Jeddah, Macbooks and stuff to do

[TightSlot]

I have 48hrs in Jeddah first week in Feb - my first visit to the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia, so I figure that entitles me to ask a stupid question or two...

• Is it sensible to take the macbook with me? - I was worried that it might be confiscated on entry for some extraordinary reason that I can't yet think of.
  
• If I do take the mac, is internet access restricted in hotels to 'approved' sites or are most sites OK?
  
• Does Saudia Arabia have the Skype-blocking software that I have read of being used elsewhere in the gulf?
  
• I was planning to take my West Wing series 3 DVD's so that I could hole up in my room and catch up on the mac - are DVD's not a good idea?
  
• What would you do with 48hrs in Jeddah?

I thank you...

[Schroedinger]

I've travelled within and without KSA for many years, and have always taken my laptop with me, without any problems. Answers to your questions:

1. EVERYONE carries a laptop into KSA. Despite the PR, there are very few non-business related visitors to KSA (exceptions are Haj and Umrah).
2. All 5 star and most 4 star hotels have internet access. Some sites will not be allowed, such as porn or political sites.
3. Skype can be used in KSA.
4. Customs can always confiscate any recorded material. They are a lot more lenient today than in the past, but it depends on the official.
5. In KSA, shopping is considered an Olympic sport. Try the Jamjoom Center, or others; your hotel concierge will help.

Enjoy your stay.

[TightSlot]

Thanks very much - most kind.

Is there anything (shopping-wise) that is a particularly good buy?

[Nobend]

You could always buy a solid gold bucket and spade to make sand castles with..... cos there is booger all else to do

[Schroedinger]

Most electronics are good value, but NEVER buy anything that is either the last item or with the seal, wrapper opened. Most of the tiome, they are returned items, most often not working.

Try shopping at the Gold Souk. Gold in KSA is always 18ct or above, and is usually sold by the gram.

[TightSlot]

And again - many thanks

[Final 3 Greens]

TS

Do you like diving? The Red Sea is fab for that.

KSA society is quite closed in some respects and family oriented - not too many nightclubs.

Your other option is to think outside the box and consider hopping across the Emirates or even Oman.

Enjoy the experience - Jeddah airport will let you seen LTN in a whole new light, when you get back.

BTW, premium brand watches are worth looking at, if you go shopping.

[TightSlot]

How very sweet! Nightclubs!! At my age!!!

You're making me blush! These days it's just a quick foxtrot to the Henry Hall Dance Orchestra at a Tea Dance.

Looking forward to the airport, as I'm fetching back a Hajj aircraft, so should be fascinating: For the rest, I'm gonna visit the Jamjoon and lie by the pool. I've decided to risk the laptop and the West Wing and I'll hibernate in the aircon - I assume that PPRuNe is not one of the 'prohibited' sites

[Final 3 Greens]

I'd be amazed if you have any probs taking West Wing in - I took Team America last time, not a word about it.