New members of the Papua New Guinea forum, introduce yourself here

Me too, please feel free to contact me at anytime.
Steve

Hi ,there is a new muslim in papua new Gania but he is fare away from the mosque in the Capital and he don't know any muslims so that he can learn how to pray from him.  He is from Tabubil , papua New Guinea. So if any muslim live near to him just please reply on me.

Are you muslim or know any muslims live near to Tabubil , papua New Guinea

Are you muslim or know any muslims live near to Tabubil , papua New Guinea

If you are muslim or know any muslims live near to Tabubil , papua New Guinea please reply me.

Are you muslim and from Papua New Guinea?

I seriously doubt if there are muslims living in the Star mountains which is where Tabubil is located.  Kiunga is the nearest town. I have lived in both Kiunga and Tabubil and have never seen any muslims there. 

It is a remote location.

Hi All,

I just came across this blog/forum while looking for some information regarding Expat laws in Papua New Guinea and became really interested with the topics. I have been here in PNG since 2010 and officially started working in 2011. Since then, I worked with 2 companies already. My hubby is also working as a Security Manager while I work in shipping operations.

Have a top arvo everyone

Hi All,

I am considering a new job in Lae on a 3 yr contract - my wife will be coming with me. I am Australian and my wife is from NZ originally.

Would really appreciate any information on Lae, what the town is really like, what to do both socially and activity-wise, what we should bring, are there any ex-pat community groups, any specific advice on what to do and not to do etc ...

Cheers and thanks in advance for any info or tips

Hi David and Penny

I have recently started an expat role based in Lae  (been here almost 3 months now) so happy to provide some feedback.

Am from NZ myself, and although Lae not like NZ and Australia in terms of freedom and activities, there's enough to keep yourself entertained when not working. There's golf, tennis, and squash. And once you get to meet a few expats, you get invites from time to time to go out on their boats  (some of big launches) for fishing  (trawling - marlin, tuna, etc) or to Salamoua  (really nice beach, awesome snorkeling,  etc) - local village at Salamoua also you can walk around without the security risks of Lae. Socially there's the golf club and yatch club, and events on regularly at each.

It's really what you make of it.

Security wise, it's not as bad as the press it gets. As long as you're smart and aware of your surroundings. The biggest challenge is getting used to roads. Lots of potholes, particularly on road from Lae to airport. But they are concreting  the roads so they will be OK in time. Hopefully your company got suitable arrangements as you need security to transport you to / from airport as if car jacking going to happen, it's that road where it would most likely occur. That said, I've found it OK to live and work here, and had no issues so far.

Good your wife is coming. Can get lonely being away from family for long stretches if not. My wife and 9 year old boy came up for a week recently, and are now seriously looking at moving up next year.

Other thing to keepbjn mind is good is to get out to Australia / NZ or other similar location at least every 3 months or so. Otherwise can go a little troppo!! Not having access to all the stuff you take for granted back home.

Let me know if need any further information.

Cheers
Dave

Thanks Dave - we really appreciate you taking the time to provide us with this info, it's been very helpful

Just wondering what the Internet standard is like and if Skype/FaceTime is expensive - Penny is not planning on coming up until after 4-6 mths

Thanks

David

Hi David

Internet is variable. Sometimes OK,  sometimes poor. Skype can be a challenge so patience is essential as will freeze regularly. I'm not sure of price, as my company provides a portable WiFi device for its expats. If you don't get this, would recommend skyping from work. Time in PNG is same as Australia but 3 hours behind NZ so that can be a challenge calling home early enough for me so not too late back home for family.

