kids bedroom furniture usa image
rehan_rehm
I got a job offer from Higher Colleges of Technology in Abu Dhabi. I want to know if I will be moving from USA than can I bring my car with me (Do I have to pay any taxes or duty). Also what will be the apartments looks like as compared to USA standard. My Company will be paying for my Housing, kidâs education and Travel Tickets. Also I take notice of the parking problem in the apartment complex, so any feedback on this will be really great full.
Answer
Yes you can have your car shipped to the UAE. There is a 5% tax on the value to be paid in cash at customs, no credit cards are accepted. The value is calculated at customs. You need an International driving license and a letter from the HCT indicating that you are coming here to take up employment. After receiving your residence visa, you will have to convert your US driver's license into an UAE one. The issuing country of your driver's license has to be the same than your nationality.
When you first arrive you will be provided with accommodation in a local hotel for six nights.
Depending on the level of your position, accommodation can be an apartment or a villa. This is also greatly affected by location and availability in the community. Housing for HCT employees is assigned by the system and HCT will provide housing that meets a good quality standard. But it is not always possible to give employees their choice of accommodation. Apartments or villas are not in compounds. Employees live in the community with other expatriates and UAE nationals. Apartments and villas are leased by the HCT on behalf of employees. HCT offers employees unfurnished accommodation, which in most cases means there will be little in the apartment or villa on arrival (not even carpets or curtains). An initial furnishing allowance is provided on arrival, which is intended to provide for all the basic necessities of establishing a household.
The furniture allowance provided does not need to be repaid if the employee remains employed by the HCT for the duration of the three-year contract. If the employee resigns or is terminated before the end of their three year contract.
Because you mention kid's education, I assume you will move here with your family. In this case you will move into a 3 or 4 bedroom apartment or villa. The apartment will be in a highrise (99%). Depending on it's location you may face a shortage on parking spaces (different story).
Most bigger apartments will have a maids quater which can be used as an extra bedroom, office etc., if not needed for a maid. In newer apartments and villas every bedroom has it's own bathroom. Build in closets exist, but are not as comon as in the US.
Living in a bigger villa, you will have your own parking space or car port. Most villas are surrounded by high walls. Villas mostly have 2 kitchens and 2 sitting areas. One is the main kitchen and the other is like a tea kitchen. Many also have an extra laundry room. Two sitting areas are very comen. One for men and one for women. Many times you also find 2 or 3 sinks in the guest bathrooms. Every bathrom will be equipped with a bidet or at least with a waterhose byside the toilett.
Another big difference is, that you will not have a "real" adress. You will have to get a PO Box at a post office. No mail delivery at home.
I don't know where and when SAS visits the malls, but I never have any problem to find a parking space unless I visit Abela's or Spinney's.
Parking: when ever you do not find a parking space, block in somebody and leave your mobile no. at the windshield. In case the blocked in person wants to leave, he/she will call you. You then take the available parking spot.
Hope this answer helped a bit. In case you need any more infos, please email me.
Yes you can have your car shipped to the UAE. There is a 5% tax on the value to be paid in cash at customs, no credit cards are accepted. The value is calculated at customs. You need an International driving license and a letter from the HCT indicating that you are coming here to take up employment. After receiving your residence visa, you will have to convert your US driver's license into an UAE one. The issuing country of your driver's license has to be the same than your nationality.
When you first arrive you will be provided with accommodation in a local hotel for six nights.
Depending on the level of your position, accommodation can be an apartment or a villa. This is also greatly affected by location and availability in the community. Housing for HCT employees is assigned by the system and HCT will provide housing that meets a good quality standard. But it is not always possible to give employees their choice of accommodation. Apartments or villas are not in compounds. Employees live in the community with other expatriates and UAE nationals. Apartments and villas are leased by the HCT on behalf of employees. HCT offers employees unfurnished accommodation, which in most cases means there will be little in the apartment or villa on arrival (not even carpets or curtains). An initial furnishing allowance is provided on arrival, which is intended to provide for all the basic necessities of establishing a household.
The furniture allowance provided does not need to be repaid if the employee remains employed by the HCT for the duration of the three-year contract. If the employee resigns or is terminated before the end of their three year contract.
