Monthly Archives: July 2011

Abu Dhabi Parking Fines

Posted on July 30, 2011 by | 7 Comments

I feel bad for this month because I received a total of AED 700 parking fines on numerous occasions. It is akin to throwing this amount for nothing. Honestly, it was my fault except for the latest fine of AED 200 last week. According to the ticket fine, I was penalized for not having a parking ticket.

Well, luckily I didn’t delete my sms because I knew that I paid my parking fee through my mobile for two hours before I parked my car. Gladly, the confirmation I received via sms was still in my phone. Imagine, I received the sms confirmation at 18:54 hrs and the ticket fine was made at 18:58 hrs.

So, I called the toll free number of Mawaqif (a division of Department of Transport that does the parking management in Abu Dhabi) to inquire on how to complain about my ticket fine. Unfortunately, the only way is to visit their customer service in any of the Mawaqif offices and to my dismay, I came to know that it will take one month to process any complaints.

I didn’t get the time to visit their office this week but for sure I will pass by next week. Let’s see what will happen.. I am really hoping that it is not one month process. That’s quite long, don’t you think so?

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Posted in Driving, Finances, Life in Abu Dhabi, Transpo

Ramadan 2011

Posted on July 28, 2011 by | Leave a comment

Few more days and it is Ramadan again…. It will commence either this coming Sunday, Monday or Tuesday. It depends on the sighting of the moon but one thing for sure.. We should be reminded of the do and don’ts during this period. I have written earlier few blog posts regarding Ramadan. You can click here to read more about it.

Starting Ramadan our office timing will change. It will be 8:30am – 3:30pm for non-Muslims and from 8:30am to 2:30am for Muslims. Yes, working hours will be shorter and based on my experience every Ramadan, office work seems to be less busy compared to normal days.

Anyway, Ramadan Kareem in advance to everyone..

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Posted in Life in Abu Dhabi, Ramadan

Bye-bye Credit Card.. Hello Prepaid Card

Posted on July 20, 2011 by | 2 Comments

I am quite overwhelmed today morning when I called my bank to cancel my last credit card. It is really an achievement for me considering that at the peak I had 5 credit cards on my wallet which later I realized was not a wise decision at all.

One of the reasons that I hang on to saving one credit card in my wallet is its usefulness in online purchases and transactions. Let’s face it. We need at least one credit card to do online transactions like purchasing your domain name or airline tickets.

So when I discovered the prepaid card of National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) last week, I was delighted.

Very eager to know about its features and benefits, I inquired and days later applied for it. I see it as an excellent option to keep me away from any spiraling debts and be in control with my finances.

So, what are its features and benefits?

 The NBAD prepaid card works like a debit card but can be used as well for online purchases. All you have to do is to fund the NBAD prepaid visa card and it is ready to use like online shopping.

 Applying for it is very easy. I just went in Khalidiya Branch. I completed the registration form and presented my driving license. Any ID will do. Then an initial deposit is required. The minimum deposit is AED 100 and the bank charges AED 10 for the first deposit. The fee for the subsequent deposits will be AED 5 per deposit.

After an hour, I left the bank with the NBAD prepaid visa card on my hand though activation is done within 24 hours.

Balance inquiry can be done through the ATM machines of NBAD or though online.  

To learn more about this product, click it here.  

Don’t get me wrong.. I am not paid to write about this product. I am just happy to share that this option is available and I personally believe that it is an excellent choice especially for those (like me) who are working on improving their financial health.

I think AED 5 deposit fee is very minimal comparing to paying an interest or late payment fees for not being able to fully settle their credit card bills every due date.

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Posted in Banks, Bills, Finances, Frugal Tips, Reviews

Generous Recipient of Second Hand Books

Posted on July 10, 2011 by | 2 Comments

This is quite an overdue post really. I should have posted this earlier but anyway it is better to be late than never.

Earlier this year I posted about second hand books then in mid May I received a message from a guy who happened to stumble on my blog. At first, I had an impression that he was looking for a buyer of second hand books but as we exchanged emails I came to know that he was giving it away.

It was not a lot of books around 15 pieces, a collection of fantasy series of Steven Erikson and some fiction books.

Days later, we agreed to meet in a petrol station so he could hand over the books. I met him for few minutes and perhaps had the chance to talk only for 2 minutes. I came to know that he was leaving the country for good and wanted to give the books.

Honestly, I was really overwhelmed by his kindness and generosity. I appreciated his effort to call me and carry the box of books to my car.

As I really didn’t have the chance to know him better, I wish him to know how thankful I was. It was not only about the books but the effort he made to give out those books to me.

A million thanks Frans!

 

P.S  Just to let you know that I am still a willing recipient of books in case you want to get rid of it soon… LOL!

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Posted in Books, Life in Abu Dhabi

Recommended Accommodation Arrangement for New Comers in Abu Dhabi

Posted on July 5, 2011 by | Leave a comment

A Canadian who is expected to come for work in Abu Dhabi in the next few weeks contacted me through my blog and asked for information regarding accommodation and the general cost of living in UAE. Also, a colleague of mine who recently joined our team is on the lookout for accommodation.

I think accommodation is a major challenge when moving to a new country or place specially if it is your first time and you know no one in the city. Some considerate companies do provide temporary housing to their newly recruit employees ranging from 2 weeks to one month.

However, others leave that obligation on your shoulder.

Each of us has different preference when it comes to accommodation. You may prefer to live in the heart of the city bearing the congestion for the purpose of convenience while others wish to stay away from the city to enjoy spacious house, lawn or parking area.

For fresh comers in Abu Dhabi who are not provided with temporary accommodation, I personally suggest to opt for hotel apartments for a month at least until you get acquainted with the city and there are various hotel apartments in the city which offer affordable monthly rates.

The reason I am recommending this arrangement is because Abu Dhabi is expanding. Residential areas are spread out ranging from the flats located in the city and villas that are mostly situated outside the city proper like Khalifa City, Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Mussaffa, among others. And take note, rentals in these areas are cheaper compared to the one in the cities.

Also, renting villas and apartments are usually based annually and generally it requires advance full payment or 3-4 checks advance payments.  So before you settle in your new house or flat for a certain period of time, then I think it is best to have the feel of the city and your new office first to make the right choice.

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Posted in Accommodation, Life in Abu Dhabi