Module 6 country cozy-asia pacific

PRE-EMPLOYMENT ORIENTATION SEMINAR (PEOS ONLINE)
MODULE 6: GET COUNTRY COZY
ASIA-PACIFIC RIM COUNTRIES

Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) Online - powered by JobStreet.com
Module 6: GET COUNTRY COZY-- What do I need to know about my overseas employer’s country?
Get Country Cozy!
Continue to keep your options open; get to know more about the
country you are interested in.
Know the following:
Visa Fee
Medical Examination Fee
Airfare
Climate
Food
Dress code
General lifestyle
Flying time from the Philippines
Major religion
Currency
Immigration and labor laws
Presence of Philippine Embassy
or Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)

Asia-Pacific Rim Countries
Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam
have a climate similar to the Philippines. There are places
of worship for Christians and Catholics in Hong Kong and
Singapore; the major religion of Malaysia and Brunei
Darussalam is Islam. The Philippines has embassies,
consulates, and Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)
in these countries. English is widely spoken and
understood.
*For more details, visit www.owwa.gov.ph

Living and working in Hong Kong
can be costly, considered to be one
of the places with high cost of living,
although tax rate is one of the lowest
in the world.
Cost of rent is high. Electricity and
water rates are relatively expensive,
as well as grocery shopping, as
almost everything is imported. To
give you an idea – a liter of milk
costs HK$20 = PHP120.00!
HONG KONG

continuation of . .
COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES OF DOMESTIC WORKERS IN HONG KONG

MACAU-SAR, CHINA
Macau has a high standard of living.
Accommodation cost is high and comparable to
Hong Kong and Singapore. This is the reason
why OFWs in Macau spend a considerable
amount of their wages on housing rental.
All Macau residents including foreign workers
enjoy utility subsides such as electricity and
water.
Although Macau has no existing minimum wage law, its Human Resource
Office provides the acceptable salary for the specific profession, skill
category or position that is being applied by the sponsoring employer. The
approved salary will be based on the current standard of living applicable for
that particular worker.
(As of March 2014)

MACAU-SAR, CHINA
COMPENSATION /
EXPENSES
SEMI-SKILLED
(CLEANERS/SECURITY
GUARD)
(MOP/USD)
SERVICE/TECHNICAL
WORKERS
(MOP/USD)
PROFESSIONAL
MANAGERS AND
SUPERVISOR
(MOP/USD)
Basic Monthly Salary 4,500-6,500/566-818 7,000-12,000/880-1,509 13,667-45,500/1,719-5,660
Housing Allowances 500/63 - -
Minimum Food Allowance
Minimum Transportation Allowance
Overtime Pay (salary no. of days/mo.) 800-1,300/101-164
Annual Leave
300-450/38-57 450-800/57-101 900-3,000/113-377
Sick Leave/ Mandatory Holiday Pay
Total Monthly Earnings 6,100-8,750/768-1,100 7,450-12,800/937-1,610 14,567-48,000/1,832-6,038
Less Total Expenses:
Taxes/ Social Security/EI/CPP - - 957-5,760/120-725
Accommodation/House Rental & Utilities 750-900/94-113 1,000-1,800/128-226 2,500-6,000/314-755
Personal Necessities 1,000-1,500/126-189 1,500-2,500/189-314 2,000-3,000/252-377
Total Expenses 1,750-2,400/220-302 2,550-4,300/321-541 5,457-14,760/686-1,857
Average Net Basic Monthly Earnings 4,350-6,350/547-799 4,900-7,700/616-969 9,110-33,240/1,146-4,181
Average Net Basic Monthly Earnings in USD 547-799 616-969 1,146-4,181
Average Net Basic Monthly Earnings in
Philippine Peso (₱)
23,882-34,884 26,894-42,306 50,034-182,542
1MOP=US$ 0.125270
1MOP=PHP 5.47002
1USD= PHP 43.66
(as of July 2014)

TAIWAN
Taiwan is located north of the Philippines. Flying time
from Manila to Taipei, the capital city is approximately 1
hr. and 45 minutes only.
Taiwan has four seasons - summer, winter, fall and spring, although there is no
snow in winter, only chilly wind. Three to four typhoons visit the country every
year but they would bring floods and could uproot trees. Taiwan is also prone to
having strong earthquakes.
The culture in Taiwan is mixed. Mandarin Chinese is taught in schools but spoken
language is split between Mandarin and Taiwanese. English is the most popular
foreign language.
In terms of religious belief, Taiwan is also open to all types of religious thoughts
and practices. Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, Mormonism, the Unification
Church, Islam, and Hinduism, as well as native sects such as Yiguandao and
others can be practiced.

TAIWAN
Transportation is very efficient and affordable.
Broadband internet connection is very accessible.
Pork, seafood, chicken, rice, and soy are very common
ingredients in Taiwan cuisine. Beef is less common,
particularly among the elderly generation.
There are stores selling Filipino food, phone cards and other stuffs normally needed
by Filipino workers. Workers in factories often get free accommodation (dormitory
type) or if they have to pay for their living quarters, they also choose to stay within the
premises of the factory, thus saving on transportation cost. There are also canteens
or cafeterias in the factories offering cheaper foods than in fastfood outlets found
outside the workplace.