Because you mention kid's education, I assume you will move here with your family. In this case you will move into a 3 or 4 bedroom apartment or villa. The apartment will be in a highrise (99%). Depending on it's location you may face a shortage on parking spaces (different story).
Most bigger apartments will have a maids quater which can be used as an extra bedroom, office etc., if not needed for a maid. In newer apartments and villas every bedroom has it's own bathroom. Build in closets exist, but are not as comon as in the US.
Living in a bigger villa, you will have your own parking space or car port. Most villas are surrounded by high walls. Villas mostly have 2 kitchens and 2 sitting areas. One is the main kitchen and the other is like a tea kitchen. Many also have an extra laundry room. Two sitting areas are very comen. One for men and one for women. Many times you also find 2 or 3 sinks in the guest bathrooms. Every bathrom will be equipped with a bidet or at least with a waterhose byside the toilett.
Another big difference is, that you will not have a "real" adress. You will have to get a PO Box at a post office. No mail delivery at home.
I don't know where and when SAS visits the malls, but I never have any problem to find a parking space unless I visit Abela's or Spinney's.
Parking: when ever you do not find a parking space, block in somebody and leave your mobile no. at the windshield. In case the blocked in person wants to leave, he/she will call you. You then take the available parking spot.
Hope this answer helped a bit. In case you need any more infos, please email me.
Families at Kadena AFB in Japan?
chanweber2
My husband just received orders to Kadena AFB in Japan. We are currently stationed at RAF Mildenhall in the UK. We have three children and two dogs, any information that anyone could give us would be extremely helpful. We won't be PCS'ing until next summer, so hopefully I have time to handle everything with our pets!
Answer
Hello Chanweber2005,
Wonderful, you are getting a consecutive overseas tour to Kadena AB
I spend 5 years on Kadena AB from 1978 - 1983. It was the best Air Force assignment I have in 27 years.
Information on importing pets is covered right on the Kadena AB website for Newcomers' Information.
http://www.kadena.af.mil/library/newcomers/index.asp
However, I could not get that link on pets to open. But, keep trying. And, write to the unit and ask for a sponsor to write to you.
I had a dog on Kadena. We didn't bring her from the states. We got her from a litter that someone had and was giving pups away. Just like in England the dogs will have to have their current shots and shot records. The base vet there in Mildenhall should know the requirements for pet import to Kadena. Check them out.
You will probably have to pay for the pet's travel and you need the travel kennel which you probably already have two of them.
On base schools for children at Kadena are good. My two sons went to on base schools. Schools busses run on base and off-base housing to pick up the kids.
On-base housing is good. What's your husband's rank/grade? Housing list is managed by number of bedrooms needed (looks like you might need a 4 bedroom) and date signed in on the housing list.
Unless he is in a "mission essential" position you will all reside off-base while you work your way up the housing list. The list fluctuates so you may go up or back down. Off-base housing is livable and so just be patient and think of it as an adventure.
Most of our household furniture will be in storage in the states as there is government provided furniture on Okinawa. If it is the same in England then you are ahead of the game. If not, things will be placed in storage for when you ultimately return to the CONUS.
Don't listen to people who talk about "cutture shock." That is an American fantasy word. No one should expect Japan to be like the USA. Even in England the culture is different - and we both speak the same language. The goal is to experience a new culture not relay on American fast food or shopping. You don't NEED to drag all American stuff over to Okinawa.
I would advise you and your husband to extend your tour on Okinawa to 4 or 5 years. Be stable for once. The schools are good. The kids love Okinawa. The weather is much better than England.
Local food is great. Typhoons are "nothing" just blow over in 3 days.
Automobiles are touchy because Japanese inspections are exacting and the car must be repaired at the inspection station before they let it pass. Brakes are a big thing. No junkers are seen. You will usually buy a used care and sell it before you come home because Japanese cars in Japan do not meet American import standards for safety. There is a big used car market and turnover.
