salsB | ExpatWoman.com
 

salsB

salsB
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Latest post on 02 July 2013 - 18:37
Unfortunately furniture doesnt hold on prices. You may have paid alot for it, you would have to drop the price dramatically to get rid of it. I gave away a 1 bed apartment furniture set as people just wanted to pay peanuts, far to much hassle. I would consider storage, but that too is expensive in Dubai. Do you have a friend that could look after it or sell it for you. <em>edited by salsB on 02/07/2013</em>
salsB
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Latest post on 02 July 2013 - 16:36
Some of us expats have paid into the system most or even all of our working lives, tax and NI.............and remained abroad on retirement. I don't think the numbers of expats in that category are doing to exactly swamp the system, it really irks me to think that people who have moved to UK from other countries can immediately claim on the basis of a few months tax, and in many cases, no contributions at all. Personally I am still fortunate enough to be able to pay for health insurance, but here in Cyprus there are many Brits who are living on very limited incomes, and ironically many of those have spent their entire working lives overseas on behalf of HM forces. The government was also happy enough to take a healthy chunk of any UK investment income, not to mention in my case nearly forty years of tax and NI .............. I agree alot of Expat's arent running to the UK for treatment. I know of someone recently, who was born in the UK never paid into the system, lived in Dubai since she was 3 years old, and she walked into the UK to give birth!!! just feel its so wrong!! It is a shame they cannot police it but eventually they may and it will save the NHS millions I asked my MIL what her ward did to police it, she said no resources, to me it would seem so simple for all the hospitals etc, to be able to access NI numbers, this would be a start, then check directly with NI contributions paid by each person, dont seem that hard!!!! but it must be, lol <em>edited by salsB on 02/07/2013</em>
salsB
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Latest post on 02 July 2013 - 16:28
Some of us expats have paid into the system most or even all of our working lives, tax and NI.............and remained abroad on retirement. I don't think the numbers of expats in that category are doing to exactly swamp the system, it really irks me to think that people who have moved to UK from other countries can immediately claim on the basis of a few months tax, and in many cases, no contributions at all. Personally I am still fortunate enough to be able to pay for health insurance, but here in Cyprus there are many Brits who are living on very limited incomes, and ironically many of those have spent their entire working lives overseas on behalf of HM forces. The government was also happy enough to take a healthy chunk of any UK investment income, not to mention in my case nearly forty years of tax and NI .............. I agree alot of Expat's arent running to the UK for treatment. I know of someone recently, who was born in the UK never paid into the system, lived in Dubai since she was 3 years old, and she walked into the UK to give birth!!! just feel its so wrong!!
salsB
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Latest post on 02 July 2013 - 16:03
Not sure how the NHS will be able to monitor foreigners, they dont really have the resources. I believe tourists should pay out for all their treatment. As for us Expats, we cant have our cake and eat it. We live overseas, why should we run back for treatment and get it free!!! just my opinion thou.
salsB
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Latest post on 02 July 2013 - 03:03
Lets not stop at the party planner!!! we need a designer to re arrange and re-decorate the house, fun fair in the garden, hire a superstar!!!! Limo's to pick up all the kids individually. lol. A kids party is what it is, and each family has their own ideas, and what they are willing to pay. Sounds to me the OP is planning her next business idea as a "Party Planner". lol
salsB
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Latest post on 02 July 2013 - 02:51
Keep clear of Property World in Tecom, He tried to fiddle us last year. I would recommend serviced apartments initially, it will reduce the stress for you, and give you time to settle in, you maybe in for a bumpy ride, Dubai can be a very frustrating place, if you have any happy pills, bring them with you, lol. We were able to open a bank account with a salary certificate, but couldnt rent anywhere till hubby had his visa. <em>edited by salsB on 02/07/2013</em>
salsB
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Latest post on 02 July 2013 - 02:35
Johnsons baby shampoo works, then I bought the salon condition at 120dhs, expensive but was to lazy to find an alternative.
salsB
2725
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Latest post on 02 July 2013 - 02:32
Unfortunately I have witnessed some awful behaviour, and have said out load to the idiot who thinks they are big shots, not to talk to people like that!!! It can and does embarras them. I just cant sit back and watch this, drives me mad. Had a scenario in a Carrefour in JLT not so long back!!!! I soon knocked the brazen woman down a peg or two.
