What not to take into Riyadh?
What not to take into Riyadh?
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: UK
yes, the list is endless....
you can even get in trouble for alchohol in marker pens, and if they really take a dislike to you then they do nasty things like squeezing your toothpaste out to make sure you're not hiding something in the tube.
Of course, you have to clear this mess up yourself.
Just remember the joke that you make on the PA when you're on the roll-out after landing..
"Welcome to Riyadh, where the local time is about 200 years behind everyone else"
will shorten your career, but the atmosphere is sure to lighten!!!!
you can even get in trouble for alchohol in marker pens, and if they really take a dislike to you then they do nasty things like squeezing your toothpaste out to make sure you're not hiding something in the tube.
Of course, you have to clear this mess up yourself.
Just remember the joke that you make on the PA when you're on the roll-out after landing..
"Welcome to Riyadh, where the local time is about 200 years behind everyone else"
will shorten your career, but the atmosphere is sure to lighten!!!!
With MY reputation?
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: Not fussed, as long as it's "Child Friendly"
The FCO advice says;
SUMMARY
There is a continuing high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. We continue to believe that terrorists are planning further attacks, including against Westerners and places associated with Westerners in Saudi Arabia.
If you choose to travel to, or remain in, Saudi Arabia you should take all necessary steps to protect your safety and should make sure you have confidence in your individual security arrangements. You should maintain a high level of vigilance, particularly in public places.
We have allowed non-essential staff and dependants at our missions in Saudi Arabia to leave if they wish.
You should remember that Islamic law is strictly enforced in Saudi Arabia.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.
...which is nice...
SUMMARY
There is a continuing high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. We continue to believe that terrorists are planning further attacks, including against Westerners and places associated with Westerners in Saudi Arabia.
If you choose to travel to, or remain in, Saudi Arabia you should take all necessary steps to protect your safety and should make sure you have confidence in your individual security arrangements. You should maintain a high level of vigilance, particularly in public places.
We have allowed non-essential staff and dependants at our missions in Saudi Arabia to leave if they wish.
You should remember that Islamic law is strictly enforced in Saudi Arabia.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.
...which is nice...
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Europe
What not to take
Here's a list for shipments to Saudi Arabia. However it also apllies to what one can bring in:
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Alcohol-containing items, flavoring extracts, cooking wines, wine making kits, books on manufacturing of such drinks or any foods with alcohol, etc.
Narcotics
All kinds of medicines
Medicine MUST be accompanied by doctors prescription and is to be for personal use only
Radio transmitter/communication equipment (including walkie-talkies, short-wave, VHF, marine, police band equipment, etc.)
Binoculars or telescopic equipment
All types of statues
Objects of human or animal form (statues, figurines, carvings, etc.)
Games of chance (chess, dice, backgammon, etc.)
All weapons and firearms (real or ornamental), including guns, ammunition, fireworks, spears and other edged weapons, etc. (owner subject to investigation, fines, and/or imprisonment)
Pornographic material and literature including fashion magazines with people wearing undergarments or swimsuits
Politically sensitive material
All foodstuff
Stuffed animals
Articles contrary to Muslim or Saudi Arabian beliefs or morality will not be allowed into the country
Christmas trees/decorations or any other items (BIBLES) associated with religions other than the Muslim faith
Military uniforms or equipment of any kind
Other miscellaneous items (blueprints and designs, artificial pearls, etc.)
*ALL PRINTED MATTER, BOOKS, PICTURES, RECORDS, FILMS, TAPES, SLIDES, MOVIES, VIDEOS, COMPACT DISCS, COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND DISKETTES, ETC. ARE SUBJECT TO CENSORSHIP AND CONFISCATION (MUST BE PACKED SEPARATELY FOR EASY ACCESS AND CLEARLY MARKED ON THE INVENTORY)
Such items will be removed from all incoming shipments at the time of Customs clearance and sent to the Ministry of Information for review
Once censorship has been completed, a separate delivery will be made at an additional charge to the customer
Cartons containing these articles should be clearly labeled as to contents and must not be mixed with other items
Any restricted or prohibited items in shipment will cause delays, may be subject to confiscation and may cause possible fines or penalties to customers account.
Using common sense is essential. Don't bring 1001 arab jokes
However I have had my laptop with me on several Hajj contracts and even had movies with me. Make sure that you have not visited any "Human interest" websites as Saudi customs might go through your computer including history, temporary internet files, cookies and look for movies of interest on it. Also they actually know what they are doing.
Here's a link that might find useful:
http://www.iexplore.com/dmap/Saudi+A...and+Don'ts
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Alcohol-containing items, flavoring extracts, cooking wines, wine making kits, books on manufacturing of such drinks or any foods with alcohol, etc.
