You are here: Forum > Living in Oceania > Papua New Guinea > Cost of living > LAE QUERY

#1  2012-02-07 14:00:50

NICOLE MLA, PI
New member
From: Manila
Registered: 2012-02-07
Posts: 7

LAE QUERY

Hi! I'm an HR Professional in Manila who's considering a work offer for an HR Manager position in a new sardines making & canning company currently being built in Lae, PNG.

Would like to know average monthly costs for electricity, water and food (3 meals a day)..Are expats given insurance provisions for health & accident/life? Hope someone can enlighten me on this?

Your inputs shall be highly appreciated, TNX! smile




 
 
 
 

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#2  2012-02-08 00:16:54

arjhayinpom
Member
arjhayinpom
From: Port Moresby
Registered: 2011-11-22
Posts: 16

Re: LAE QUERY

Hi Nicole,

I am currently base in POM, and the setting is different in Lae. Anyhow, as for average expense for food it would take Kina 400-500 a month. Electricity is shouldered by the company @ K250/month (since its prepaid, this depends on usage), as for the water its included on the accomodation rental.

With my package, they provided medical benefits, but you should know the coverage. because when i got here, the medical is only provided when you got sick or hospitalized and it sucks. tongue

Hope this helps.

Rj smile




 
 
 

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#3  2012-02-11 01:00:59

PGR65
New member
PGR65
From: Lae
Registered: 2011-08-23
Posts: 2

Re: LAE QUERY

Hello Nicole, I am not the best person to give you advise on your potential role. The company I work for is located outside of Lae and everything is provided (housing, food, transport etc). the living in Lae is difficult with little luxury items available and few places to go out to, security is a problem and most expats live in compound style accommodation. Rents are high for the quality of the housing and rental subsidy should be negotiated if housing is not provided.
There is a large Filipino community here and contact should be made with them if you need support.
All the best




 
 
 

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#4  2012-02-18 03:56:23

daniemay
New member
daniemay
From: Manila
Registered: 2012-02-17
Posts: 3

Re: LAE QUERY

Hello Nicole. My is danie,I will be also work in Lae and the same as your company, if im correct is this majestic seafoods corporation? Did you already accept the job offer or not? Because I have a second thought because they offer a lower package...




 
 
 
 

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#5  2012-03-12 00:43:29

dsvisper
Member
From: Lae
Registered: 2012-03-11
Posts: 23

Re: LAE QUERY

Hi Everyone,

I've been here in Lae for 5 years, the cost of living here is cheap compared to POM when it comes to food and other utilities.  Usually your employer will shoulder the accommodation and insurances but its on a limited coverage package.  Lifestyle here is very laid-back and I advise to stay at home always and keep your two-way radio with you if provided by the company for emergency situation and always trust your instinct.  I don't want to sound absurd and discourage you but living here in a foreign land without any protection for migrant workers is hard, you will not be protected by law only the company gives protection but sometimes they have to protect their own business here to survive.

Good luck..




 
 
 

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#6  2012-04-25 03:04:08

dsvisper
Member
From: Lae
Registered: 2012-03-11
Posts: 23

Re: LAE QUERY

Good for you Nicole good luck just be safe always specially now they have constitutional crisis going on..yesterday looting of shops, shooting happened in Port Moresby because of some protest and opportunist..by the way bring smart roaming no globe roaming here..




 
 
 

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#7  2012-04-26 08:08:11

NICOLE MLA, PI
New member
From: Manila
Registered: 2012-02-07
Posts: 7

Re: LAE QUERY

TYVM for d feedback, so I really need to subscribe to SMART..using Globe & SUN back home..

I was told I need to stay in Port Moresby for a while before flying in to Lae where our plant is located..I need to attend some labor-related seminars there, being the company's HR Development Mgr..

what hotel/s can u recommend then as safest in Port Moresby?




 
 
 
 

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#8  2012-04-26 08:14:14

dsvisper
Member
From: Lae
Registered: 2012-03-11
Posts: 23

Re: LAE QUERY

Is your company will shoulder your hotel expenses if ever? I would suggest Airways Hotel, as it is near in the airport but too pricey, otherwise gateway hotel or ask someone from your company to pick you up and stay with their accommodation.




 
 
 

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#9  2012-05-29 17:27:15

LJ_gorgeous
Member
LJ_gorgeous
From: Paranaque
Registered: 2012-05-27
Posts: 11

Re: LAE QUERY

Hi Guys. I also accepted a job offer as HR Mgr in a company where I will be based in Lae. I am basically a homebody so "night life" and "malling activities" are not much of my interest. Well, first and foremost, I am going there to work. So, I have conditioned myself that I choosing to work there entails some sacrifices.

