The Basic Don'ts (How To Survive In Saudi Arabia)

Every country has its culture to be followed and to be valued. And these cultures are comprised of customs, traditions, rituals, practices, beliefs, religions, events, and qualities that characterized their difference with others.

Living here in Saudi Arabia is not unusual, because like living in the Philippines we have our own culture and traditions that are being followed by everyone. But living in the most conservative country in the world will put you through a culture shock that will literally shock you to make a 180 degree turn - clockwise, counter-clockwise, repeat 3x! Your patience and understanding will be tried and your sanity questioned. However, we Filipinos are known for being chameleons. Having gone under influences of different cultures since time immemorial, we learned to adapt to changes and to turn challenges into stepping stones for progress. So... when confronted with Saudi Arabia's oddities, take a deep breath, utter a quick prayer and chant, "Kaya ko 'to!"

Keep this in mind: "Hindi pwedeng maging siga dito sa disyerto dahil kung hindi, sa kulungan ang bagsak mo! Kaya sanayan na lang!" ["Do not be a bully in this desert because if you are, you'll land in jail! Learn to adjust!"] Remember that you're the visitor or the guest in their country so it will be really helpful to prep yourself.

So, for all you Filipinos planning to visit and work in the Kingdom, we're providing some of the basic Don’ts that we think can help you in surviving this undulating, unforgiving desert.

WARNING: This list contains some images that are quite disturbing. You have also probably read these rules before. This just goes to show how important it is to follow them. Seriously.

1. Do not bring and eat PORK.

Bringing in and eating pork and pork products is a no-no in Saudi Arabia because of their religion. The prohibition is stated in their Holy Qu'ran. So before you go here, stuff yourself silly with lechon, pork sisig, bacon, and dinuguan so you'll not miss them. They will not be found here. Also, do not be pasaway in bringing in canned pork products. Yes, that includes pork and beans (even if the pork is not visible most of the time)! Be prepared to eat chicken, beef, fish, chicken, beef, fish. Feel free to alter the sequence weekly.

2. Do not drink alcohol.

Unlike in other countries where consumption of alcohol is acceptable, here in Saudi Arabia it is prohibited. Drinking of beer or any kind of alcoholic drinks (wine, spiked beverages, etc.) is forbidden. In other words, huwag dalhin ang pagiging sunog-baga dito sa Saudi Arabia! If you know you're an alcoholic yet you're bound to go here, prepare yourself for a gut-wrenching withdrawal process. If you're an average drinker, then start drowning yourself with beer days before your flight. You will really miss it. And oh, avoid asking for alcoholic beverages in the plane okay? You're not supposed to arrive drunk! (Well, alcoholic beverages might not be available on their menu anyway, beh!)

3. Do not practice your own religion.

photo credit: http://www.sweden.se

Unless you are Muslim, you cannot practice your religion here. Saudi Arabia is the seat of Islam. The two holy cities of Mecca and Madina are found here. This country has a population of 20 million and all of them are Muslims so please, avoid practicing your religion outright. We know most Filipinos are devout Catholics and we practice our faith by going to mass, making the sign of the cross, praying the rosary, celebrating sacraments and holidays, etc. but we cannot freely do these here. First and foremost, there are no churches and priests around. There are other ways of showing our devotion. After all, worshipping and praying can be done within ourselves. It just takes the heart and the soul to do it. He will understand.

4. Do not bring illegal drugs.

photo credit: http://www.photobucket.com

Of course illegal drugs are prohibited anywhere but just be extremely cautious here in Saudi Arabia. If you are caught with illegal drugs, it will cost you your life. You can choose between beheading and life imprisonment. Sounds fun, yes? So please, if you value your life and your family's lives, do not have anything to do with illegal drugs. For first-timers, be cautious of people in the airport who will make pasuyo in bringing in items for them. Who knows what's inside that envelope or gadget box? Say "no" politely or come up with an excuse such as "Ermn, my luggage is already full" or "Sorry, I'm really paranoid with stuff I didn't pack myself. That might lead me to trouble" and eye the item suspiciously.

