FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):

• How much does the program cost and what does it include?
  By choosing clean and comfortable, but more modest hotel apartment accommodations and leaving meals to the individual travelers, we are able to offer this Umrah package at an amazing price. The packages will include airfare from US to the Jedah. All participants will stay in comfortable in hotel apartment for the duration of the tour, and there will be ground transportation throughout the tour. Entrance fees to all monuments & museums will also be included. The package price excludes (a) food and bavereges (b) tips to the Guide(s) & Driver(s), (c) airport taxes.
  
• When should I deposit & what are the payment terms?
  You should deposit a non-refundable deposit of US$200 to reserve your space as soon as possible. The balance amount must be paid prior to your scheduled Umra travel. This allows us to do the necessary arrangements. Any questions anytime please feel free to call us 310-642-0006, ext.104, (888) 978-7629 or email us at . 
  
• Why such a heavy penalty?
  Primarily to offset the liabilities that IslamiCity will be liable to the service providers; hotels, airlines & the local tour operators. 
  
• How many cities will we visit?
  We will visit 3 major places - Jeddah - Makkah and Madinah. Within each city, we will visit many other areas (see itinerary).
  
• Are women mandated to wear Hijab in Saudi Arabia?
  A short answer is yes. 
  
• What are some key Saudi cultural issues that we should be aware of?
  Men & women don't shake hands. Women for the most part wear Hijab except in downtown Jeddah and some other places. Never criticize food in front of the host, even in a restaurant. Don't get surprised to see men and women totally separated in local city buses. Bargaining is in the blood of Saudi merchants. Don't be shy to get the best deal for yourself. 
  
• What are the arrangements for daily prayers?
  While in Makkah and Madinah, we will safely assume that everyone will make an effort to pray at Masjid al Haram. As a general rule, the daily itinerary will have dedicated time allocated for congregation (Qasr) prayers for Duhr/Asr and Maghrib/Isha. Friday prayers are scheduled to be prayed in Masjid al Haram in Makkah and Madinah. 
  
• What will the accommodations be like?
  We will be staying in good quality hotel apartments with kitchen. Accommodations will be clean, pleasant and comfortable. All rooms will have four beds, one for each person in the room. 
  
• What is the meal deal?
  Meals are not included in the price.
  
• What should I pack?
  It does get hot during summer in Saudi Arabia. We suggest you pack light clothes. Few pairs of jeans with bunch of T-Shirts would in fact do. Remember that you can bring back some very good & inexpensive gifts. Make sure you've a good pair of sneakers & sun glasses. Make sure your favorite toothpaste flavor and a bottle of over-the-counter drugs, such as Tylenol, Malox etc. is handy. A camera with lots of picture rolls, preferably 36 exposures or better yet a digital camera to avoid all the hassles.  A journal diary is highly recommended. Hard case suitcases are highly recommended. For details, please see (Travel Guide).
  
• What happens when I get late & everyone is waiting for me in the bus going to wherever?
  Unless there's a (provable) legitimate reason others will not forgive you ... We suggest you try to be respectful & value the time of other participants. Bring along lots of patience, traveling is not as much fun without it!
  
• Would I stay with my best friend in the hotel?
  Chances are, yes. But if you don't for any reason, please don't sweat. Take it easy. You'll be staying with Muslim friends. It is in fact encouraged to sometimes stay with a person you don't know. This way you will make new friends and get to know other people while acquiring or sharpening the skills of traveling and living with others.
  
• What travel arrangements need to be made? Do I need a visa?
  Participants are required to mail their passport for to IslamiCity for visa purposes. IslamiCity will gather everyone's passport and get a group visa from the Consulate in Los Angeles.