sarahlou123 | ExpatWoman.com
 

sarahlou123

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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 July 2015 - 12:17
UAE exhchange Al Ansari All around 5.8 thereabouts They all have the same rates. Google them and you will find their location You can negotiate for a small discount if you are changing a huge amount.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 July 2015 - 09:33
Al Qasr Saffron is hideous and reminds me of Benidorm. I have witnessed some awful behavior there Al Muna at the Mina Salam is also nice with a beautiful view. They have one voucher in the blue entertainer book. It is closed for renovation until October though
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 July 2015 - 09:31
Karama or Bur Dubai
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 July 2015 - 17:20
Orange usually lock their phones. It was years ago but I had to get mine unlocked when I moved here
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 July 2015 - 15:11
DR jafar Khan did mine in 2010 They were 24k now around 30k In and out of hospital the same day. Two days off work, no problems since and no further money needed to be spent
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 July 2015 - 11:45
Usually 2 months penalty or find someone to take it over. Most contracts I have had say 2 months penalty
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 July 2015 - 14:23
We are hoping to relocate in August/September with our 3 children & I am looking to see if anyone has any experience of either Horizon International or Safa Community? Thanks xx Pop both school names into search post above There are many threads for you to go through
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 July 2015 - 14:18
https://eta.gov.lk/etaslvisa/etaNavServ?payType=1 Quicker online as the others stated
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 July 2015 - 13:54
So, no days off extra as usual. What about the one day extra for shopping brought in a few years ago? Are we getting Thursday for that I wonder? :lol:
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 July 2015 - 13:50
Thanks All. I rang Emirates and explained what it was and they said it was fine, even checked with a supervisor. Must admit you have me freaked out about haz-mats etc. now. Will give it some more thought/research. FFx I think Haz Mat ( hazardous materials) refers to the gases in said fridge :-)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 July 2015 - 12:48
I have just read this It depends on the actual gas in the unit.. All haz-mat falls into one of nine 'classes' and then is sub-divided down from there.. Depending on what class it is *and* the amount it might be permitted.. it might not.. You need to know exactly what gas it is--- or better yet-- what is the haz-mat code or the four digit "UN" number that appears.. from here you should call the airline-- ask to speak with some one at their 'haz-mat' desk or a specialist.. The airlines all have employees who are specially trained and federally certified to approved and handle the transportation of these materials on their passenger aircraft. These folks could and would be able to give you a definitibve answer. There are some materials that are prohibited by Federal Law.. and as such, no carrier may accept for transport.. There are also some materials that ARE Federally approved, but the carrier voluntarily elects not to transport them (their right to do so).. Therefore, you need to know both parts.. is it Federally approved for transport on commercial aircraft *and* does YOUR airline allow it? The answer to both must be yes.. and the airlines would be qualified to make that determination
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 July 2015 - 12:47
Hello I've been unable to find a narrow wine fridge in Dubai for the gap in my kitchen, so was thinking of having one delivered to my folks and bring it back to Dubai with me. It will be well within our luggage allowance and will be well packed in it's original packaging. Having checked in alongside passengers carrying large TV sets, I assume that it won't be an issue, but if anyone has any personal experience of bringing appliances with them I'd love to hear. Many thanks FFx I would perhaps call Emirates in the UK and ask their policy. You may not get a straight answer from Emirates here ;-)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 July 2015 - 12:43
I would take it for AED165000 The rent calculator stipulates a 3 bed should be over AED200,000 Two beds in the Greens ( Apartments) are going for AED130,000-140,000 therefore AED165000 for a 3 bed and study is a bargain I would worry though about his stipulating not raising the rent for 2 years as even if it is in writing the rent calculator overrides that so as the property at present is worth over AED200,000 according to the calculator he may get wind of that and is entitled to raise the rent. However if the rent drops you can ask for a discount. Thanks for that Sarah, its the next year rent that would not be increased. Can you share how to access the rent calculator please? Is he allowed to change the content of the contract during the tenure? I believe he has to be bound by it if I am committed to my own terms right. Rent contracts only run for one year and changes can only be made 90 days before the end of the first contract Both parties have to agree though https://www.dubailand.gov.ae/English/Pages/Rental-Increase-calculator.aspx ( On main area click freehold on the drop down box) http://www.justrentals.com/search/dubai/villas/arabian-ranches/al-reem-(all)/cid/3/bd/3/fr/4/ct/1/lc/12/sl/3191/sort/score__desc/per_page/20
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 July 2015 - 12:38