TAIWAN
COMPENSATION /
EXPENSES
FISHERY SECTOR
(NT)
MANUFACTURING,
CONSTRUCTION,
INSTITUTIONAL NURSING
AID SECTORS
(NT)
Basic Pay/Mo. 19,047.00 19,047.00
Total Salary for 36 months 685,692.00 685,692.00
Less:
Pre-Employment Cost 15,625.00 25,057.00
Post-Employment Cost 183,293.00 184,517.00
Total Cost 198,918.00 209,574.00
Net Take Home Pay for 36 Month 486,774.00 476,118.00
Average Net Take Home Pay/Mos. 13,521.50 13,225.50
Total Net Take Home Pay for 36 mos. in
PHP@ 1.47 conversion rate
715,557.78 699,893.46
Average Net Take Home Pay/mo. in PHP
@ 1.47 conversion rate
19,876.61 19,441.49
Total Net Take Home Pay for 36 mos. in
USD @ 0.03 conversion rate
405.64 396.76 1 NT= PHP 1.46
1 US$=PHP 43.66
(as of July 2014)

SINGAPORE
This country has numerous rules that you have to follow
otherwise you will be reprimanded or fined -
Do not smoke in public places such as taxis, movie houses,
government offices and in air-conditioned establishments.
Do not throw of cigarette butts on the streets. Do not spit in
public. All kinds of littering is reprimanded.
Do not sell and posses chewing gum.
Flush the toilet, especially in public restrooms, after using it.
Do not bring fresh meat into the country unless you have obtained an official permit to
do so. Do not bring any animals, birds, reptiles and insects into or out of the country.
Do not be late. Singaporeans are very particular with keeping time.

MALAYSIA
The cost of living in Malaysia is exceptionally low. Beef,
poultry, pork and mutton are the most common meat
products in Malaysia. Like fruits and vegetables, they
are present all-year round and are sold widely, fresh, and
at very low rates.
Malaysian housing costs are low even in big cities like
Kuala Lumpur. Clothes, footwear, electronic devices,
household appliances are also very affordable.
In general, it is one of the most inexpensive countries in
the world to live in.

BRUNEI
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mui’izzaddin
Waddaulah has announced that the Shari’ah Penal Code
Order 2013 will be implemented in the Sultanate of
Brunei Darussalam.
The Sharia law is the law of Islam, which is cast from
the Quran, the actions and words of Muhammad, and the
collective reasoning and deductions of Muslim imams.
With the implementation of this new law, Filipino workers
in Brunei and those seeking overseas employment in
Brunei should know the important facts of this law.
To know more about the code, visit (insert URL)

Taiwan, Korea, and Japan have four seasons: spring,
summer, fall, and winter. Different sets of clothing are
required. There are Philippine embassies and consulates
in these countries. Although English is spoken and
understood, familiarity with the local language is
recommended particularly in South Korea and Japan.

JAPAN
Japan has a very high standard of living. It is considered
as one of the most expensive countries in the world to
live in. Everything from transportation to food to
apartment rentals may be way over the budget of a
regular worker.
Accommodation is the largest expense one will have in Japan where housing or
rental cost is very costly especially, inside Tokyo. Even single-room apartments are
expensive costing around JP¥ 90,000. Utilities such as gas, water and electricity are
expensive, and phone rates are also high.
Food is likewise expensive including raw materials like fruits, meat and vegetables.
One (1) kilo of white rice cost JP¥ 560.00 or US$6.00. A meal at a more average
restaurant costs roughly between JP¥1,000 and JP¥3,000. You might have to spend
PHP24,000.00 a month on food and drinks.
(as of May 2014)

JAPAN
Let us see how much your take home pay will be at the end of the day.
COMPENSATION / EXPENSES
SEMI-SKILLED
(Technical Interns-
Welding/Carpenters etc.)
(YEN ¥)
SERVICE / TECHNICAL
(YEN ¥)
PROFESSIONAL
MANAGERS and
SUPERVISORS
(YEN ¥)
Basic Monthly Salary 140,696.00 222,000.00 706,493.00
Housing Allowances
Overtime Pay 26,000.00 3,206.00/hour
Annual Leave
Sunday as Regular Day-
off and Japan Holidays
Total Monthly Earnings 140,696.00 248,000.00 709,699.00
Taxes/ Social Security/EI/CPP 1,671.00 + 19,277.00 38,756.00
Accommodation/House Rental & Utilities 35,000.00 70,000.00 + 15,000.00
Personal Necessities
Total Expenses 56,652.00
Average Net Basic Monthly Earnings ¥84,044.00 621,234
Average Net Basic Monthly Earnings in US$ 828.564 2,063.18 6,125.39
36,169.58 90,105.25 267,495.81
1¥= US$0.00987
1 US$= PHP43.66
(as of July 2014)

