100 and above, the prices here were unsustainably low. People had no idea as to fair petrol prices. By removing the subsidy now, while oil prices are low, they are softening the blow. When oil prices go up, so will our petrol prices. Not saying I like it, but let's face it, 2.07AED a litre vs 1.50€ is still cheap.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 28 July 2015 - 12:07
For August the announcement should be today. To be honest, I have no clue what I pay today...
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 28 July 2015 - 12:05
we already pay it, they just dont tell we do. there is so much hidden tax here Indeed we do. I believe the only tax we don't have is income tax. All the other taxes we pay one way or another.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 28 July 2015 - 09:32
I agree with Mohandissa about the agencies. There are plenty of maids, often with references, available via the classifieds on this site. You can either select a few for interviewing, or place an add yourself. A good start are always those maids whose current employers place the add because they're leaving Dubai and want to help their maid find new employment.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 19:30
Thanks all for your replies. Qatar sounds brilliant. Hadn't found that one yet, I always seem to have troubles with their website.
Oopsiedaisy
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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).
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 10:25
If your doctor requires you to take an extra day off, I would classify that as sick leave. How your company deals with sick leave should be in your contract.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 25 July 2015 - 12:21
A guessing game as always, but I'm expecting Tuesday (Arafat Day), Wednesday and Thursday (EID) for the private sector.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 23 July 2015 - 09:43
Install google maps on your devices. It's extremely accurate. I usually check my route at home on Ipad. As such I have a general idea as to where to go. If needed, I recheck on IPhone while driving. After a while you won't need it anymore.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 11:34
This reminds me of an article in Gulf News a few weeks ago. A four year old was saved from a swimming poll in a RAK resort by his sister. She found him floating unconsciously in the pool and pulled him out. He was saved but the parents blamed the resort. Why do so many parents here feel they carry no responsibility for their children? If they can't swim, or in the case of this thread, don't listen to instructions, keep them away from the water! Or supervise them yourself!!
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 11:27
The ladies are right, talk to the MoL. They are very helpful. At the same time, have a friend or colleague look at the Arabic version of your contract, to make sure it tallies with the English one. Some companies are cheeky and make their employees sign 2 different versions. The Arabic one, that was filed at the MoL, is the one they will take into account. Thats great advice. I did not know that some companies do that.....:thinking: The same goes for landlords with their tenancy contracts..... :(
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 09:20
If I place an add in the classifieds, with only the reply option via the box needing the 5 letter key, applicants contact me via LinkedIn? I was under the impression that you don't give out names and email addresses, but if they're not in the add, and the reply option you offer is private, how do they get my name?
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 16 July 2015 - 09:34
Talk to her. Tell, her what you expect her to do, and tell her when you think she's behaving in a rude way. It's important to set the boundaries straight from the beginning. You can still treat her nicely, but you're the employer and you decide how and when you want things done.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 16 July 2015 - 09:29
The 30 days grace period doesn't "belong to" the previous employer. It's for the maid to find a new position. They should have let her go the day you started the application process. They have no right to keep her over Eid.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 16 July 2015 - 09:25
My friend would like to buy one while she is here, we have tried the Madinat, but the selection is pretty limited, i know the best place is probably in the souks by Bastakiya but I don think I can face the heat or traffic at the weekend :sick: Is there anywhere else that has a good selection? TIA Try Khan Murjan, underneath Wafi.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 13 July 2015 - 19:57
Interesting how some posters find it necessary to delete their original post if people who take time to respond don't agree with them. I read the original post, didn't bother to reply, but since you have deleted it Gorobattie, I agree with all posters, you are totally overreacting.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 11 July 2015 - 13:29
I have lost about 20 kgs in about 8 months. I have been stupid enough to buy expensive cloths. Jeans and trousers are not an issue as I have worn them enough. There is good number of shirts that I have worn very few times and are expensive enough that I don't feel heart for giving it away. I was thinking if I can get it altered by some tailer? Anyone if you ever got it done? Will I look stupid and stingy getting it done ? and at the last , do you know any tailers who will do it in reasonable price? Congratulations! That's a major achievement. Do you mind sharing how you managed to loose so much weight? As for altering your clothes, you could, I don't think it's stingy but I think you deserve a new wardrobe.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 25 June 2015 - 10:24
Don't take the risk of bringing wine. Your shipment could be held up for weeks if discovered. The other items I packed myself and listed the box as kitchen supplies.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 25 June 2015 - 10:21
As an alternatieve you could consider buying good quality travelsocks. They may not make your flight more comfortable, they will decrease the swelling.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 15 June 2015 - 12:50
If he bought them at Saccoor, they will do the alteration for free.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 15 June 2015 - 11:41
You can get almost everything here. Bring your local favourites (I always bring cheese), and another thread reminded me, if you use wine or sherry vinager, pack them in your box "kitchen supples".
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 15 June 2015 - 11:39
I always bring my wine and sherry vinager from home. Agree, the grape stuff doesn't come close.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 15 June 2015 - 10:17
It baffles me every time and I thank god I'm not in that ambulance. There are two reasons I believe causing this behaviour: the first obviously that drivers are not trained or educated to move. The second one is that quite often you see police cars with sirens or flashlight without any obvious reason, they carry their flashlight and are making no attempt to get through traffic.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 14 June 2015 - 08:59
You can't Buy Elmex (adult or children) anywhere in Dubai so bring loads. It's one of the few things I stock up on when I'm back home. Good luck with your move.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 12 June 2015 - 09:34
I bought them at Daiso's. They have different sizes. Good luck with your move Sandy. bye:
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 11 June 2015 - 23:19
Lakeland MOE will have them. Probably cheaper than C&B.
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Latest post on 11 June 2015 - 23:18
We went for the day a week or to ago. It was too hot. The pool is lovely, but the only way to manage the heat was to stay in the pool.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 11 June 2015 - 21:18
Just wait a few more weeks until the babies have gone and remove it as Nomad says. It's cruel to remove the nest now, and you will certainly harm the babies. I had a little one fall out of it's nest in our garden today, and the parents reaction was heartbreaking. Don't do that to them.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 11 June 2015 - 21:13
:biggrin: She kept us in suspense for over 17 hours :biggrin:
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 11 June 2015 - 08:09
She'll be having us begging for the magical secret and only then will the big revelation take place :evil:
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 09 June 2015 - 18:21
Any references with respect to their facials and mani/pedi??
 
 
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