Has anyone worked in Saipan?

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Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Location
Cairns, Australia
# of dives
100 - 199
Hey guys,

I'm looking at taking a DM job in Saipan, but I don't have a lot of savings at the moment. I want to make sure before I relocate that I'll be able to get by on the pay. I can't find too much useful stuff about the cost of living, so if anybody has any experience living and working in the area I'd really appreciate your input! I don't want to show up and have to bail after a month or two because I can't make ends meet, but I obviously don't wanna pass on a DM job offer since it seems they're hard to come by, especially for someone with as little experience as I have. (This would be my first actual DM job.) The company has asked me how much I "expect" to make, so if anybody can give me a little insight into realistic wage that would allow me to feed & shelter myself I'd really appreciate it! Specifically I'd really like to know the following:
  • How much can I expect to pay for rent & utilities? I'm happy with a room in a basic sharehouse.
  • Is it feasible to get around without a vehicle?
  • What's a standard/average pay rate for a divemaster?
Thanks!
 
$500-$1300 is the typical range for an apartment. Can't help you with sharing an apartment, but I'm sure that's available. East side is a bit cheaper, but you'll definitely need a car.

I don't know which shop you plan to work for... based out of Garapan? If you live near the shop in Garapan, you can probably get by without a car. Plenty of markets, shops, restaurants, etc in that immediate area. If you live anywhere else, you'll want some form of transportation beyond a bike. The island is just one big hill with a flat area on the coast. There is no public transportation, per se.

Sorry, I can't help you with DM pay in Saipan.
 
$500-$1300 is the typical range for an apartment. Can't help you with sharing an apartment, but I'm sure that's available. East side is a bit cheaper, but you'll definitely need a car.

I don't know which shop you plan to work for... based out of Garapan? If you live near the shop in Garapan, you can probably get by without a car. Plenty of markets, shops, restaurants, etc in that immediate area. If you live anywhere else, you'll want some form of transportation beyond a bike. The island is just one big hill with a flat area on the coast. There is no public transportation, per se.

Sorry, I can't help you with DM pay in Saipan.

Thanks for the info! Looks like it's gonna be hard to get by on what they're offering :(
 

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