salsB
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Latest post on 02 July 2013 - 01:30
I lived in the Marina, there are quite alot of supermarkets, ok, maybe you cant do your full shop there, but maybe take a taxi to Spinneys to get your main shopping and then just get bread and milk etc delivered. I know you wont say what shop you are referring to, but can you mention the location / tower its nearby!!! be good to know. I know Al Maha deliver, and many other supermarkets do. EHS Contact Information Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation EHS Construction Safety Fire Department EHS Environmental Laboratory Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation Environment, Health & Safety P.O.Box : 17000, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel : + 971 - 4 - 8811881 Fax : + 971 - 4 - 8818857 eMail : [email protected] <em>edited by salsB on 02/07/2013</em>
salsB
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Latest post on 02 July 2013 - 01:21
If you have the entertainer, there are vouchers to cover afew hotels. Maybe Cobone have offers too, but as its summer now and Ramadan approaching, hotels will have dropped their prices.
salsB
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Latest post on 02 July 2013 - 01:18
Maids are not entitled to end of service gratuity. Maybe you want to give her extra on top of her salary.
salsB
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Latest post on 02 July 2013 - 01:16
Blue Oasis in The Green Community at DIP do home visits, well they used to anyway, the used to charge a fee, but it would cost you that in taxi's if you could use them.
salsB
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Latest post on 02 July 2013 - 01:05
I think if you ring Dr Madhu back and say its urgent, he may squeeze you in. I rang recently and said I was visiting Dubai and needed a consultation before any works were carried it, intially they couldnt fit me in, then he worked abit later in the day for me to see him. He is really brilliant, and I had abit of work done and couldnt believe how much I paid, very reasonable.
salsB
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Latest post on 02 July 2013 - 01:00
Sorry, I meant to add her contact info. . You can email her on wendy.mcdonald@ hotmail.com Thank you
salsB
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Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 00:54
Off the subject slightly, but I had a taxi and stopped at the booze shop, I have a licence, the taxi driver said he is not permitted to have alcohol in the cab!!! not sure if this is correct or not, but, how on earth are people allowed to leave the airport with their 4lts and taxi's even help you load it into the car!!!! I always thought that you are allowed to transport alcohol to your home?? scratch head!!!! <em>edited by salsB on 01/07/2013</em>
salsB
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Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 00:48
The Hilton always seems to have lobster on the Grill outside, I would ring ahead and ask. Love Lobster Thermidor myself. Yum
salsB
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Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 00:40
Ive already left, I always wanted to take a trip in the helicopter, never got round to it, still plan to do it before I leave the region thou.
salsB
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Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 00:29
Can you give us her number, need a holiday place for my boys in November. TIA
salsB
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Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 00:27
Do you have anyone travelling back home, maybe they can send it thru the internal postal system. I tend to take stuff back for friends when heading to the UK. <em>edited by salsB on 01/07/2013</em>
salsB
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Latest post on 30 June 2013 - 00:05
We dont bank with NBD but hubby took his new offer letter, and once he received his new visa he produced copies, his bank didnt freeze the account, we had a car loan at the time aswell.
salsB
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Latest post on 29 June 2013 - 20:43
If you have internet then sign into filmon.net and view live. Most venues arent open in the daytime, so not sure if you will get to see the tennis.
salsB
2725
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Latest post on 29 June 2013 - 15:13
Thyme do a roast dinner, maybe give them a ring to double check, as we know they do change the menu regular.
salsB
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Latest post on 29 June 2013 - 15:04
Tayb means "ok" Ala Fekra means "by the way" Makontesh means "I wasnt" hope this helps.
salsB
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Latest post on 29 June 2013 - 14:37
Hubby and I stayed at the Sheraton recently, only 1 passport was handed over. So to be fair the hotel wouldnt really know if we were married or not.
