Re: To move or not to move
 

you can't live with a man unless you are married...but people still do it...it's a bit of a risk but most get away with it...

very bad with figures, but it looks like you'll have around 21,000 dhs per month.
there is some info on this thread about costs....http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=609325

Re: To move or not to move
 

try www.dubizzle.com for apartment shares. Rents are coming down so much you can get a decent share for not a lot more than 3000dhs a month now.

If you wanted to go for your own apartment, there are 1 beds at discovery gardens for 60k aed per year or less. Dubai is a big area, so a car is necessary if you are out and about all the time - you will only end up spending 2-3,000dhs a month on taxis if you don't.

On your salary you will be able to live fine if you are a little careful and put some money back.

Re: To move or not to move
 

I'd say that the "perks" of your salary package are just the standard list. Most companies pay for 2-4 weeks accommodation when you arrive. If I were you, try to wrangle safety-nets - the salary deductable loan is not repayable upon redundancy, etc... If the worst were to happen, you need to make sure that you make as little loss as possible - don't forget that the UK taxman will be presenting his bill too if he can!

Oh, and you didn't mention a car allowance. 2000AED/month will get you a decent enough hire car - don't buy one!

Re: To move or not to move
 

I would concur with the others - it's not the best salary/package in the world but perfectly live-able on. If you're fed up with the UK you might as well give it a shot here.

Re: To move or not to move
 

Hi all thanks for the feedback and the link- much more affordable than just googling it - makes it look a bit more workable. I might just try and wangle a bit more money out of them if possible and get that if you make me redundant you pay for everything clause in!

I think I'm going to carry on on a consultancy basis ( I'm out here 3 times every two months)- prove myself absolutely essential to their business and push for more money as I get a much better rate on consultancy even paying tax.

Any more tips and links to handy websites- I'm trying to get out to explore the city as I would if living here whilst I'm over here but have no idea where to start- any such thing as a tour bus?

Kittycat
xxx

Re: To move or not to move
 

Hi Kitty,

A useful website for accom is dubizzle.com is a great site for finding somewhere to live. Prices are falling like crazy so you should be all right. As for living expenses. My family and I are on an economy drive at the moment and excluding rent are living off about 15,000 AED per month. Before you think that's too close to what you'll have after rent, there are my wife and I and two school age sons. We have 2 cars (and 2 car loans) and, after a crazy spending frenzy earlier this year 2 max'd out (large) credit cards. Our 15,000 covers all our utilities, our food, our car loans and min credit card payments and although we're not living a 'party' lifestyle during our economy drive, we are more than comfortable so providing you don't spend your way to oblivion you'll probably have a great time and save a bit.

As for your description of the 'shitty' area you currently live in in the UK - Dubai is safe, relaxed and altogether a refreshing experience!

Re: To move or not to move
 

do a search on big bus tours or ask your hotel concierge :)

Re: To move or not to move
 

Hi All,

Well I have accepted the job- managed to get a little bit more so am generally a happy bunny!

I'm moving over in September on a 4 year contract.

So do you guys have a networking noght or anything as I don't know anyone over there would be good to know a few people

Kittycat

xxx

Re: To move or not to move
 

Cool, congratz!

Looks like you'll be moving about the same time as me, although I do hope it to be one month earlier :)

Re: To move or not to move
 

Hi EUC,

Great if you move a month earlier then you can do all the ground work and then tell me how to do it all, bargains to be had etc! ;)

xxx

Re: To move or not to move
 

I already lived in Dubai, so know how the basics work ;)

But if you need advice I'm sure everybody on the bored, including me, would be happy to assist you, and I'll make sure to toss the bargains I don't take towards you :p

I'm surprised even that none of the guys have asked you out yet, a single 32yr old lingerie designer :rofl:

Re: To move or not to move
 

Ha Euc,

So your an old pro of sorts then- I will be posting with a shedload of questions I am sure.

Yep the lingerie designer thing is normally a bit of a puller, shame im a fat minger :rofl:

xxx

Re: To move or not to move
 

Nope, far from it I'm afraid, they keep changing the rules over there :D

Aha, I'm shure that'll put them lads off then :rofl:

Re: To move or not to move
 

I'm a problem solving type of girl, nothing a corset and paper bag can't sort out ;)