This thought never crossed my mind until another American I met, who hired a shipping company to ship her items from the US to KSA warned her to not pack Christmas items. If she did they may be removed. However, Sohail said as long as we pack Christmas items that are not in the original packaging, then we can still take them. This applies only to items that we pack in our suitcases which we take with us to the airport (2 suitcases each and 1 carry on). So, if I want to take Christmas items there (which I do and will) then I should not plan on sending them via a shipping company.
2. Can I take my bible there?
The customs information for KSA states that "no religious materials" can be brought into the country. Sohail said that bringing my bible in my carry-on should not be any problem at all. He said that American citizens are not hassled at customs. At least, he has not seen it, nor was he hassled
3. Will I have to wear a head covering when I am out in public?
No. However, most women do. What is required, though, is for women to wear an "abiya" which resembles a black choir robe. This is to be worn at all times out in public. The good thing is, is that it will cover all my curves!
4. Can women drive there?
No. I would never even want to drive in any country on the eastern side of the world. When I lived in Taiwan and visited Cambodia and Kazakhstan, I was scared to even ride in a vehicle. It took me two years of living in Houston, before I braved up and started driving on the freeway!
5. Will me or the children ever get "stuck" in Saudi Arabia and not be able to come back to the US?
Luckily, Sohail is an American citizen, as well as I and all of our three children are. If he were a Saudi citizen and then our children were born there, then they would not be able to travel outside of Saudi Arabia without Sohail's permission. I am so glad that we do not have to anticipate such problems.
Very interesting stuff! I was wondering whether or not you would be able to take a Bible into that country.....wow......so sad that you will only be able to take "one." And even sadder that they do not have the "truth" over there....wandering around in darkness! So glad that you're going to take them some beautiful LIGHT!!!! Love ya girl!
ReplyDeleteHave you forgotten the Qur'an (the last testament), that they, the Saudis or more precisely us Muslims have?
DeleteOr do you know nothing about it?
Have you forgotten the Qur'an (the last testament), that they, the Saudis or more precisely us Muslims have?
DeleteOr do you know nothing about it?