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Lifestyle and living cost in PNG


#1  2011-01-08 10:39:05

udaymore76
New member
From: Port Moresby
Registered: 2011-01-08
Posts: 3

Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

I would like to know about the lifestyle and living cost in PNG.




 
 
 

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#2  2011-01-25 07:48:50

BeaAmaya
Member
BeaAmaya
From: Port Moresby
Registered: 2011-01-18
Posts: 13

Re: Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

Hmm...that's quite an open-ended question and one that's difficult to answer. I believe that the answer to both is "it depends".

The lifestyle that I enjoy here is relatively quiet, but I came from a small Texas town so it's not so different for me. I am a bit of a workaholic and enjoy those that I work with, so I do not feel that I suffer, socially. If I had to guess, my 20-something daughters would find it confining and boring, while my sons-in-law would probably find enough here to entertain them as there are enough of others in their age group and job categories to form some friendships.

The living costs as compared to my small Texas town are really high. Housing, food, and electronics are higher than I expected. However, the same could be said about my visits to Australia...much higher than I expected. On the other hand, with no movie theatres, shopping malls, large electronics stores, or music venues, I spend nothing on entertainment here and not much on "incidentals". So, overall, I spend less here than I do back home.

Probably not the answers you wanted, but I thought I would throw them out there anyway. Good luck with whatever you are trying to do with the info. :-)




 
 
 

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#3  2011-02-05 06:45:13

CainRespect
New member
From: Manila
Registered: 2011-02-05
Posts: 3

Re: Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

Hi there Ms. Bea, can you enlighten me about paying taxes in PNG?  How much exactly is the tax an expat needs to pay from his monthly salary for instance?

Godbless you Ms. B!   :-)




 
 
 

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#4  2011-02-05 07:42:50

BeaAmaya
Member
BeaAmaya
From: Port Moresby
Registered: 2011-01-18
Posts: 13

Re: Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

Oh no. I'm afraid I'm not going to be any help at all on this one. The arrangement I have with my company is that they pay all of the PNG taxes for me...I don't have to deal with that. Of course, I have to pay US taxes myself.

Sorry I wasn't any help. Perhaps someone else will jump in with a reply.




 
 
 

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#5  2011-02-05 10:34:01

CainRespect
New member
From: Manila
Registered: 2011-02-05
Posts: 3

Re: Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

No worries Ms. B.  Your company is cool for taking care of the taxes.  :-)

Thanks and have a great day.




 
 
 

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#6  2011-03-08 13:47:12

amydz
New member
From: Houston
Registered: 2011-03-08
Posts: 2

Re: Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

Hi BeaAmaya,

We're looking at coming over to PNG at the end of the year.  We're coming from Houston, so just a friendly Texas hi to you.  :-)

Amy




 
 
 
 

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#7  2011-03-08 13:54:38

BeaAmaya
Member
BeaAmaya
From: Port Moresby
Registered: 2011-01-18
Posts: 13

Re: Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

Thanks for the friendly greeting, Amy! I hope you'll be sure and let me know when you guys arrive. I would love to hear a good ole' Texas drawl again! :-)




 
 
 

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#8  2011-03-20 16:40:04

vsuresh2000
New member
From: BALTIMORE,MD
Registered: 2011-03-20
Posts: 2

Re: Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

Hi BeaAmaya,

How are u ? Live in North-East US.

Is the Visa on arrival still exists in PNG ? if so what is the validity?

Can u elighten me .

Spring has started here.

Cheers,
Suresh V.




 
 
 

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#9  2011-03-20 23:41:48

BeaAmaya
Member
BeaAmaya
From: Port Moresby
Registered: 2011-01-18
Posts: 13

Re: Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

Hi Suresh,
Yes, Visa on Arrival is still widely used here and seems to be an effective, even preferred, method of getting in. There are a couple of things to consider, however. First, there are some countries prohibited from using the system. For example, we are bringing a Colombian national in this week and it has taken us nearly 6 weeks to arrange for the visa...VoA is not allowed for people from Colombia. Second, if there is anything at all wrong with the process or your paperwork--from not enough blank pages in your passport to the banking system at the airport being down--you will not be allowed past the gate. I used VoA EVERY time I came into the country during the first several months here (now I have a work visa) with no problem at all.
Good luck!
Bea




 
 
 

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#10  2011-05-06 13:03:39

Aze PNG
New member
From: Manila
Registered: 2011-05-05
Posts: 3

Re: Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

Hi everyone,

I got an offer from PNG. What should be a reasonable salary to sustain a reasonable lifestyle? Reasonable lifestyle for me is eating all foods that I want, can buy a car because I am not use to public transport, can save atleast AUD1,500 per month after all basic expenses such as food, lodging, telephone, clothing,etc., can visit new fancy places every weekend. Your inputs would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.




 
 
 
 

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#11  2011-05-06 13:13:56

Christine
Administrator
Christine
From: grand baie
Registered: 2008-09-29
Posts: 23594

Re: Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

Hi Aze PNG,

Welcome on Expat-blog! smile

I hope other members will be able to advise you.

If you have more questions, i suggest you to start a new discussion on the Papua New Guinea forum.

Thank you and good luck.




 
 
 
 

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#12  2011-05-12 11:48:48

CainRespect
New member
From: Manila
Registered: 2011-02-05
Posts: 3

Re: Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

Hi there again.  I'm concerned about health and safety in PNG.  I heard that we are to be escorted as soon as we arrive in the airport and before we leave the plane, we are to put insect repellent. Is malaria in PNG really that rampant?  And are there places in PNG that are considered like 'danger zone'? 