Cheers
Dave

Hi Everyone,

Good day n hope u r all well. I m Hassan from Pakistan n work for Technology sector. I have been offered a position for 2 years contract at Port Moresby, PNG. I m totally confused to accept this offer after reading alot bad about PNG in over different forums on internet. So really need a quick sincere advice to take my decision based on current situation at Port Moresby / PnG.
My company is willing to provide me furnished  accommodation (utilities not covered), transport to and from work n medical plus return tickets n a decent salary. Please advise me on the following at Port Moresby?
1) Are there super stores n vegetable stores?
2) How much utilities cost (Electricity / Water/ Heating/Gas). Does Port Moresby has power cuts?
3)Is it easy to find halal food as i m Muslim?
4) Is it safe if i will bring in my wife there n she will stay at home?
5) How i can find Expat communities / clubs?
6) Are there any specific Pakistani / Indian / Muslim communities.
7) Is there any fitness center?
8) Are there good specialist doctors available?
9)How much will it cost for the living of two in terms of daily living (Food plus personal care) 
10) Is Internet connection good to be available at home on which skype is possible, whats the package n its price?
11) Are there any satellite channels available, if yes, which company n whats the monthly rent?
12) My company is saying that i need to call company to go out n they will provide me security assistance n car whenever i need to go out even for grocery, is it bad to go out all alone  or is it just prevention of something bad?

Thank you n really N looking forward to quick sincere advice from fellow mates please. Apologies for these whole lot of questions. God bless all.
Regards,
Hasssn

Hi Hasssn,

I don't live in Moresby, but I am moving there in about 2 weeks for work. I have visited however, prior to accepting my new role and I can answer a few of your questions based on my experience when I visited.

1) Are there super stores n vegetable stores?
We went to a large supermarket near the main Harbour. It was quite modern, and I was told many expats prefer it for their shopping. They had a great selection of fruits and vegetables also.

2) How much utilities cost (Electricity / Water/ Heating/Gas). Does Port Moresby has power cuts?
I'm not sure about the cost, will obviously vary depending on your usage. Moresby does have frequent power cuts I'm told though and as such people use a UPS for computers to help protect them. Some properties have generators also.

4) Is it safe if i will bring in my wife there n she will stay at home?
I will be bringing my wife and 2 young children. I don't feel that they will be unsafe. There are lots of places like the Yacht Club which they will be able to go to during the day, which are all fenced and secure. There are lots of expats wives (and husbands) in Moresby.

5) How i can find Expat communities / clubs?
The people you work with will likely point them out to you when your there. The Yacht Club is a popular club for expats though.

7) Is there any fitness center?
There is a gym at the Yacht Club.

9)How much will it cost for the living of two in terms of daily living (Food plus personal care) 
numbeo.com/cost-of-living/ is a good site to get an idea of the costs associated

12) My company is saying that i need to call company to go out n they will provide me security assistance n car whenever i need to go out even for grocery, is it bad to go out all alone  or is it just prevention of something bad?
I don't believe it is bad to go out alone, however depending on where you live, and if you have no car you may not want to be just walking around. My work will be providing me a car so I will be doing my shopping etc with that, I'm sure if you bought your own car you will be able to travel around to the different clubs as you please.

I hope that helps, and that my information is correct. Hopefully some other users will be able to assist you further.

Hi Hasssn,

We have been here 4 months now. I agree with Aatuti. There are many nice shopping stores and even a mall here. You can buy most things you want, including electronics and some luxury items, although they are expensive compared to America.  The fresh foods are great and most things are available in the stores including meat and vegs.  Fresh produce is cheaper in the street markets, but you don't want to go alone.

I am told there is 1 mosque in PNG and it is in Port Moresby, so there is a Muslim community here, although i am not sure how big.  I work for a Christian NGO so I am not familiar with any Muslim families.

There are a number of safe places for the family togo, including the Nature park and Adventure land and a nice little seaside resort about 30 minutes outside of Port Moresby where you can swim in the ocean relax and get meals and refreshments.

Safety is always an issue, however we have relaxed quite abit since we got here and regularly shop and do business in town without problems.  You just need to stay aware and pay attention, and avoid some areas altogether.  Otherwise parts of POM are relatively safe to go shopping without worry.  If your company provides a driver and security take them up on it.  You probably won't have any problems at all.

