sasuke

Hello,

Just wondering if anyone can shed some good information regarding the following. Moving to Dubai early 2013.

What bank would be great to go to in Dubai? Less hassle as much as possible, less fees as well, and easy transfer to the USA mainland. I only do online banking in the US.

What's the best mobile cell phone company to use?

Any places in Dubai that has reasonable place to go for grocery shopping or a wholesaler prices like Costco and Sam's club?

What would be the best company for internet service?

HercDriver130

Carefour is the Grocery store you will want to use.... they are like super Walmart on steroids.

f10a

Etisalat and DU are your cell phone and internet providers. They both suck, prices are similar (monopoly) charge a ton, and are constantly f%$king with various port blocking for skype, whatsapp, viber etc..

As for your internet, you will want to download and install a VPN on your computer like witopia to get around their nonsense so you can use skype to its full capability.

As for banks, avoid HSBC. Mashreq gets decent reviews though. Also, go to pprune as there is much more info on sandpit than here. Good luck!

PILOTGUY

Welcome. For banks, I use Emirates NBD. Never had a single issue with them and they treat you fantastic ( you will be a priority customer) I transfer some money back to the states every 2 months with them cheaply and easily.

I find that Du is a better internet/tv company, but Etisalat is a little better with cell phone. I use both with a prepaid Blackberry on Etisalat and post-paid DU with my iphone.
DU also seems to be a little less restrictive on the blocking of sites. I do not run a vpn on my ipad and skype and facetime to the States works just fine.

No wholesale clubs here. Each place has it's good and bad. Carefour is pretty good, Spinneys has better quality products, especially meat and fruits/veg. Safestway is the best for US products that you cant find in other stores. I split my time between Spinneys and Safestway, with occasional stops at Carefour and Geant

sasuke

Thanks so much for the input!

I tried the other site but it just has to much negative inputs on it.

Just wondering what would be the best/cheap way to ship boxes to Dubai? . . .we are just sending around 8-9 boxes - kids/family clothes, toys, etc.

Anyone tried SkyCargo or Freightworks or other freight company? I have been waiting for freightworks to get back to me for a while no but will email them again.

Any recommendation for family transportation and car dealership to go? We are considering used and new as well. What you brand do you all recommend?

thanks in advance again!

Typhoonpilot

If it's just 8 boxes it might actually be cheaper to do it with a combination of your joining baggage allowance and Fedex after you get your I.D..

Renting a car for a month or two after you arrive is generally a good idea. It gives you time to figure out the market and see what is available. Used cars are a real crap shot here. One must be very careful if buying used. The great majority of pilots seem to have either a Toyota Prado or Mitsubishi Pajero.


TP

sasuke

Thanks everyone,

I know induction is a week. The rest like ground training, simulator training, and line IOE I am not sure. What's the timeline allocated for those events in weeks?

Where will the simulator training going to be? Or should I say, where does the initial simulator training for the 777 normal takes place? I have heard it will be in Dubai some say it will be somewhere else like London, Seattle, etc.

What else do I need to prepare before I head over there regarding studying and all?

Thanks again in advance,

Sasuke

Typhoonpilot

Generic stuff is closer to 3 weeks. Systems and Fixed base sim is probably close to 3 weeks, Full Flight sim is another 3 weeks, then line training will go more than 1 month. There can be large gaps or waiting periods in the training. So there is no way to make a prediction on when somebody hired today will be finished.

For the Boeing it is only in Dubai now.

Expect a delivery before Xmas.



TP

sasuke

Thanks TP!

Anyone of you all have experience and have heard of a good British and American schools?

From what I read, the American schools are somewhat out of the FO's income. Will an FO's income be enough for a British School?

I'm in the process of emailing my coordinator regarding places for the Villa or temp accommodation. Any recommendation of places to live in Dubai? . .If you could, kindly please list in top to bottom and indicated why it is good for you. I have first time kids going to school next year.

pilotrob23

We have our kids in a British school, and are very happy with it. Emirates covers the tuition for both our girls. We live in Silicon Oasis, and there are kids everywhere, just fantastic. Friends from all over the world.