salsB
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Latest post on 29 June 2013 - 02:03
Housing fee ( sames as council Tax) is 5% of yearly rent, paid monthly with your Dewa bill. Not everyone is paying this, its the luck of the drawer. Im sure everyone will eventually pay this, once they get round to each individual property. Extra expense to consider is the chiller, now this can be very expensive, your LL may well expect you to pay for smaller maintenance issues, these can add up and burn a hole in your pocket. <em>edited by salsB on 29/06/2013</em>
salsB
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Latest post on 29 June 2013 - 01:39
I am going in 2 weeks, we havent booked a 5 star resort, as we wanted to keep to a fair budget. Its fully inclusive and with flights from Doha, indirect into Columbo and our accomodation, which is a water bungalow. The only thing we have to pay for is the speed boat. I booked thru Expedia UK, we are only going for 4 nights and I think we got a bargain at 800 pounds each. It would of been 350 cheaper of we had a beach bungalow. <em>edited by salsB on 29/06/2013</em>
salsB
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Latest post on 29 June 2013 - 01:32
Ive seen numerous amount of people eating and drinking whilst walking thru the malls, they have to be tourists!!! I avoid going out during daylight hours, and when I do have to venture I do drink water, but this is well away from everyone and no one can see. As for pregnant ladies, I have always understood they are allowed to eat and drink, but again in a discreet manner. Also I wanted to buy the Quran for a gift and in the shop non muslims are not allowed to touch it, so how is someone allowed to read it, am I being dumb here!!! just a thought. <em>edited by salsB on 29/06/2013</em>
salsB
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Latest post on 28 June 2013 - 21:38
Ive used Interflora many times and always been happy with the quality of flowers and its service.
salsB
2725
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Latest post on 28 June 2013 - 20:43
Sorry to hear you have lost your auntie, I too have lost afew friends and family members this year, does make us sad we arent around at these sad times, can be difficult for us a expats. Sending cyber hugs to you.
salsB
2725
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Latest post on 28 June 2013 - 20:39
You can always buy gold class tickets on the metro, more comfortable. Most of the metro stops do not have direct access to shops etc, so walking will be involved and with the weather this warm now, I would say the metro is a no no to be honest.
salsB
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Latest post on 20 June 2013 - 00:36
I recently had our marriage attested, (fast track) cost nearly 300 pound. A company in UK will do them for you, and it you use the normal delivery its alot cheaper.
salsB
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Latest post on 19 June 2013 - 16:28
Hi Jonners Thanks for your reply. If you could give me some numbers that would be brilliant!! I've heard about the private drivers but am confused as to where to find out about them. I use Mohammed, always reliable 55410921.
salsB
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Latest post on 19 June 2013 - 16:26
We are staying in serviced apartments Jemeirah Living near the World Trade Centre, they are lovely clean apartments and they accept pets :) edited by Thunderbird on 29/05/2013 Can you tell me how much the rent is per month, and do you have a telphone number as I cannot seem to find any info on this at all.
salsB
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Latest post on 19 June 2013 - 02:59
We were suppose to go out last night, I was asleep by 7pm, both of us said we would go out tonight instead. Its no big deal, we are allowed to change our minds, its not the end of the world if a date gets broken, its all about give and take.
salsB
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Latest post on 17 June 2013 - 18:14
Many congratulations SalsB.... Think a little drinky may be on the cards for later in the week?! x Oh yes Captain!!!! you know the plan, lol, xx
salsB
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Latest post on 17 June 2013 - 17:59
Movenpick at Ibn, alcohol is included in with the voucher I think.
salsB
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Latest post on 17 June 2013 - 17:50
Congrats! Top tip for lasting the distance? I have twice divorced parents so am flying blind about how to make a marriage last :) Its not easy, lots of mountains and mole hills along the way. We have known each other since we were 12 years old. Hubby is very laid back, whereas I am the opposite. He is a very calm person, I am not!!! think its a mixture of personalities that keep us going. Cant really say exactly how a marriage works.
salsB
2725
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Latest post on 17 June 2013 - 15:25
We always use Axa, but I will need to ring them and ask if I can still be insured as I am no longer a resident.
salsB
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Latest post on 17 June 2013 - 13:42
Same for me!! and logging in and waiting for EW to load is taking ages, frustrating....
salsB
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Latest post on 17 June 2013 - 01:38
Happ1, you are now making me look snazzy!!! lol - you referred to me as salsaB. lol
salsB
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Latest post on 17 June 2013 - 01:33
Try Global Currency, Dubai. They seem to operate transactions from all over the world. You need to be a resident to transfer decent amounts of money. Need a Currency place in Doha.
