moving help

You may want to consider arranging a short-term place (like for one month) before you arrive and then look for a more permanent place once you get here. Making a long-term committment to a place you haven't seen could be a big mistake. There aren't "apartment complexes" with standardized units like in the States--everything is more or less unique. You really need to see things with your own eyes.

One thing to be aware of is that apartments are often advertised as furnished, partially furnished, or unfurnished. Again, there is no standardization to these terms, so you need to see for yourself. Some furnished apartments are ready to move into--hang up your clothes and you're done. On the other end of the spectrum, some unfurnished places are REALLY unfurnished, including no kitchen appliances. Choosing such a place means your first trip is to Home Depot to buy a stove, a frig, etc. I would guess that is not what you ahve in mind.

You also need to see and experience the "lay of the land" firsthand. This is especially true if you don't have a car. Without one, your apartment search will automatically be narrowed down by a lot. (There are those who will say you can get around fine on the West and North sides without a car--I can't really imagine doing that).

With regard to jobs, be prepared to do whatever it takes, at least for a while. Keep in mind that the whole island is only about the size of a smallish American city, and the ecomony is heavily driven by tourism. Jobs for inexperienced newbies in finance and marketing may be hard to come by. There are several banks and insurance companies, so there may be opportunities, but it may take a while.

I hope this was some help. I imagine you are very excited about the future.

Hello Mary,

stt gave you great advice concerning apartments. As for jobs you may want to look in the yellow pages for marketing firms, banks, insurance companies, large resorts (you can find work in their pr and marketing dept and accounting dept.). You can also look at any large companies, private schools ect - accounting dept for finance work if you have experience in the accounting end of things. check out http://www.viphonebook.com and look up businesses in the perspective areas you have experience and your degree in and then call them, get fax numbers - send in your resume. Its difficult to secure work like this from away but it is good to at least have contacts to follow up with once you get on island. Good Luck.

--Islander