What to Bring

Food, Toiletries, Misc.

There are a wide range of American products available in Jeddah, but you may pay more for these products (some items may be cheaper). If there are specific products that you prefer to use at home, it is a good idea to bring at least a few months supply until you find the same, or equivalent, here. If you think you can’t live without it, bring it!

Below is a list of some things that staff from our school has mentioned that they often bring from home. Some of these are suggestions and some are things that you can’t find, are very difficult to find, or are more expensive in Jeddah. If you want to know more about specific products, feel free to ask someone that you have connected with. We’re happy to help you make sure you feel comfortable and at home here in Jeddah!

Food

• Be sure to check iherb.com - has loads of food products and provides VERY cheap and efficient shipping to Saudi!

• Favorite spices (American chili powder, nutmeg, favorite blends)

• Gluten-free products are available but limited

• Other specialty health food items like protein powders, coconut oil, almond butter

• Specific things you love for baking

• Ranch packets

• Real Maple Syrup

• Propel/Crystal Light packets

Toiletries

• Make-up (it can be found here but more expensive and stock can be low)

• Sunscreen (important – and expensive here)

• Bug sprays (MUST)

• Tampons (not found at all)

Medicine and Vitamins (also check the Health & Medical page for more info)

• Vitamins (can be easily ordered from Iherb.com as well, if you want to save luggage space)

• Epi-Pens (If you need these, BRING them! You will NOT be able to find them here - and believe us, we've tried.....)

• Special Pharmaceuticals (Excedrin, Midol, Nyquil, Benadryl, Neosporin, children’s meds, anti-itch creams, hydrogen peroxide, saline, Gold Bond, etc. If you have favs, bring it)

• Specific Prescriptions that you already have (many prescriptions are available here at a fraction of the cost as in the US.

School Supply for Classrooms

• Anchor chart markers (if you are particular)

• Card Stock (some available but limited colors)

• Borders (expensive here)

• Rewards (stickers, prize box stuff, pencils)

• Sharpies, Expo Markers

• Crayola products (crayons are available here but not the greatest quality)

Miscellaneous

• Crockpot (needs to be 220 voltage or buy here)

• Baseball stuff (you can get things for any other sport in the Kingdom, but not baseball)

• Holiday Decorations (sometimes may be confiscated at customs)

• Stain sticks and Bounce sheets can occasionally be found, but can be expensive

Clothing

While there is shopping to be done here, it is difficult to shop for clothing. Women may not try on clothes at stores, which often deters them from shopping. There are stores like Marks and Spencers, Zara, H&M, Express, and Old Navy. There are also many places to get clothing made. Men can get tailored pants and dress shirts made for about $25-40/item, but will want to bring their own ties. It is advised that you bring all work clothing with you.

Abayas

It is not necessary to purchase an abaya before arriving in Jeddah. We will meet you at the airport with loaner abayas. Female teachers are advised to wear long, light, cotton or breathable pants and a long sleeved shirt when arriving to the country. It’s been mentioned that abayas may become optional, but this is not yet official. When, and if, abayas become optional, there is still a need to cover shoulders, upper arms, and below the knee to the lower calf.

Jeddah is one of the more liberal cities in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, you will often see many beautiful abayas in lots of colors. You also are not required to wear hijab (head scarf) in Jeddah, though some women do choose to carry a scarf with them. Many women have now shunned the abaya completely, but we still recommend modest dress whenever in public.

Work Attire

Our dress code at AISJ is quite professional. Men should wear collared shirts, ties, dress pants and dress shoes (aside from Athletic teachers). Women should assume business professional attire. For example, slacks or dress pants, professional tops (modest necklines, sleeves), dresses or skirts to the knee, dress sandals or shoes (open toe is fine), and nothing overly tight. If you have any questions about what is appropriate or not appropriate for wear, please ask any member of the Admin Team. All new staff will be given an AISJ polo shirt, which may be worn on Thursdays. We have a casual day typically about once a month that has a theme. Some examples from this year have been World Peace Day (wear white), Breast Cancer (wear pink), Universal Children’s Day (wear blue), Friendship Day (red/white/pink), etc. We also have a Spirit Week.

Special Event Clothing

• International Day – Staff wear clothing of their native country

• International Mother Tongue Day – Bring clothing with language of your mother tongue

• Ugly Christmas sweater day

• Crazy socks

• Crazy hair

• Wear your favorite sports team top

• AISJ Gala – This is an elegant outdoor event with semi-formal to formal attire

• Consulate Events - Some events have formal attire required

Saudia City Clothing

Saudia City residents are welcome to wear western clothing (abayas are not required). Therefore, you could bring shorts, tank tops, and athletic clothing that you would be comfortable wearing in casual social settings. There are two swimming pool on the compound and western swimwear is acceptable, so bring your bathing suits! There is also a fitness gym you can join (for a monthly fee). You will want to bring some long-sleeved shirts and light sweaters for the winter months, as the temperature can drop at night to slight chill.

Travel Clothing

If you plan to travel to other countries from Jeddah, pack appropriate clothing. While the climate in Jeddah is pretty warm year round, it might not be where you plan to travel. So pack some warm weather clothing for any trips you might take.

You won’t need a lot of coats or jackets in Jeddah. Light sweaters are great for indoors when faced with air conditioning. It is not necessary to pack many coats, but do pack one or two for traveling purposes.

Hard-to-Find Quality Items

• Undergarments (bras, panties, men’s undershirts/underwear)

• Ties

• Plus sizes

• Swimsuits

• Shoes- quality athletic and larger sizes

• Children’s shoes (bring the size that fits during the summer and one size up)

• Uniform pants for the kids (Target or Old Navy)

Important Documents

You will want to bring originals of your important documents. There will be many instances where you may need them and it’s better to have them with you than have to worry about getting them shipped here. It’s also a good idea to scan these and have them safe with a family member or two as well, in case of emergencies or lost items.

• Diplomas/Teaching Certificate

• Marriage License

• Birth Certificates of all family members

• Children’s records (vaccinations records, etc.)

• Medical Records/Prescriptions

• Passport Photos (you can also get these done here fairly easily and cheap)

• Passport (obviously, but good to have scanned and with a family member

• Copy of AISJ Employment Contract