Hi, We have recently moved to Dubai and hunting for houses. We have just shortlisted 2 appartments in 1 in Al Fattan JBR and 1 in Emaar 6 towers. Does anyone have any reviews about these towers...Is anyone staying or already stayed and thier exerience? how about traffic in this area? Thanks JBR can be very gridlocked and noisy ( Gridlocked due to the tram) The Marina in general is busy due to the tram project therefore If I were to chose between the two I would live at Emaar 6. Emaar developments are one of the best and they have a team of staff who maintain the inside of the buildings and the pools to a high standard. I have only ever lived in an Emaar property for the last 4 years Emaar would be easier to get out of than JBR
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 July 2015 - 12:30
I would take it for AED165000 The rent calculator stipulates a 3 bed should be over AED200,000 Two beds in the Greens ( Apartments) are going for AED130,000-140,000 therefore AED165000 for a 3 bed and study is a bargain I would worry though about his stipulating not raising the rent for 2 years as even if it is in writing the rent calculator overrides that so as the property at present is worth over AED200,000 according to the calculator he may get wind of that and is entitled to raise the rent. However if the rent drops you can ask for a discount. The rent for a Three bedrooms villa in Arabian Ranches is in the range 200000 to 240000 AED per year. Your rent is 21% to 30% less than the average similar rent in the area. So you are entitled to a maximum increase of 10% ( 16500 AED per year) Rent does not include water,electricity or any other fees.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 July 2015 - 10:33
I read that the planetarium had predicted the last day of Ramadan was this Thursday and if so Fri/Sat for private sector
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 July 2015 - 10:31
Fab! Thanks Sarahlou! Don't suppose you know, if Clarke Quay a good place to stay for easy access to nightlife? Or any other places you know of that would be good? I loved Clarke Key. It was buzzing when we went. Lots of bars including Hooters which was hilarious We also went to Sentosa on the Cable Cars ( scared the living daylights out of me) Raffles to Longs Bar and the night Zoo We stayed on Orchard Road at Royal Plaza on Scots. We used the metro a lot which was cheap and very efficient I didn't do any shopping as it was more expensive than Dubai :-( We only stayed there for 3 days and the humidity and heat did hinder us slightly as although it was 30 degrees the humidity was awful ( We went in July) must worse than here it is such a clean and organized place, taxis were cheap and traffic was good. All the cab drivers were Singaporean and very chatty and friendly
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 July 2015 - 10:26
Hello, We r travelling to Germany,Belgium(Bruges), Netherlands(Amsterdam) from September 15 till 30. Need some advice on what to pack and where to buy them in Dubai for a 3 year old and us(me and hubby) Since we r New to Dubai we have dunt have winter collection.. back home we never needed it.. so we need to start from scratch..? Could u pls tell us what to we need to pack and where can I find them in dubai advice , tips, suggestions abt the place,food,clothes please Tia Europe will be a little cool in September but certainly not winter time ( When it gets to 0 and snows) I would pack lightweight clothing trousers/jeans/light jackets/cardigans etc The weather is usually around 15-18 degrees during the day You can get lightweight clothing in most shops in the malls In Amsterdam you must visit Anne Franks House and the Rembrandt House Museum, hire bicycles and round around the city Most of the tourist boards have ideas of where to go in each city which you can Google. Trip Advisor also gives great tips
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 July 2015 - 10:19
Hi Ladies Some friends are thinking of heading to Singapore this weekend for Eid but they want to be able to have a drink. I know a few ladies on here have lived in Singapore before so just wondered if anyone knows if there are any restrictions on alcohol being served there during Eid? Thanks! :) Singapore isn't dry during Ramadan nor Eid. It is business as usual.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 July 2015 - 10:16
Hi I moved to Dubai 3 months ago, and have an account with HSBC back in UK. I recently updated my postal address with the bank. I have been asked to provide a Certificate of Tax Residency. Does anyone know how to get that? I believe you apply for them through HMRC in the UK https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/shortforms/form/PT_CertOfRes Certain parts you don't have to fill on Look on their website. I think you have to provide it to prove you are will be living abroad and If not returning for more than so many days in the tax year then you wont be liable for tax on any income you have in your bank account
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 July 2015 - 11:12
Hello ladies, Can anyone tell me how straightforward or difficult it is for housewives to obtain a driving license in Qatar with an existing British license? What are the rules and regulations around women / housewives obtaining one? Many thanks in advance. http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic227879-exchanging-uk-driving-license-not-for-wives.aspx Scroll down the answers. There is one answer that tells you all you need to know ( ignore the first post)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 July 2015 - 11:09
Hi ladies My husband is looking for HR and recruitment based jobs in UAE. We are currently in UK. any recommendations or references?where he should be looking and how he should be maximising his options for jobs? He has worked in dubai for 4 yrs. Most, if not all Dubai based agencies will recruit for HR roles however due to the sheer volume of qualified HR candidates residing in the UAE finding a company that will consider a non UAE resident may be difficult. There are hundreds of Dubai ex pats looking for HR roles therefore clients can be very selective Many agencies will use LinkedIn and Gulf Talent to recruit professionals and clients will use their own career sites Personally speaking recruitment is slow at present due to the approach of Ramadan and the Summer holidays. Once everyone is back after the Summer break things will pick up Good Luck