I hope this helps.  You can always contact me before or after you arrive.
Steve

Unless your company pays for it, you will probably have to buy prepaid cellular data. I use a 3g data stick from Digicel. They recently increased the amount of data you get.  It used to cost about $27 Aussi for 900 MB of data.They recently changed it to 1.5 GB for $27. They do have business plans and satellite however they are pretty expensive.

Steve

For cost of living try  -  numbeo.com

Thank u so much aatuti for detailed response. It is certainly of great help. Feeling lot comfortable now

Thank u so much Steve for providing details. It is certainly of great help to take my decision  now )

stumpy wrote:

For cost of living try  -  numbeo.com

Thanks stumpy

Hi fys,
I am Benjamin Nakra, recently graduated from PNG university of natural resources and environment on 29th of march 2014.  I have studied Batchelor in Tropical Agriculture. I have graduated with a degress in tropical Agriculture. 

Good Day to all Blog Members,

I currently reside in Gauteng, South Africa and been involved the packaging industry. Been offered a Sales Manager's post with a large packaging company in LAE. Been offered housing/car and will come through on the ex pats deal
Will be flying around the 7/12 for final round of interviews and also to see what LAE is all about.

This is a huge decision for my spouse and myself as we have everything going well for us in SA.
I think it's time for a change and also look forward to a new challenge.

So, what can we expect, i have read most of the blogs and seem to understand how things work and the do's and dont's.
Up until now the company has not mentioned what the package will be but they do have copies of my current package / salary details that I earn in SA, what can I expect in a senior role and what should I know before i get there and negotiate a package

ODT wrote:

Good Day to all Blog Members,

I currently reside in Gauteng, South Africa and been involved the packaging industry. Been offered a Sales Manager's post with a large packaging company in LAE. Been offered housing/car and will come through on the ex pats deal
Will be flying around the 7/12 for final round of interviews and also to see what LAE is all about.

This is a huge decision for my spouse and myself as we have everything going well for us in SA.
I think it's time for a change and also look forward to a new challenge.

So, what can we expect, i have read most of the blogs and seem to understand how things work and the do's and dont's.
Up until now the company has not mentioned what the package will be but they do have copies of my current package / salary details that I earn in SA, what can I expect in a senior role and what should I know before i get there and negotiate a package

Hi ODT and welcome to the forum

Good idea to take along a copy of your current package as you would not want to take anything less, in fact you would want more.
For salary try www.payscale.com 

Cost of living is high there as goods are imported.
For cost of living www.numbeo,.com 

Make sure that the accommodation is secure and they company pay for electricity etc or pay an allowance to cover these.  Some pay a food allowance too.
You also need the company to offer a comprehensive medical cover for you and your wife. 

Good luck and keep us informed.

Thank you for the prompt reply, will note the comments and advice. Will look forward to comments from others.

When is housing is offered, do these come furnished or unfurnished?
In LAE, do they have places of worship like churches?
In Summer, what is high's and humidity level and in winter, what are lows?

Regards,

ODT

Most accommodation has basic furniture in it but check with company about this. I would ask for furnished accommodation.
There are churches in Lae.

Go online for weather information.

HI I am vishal from India Mumbai and got a job offer from Inter Oil corporation from Port Moreseby.

Can you tell me how is the place? Should I move there or not? how about the cost of living? other things in your mind which i must know before accepting the offer from them?

Can you email me some detials?






Regards,

Vishal Ambaliya

Process Engineer

vishalambaliya at yahoo dot co dot in

+91 9022855665/9819655665

vishalambaliya wrote:

HI I am vishal from India Mumbai and got a job offer from Inter Oil corporation from Port Moreseby.

Can you tell me how is the place? Should I move there or not? how about the cost of living? other things in your mind which i must know before accepting the offer from them?

Can you email me some detials?