SOUTH KOREA
The Koreans value their families more than anything
else. Family welfare is much more important than the
needs of the individual.
The cost of living in South Korea is relatively low. Eating
Korean food is a cheaper than buying western food. The
cost of a Starbucks coffee in Seoul is about USD 5,
equivalent to PHP 200.00.
Since they manufacture electrical goods such as televisions, DVD players, digital
cameras, cellular telephones, computers and high tech gadgets, naturally you will find
them incredibly cheap.
Koreans adhere to certain meeting etiquette. Greetings follow strict rules of
protocol. For example: The person of lower status bows to the person of higher status,
yet it is the most senior person who initiates the handshake. The person who initiates
the bow says, "man-na-suh pan-gop-sumnida", which means "pleased to meet you."

Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea have very
different climates altogether. As a continent, Australia
has 4 seasons plus very wet and intense dry spells.
New Zealand has 4 seasons, while Papua New
Guinea has very dry and wet seasons. English is
widely spoken and understood

AUSTRALIA
OFW’s in Australia enjoy relatively competitive
salaries and healthy and safe workplaces. This is
owing to the non-discrimination policy of the host
government whereby temporary migrant workers are
similarly covered by the Fair Work Act 2009 which
affords all workers fair pay, basic rights and
protection in the workplace. Complaints over pay
and conditions are handled by the Fair Work
Ombudsman, unfair dismissal by the Fair Work
Ombudsman and Industrial Relations Commissions
of various states, while issues relative to bullying,
harassment and discrimination are handled by the
Australian Human Rights Commission.
(as of May 2014)

AUSTRALIA
Let us see how much your take home pay will be at the end of the day.
COMPENSATION /
EXPENSES
SEMI-SKILLED
(CLEANERS /
SECURITY GUARD)
(US $)
SERVICE /
TECHNICAL
WORKERS
(US $)
PROFESSIONAL
MANAGERS and
SUPERVISOR
(US $)
Basic Monthly Salary 3,240.00 (3,000 AUD) 2,700.00 (3,000 AUD) 5,220.00 (5,800 AUD)
Housing Allowances
Overtime Pay
Annual Leave
661.50 551.00 1,065.75
Total Monthly Earnings 3,901.50 3,906.00 6,285.75
Taxes/ Social Security/EI/CPP 400.00 650.00 1,134.00
Accommodation/House Rental & Utilities 780.00 450.00 1,523.00
Personal Necessities 500.00 270.00 700.00
Total Expenses 1,680 1,325.00 3,357
Average Net Basic Monthly Earnings in US$ 2,221.50 2,851.00 2,928.75
91,184.55 117,094.24 120,246.12
1 AUD = 0.90 USD
1 USD = PHP 43.66
(as of July 2014)

Nowadays, communicating with family members, relatives and
friends is easier with the advancements in communications
technology. Text messaging, email and video and video
calling through Skype and Viber are within reach and are
relatively cheaper than the traditional telephone calls. Social
networking sites and facilities such as Facebook, Twitter and
Instagram likewise allow individuals to connect and share
photos and documents online with other people in an instant.
PAUSE BEFORE YOU POST: SOCIAL MEDIA
ETIQUETTE
These technologies, specially social networking sites could nonetheless pose a
threat to one’s privacy and security. Some countries may have restrictive policies
on internet usage, or punish certain acts that are committed over the cyberspace,
such as accessing pornographic sites, damaging one’s reputation through social
media, and visiting sites that may compromise national security, which are not
necessarily criminal offenses in the Philippines.

ETIQUETTE
Some people over-share personal information or are too
open with certain personal information and feelings, as well
as pictures, without regard to negative consequences. This
may lead to a potentially damaged online reputation, identity
theft, and loss of employment. A migrant worker was
reportedly dismissed from work due to messages against
race and religion that were posted on social media, which
were considered by the employer as offensive to the host
country and violative of established company values and
regulations.
Remember, when you work overseas, you are expected to act according to the norms
and give your utmost respect to your host country’s laws and regulations, and cultural
and religious beliefs.

Take a look at the following pointers that you can keep in
mind before sharing your thoughts or mementos online:
1) Consider setting your privacy control to a limit, for instance, ‘to your
friends only’. Add only your trusted and closest friends as “friends”.
2) Avoid accepting your boss as friend in social networking sites or
follow his social account. As much as possible, keep your personal
matters and work completely separate.
3) Do not use social media as venue to express complaints about work.
Anything you may post online maybe taken against you. Use
available company grievance machinery and other government
mechanisms to report violation of rights and contractual breaches.
ETIQUETTE
4) Never criticize or ridicule the culture, traditions, and religious beliefs of your host country and of
other countries, including characteristics or traits of its peoples that you may find different from
your own.
5) Do not upload obscene, illicit or otherwise incriminating photos of you or of other people.
6) Do not engage in online debates and discussions on the political situation and religious issues.

- END OF MODULE 6 -

Module 6 country cozy-asia pacific

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