Newbie from Perth Australia

Hi everyone,

My husband, myself and two kids (15 & 13) are coming to live in Dumaguete in late Jan 2012. We will be volunteering with a christian org for twelve months. My daughter and I spent a month there in April and just loved it.
So, as you can imagine I have a number of questions as we pack up and think about what we need to bring.
Here are some:
What to bring that is hard to get (or too expensive) ie electric tools? We are flying in so limited luggage.
Can we bring vegetable and herb seeds in?
Our daughter has Down Syndrome and is Autistic - are there any services for the disabled?
Whats the best way to get secondhand housewares?

Thanks
Geraldine

 

You should have checked on the services you need for your daughter before planning on an entire year here. You also have spent more than a month.

Anywhere looks ok after only a month.

If you have been reading this forum for very long, you'd know medical care in Dgte is iffy.

 

Hello fellow Ausies

Hello fellow Ausies, let’s see if I can be of any help, ok as starters bring plenty of manners & driving skills for the Pilipino drivers because here they don’t have any manners or courtesy on the roads lol, ok seriously as far as your seeds I really don’t know I was tempted to bring vegetable seeds in my container when I moved here 2 years ago, electric tools are expensive here what they sell is top of the line stuff I haven’t seen any cheapies elec tools here myself (maybe now I have replied you other guys might jump in?) don’t bother bringing your woollies you won’t need them ever, I myself don’t get out of shorts & armless shirts unless I have to go to Immigration or the LTO office (same as RTA in AU) where you have to wear long pants & sleeved shirt & shoes, which kills me, as far as medical like the other DI member said limited medical. As far as second-hand house wares if you rent you probably would be able to get a fully furnished rental. Ah don’t forget your vegemite & bring lots of Cadbury choc its expensive here, you will need some for the locals they love it, a big bag of those individually wrapped Cadbury is good.
Can I ask what flavour is your religion?

 

Gee ViperACR, I sure hope your not on the welcoming committee!

Our daughter doesn't need any medical care and I was just asking the question re disability services out of curiosity.
Be real nice if you answered my other questions - HINT!

 

Hi Brian

I appreciate your more welcoming post.
I read on other posts that people suggest bringing over extension cords - not sure why. We will bring at least a drill and maybe a circula saw.
We are christians - non denominational.
Will certainly bring vegimite and maybe even some peanut paste (for hubby). Fortunately I need to return each three months for a week so we can bring those things we 'just can't live without' back. Pain is the cost of excess luggage.
I have a friend who freezes bacon and takes it back with her - her treat!

Another question I have is about sim cards - do you know what company would provide the best value and have data? What is a good company for internet - faster the better (of course).

Thanks for the tip re chocolate - I am not a fan but hubby made go into serious withdrawls

Cheers
Geraldine

 

WELCOME to the Philippines,

there is no need to bring of those things mentioned above, even chocolates, drills , saws, sim cards ................

ALL IS AVAILABLE HERE ! ! ! DONT WORRY ! ! !

 

Thank you Amy

 

Maddies, we welcome your family to the Forum and your move to Dumaguete. You will be able to find most of what material things you need here, even frozen bacon. Sim cards can be purchased from Globe, Smart, Sun, prepaid or post-paid. The value depends on the type of program you sign up. For example, we use a Globe post-paid and pay 599 for unlimited text and calls. However, that is for contact with other Globe customers, there is an extra charge if we call or text Smart users. Most people here text and rarely call.
Internet service is available in most non-remote areas. There are service providers who offer different price programs depending on your needs. Cable tv and satellite tv is available from a couple different providers.
I am not sure of services available to assist your daughter, hopefully others can help you with that or search the internet.
Be aware that when you transfer from Manila to the Dumaguete flight, there is an extra charge for overweight baggage.
There is a lot of information available on this forum. There is a search function which can be used to assist in finding certain subject posts.
Please don't be afraid to post your questions and we will try and assist as much as possible.

 

Well, there's a helpful reply...

 

No I am not the welcoming committee. ..The tourism office at Quezon Park will give you a free case for your rose colored glasses and tell you how swell everything is.

I normally don`t bother trying to educate smart mouthed know it all new people with no experience here. They are all wide eyed and dazed by their discovery of paradise etc. It`s easier to just let them find out the hard way.



Except you have at least one daughter with you don`t you?


Hint: Keep a close watch on your daughter. Local boys find it sporting to rob young foreigner girls of their virginty-even if it`s with just a quick motion, as some sort of anti-foreigner game. I`ve heard this referred to more than once in the last week alone.



I could put you in touch with someone whose 10yo daughter lost her virginity a couple years ago to a local guy, but it`s not something he likes to talk about..