I really appreciate the information on this forum. For one, Globe has already made roaming in Papua possible. I have checked with them 2 days ago when I inquired about roaming. Though, I also keep a smart number. My employer clearly stated that they do not provide life insurance (sad) for overseas workers. Does the same applies to others, if not most, of the companies there?

I was encouraged by the thought that there is a Filipino Community/Association there. A Filipino friend is a member smile




 
 
 
 

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#10  2012-05-30 06:08:34

NICOLE MLA, PI
New member
From: Manila
Registered: 2012-02-07
Posts: 7

Re: LAE QUERY

Hello LJ,

There is POEA Mandatory Insurance for Filipino OFWs and is applicable if you'll be leaving for PNG..It isn't much as the insurance I enjoyed with my 1st employer abroad but then at least you'll have one:

Natural Death  - US $10,000
Accident                             - 15,000
Permanent Total Disablement          -  7,500
Repatriation Benefit                 -  Actuals
Subsistence Benefit                  -    600
Legitimate Claim Monetary Assistance -  6,000
Compassionate Visit                  -  Actuals
Medical Evacuation                   -  Actuals
Medical Repatriation                -   Actuals

Please feel free to go to POEA office to inquire re the above.

You should also be entitled to 26 Days Paid Vacation Leave & 15 Days Paid Sick Leave; and should be allowed to go on 1 month vacation in the Philippines once a year, upon completion of 1yr. service..You'll be paid while on vacation based on the no. of UNUSED LEAVE you have remaining, unused SL can be applied..If you didn't utilize any from your 26 VL & 15 SL, the 11days excess is convertible to CASH.

How many years of contract do you have for PNG? Is it a Filipino or foreign company? How were you hired - is it direct hiring or through a Head Hunter / Agency? I may be able to enlighten you better with complete info re my queries above...




 
 
 
 

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#11  2012-05-30 08:47:53

criscol
Member
Registered: 2012-04-10
Posts: 15

Re: LAE QUERY

LJ_gorgeous wrote:

Hi Guys. I also accepted a job offer as HR Mgr in a company where I will be based in Lae. I am basically a homebody so "night life" and "malling activities" are not much of my interest. Well, first and foremost, I am going there to work. So, I have conditioned myself that I choosing to work there entails some sacrifices.

I really appreciate the information on this forum. For one, Globe has already made roaming in Papua possible. I have checked with them 2 days ago when I inquired about roaming. Though, I also keep a smart number. My employer clearly stated that they do not provide life insurance (sad) for overseas workers. Does the same applies to others, if not most, of the companies there?

I was encouraged by the thought that there is a Filipino Community/Association there. A Filipino friend is a member smile

dear LJ,

So when are u leaving? Good to hear globe roaming starts to work at png. is it better to bring a globe/smart postpaid or a prepaid?

We just have to continue our sss, philhealth if that's the case coz my employer will also just shoulder my hospitalization..no on the spot dr. check up or annual physical check up.

criscol




 
 
 
 

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#12  2012-05-30 16:37:54

LJ_gorgeous
Member
LJ_gorgeous
From: Paranaque
Registered: 2012-05-27
Posts: 11

Re: LAE QUERY

NICOLE MLA, PI wrote:

Hello LJ,

There is POEA Mandatory Insurance for Filipino OFWs and is applicable if you'll be leaving for PNG..It isn't much as the insurance I enjoyed with my 1st employer abroad but then at least you'll have one:

Natural Death  - US $10,000
Accident                             - 15,000
Permanent Total Disablement          -  7,500
Repatriation Benefit                 -  Actuals
Subsistence Benefit                  -    600
Legitimate Claim Monetary Assistance -  6,000
Compassionate Visit                  -  Actuals
Medical Evacuation                   -  Actuals
Medical Repatriation                -   Actuals

Please feel free to go to POEA office to inquire re the above.

You should also be entitled to 26 Days Paid Vacation Leave & 15 Days Paid Sick Leave; and should be allowed to go on 1 month vacation in the Philippines once a year, upon completion of 1yr. service..You'll be paid while on vacation based on the no. of UNUSED LEAVE you have remaining, unused SL can be applied..If you didn't utilize any from your 26 VL & 15 SL, the 11days excess is convertible to CASH.

How many years of contract do you have for PNG? Is it a Filipino or foreign company? How were you hired - is it direct hiring or through a Head Hunter / Agency? I may be able to enlighten you better with complete info re my queries above...

Dear Nicole,

You are very helpful. Talaga! I'll be attending PDOS on Friday at OWWA office, I will inquire about the insurance. And the information about leave entitlement and conversion, wow! Though I was already told of the 1 month paid leave here in the Phils. every year.