5. Do not engage in PDA.

photo credit: http://blog.thestar.com

Married or not, avoid showing public displays of affection. It extremely irritates the muttawas. Yep, it's better to be livid and boring than be romantic and passionate... in prison, and apart. So control those lovey-dovey emotions while shopping, doing the grocery, strolling, picnicking, etc. Reserve them for the comfort of your homes. Yes, KJ na kung KJ! But, holding hands is acceptable for married couples. Okay na yan kesa wala? :P

6. Do not bring pornographic materials with you.

Hold it in guys, hold it in. If you are caught having or bringing films, magazines, photographs or other materials that contain sexually explicit materials, you'll face imprisonment. Better to leave your stash of FHMs and Maxim in the Philippines, boys. It's also advisable that when bringing in USBs, laptops, DVDs, and hard disks in the country, erase all photos and videos that might be deemed "pornographic" like your summer photos in Galera where you were wearing your fantabulous swimsuit while sunbathing or photos and videos of you smooching your bf/gf (that you wished to become a scandal of some sort in Pinas). They randomly check this stuff in the airport and who knows, baka ikaw ang maswerteng mapili for the day!

7. Do not mix and match.

Simply put, guys and girls who are not related in any way cannot be seen together in public. Oh yeah, even if you're related like being brother-sister or cousins, you cannot still be together in public. Do not mingle. Avoid making too much eye contact. Married women must be in the company of their husbands and single ladies must be accompanied by their fathers/sponsors when going out. Mostly, nurses go out through their company's transpo services but they must at all times be with women companions only. In going out, women must only be driven around by their designated drivers aka and husbands.

8. Do not engage in pre-marital fornication.

photo credit: Aexton

Obviously, we're trying to be modest in saying "fornication" when all we want to say is premarital sex. This is a rule for all of us everywhere but of course, we have different stands and views on pre-marital sex. It's just that here in Saudi, your views on it don't matter. When caught engaging in pre-marital fornication, you'll be punished with up to 100 lashes. And when you're single and you accidentally got pregnant, consider yourself doomed. Or okay maybe not as long as you leave the country pronto. But if not, you'll have a hard time giving birth in the hospitals here (and manghihilots are not that easy to find).

Committing adultery is a different matter but we just want to say that if caught, you'll be stoned to death. As in. Stoning is as old as time but believe it or not, they still practice it today. (This is Saudi Arabia so you better believe!)

9. Do not forget to wear the abaya when going out.

photo credit: http://www.nowpublic.com

This is their take on being dressed modestly... by covering yourself up! So ladies, please do not forget to wear the black overgarment when leaving the house. We know the urge to dress fashionably and all but let's follow their rules mmmkay? After all, we chose to be here, so we chose to adhere to their rules. Besides, just seeing how the religious police enforce the dress code will make you hide literally. Wear the tarha (veil) as well. Just think of this as a challenge. How can you strut your stuff and be fashionable while wearing the abaya?! Hmn, tough stuff? We Pink Tarha girls don't think so! Kahit na ano pa ang damit mo, nasa pagdadala lang yan.

10. Do not drive.

photo credit: http://www.theglobalvoice.com

We're talking to females here. Saudi Arabia is the only country on earth where women are not allowed to drive. It has always been a great debate why and when this right should be given so while they're at it, let's not drive. Besides, if you see how some maniacs men drive here, you'll be grateful for this law. But of course, it will be great if women are given the right to decide for ourselves if we want to drive or not.

Respecting one’s culture is so basic, it shouldn't even be discussed but if you're a new member of a society like Saudi Arabia, you need to be extra respectful and cautious. Learn to adapt and adjust. Be prepared! Ignorance is not an excuse. Besides, their culture is already established even before we were born so DEAL WITH IT!

Surviving here doesn't really require you to OUTWIT, OUTPLAY, OUTLAST. You just have to BE SMART, BEEF UP, and ADJUST!

This is the fourth of the Life Line Series. For other guidelines, click here.