Narcotics
All kinds of medicines
Medicine MUST be accompanied by doctors prescription and is to be for personal use only
Radio transmitter/communication equipment (including walkie-talkies, short-wave, VHF, marine, police band equipment, etc.)
Binoculars or telescopic equipment
All types of statues
Objects of human or animal form (statues, figurines, carvings, etc.)
Games of chance (chess, dice, backgammon, etc.)
All weapons and firearms (real or ornamental), including guns, ammunition, fireworks, spears and other edged weapons, etc. (owner subject to investigation, fines, and/or imprisonment)
Pornographic material and literature including fashion magazines with people wearing undergarments or swimsuits
Politically sensitive material
All foodstuff
Stuffed animals
Articles contrary to Muslim or Saudi Arabian beliefs or morality will not be allowed into the country
Christmas trees/decorations or any other items (BIBLES) associated with religions other than the Muslim faith
Military uniforms or equipment of any kind
Other miscellaneous items (blueprints and designs, artificial pearls, etc.)
*ALL PRINTED MATTER, BOOKS, PICTURES, RECORDS, FILMS, TAPES, SLIDES, MOVIES, VIDEOS, COMPACT DISCS, COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND DISKETTES, ETC. ARE SUBJECT TO CENSORSHIP AND CONFISCATION (MUST BE PACKED SEPARATELY FOR EASY ACCESS AND CLEARLY MARKED ON THE INVENTORY)
Such items will be removed from all incoming shipments at the time of Customs clearance and sent to the Ministry of Information for review
Once censorship has been completed, a separate delivery will be made at an additional charge to the customer
Cartons containing these articles should be clearly labeled as to contents and must not be mixed with other items
Any restricted or prohibited items in shipment will cause delays, may be subject to confiscation and may cause possible fines or penalties to customers account.
Using common sense is essential. Don't bring 1001 arab jokes
However I have had my laptop with me on several Hajj contracts and even had movies with me. Make sure that you have not visited any "Human interest" websites as Saudi customs might go through your computer including history, temporary internet files, cookies and look for movies of interest on it. Also they actually know what they are doing.
Here's a link that might find useful:
http://www.iexplore.com/dmap/Saudi+A...and+Don'ts
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 5,552
Likes: 25
From: ME
Atlanta drivers list is kinda excessive, be sensible, dont bring porn magazines including what would be considered as an adult magazine in the UK, GQ, FHM etc.
Dont bring movies as they are cheaper to buy in Riyadh...
You can bring a bible, but not bibles......
Apart from that, bring a bag load of patience and a sense of humour.
Mutt.
PS.... still dont know why on earth BMI is starting this route... Havent seen ANY advertisements in Saudi newspapers....
Dont bring movies as they are cheaper to buy in Riyadh...
You can bring a bible, but not bibles......
Apart from that, bring a bag load of patience and a sense of humour.
Mutt.
PS.... still dont know why on earth BMI is starting this route... Havent seen ANY advertisements in Saudi newspapers....
With MY reputation?
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: Not fussed, as long as it's "Child Friendly"
mutt (and anyone else that may be interested),
bmi are starting the route because His Tonyness decreed that there should be a British presence in The Kingdom (f**k knows why, possibly a couple of days in the paintshop and each A330 will emerge with a Bullseye on the tail...)
First point of call was everyones favourite Beardy, whose fleet of Big Red Aeroplanes were deemed to have a graven image (of, shock horror, a LADY, almost NUDE...!!! GASP...!!!). Mr B. was told that he would have to remove this if he wanted the route, to which the reply, quite rightly, was "You can f**k right off Mr Blair, not interested, give the route to some greedy airline owner who will do anything for a fast buck..."
Enter Mr Bish...(beg your pardon, SIR Bish)
And the rest, as they say, is history...Although such momumental disregard for the personal safety of the crews is something to which even Big Airways could only dream of, which sets the scene for the inaugural service (Champagne all round?)
Watching this with great interest...
bmi are starting the route because His Tonyness decreed that there should be a British presence in The Kingdom (f**k knows why, possibly a couple of days in the paintshop and each A330 will emerge with a Bullseye on the tail...)
First point of call was everyones favourite Beardy, whose fleet of Big Red Aeroplanes were deemed to have a graven image (of, shock horror, a LADY, almost NUDE...!!! GASP...!!!). Mr B. was told that he would have to remove this if he wanted the route, to which the reply, quite rightly, was "You can f**k right off Mr Blair, not interested, give the route to some greedy airline owner who will do anything for a fast buck..."
Enter Mr Bish...(beg your pardon, SIR Bish)
And the rest, as they say, is history...Although such momumental disregard for the personal safety of the crews is something to which even Big Airways could only dream of, which sets the scene for the inaugural service (Champagne all round?)
Watching this with great interest...