salsB
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Latest post on 17 June 2013 - 01:32
I had the same propblem with a previous LL. We had one lived there for a couple of days and the agent rang me to ask if he could do a showing!!!! very confusing as no one had mentioned the LL was selling.. Would we had taken the apartment knowing what was to lie ahead. LL became a demon. I remember the agent wanted to show the apartment on Xmas Day, when we said no, he asked why!!!!! oh Really, lol. Another LL amended our tenancy after hubby signed and scanned it over.
salsB
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Latest post on 16 June 2013 - 11:14
Alot of towers offer free chiller, not sure about the fixed price, we were on a meter, and was expensive 1200dhs a month. We never got a bill till end of tenancy and we had to pay a cheque for the whole amount. TBH I wasnt aware that it was metered when we moved in, just thought I would pay like I did in Marina, now that was 5% of the rent. Was quite a shock. I asked them what was the initial meter reading and they said there wasnt one, we could of argued about this, but it would of got us nowhere.
salsB
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Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 13:49
Have been in Doha 3 months and so far enjoying it immensely,am being proactive and embracing a new chapter in my life. Have met some lovely ladies, down to earth and genuine, also met some who have delusions of grandeur and need a reality check to be honest - some have looked scandalized when I admit that I have never had a manicure/pedicure! Anyone negative I move away from, we all need to support each other and be grateful for what we have,just look around you at some of the workers here; I wonder what they would think if they could read some of the negative posts on this thread! Some people I have come into contact with have been here well over a year and show no interest in exploring Doha but instead prefer to whine incessantly....of course you won't find friends with an attitude like that. It's nice to be nice! Just because we are giving our own opinion on certain issues, does not mean we arent nice, lol. I will try to remember your name and in 5 years time, I wonder if you will still be your happy chirpy self!!! I do hope so. <em>edited by salsB on 13/06/2013</em>
salsB
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Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 02:05
Hi there - DH does it via online banking for convenience, but the best way to do it (cheapest) is to go to a money exchange with cash in hand and send money that way. Will ask DH which one he has used in the past when he gets home. Hey Chizz, I would like to know which exchange place you have used, find the rate with our bank is not so good. Do you know the max amount you can send at one time, thanks x
salsB
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Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 01:06
Must admit the old vino calapso, Mr Smirnoff and Mr Grey Goose keep me sane here in Doha lol I love Irn Bru, going to scotland soon, wonder if its still made by girders!!! lol Love my drink too, keeps me sane aswell.
salsB
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Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 00:20
Must say I do like Gourmet Burger the best. Not had one for a couple years now, want one.
salsB
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Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 00:14
I remember when I first moved to Dubai 8 years ago I met a wise old Indian man who said 'don't change' ... I didn't understand what he meant by that until you see how people lord it up in Dubai! I haven't noticed it so much here but have not been out and about a lot yet. I've yet to be faced with the typical questions of what does your husband do, where do you live, where do your kids go to school etc. I'm sure there are some lovely ladies in Qatar ... I've just got to find them! I used to tell people I worked as a reporter for the programme, "The Thirsty Traveller" lol
salsB
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Latest post on 13 June 2013 - 00:11
Welcome to the board! My hubby waited 6 months, its a long story, but basically the Arab partner here had no visa's left, so couldnt apply for one for my Hubby. Hubby argued and eventually got a visa, but he cant sponsor me. I am sure you will find a coffee morning to meet up with other Expat's. You wont need any jumper's and cardy's, lol.
salsB
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Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 22:40
Whilst in Dubai I never entered high end shops, and Ive said lots of times on different threads, I really hate shopping, must of been born with a missing Gene. I suppose some ladies heading to Doha from Dubai, that are used to the high life, high end spending and living on The Palm, will be kicked to the curb, lol. ( not saying every Expat is like this) Ive met a couple of them, not sure who they were trying to impress me or themselves. I had one lady turn her nose up at me because I said I lived at JLT!!!!! Maybe I really didnt fit into certain circles, due to my working class attitude and back ground, and I really dont think Ive changed, still like my voddie, haha
 
 
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