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 July 2015 - 11:02
I have lost 8kg and took mine to the tailors who did a great job with them :-) Well done
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 July 2015 - 11:01
If it is out of warranty try these guys http://www.geeks.ae/ My friend used them recently and said they were great She tried them already Sorry didn't see where she wrote that :-)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 July 2015 - 10:09
If it is out of warranty try these guys http://www.geeks.ae/ My friend used them recently and said they were great
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 July 2015 - 09:29
I bought mine a few years through salon ink. Easy to maintain and put in They are cheaper online, however you may have to send a small sample of your hair off to the companies to match your colour
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 July 2015 - 10:37
I have just spoken to another friend who got married in The Seychelles Her response was They notarised it whilst we were in the Seychelles then we took it to the UAE embassy in Dubai You need to notarise in Thailand then the UAE embassy here
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 July 2015 - 09:31
Hi Diamante, I was there few days ago and today! I've been looking out for where to drop the items. I didn't notice a collection point in the middle seeming that I've been going Moe so many times this pass two weeks (i must be blind) I'm going to have to go tomorrow have heaps of kids clothes and toys that been sitting in my cupboards for nearly a yr.! Will they take everything even grown up clothes and bags etc There is another collection point near C4 ( Splash and Homecentre end) I have a ton of stuff to drop off tomorrow
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 July 2015 - 09:28
Thanks ladies for the replies Apologise for the late response.. GeordieBird - Thanks for the heads up! I was tempted to SnS glad you mentioned it. I too, had a big order. Now that I've decided to order directly the items I wanted has now all sold out :cry: If you don't mind me asking have you had to return an item back to Asos? My only concern is ordering from Asos from here is "returnable items" which is not as straightforward as it is in the UK. SarahLou - Sorry, I assumed you have ordered from Asos. I'm going to try and order from starwberrynet would you think that a good website to order hair and beauty items? TIA Hello I get my Kerastace from Strawberrynet
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 July 2015 - 14:59
Right sarah--I was hoping it would pave the way for consumers Hopefully it may follow after this ruling :-)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 July 2015 - 14:21
Could it really be? [url=http://www.arabianbusiness.com/uae-approves-bankruptcy-law-decriminalising-bounced-cheques-598782.html'>link[/url'> I heard this on the Business Breakfast this morning. A guy from the DIFC courts was talking about it My understanding is that it refers at present to companies and not regular consumer customers ( Like you and I) They also said the current law was based on the Egyptian law of bouncing a cheque and the Egyptians had followed the French laws ( Something i didnt know)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 July 2015 - 14:17
Hi, Kindly help me with Hindu Temple Timings near Bur Dubai Google is your friend http://dubaitravelator.com/temple-dubai-shiva-mandir-krishna-mandir/
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 July 2015 - 14:11
Maybe someone could give me advise. Yesterday my HR called me in and told me due the staff shortening in my company they won't need my services any more. My notice period expires exactly 4 days before completing my one year. Now I can see what I am entiteled to if I complete one year but what are my rights if my contract ends before one year? Or is that a loophole so they get away with no obligations towards me? :angry: If it is outside the probationary then usually 30 days notice is given from either parties however this is negotiable based on the circumastances. Gratuity is not payable under after 12 months of service. Usually you have to complete a minimum of 12 months to qualify for gratuity Call the MOL
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 July 2015 - 12:01
Does she fast? I would love to work from 8am-4pm ( that's what she does with a 2 hour sleep) I could understand if she worked 12 hours a day 6 days a week
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 July 2015 - 09:15
Pending a religious holiday it may be dry 24 hours before the holiday starts It will not be dry for the entire holiday though
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 July 2015 - 10:58
So basically corkage fee applies only to alcoholic beverage and not with food and non alcoholic beverage? usually yes and it is a US thing so I doubt it happens here ( I have never been charged for ordering outside food)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 July 2015 - 10:35
Ladies, Since life is becoming increasingly expensive, can you share your little tips and secrets on how the budget can be optimized? Thank you! :) Stopped buying clothes in Dubai ( Unless the sales are on) Aside from Pork items buy from Carefour ( I used to shop in Waitrose and Spinneys) Utilise beauty offers on Groupon etc Limit my weekends out Spend a lot of time at the beach and take my own food Try to use the washing machine once a week instead of bi weekly Limit myself to a daily spend amount and stick to it Stopped buying coffees and lunch everyday ( make my own to take to work now)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 July 2015 - 10:31