You are already used to driving in England on the opposite side of the road. Japan/Okinawa driving is the same. There will be a driving class on International Road Signs and such that was mandatory for all. At least during my time. No speeding on Okinawa. Nothing higher than 40 kilometers anywhere, anyway.
College classes at night run all the time. I finished my B.S. while at Kadena with the University of Maryland. That's one reason why I extended twice for 12 months at a time to make the 60 month tour. To finish school.
If you don't enjoy Kadena AB there is no place in the Air Force that you will enjoy more.
And, have your parents and family back home get passports so that they can fly over to visit you for a 30 day visit. Never go back to the CONUS on leave. Let them come to you. When else could they get the opportunity to come visit for 30 days and not have to pay hotel bills? They will enjoy the visit with you more than if you spent all that money to travel for 5 people back to the CONUS to hang out at their home. Besides, it will be exciting for them.
Best wishes, and have a great Kadena AB time.
Larry Smith
SMSgt, USAF (Ret.)
First Sergeant
Hello Chanweber2005,
Wonderful, you are getting a consecutive overseas tour to Kadena AB
I spend 5 years on Kadena AB from 1978 - 1983. It was the best Air Force assignment I have in 27 years.
Information on importing pets is covered right on the Kadena AB website for Newcomers' Information.
http://www.kadena.af.mil/library/newcomers/index.asp
However, I could not get that link on pets to open. But, keep trying. And, write to the unit and ask for a sponsor to write to you.
I had a dog on Kadena. We didn't bring her from the states. We got her from a litter that someone had and was giving pups away. Just like in England the dogs will have to have their current shots and shot records. The base vet there in Mildenhall should know the requirements for pet import to Kadena. Check them out.
You will probably have to pay for the pet's travel and you need the travel kennel which you probably already have two of them.
On base schools for children at Kadena are good. My two sons went to on base schools. Schools busses run on base and off-base housing to pick up the kids.
On-base housing is good. What's your husband's rank/grade? Housing list is managed by number of bedrooms needed (looks like you might need a 4 bedroom) and date signed in on the housing list.
Unless he is in a "mission essential" position you will all reside off-base while you work your way up the housing list. The list fluctuates so you may go up or back down. Off-base housing is livable and so just be patient and think of it as an adventure.
Most of our household furniture will be in storage in the states as there is government provided furniture on Okinawa. If it is the same in England then you are ahead of the game. If not, things will be placed in storage for when you ultimately return to the CONUS.
Don't listen to people who talk about "cutture shock." That is an American fantasy word. No one should expect Japan to be like the USA. Even in England the culture is different - and we both speak the same language. The goal is to experience a new culture not relay on American fast food or shopping. You don't NEED to drag all American stuff over to Okinawa.
I would advise you and your husband to extend your tour on Okinawa to 4 or 5 years. Be stable for once. The schools are good. The kids love Okinawa. The weather is much better than England.
Local food is great. Typhoons are "nothing" just blow over in 3 days.
Automobiles are touchy because Japanese inspections are exacting and the car must be repaired at the inspection station before they let it pass. Brakes are a big thing. No junkers are seen. You will usually buy a used care and sell it before you come home because Japanese cars in Japan do not meet American import standards for safety. There is a big used car market and turnover.
You are already used to driving in England on the opposite side of the road. Japan/Okinawa driving is the same. There will be a driving class on International Road Signs and such that was mandatory for all. At least during my time. No speeding on Okinawa. Nothing higher than 40 kilometers anywhere, anyway.
College classes at night run all the time. I finished my B.S. while at Kadena with the University of Maryland. That's one reason why I extended twice for 12 months at a time to make the 60 month tour. To finish school.
If you don't enjoy Kadena AB there is no place in the Air Force that you will enjoy more.
And, have your parents and family back home get passports so that they can fly over to visit you for a 30 day visit. Never go back to the CONUS on leave. Let them come to you. When else could they get the opportunity to come visit for 30 days and not have to pay hotel bills? They will enjoy the visit with you more than if you spent all that money to travel for 5 people back to the CONUS to hang out at their home. Besides, it will be exciting for them.
Best wishes, and have a great Kadena AB time.
Larry Smith
SMSgt, USAF (Ret.)
First Sergeant
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