Lifestyle changes can save money

A reader says expatriates should not spend so much on luxury items. Other topics: Sachin Tendulkar, rental contracts, customer service and the Nepal elections.

A reader says some expatriates are spending too much on luxury goods when they should be saving. 

Silvia Razgova / The National
Powered by automated translation

Big earners, small savers? (November 16) refers to expatriates splashing out on luxury lifestyles in the UAE.

I think that a majority of us are guilty of living beyond our means and spending much more than we can afford.

Among the common ways of doing this are dining out at restaurants frequently, and going shopping to keep up with the latest fads in fashion, technology and cars.

Expatriates like myself often complain that we cannot save much and spend all that we earn here in the UAE. However, it is our lifestyle that has to be changed if we wish to save.

By eating at home regularly, limiting outings and shopping sessions and not chasing the newest gadgets to keep up with the latest trends, we can save a significant amount each month.

It is just a matter of overcoming our desires.

Fatima Suhail, Dubai

Cricket will miss Sachin Tendulkar

I am writing in reference to Tendulkar's moment arrives early (November 15).

There is no dispute that Sachin Tendulkar’s name is known across the cricketing world and to all age groups.

He is a genius in cricket, and his behaviour on field has inspired both his fellow players and those who are up and coming.

There is quite a lot for newcomers to learn from Tendulkar, the only player in cricket who has never been criticised by anyone.

I extend my best wishes to the little master in his retirement.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

Questions about rental contracts

I am writing in reference to the item in Mario Volpi's Homefront advice column, Can our landlord evict us so he can move in? (November 16).

I believe the situation is similar in the United Kingdom, but I don’t know what would happen if the landlord doesn’t actually move in after you have vacated.

Elizabeth Atwell, UK

As a landlord, I will soon have to renew my tenant’s contract.

I am wondering whether I have to lodge a separate legal notice that covers the circumstances of any sale of the property, including visits by potential buyers.

RB, Dubai

Customer service is found wanting

While I am not commenting on the specific court case involved, Expatriate sent to prison for a month for calling Etisalat worker "useless" (November 13) has drawn attention to the issue of customer service in the UAE.

Take the example of my last call to a bus company to inquire and complain about a service that was running 30 minutes late. I was simply told that I shold catch the next bus.

Then there was my last call to a telecommunications provider to inquire about the nearest shop to register my SIM.

The operator read out a whole list of shops in the city centre, 45 minutes away from where I live. I later found a shop in the mall right next to my home.

What should one do when confronted with a genuine case of inadequate customer service?

I Molu, Abu Dhabi

I was charged Dh2,000 by a telecoms company for internet data usage, but the provider had failed to notify me before I exceeded my limit.

As I expected, no assistance was provided when I rang to complain – yet, within weeks, a new service was offered where customers can monitor their own data usage.

I have also discovered that one of the leading banks has a minimum of 15 minutes waiting time before it answers customer calls.

Moiz SA, Sharjah

Many hope for peace in Nepal

I was pleased to read Carter confident Nepal poll will be peaceful (November 17).

After this much-anticipated election, Nepal’s new administration will have much to do.

It must bring in some revolutionary changes, not only in the area of trade but also in tourism and foreign affairs.

Its is not just former US president Jimmy Carter who hopes for a peaceful Nepal.

The Indian government also wants it. K Ragavan, India