Use of bottled water is preferred although most tap water is potable in the major cities. Supermarkets are well stocked with Western products. Housing for expatriate employees residing in the Kingdom is usually provided by the employer or through a housing allowance given to the employee. The major cities offer a wide variety of houses and apartments for rents considered high by U.S. metropolitan standards. The quality of health care is variable, ranging from excellent to poor depending on the region, hospital, and specialty.
Most Western expatriates find it adequate for routine care and minor surgery.
Only a few drugs available in the U.S. may not be available in Saudi Arabia. There is a good network of private American schools serving communities with a high concentration of U.S. expatriates, including all the major business and industrial centers. The schools offer only grades K-9 as Saudi Government policy requires expatriate children to receive their high school and college education outside the Kingdom. Temporary Entry of Goods Temporary entry of goods is allowed provided that a guarantee of 12 or 20 percent of the value of the goods is deposited with Saudi Customs. If the goods are meant for demonstration purposes to a Government entity, a letter from that entity is required indicating the nature and purpose of the goods.