Depends on what type of family you are dealing with and how close they are. I personally didn't include any SO/family costs into my cost of living budget.
Geographically close. The closer they live to you the easier (and cheaper) it is to stop by and ask to "borrow" money for the emergency of the month. Many foreigners end up meeting all sorts of new cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents that they never knew existed before.
It would be much cheaper to simply buy the electronics here instead of having to buy all those surge protectors and AVRs for the U.S. equipment although a DVD player that plays the U.S. region DVD codes would be a plus.
We've been touring Singapore and Kuala Lumpur for a semblance of civilization. And very civilized they are ! Even with the posted warnings about high heels in public in Singapore heh heh. Next will be Thailand b4 we move back to the land of the big PX.
Wrye83 DavyL200 Mr M. maybe it would be best you Start your own Thread on What You Don't like about the PI and Dumaguete in General and get it all off your chest then we will not have to read your Opinions on other Threads that don't really need to be stirred up
Are there places around town that provide covered parking for customers. I am not aware of any other than Cangs, and Lee Plaza if you park in their garages. I know parking can be a problem for people who drive cars.