Well At Least I'll Like the Shopping

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Saturday, January 8th, 2012

Watching the sun go down from the mall entrance.

I went on my first Saudi shopping trip today. It was a little intense to say the least.

The first thing you need to know about Riyadh shopping is bring a book (or in my case a Kindle). Why? Well that would be because if you are at a mall during prayer time, all the stores close for about 20 to 30 minutes. Sometimes they let you stay in the store (but close all the doors and the tills) but many will kick you out. A good book kills the time.

The second thing you really need to know is that as women you are not allowed to try anything on so it is important to know your size and what looks good on you. Some women will actually head to the bathrooms to try things on. You can easily return new items if need be however it is annoying and takes time.

The third thing is that probably 95% of sales clerks are men so if you get embarrassed buying your underwear in front of strange men......learn to order online.

Today my shopping focus was a few little household items, a few cosmetic items and a little bit of food. Household item shopping went well but the rest was not an easy task, especially when you are not used to the brands and the labels and you can’t read Arabic. Yes, there is English on pretty much all products here but it is still quite confusing. I am looking at it as part of the adventure and all part of the experience……and if all else fails Catharine can help me figure it out.


So far what I have figured out is there is a very, very good selection of fruit and vegetables. I don’t know what half of them are but I’m sure I’ll figure it out. And there’s no pork…….which I won’t miss (except bacon) but lots of chicken and beef and fish to be found.


I’m still trying to figure out if things are more or less expensive here than in Canada or Australia because I’m still trying to figure out the exchange rate but I guess that is not the biggest thing. This of course was just the first of many….many shopping trips that will take place over the next year and as with everything else I am looking forward to them.


Julie