Regards,

Vishal Ambaliya

Process Engineer

vishalambaliya at yahoo dot co dot in

+91 9022855665/9819655665

Welcome to the forum 

I suggest you read through the many posts on the forum regarding living in PNG.

For cost of living www.numbeo.com

Good day!

I'm Camille here. Just arrived last Sunday here in png. My husband is working as a chef in kerema. I'm just holding a tourist visa now coz he wanted me to come over here and left my work at Singapore. Any idea on how to apply for a new job here or any agency woukd help me!?is it possible? I'm into a hospitality industry with 7yrs experience.

You can email [email protected]

It would really a big help. Thanks much!!!

Hi Camille,
welcome to PNG.
Just see the Newspapers The National & Post Courier. They show plenty vacancy for jobs.
Port Moresby might be having better options than Kerema.

Uttam.

Thanks a lot. Yeah I'm planning to apply at moresby. My husband can go moresby twice a month so i think it would not a problem.

Hopefully I can look for one. Thanks

Hi,

in PNG there are a lot of Indians to help you out. The place is good and life is not in fast lane as in India.
what is your job offer?
you can reach me at facebook.
Uttam Tripathi.

Thanks,

hi Camelli,
Good Philipino community here  in Port Moresby.
By the way what kind of work you are luking for?

Hello

Any work will do..I'm not really choosy when it comes to work. I have an experienced in f & b industry. Admin and human resources also. But my recent work experiences is more on hospitality industry....

Good day to all 

I enjoy staying in PNG - simple lifestle. Am very grateful also to have worked in your country.

Im interested to continue my expertise in Training.

Hi Uttam,
Arevu living in India or PNG?
Need your Facebook ID or Mail I'd.
Mine is sobhan06 at gmail dot com.

Regards
K.Sobhan

Hello,
My name is Helmi and I'm exploring the possibility of an expat assignment in Port Moresby. I have a young family - 3 kids aged 9 yrs, 5 yrs and 0.7 yrs.

Wanted to find out a bit more what it's like over there. In particular, how are the international schools over there? Is it fairly safe for an infant in terms of health care? Do any of you know if there is an active Muslim community and whether halal food is available.

How large is the Malaysian community in POM? I don't want to confine relationships to only Malaysians but as you all probably know, it helps to reach out to folks with similar cultural and religious backgrounds when going to a new place.

I look forward to any contacts you may have, especially for my wife so that she may get answers to some of her personal questions.

I've read most of the responses in the forum, so understand at the macro-level. However, I look forward to your responses especially from those in similar circumstances. 

Thanks and regards,
Syed Helmi

Salam Helmi,
Port Moresby, the national capital, is relatively safe compared to the industrial city of Lae. The foreign media has always exagerated issues here but you must always be aware of your surroundings. Where you live is also important and rental is extremely expensive in the 24 hr guarded compound. My wife and I have been living in Port Moresby for almost 3 years and we do counter minor robberies. On the positive side, the locals are friendly people with colourful cultures. In term of social life, there are 2 clubs here including a yatch club, and a golf club but do not compare them with those in Malaysia in terms of service and facilities. There is a sizable international community but mainly Australians.   There is a small Malaysian expatriate community and many Malaysian businesses which are mainly in the timber, construction and restaurant business. There is a large mosque in town and you can quite easily obtain halal beef and lamb from the supemarket. There are no halal restaurants per se. As for international schools, locals make up the most students. Standards in primary private schools are acceptable but the secondary schools are quite a challenge. Most expatriates send their children to Australia, Singapore or even Malaysia where the quality of private education is much better. I hope my feedback is useful. You are most welcome to call me at 0192149808 when I am back in Malaysia a short xmas break.

Rusland,
Thanks so much for your prompt response. I will definitely get in touch again especially if my assignment becomes a certainty..

Helmi

Rusland,
I am currently in PoM for a business trip until Jan 16. Any chance we can meet up to chat? I'm staying  at Gateway hotel. Appreciate if you could share your contact details with me at [email protected]