Sorting out the banking situation

Greetings everyone!

Since today is my second day off (1st without other plans), I'm trying to get more of my checklist done. That's definitely easier said than done as my bed has been calling my name all day long. It is especially hard not that I've found this Harry Potter marathon on Freeform. LOL. Such is life.

Well, I did manage to write the post about our legal documents. Yay! Then I needed to call my bank, Regions, to find out about international wire transfers. Got that done too!! Woohoo, I'm on a roll.

Here's the details on that phone call.

I can transfer money from my NBAD account (National Bank of Abu Dhabi) for a fee of course. Incoming transfers are $18 each (from Abu Dhabi, UAE to Alabama, USA). Outgoing transfers  are $45 each (from Alabama, USA to Abu Dhabi, UAE). The exchange rate changes daily based on the market. Today's exchange rate is:

After 5:00 rolled around, I realized I forgot to ask if the wire transfers could be done via my online banking account. Other than that the process seems simple enough, but I wonder if I can find cheaper fees at another bank or credit union.

That's next on the list. I guess I'll do that on Monday.

Until next time...


Happy Days!
-Ashley

Preparing our Legal Documents

Hello to all!

I've come to the point in my checklist where I am ready to take care of Kevin (the hubby) and I's legal documents. I've managed to complete our Last Will & Testaments. Surprisingly, it was pretty simple. I found a free template online, and just filled it in with our information. I had to tweak a few sections due to our individual needs, but for the most part, I didn't have to think hard at all.

My next step is to research whether or not living wills, also known as advanced health care directives, are needed since we're still young and don't have any debilitating conditions or terminal diagnoses. I found a free template just in case it is something we need.


Until next time...

Happy Days!
-Ashley

YouTube is Awesome!

I've had a great time the past few days exploring videos related to Abu Dhabi on YouTube. Well, I found a couple of videos that might interest you as well.

First, here's a video of what my apartment could look like. This person is in a suburb of Abu Dhabi. The accommodations vary greatly depending on what region one is place in (Abu Dhabi City/suburbs, Al Ain, and Al Gharbia-sometimes referred to as the Western region).

Next, here's a video of a person's experience flying over to Abu Dhabi. What's cool about this video is he shows a glimpse of what his hotel room looks like.

Here's an example of an apartment/flat in the Al Ain region.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find an example in the western region. Sorry.

Overall, it looks like Kevin and I could be placed in any of the 3 regions as we don't have any children, yet... Most people with children are placed in Abu Dhabi City or Al Ain. Singles and couples can be placed anywhere. If I had to choose, I think I'd vote for Al Ain or Abu Dhabi City. The western region has less to offer as far as entertainment/things to do are concerned. I plan to have an active life. It would be nice to be within a short drive or walking distance to those type of things.

Until next time...


Happy Days! -Ashley

Documents Submitted!

The day has finally come. I submitted my documents on April 17, 2016. Today, I received an email telling me that my docs have finally been submitted to ADEC! I'm so happy! This is a weight lifted off my shoulders!

Now, the REAL waiting begins, and I need to really get busy on my checklist. August 2016 will be here before I know it. I'm truly hoping to start my journey on time; however, I'm prepared for the worst. I'll keep you posted as I trudge through these next steps!


Happy Days! -Ashley