Anybody knows if Hotels here in Dubai are charging Corkage Fee if you will have a food outside? For example, a delivery from a restaurant outside, delivered to your hotel room. Will the hotel charge you Corkage fee for that? I have stayed at hotels and had food delivered with no "corkage" fee Corkage fee is usually charged if someone takes their own wine to a restaurant ( which doesn't happen here)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 July 2015 - 10:14
Does anyone know when Karama opens during the month of Ramadan? Thank you 10am-1pm then 4pm till late As the OP said most will stay open all day and have maybe one person there. Business isn't booming as it used to be therefore they have to be open
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 July 2015 - 10:13
Hi Sarahlou,, As you are the queen of SnS ;) would you know... Q1. I'm trying to order from Asos and I saw there is a free worldwide delivery but does this apply only to the 16 days delivery service and not the express delivery which you have to pay 20 quid? Would you suggest to SnS items from Asos ?? Q2. Have you SnS hair and beauty products. Am looking for Paul Mitchell freeze and shine and cannot find it anywhere they use to stock in the pharmacies here. (I should add this to the other thread about discontinued items ) If so, can you share a reputable website I can SnS hair and beauty products. As always I appreciate your help :) Thanks! Hi I have never ordered from Asos so can't comment on that sorry I have in the past ordered hair products ( Liquids and aerosols and they did get through with no issues) I had two parcels via Oasis ( SnS) yesterday and they took 5 days door to door, charges were 111AED ( three dresses and two tops) didn't look at the weight though.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 July 2015 - 11:56
Haha @brie03 - I'm with you on the Grey's Anatomy! I dread to think that show might end some day... My list includes purple shampoo, snail gel (it's a face product before you all go "ugh"!) and reese's chocolate cups!! DO NOT read up on what they are going to do to one of the characters in the next season then :biggrin: I made that mistake!!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 July 2015 - 11:55
I bought a plastic wicker looking sofa set from ace a couple years ago. I keep it in the shade and so far no damage to the frame. I'm impressed it has actually lasted longer than some of the more expensive models I've purchased. The only thing I will need to replace soon are the pillows as the colour has faded and it looks dirty. I bought the same one three years ago. It was on the balcony but in the shade I recently sold it to my friend as my new balcony was too small to accomodate it. It is still okay but as you said the cushions had to be recovered as they were a light beige and got filthy
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 July 2015 - 12:55
Heat, humidity and pollution. It's pretty normal these days. Also normal for this time of year. It will be like this until mid September :-(
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 July 2015 - 11:21
Congrats a I'm 5wk 3 days and wanted the same answers. I've heard there is a good Greek doctor at city hospital with a name sounding like Georg michael I can't seem to find him if anyone else knows?? D23 would love to chat as due around the same time. I really hope for a pro natural birth too as I have a blood disorder so the less cutting the better! Xx Will he sing Careless Whisper to you ( Sorry couldn't resist) :biggrin:
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 July 2015 - 09:40
I came in that way this morning and noticed a few of the new big 'fat' type speed cameras on SZR. They've been on the AL Khail for some time now (just ask Mr GE!!) Perhaps these ones are being used to catch tailgaters. We were just saying this morning though, what happens when people go flying off towards a slip road in front of you and you're closer than 5 meters. Will they be able to tell the difference? They are the silver ones http://www.thenational.ae/uae/tailgaters-in-dubai-defy-fines-as-radar-cameras-fire-up I cant answer your question though. :-(
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 July 2015 - 09:12
We move in a few weeks. Where do you start for a maid search? Agencies Word of mouth Classified on this forum Boards in the supermarkets
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 July 2015 - 09:11
My drive to work is a little quieter but there seems to be more crazies on the road Are the new cameras on SZR? ( silver ones) the tailgating cameras as I have seen a few people recently getting flashed I feel more people will leave after Ramadan [b'>Are the new cameras on SZR? ( silver ones) the tailgating cameras as I have seen a few people recently getting flashed[/b'> If you mean the big 'fat' silver and black ones, no they're just the newer type of speed camera. Which ones are they? I don't tailgate but would be good to know I heard on the radio that they are now active AED400 plus black points if you are flashed
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 July 2015 - 09:10
I have heard the Bab Al Shams one is supposed to be fab with Santa on a camel coming over the dunes :-)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 July 2015 - 09:08
I'm not sure on which one is better but just a heads up that this year Xmas day could be a dry day. Prophet Mohamed's birthday is scheduled to fall on the 24th. So not sure if that means dry from 23rd to 24th or 24th to 25th 24 hours before. My calendar has all the holidays on and for the past 9 years have fallen exactly as it says. It states Milad Al Nabi is the 23 December
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 July 2015 - 14:23
EID All the royals are here till EID , then they move to London or Europe The reason for the busy roads is the Royals? I only ever seen 5 figure number plates on the roads, not the single/double digits that they use :biggrin: