Things that have gone wrong so far - Posted by Maggie

First of all, I must say that many things have gone right for us, but unfortunately we have had a few bumps during this trip:
1. Our shipment arrived safe and sound. It was a small (5 cubic ft) shipment of personal effects that was shipped via air freight. Unfortunately, Darin's red camera bag, containing his video iPod, Digital SLR camera, Digital handy cam video recorder and other memory sticks did not make it. Somewhere between Round Rock and Singapore, it was taken out of a carton and put in someone's hand other than their owner. Now it sucks going through the schlepp or filing claims etc.
2. Our credit card company has been charging us 10% service fees FOR EACH FOREIGN TRANSACTION! Ok, this is bizarre - we are world travelers but we have to pay 10% to use our credit card?? I called them and they shrugged and said it was in our initial agreement that we signed. Naturally, I am closing this account faster than you can say rip-off.
3. Opening a local bank account has been a big challenge. First, you have to have proof of your address - they will only accept a utility bill showing your name and address on the same page. Since the relocation company is paying the apartment directly, there is no such paper with our name on it. So figuring out what other proof we can bring is a hassle.
4. Darin's work permit has been severely delayed. It should have been done by now, but apparently the Ministry of Manpower doesn't have any manpower to make it happen! This is particularly problematic because Darin has to travel to Taiwan next week, on the date that his temporary permit expires. We are keeping our fingers crossed that eveything will come through in time.
5. Order newspapers for delivery has been very confusing. I have been sent online to fill out a form, then asked to fax something, then I had to mail something and once I was told to call the delivery guy at his home phone and pay him directly for the paper. I honestly don't usnderstand why something this simple is so very hard!
Anyway, this is just a short list of things that have gone wrong. Luckily there is a much longer list of what actually went right too... more later!