Do I have to wear a burqa?

Women in Saudi Arabia do not wear burqas. And they also no longer have to wear an abaya- although many women continue to wear them. An abaya a cloak, formerly only black, but now available in an array of colours and styles, that drapes over one's clothing (from the shoulders down). The abaya can have designs, e.g., embroidery, applique, sequins, coloured segments, etc.

As a woman, can I leave the housing complex by myself?

Of course! There is no requirement for women to travel in groups.

Can I wear sandals in Saudi Arabia?

Yes: In fact you will see sandals (mostly high-heeled) and flip-flops that are every bit as simple or elaborate as any you will see at home or in fashion magazines. (However, because the asphalt can become so hot in the summer, you may want to keep the cheap flip-flops for wear in cooler months or for around the house, lest they begin to melt ... or at least deteriorate quickly!)

What is the shopping like?

The shopping malls house all the international boutiques (with their Prada, Gucci, Yves St. Laurent, Boss, etc., designs), as well as larger stores which sell less costly clothes (e.g., GAP, H&M, American Eagle, Zara), and US and European chain department stores (e.g., Saks Fifth Avenue, Debenhams, Harvey Nichols, Marks & Spencer). But if you like to shop, in my view, the most interesting purchases are in the souqs, with their traditional hats, scarves, camel blankets, rugs, brass works, etc. Explore the best shopping in Saudi Arabia.

Can I wear a two-piece bathing suit?

Yes, if you are swimming in the women's-only pool of your compound. But if you are swimming in one of the coastal waters in which men and women of all nationalities swim, a conservative one-piece is best.

Can I wear makeup?

Yes. The Arab women (Saudi women included) are very skilled in the art of applying makeup. Even if you see only the eyes, they are dramatically shadowed and otherwise elaborately enhanced, and their eyebrows waxed into precise shapes.

Can I buy tampons?

Yes, they can be found in some pharmacies or grocery store personal care product aisles. But the selection is not as good as at home, and the supply often disappears quickly.

Can I get spa treatments?

Absolutely! You can get enormously varied range of treatments, including massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. (And it's typically cheaper than back home.)

What kinds of clothes should I pack?

The two things to keep in mind are 1) Saudi Arabia is a more conservative society, and 2) for most of the year it's very, very hot.

So besides (if you choose to do so) buying an abaya and scarf (as noted above), you really don't need to change your wardrobe much (unless it happens to be stocked with flannels and fleece).

Surprised? Don't be. You will attend parties and embassy concerts and events, which require the same sort of clothing you'd wear to such events back home, e.g., a cocktail dress. You will hang around by your pool and you will work out, so you will need a bathing suit and gym gear.

But to deal with the heat (and in Jeddah, the humidity), you may want to add a few lighter garments to your regular clothing collection — perhaps some "wicking" or fast-drying tops or pants, or perhaps a long skirt to let the air circulate around your legs. And you may want to throw in a few longer sweaters or jackets both to help you deal with the omnipresent air conditioning and for conservative cover-up of your hip region. But you don't need to buy a new wardrobe ... unless, of course, you want to.

Can I drive a car in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, both females and males (with valid driver's licenses) can drive.

You cannot rent, lease, or purchase a car until you have your iqama (residency permit).

If you don't want to drive, there are free shuttle buses to and from your residence to common shopping destinations in the city.

Also, taxis are readily available, and apps such as Uber and Kareem are popular, and have a reputation for being safe.

For more information ...

Things are changing in Saudi Arabia, as the country aims to attract tourists and entertain them, and their own citizens: Read about one recent arrival's experience in My First 3 Months in Riyadh - a Photo Journal by Rhi R