Thanks for the info.
God bless




 
 
 

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#13  2011-05-12 12:00:59

udaymore76
New member
From: Port Moresby
Registered: 2011-01-08
Posts: 3

Re: Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

Hi Beamaya,
Thanks for the information. Now I am in PNG working with BCJV for PNG LNG PROJECT.

Regards,
Uday More




 
 
 

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#14  2011-05-20 13:24:33

spares
New member
From: port moresby
Registered: 2011-05-14
Posts: 1

Re: Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

Hi there , if anyone can help it would be much appreciated-  my husband is considering taking a position in Port Morsby that would mean moving myself , my 5yr old daughter and twin 3yr old boys over. Alot of the information i've gleaned so far seems to be dominated by the Rascols, lack of infrastructure and maleria. Can anyone advise me on the realities of raising a family in Port Morsby and their experiences.  Any information would be greatly appreciated.
A mum needing reassurance..




 
 
 

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#15  2011-05-20 14:20:17

Christine
Administrator
Christine
From: grand baie
Registered: 2008-09-29
Posts: 23594

Re: Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

Welcome to Expat-blog spares! smile




 
 
 
 

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#16  2011-05-25 06:15:06

wagarland
Member
wagarland
From: Lae
Registered: 2011-05-05
Posts: 20

Re: Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

Port Moresby is full of big city amenities compared to Lae (where I live) and we have many families here.  No, you won't get movie theaters or big shopping malls in POM, but you have a choice of international schools, decent shopping, good restaurants and many more safe places to go and hang out than Lae.  It's all what you make of it.  I go to POM for a treat!

Malaria is all about prevention.  You only need to be concerned at dawn and dusk, and just spray yourself down before going out.  I've yet to have it, but I spray myself whenever I go out during those times.  I've never had it, but the other American on campus with me here has several times.  If you think you have it, get tested quickly and take the drugs and you'll be fine.  It's not pleasant, but it's manageable.  Certainly not a reason not to come.  I'll tell you that some companies just make a big deal out of everything.  Anti-malaria drugs, Guard Dog only transport, no getting off compounds.  It's not the life I'd want to live and I wouldn't find that fun.  I drive around and do what I need to do to live in PNG. 

As far as raskols, just be aware of your surroundings, and be smart.  This is the case for any city, but particularly in PNG.  I find mixing both with expatriates and with Papua New Guineans to be the secret to staying safe.  Also learning just a bit of Tok Pigin helps to find local people to watch after you!  I also feed the security guards! smile

You can follow my crazy Lae blog at www.educatingwendy.blogspot.com.  It's all pretty tongue in cheek, so have a sense of humor! I love it here in PNG!  Although you have to be able to get out sometimes to keep your sanity!  SP helps, too! smile




 
 
 
 
 

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#17  2011-05-25 06:47:53

BeaAmaya
Member
BeaAmaya
From: Port Moresby
Registered: 2011-01-18
Posts: 13

Re: Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

I think Wendy is right on target with her comments. Port Moresby has a lot of amenities that can't be found elsewhere in the country, and although I don't have small children, I believe there is quite a support group for families of expats working in PNG. I do love living in POM.

She's also right about the malaria. If you choose to go over the top (like some of the expat companies require) you won't hurt a thing. For me, it's just easier, cheaper, and less bothersome not to be so uptight about it and just pay close attention to where I go, what I do, and how I feel.

I have a lot more freedom than some of my friends here because I have a car and can drive myself where I need to go. I can't imagine what it is like for them, having to call a company driver every time they want to go to the market or out to eat.

I've only been here a year and a half, but have never felt uncomfortable in my surroundings. Of course, I have never been the nervous type. I am an older woman and go most places on my own, and have never had any trouble. I walk the streets in town, mix with the national population as much as possible (I find these interactions DELIGHTFUL!), and just try to stay on an even keel in my dealings in-country.

PNG is not for everyone, but some of us absolutely love it here. I wish you the best of luck in making your decision, then making it work for you!

Bea




 
 
 

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#18  2012-01-16 17:06:03

shystar_222
New member
shystar_222
From: Manila
Registered: 2011-11-28
Posts: 5

Re: Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

Hi there,

I am much interested on all your advices and info's it enlightened my mind. I'm confused weather I accept or not the job offer to me. May I know about SVS is it ok accepting job in super value store? Any info's about that store...

Your answer is highly appreciated.

Thank you so much.




 

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#19  2012-01-18 00:18:33

blueand whitemoon
New member
From: Dubai
Registered: 2012-01-17
Posts: 1

Re: Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

hey guys,

I wonder what are the salaries for BIG 4 (Audit Managers for Deloitte, PWC, KPMG, EnY) in PNG..?

what would be my net salary if I have gross USD 80k?

what benefits i should negotiate with my employer?

thanks




 
 
 

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#20  2012-01-18 07:33:03

Harmonie
ViP
Harmonie
From: Mauritius/Ile Maurice
Registered: 2011-06-13
Posts: 19273

Re: Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

Hi blueand whitemoon and welcome to Expat Blog!

I invite you to start a new thread in PNG forum.wink

Thank you,
Harmonie.




 

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#21  2012-01-18 12:35:09

HMC
New member
From: Port Moresby
Registered: 2012-01-18
Posts: 3

Re: Lifestyle and living cost in PNG

Cost of living in PNG has gone up in recent times.  However it is possible to live fairly cheaply if you buy fresh foods and cook for yourself.  Hotels and eating out is expensive.  Accommodation is very expensive in Port Moresby.




 
 
 

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