How many years of contract do you have for PNG? 3 years.
Is it a Filipino or foreign company? Foreign company with filipino HR manager and Australian CEO/Principal
How were you hired - is it direct hiring or through a Head Hunter / Agency? through agency, on-line application.

Please share me more thoughts smile And I hope to see you when I go to PNG. I'm leaving next week, flying there.




 
 
 
 

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#13  2012-05-30 16:44:49

LJ_gorgeous
Member
LJ_gorgeous
From: Paranaque
Registered: 2012-05-27
Posts: 11

Re: LAE QUERY

dear LJ,

So when are u leaving? Good to hear globe roaming starts to work at png. is it better to bring a globe/smart postpaid or a prepaid?

We just have to continue our sss, philhealth if that's the case coz my employer will also just shoulder my hospitalization..no on the spot dr. check up or annual physical check up.

criscol

Dear Criscol,

I am scheduled to fly to PNG next week. I am obliged to retain both my globe and smart numbers.

Yes, I have already accomplished SSS form for voluntary contribution and will continue PAGIBIG contributions.




 
 
 
 

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#14  2012-07-09 14:32:27

upgis11
New member
From: Makati City
Registered: 2012-07-08
Posts: 2

Re: LAE QUERY

Hey Guys! Have been reading your posts and these help me alot to be informed of how life in PNG particularly Lae is. I have been nominated for an expatriation assignment by Nestle Philippines there.
I would like to, initially, inquire or ask your suggestion of a nice, secure and safe compound/townhouse or apartment in Lae. Salamat, hope to hear from you soon!




 
 
 
 

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#15  2012-09-17 13:05:20

dubjohnston
New member
dubjohnston
From: Lae
Registered: 2012-09-14
Posts: 2

Re: LAE QUERY

I have been in Lae about a month. The supermarkets are actually better than I expected. Milk products and meat are a bit more expensive than Australia (ie, meat $10-20 per kg) but the vegetables are good value.

I am a single guy and 31 years old and am a little bored.  I plan on heading to POM at least once a month where I have some mates.  Once I find some friends then I can see myself enjoying Lae a lot.




 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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#16  2013-01-27 11:25:58

chazh
New member
From: Batam
Registered: 2013-01-27
Posts: 2

Re: LAE QUERY

Dear All.
It's good to found this blog, so far very helpfull, and give me same description how life's going on in PNG.
I just got offer a job to work in Papua New Guinea as Retail Analyst. The employer say maybe they will place me in Lae or Port Moresby.
They provide the accommodation such as (housing - one room per one person, transportation, medical insurance and meals).
For the salary they offer me net SGD 1,500.
Considering with the living cost, life style, security, and risk that i will face there, is this offer is enough fair to me ?

Very appreciate for those already have experiencing working in PNG to give me some advise.
If don't mind kindly attached like a simple list of living cost(grocery, meals at general restaurant, mobile charge, internet charge)in PNG.


Thanks In Advanced.
Best Regards.
Chazh. smile

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#17  2013-03-23 19:54:33

IceFruit
New member
Registered: 2013-03-23
Posts: 1

Re: LAE QUERY

Any inputs on the life security while working at construction sites as we dealt with public works and spend most of the time in open areas. How secure we are whilst at work? Appreciate your inputs.

Do you really recommend to go all the way to Port Moresby/Lae in PNG or any other places in PNG to put lifr in trouble.

What do comment on this to take an offer of employment in civil construction field.

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#18  2013-04-13 14:43:03

mikks
New member
From: Quezon City
Registered: 2013-04-13
Posts: 1

Re: LAE QUERY

Hi Guys, I'm considering the job offer at Farmset Limited as Admin Manager to deployed at Lae. They will provide accommodation, electricity, gas, phone, water. I will have a car with free fuel so basically food is not covered. I've read a lot of safety issues in Lae online. The company is offering my to bring my wife and kids...Is it advisable to bring my family in Lae? does it have any decent pre-school for my kids? please help....

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#19  2013-04-16 09:03:39

dsvisper
Member
From: Lae
Registered: 2012-03-11
Posts: 23

Re: LAE QUERY

Another senseless killing happened in Mount Hagen yesterday morning. A 62 year old Australian was shot at point blank range and his Filipina wife were gang raped by 10 PNG locals. This is so inhumane and these animal act should be condemned.. It's getting worse out here.. the said suspects were armed and did a house break to the accommodation of the said Australian national.. tsk..tsk.. same incident happened last week in Rabaul were a couple was robbed, house break, and gang raped his wife by 18 suspects.. OMG PNG! Death penalty should be imposed in your country..




 
 
 

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