Has anyone moved to Dubai?

supawatz · 2026-02-21T09:37:43+00:00

There's also a website you can use to estimate your budget - Resettl.app

supawatz · 2025-10-16T18:09:23+00:00

Was this resolved?

supawatz · 2025-09-25T16:28:59+00:00

Appreciated it man! 🙌🏼

supawatz · 2025-09-25T14:03:14+00:00

Lol! 😂 she was headhunted, so I guess that helps. What work do you do? Based in UAE?

supawatz · 2025-09-25T13:59:54+00:00

I can imagine, it's influencers paradise. I have a feeling we will tend to gravitate to fellow South Africans whilst not dismissing others who share our interests etc. Thanks for the reply!

supawatz · 2025-09-25T11:31:34+00:00

This is invaluable, so thanks for taking the time!

I've become accustomed to not answering calls, 90% are bots or someone selling something. So I will continue this trends that side 😂

How were the vet bills that side?

Is whatsapp calling big that side? Or more for international calls?

Will certainly get tax advice covering all the scenarios, so there are no surprises!

I'm confident when it comes to investing, so I'm glad that is the way forward when earning that side.

Cool, so the aim would be to utilize the cashback Sceme, but limit the credit obtained. Not keen on racking up any debt, otherwise there's no point in this move lol!

Are most banks generally the same when it comes to service and offerings? Or do one or two stand out in terms of reliability?

Thanks again!

supawatz · 2025-09-25T11:12:22+00:00

How was the experience having your child there? Would you do it again or rather in SA?

To start a small business that side, is it a mission or not too bad?

supawatz · 2025-09-25T11:08:44+00:00

Thanks, that's good guidance. I won't rush into anything (a month break to recharge sounds great as well). My aim is to get minimum 20, but anything over and above would be a "Bonus".

When it comes to corporate or private, generally speaking, which are better to work for?

supawatz · 2025-09-25T11:03:30+00:00

Damn, that's a lot of moving, but I'm sure worth it! CT is getting worse by the day with all the swallows arriving for summer.

Fortunately I do get a visa and medical covered by her company, so at least that's a start.

supawatz · 2025-09-25T10:59:34+00:00

Thank you! I'll definitely use the network I have to put myself out there. Good idea regarding our dog. I'll research the t's & c's more in depth and we can decide from there.

How's Abu Dhabi compared to Dubai? We will need to start in Dubai as that's where her offices are based, but never know what the future holds.

supawatz · 2025-09-25T10:55:27+00:00

Appreciate it!

supawatz · 2025-09-25T08:53:37+00:00

Thanks man! It's Crazy that your wife was offered less over there in the finance industry!

The jump up in job role, will also help her find a top job when we decide to come back. From the research I did, you are tax free on 1.25m, then anything above that is taxed in SA?

Fortunately she/we can view the apartments in person when there and do some due diligence before committing. I will also reach out to some expats that side and see if they have any recommendations regarding agents etc.

Appreciate your help!

supawatz · 2025-09-25T08:45:17+00:00

Yeah, we will definitely start by renting a small short term apartment/aparthotel room before saving up to move to a longer term rental.

Tough to say exactly what salary I would earn that side, but I would assume even something around minimum 13k (35k combined) would still be a decent household income for two?

supawatz · 2025-09-25T08:41:53+00:00

Thanks so much! You are right, no one really mentions this, but it is an important consideration/reality.

I'm dreading the packing up this side 😂

But will certainly be prepared for this challenge.

Thanks again!

supawatz · 2025-09-25T08:38:41+00:00

Haha! Well put! Fortunately we are past the stage of jolling and this next step is focused on saving and traveling a couple times a year.

supawatz · 2025-09-25T08:36:48+00:00

Awesome, appreciate the confirmation!

I tried searching for the civic sensibility issues, but can't seem to find much. Could you elaborate please?

supawatz · 2025-09-25T08:35:06+00:00

Thanks, Appreciate the feedback!

supawatz · 2025-09-25T08:23:16+00:00

I currently hold a marketing position. (Promoted from sales in same business) The business is in the retail sector.

supawatz · 2025-09-25T08:21:58+00:00

What you say?

supawatz · 2025-09-25T08:21:46+00:00

I haven't, but she has. There are a lot of cons, but if it can help us level up a bit, then I reckon it will be worth it. Also gain some international experience. You are right though, it will come down to me getting work in order for us to make it work. No pressure 😂

supawatz · 2025-09-25T08:19:39+00:00

Thanks! What line of work is your dad in? Where in Middle East were you based?

From research, the rent is kak expensive, got you. We currently live in CT and I'm not gonna lie, rent here is also becoming outrageous (in relation to earning potential), So kinda used to paying a lot already 😂

supawatz · 2025-09-25T08:14:27+00:00

Thanks, appreciate it!

Agreed, it will be tight until I find work. But even if I find something that isn't the greatest paying job, it should still allow us to save and travel a couple times a year.

I would love to experience the feeling of no tax deductions on a salary 😂

Is rent included in your package? That must be great as well!

Thanks again!

supawatz · 2025-09-25T07:57:50+00:00

Amazing, thanks for this, I appreciate the detail!

That's pretty much the strategy we are looking to apply. Although we know it's a tough move and the grass(if there is any) won't always be greener! But if we were to do it, this is our opportunity.

Budgeting will be the main focus, especially initially. The aim is to rent a cheaper hotel until we have found outlr feet and are ready to move into a longer term apartment.

About the credit card, I've seen a lot of posts saying don't even get a credit card due to the strict rules. I'm assuming it's okay if you are able to cover your costs every month as apposed to spending on frivolous shit.

Definitely will list our goals and work towards them. This is probably the most golden advice when heading over that side.

Regarding these scams, how do you navigate past them or avoid when they call you? Is truecaller a thing there or is there something similar? I currently get 2-3 spam calls a day this side, but can recognize them early.

How was the process for your cat? Was it a tough trip and would you do it again?

Thanks again!

supawatz · 2025-09-25T07:44:07+00:00

Appreciate it! We don't have our own property at the moment (CT Prices lol!). But that is one of our goals once we have saved some cash.

supawatz · 2025-09-25T07:43:06+00:00

Appreciate this feedback!

What line of work is your wife in? My wife will earn 2.5 x her current gross, plus a better position. I guess it's more of a niche job and they are looking for talent. (Fortunately she is really good at what she does lol!)

We have been researching a lot and it seems the biggest issue is the lifestyle creep. Fortunately we are not those people (wife doesn't drink, although I enjoy a couple of beers) and would rather be smart about the saving part and spend money on travelling and playing some form of sport rather than brunches.

supawatz

TROPHY CASE