The Intangible Iqama

Getting things done in KSA is not easy.

We qualify for a 90-day visa. During that time, we cannot have a bank account, which makes it difficult to exchange currencies or send money home.

The iqama is the work visa that opens all the doors. With it, we are "recognizable" in the country, and money issues are much easier.

We spent hours waiting there, only to get turned down for exchanging. People coming here, CHANGE your money BEFORE you arrive. We finally found a bank that will do it - Rajeed Bank - but only for the first 90 days.

After the first 90 days, we can have an extension, but apparently there is an issue with banks not recognizing the extension (which appears as a stamp on the next page of the passport), and then refusing to transfer money.

After 6 months, however, one can apply for an iqama, and then you get an account, you can receive monies automatically to your account and overseas, even electronically.