How much should a car service cost

 The car dealers and car service providers are reaping off the unsuspecting customers (and business houses) off thousands of money. Readers can learn from my experience with car repair and maintenance workshops in Port Moresby. It's reassuring to know that you can get a professional service for less than the dodgy dealers.

A-Service Checks, Inspections and replacement

Read about MVIL Vehicle Registration Requirements

How much you should pay for a car service?

The major car service cost depends on the in milage (miles/kilometres) a car incurs over time and the type of vehicle. For an average vehicle, you may want to consider one of these services. 

1. A Service: If you have not done any service for under 6 months, an A-service for your car is recommended. This service is recommended to be done every 6 months. See below is a list of checks and jobs done during an A-service at a GOOD car service provider. Cost: K500.00 parts + labour maximum
2. B Car Service: This second (high) service is ideal for vehicles that have not been serviced for over 6 months. In this service, the vehicle would need a thorough inspection and recommendations for changing parts. This will also include the jobs in the A-service. Cost: K1,000 maximum (plus inspection and labour).
3. C Car Service: The third (and higher) category of service is best for cars that have not been serviced for over 1 year. In a C-Service the vehicle will undergo a complete check and overhaul; and parts replacement. Cost can be in access of K1,500+ including the parts replacement. So, communicate effectively with the workshop people before work starts on your vehicle.

Find out MVIL PNG Base Premium and Registration Charges

Apparently, the garages/workshops are not all the same. Some lesser know garages source the parts from suppliers and do their mark-ups. That is where it gets messy - so be sure to ask questions.

How much should a car service cost depends on the type of service one may opt for. The above cost estimate is based on a reputable dealer's receipt and actual payment (see image for detail, name withheld). If you want the best for your car, do an A-service every 6 months. This will keep your car in good running condition. 

Here are 5 questions you should ask when taking your car in for service:

1.  Can I have a Service Quote (SQ)?
2. If you are going to change any main parts, can you please call me before making any replacement? (Most garages do that)
3. If you are replacing any parts, can I have the replaced parts back, please? (This is important because then you'll know the parts are actually replaced. I've done that and found some con-jobs have been done on my car on several occasions)
4. Do you have any special service and parts offers for this month? (This can be the chance to get a brand new part or accessory such as the tyre and battery for your car)
5. When do I expect a call from you to pick up the car? (This post first appeared on pnginsightblog.com)

How often should you service your car?

The best way to keep your car in a good condition is to service it every 5,000 km or every 6 months.

An A-service should be done every 6 months if you use the vehicle every day; and ideally, for a vehicle that are doing 5,000 - 10,000 kilometres at the last service. In an A-Service typical service, the mechanic will do the following: 

• inspect and adjust, 
• check and clean, and 
• replace oil and lubricants. 

The A-service is probably the service that can be done professionally at a garage/workshop/car service provider.

As a car owner, you'll know when your car needs a good service. Vehicles that do 10,000 - 50,000 km or 50,000 to 100,000 km must undergo a B and C services, respectively. This service can be expensive. 

Read about New Vehicle Registration and Vehicle Title Transfer - Checklist

A Service: List of inspection and check for an A Service 

Here is a list of tasks that any reputable car-serving company will carry out. The list is based on a reputable Toyota dealer in Port Moresby.

Replace 

• oil filter
• engine oil, 
• gearbox oil
• differential oil
• sump plug washer

Inspect and check

• air filter element
• battery water level
• power steering fluid
• all engine drive belts
• cooling system hoses
• brakes & brake fluids
• wipers and operations
• seat and belt operations
• wheel bearing Freeplay 
• front and rear brake pads
• tyre and spare wheel tread 
• steering system components
• suspensions and driveline systems 
• coolant level and condition of fluid
• operation of blower, heater and air conditioning 
• operation of lights, horn, washers and indicators

Adjust/tighten /lubricate/clean

• tighten bolts
• adjust brakes  
• clean battery terminals
• lubricate door hinges and bonnet latch

The mechanic will carry out a ROAD TEST after all the inspections, checks, adjustments and replacements have been done to your vehicle. 

The reputable car dealers and car servicing workshops will also wash and clean the interior of your car. Here is what they did to my car. Happy customer!😁

Clean interior: what reputable car-servicing companies do in Port Moresby

ALL THESE CAN BE DONE AT LESS THAN K500. If you see that a car service provider is charging you more, there is something wrong. You should ask why and get a response from them. Perhaps it is important to note that the car service providers may charge extra for the jobs done if they are getting parts from suppliers in town or overseas.

Renew PNG Passport: What To Do and Documents Needed Attaching

Many statutory bodies, including the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority (ICSA), demand the need to show the National Identification (NID) card or the *new* Birth Certificate. There is, however, a real difficulty getting the card or the certificate to produce as evidence of citizenship at present. The delay can frustrate attempts to obtain a new passport too.

I read the information on the ICSA website regarding passport applications. And, at first, found it confusing especially *renewing* my passport. I assumed that since certain requirements changed, my *old* birth certificate was now invalid. I would have to go through the whole process of getting a new birth certificate or NID card. Fortunately, this was not the case.

In fact, it was easy and straightforward because I had already got my passport to present as evidence of citizenship. So, I thought I should share my experience to help others wanting to *renew* their passports.

As implied earlier, while fearing my application was likely to have the wrong attachments (and hence renewal delayed), I made several trips to the ICSA office at Waigani, Port Moresby, to get some answers. 

To download the PNG passport application form (PDF Fillable), click here

Hong Kong Central - PNG passport holders get Visa On Arrival

Q1. When to submit passport for renewal/extension of the expiry date

Submit the application 6 months before the due date. For example, for a passport that expires on the 6th of December 2023, the holder should submit their application after the 6th of June 2023. 

This is important because those wanting to travel out of the country will have to have at least 6 months validity in their passports (same as travelling into the country). 

Q2. What to do to renew an adult passport

• Passport -  You do not need a National Identification card or birth certificate. Your evidence of citizenship is the existing passport. (If you are applying for a *new* passport, you are required to produce the NID card.)
• Passport photos - two passport photos must be signed and stamped by *a* legal/authorised person.
• Section 13 of the passport application form must be signed and stamped by *the* legal/authorised person.
• Write a brief but convincing statement about why your application should be considered favourably.
• Include the travel details (Section 10) if you have dates and flights booked/planned travel in advance. 
• Processing Fee - pay (see processing fees below) at the Vulupindi Haus and attach the receipt.

Q3. What to do to renew a child passport

• Passport -  same as above
• Passport photos - same as above
• Section 13 of the passport application form - same as above
• Write a brief but convincing statement about why your application should be considered favourably.
• Include the travel details (Section 10) if you have dates and flights booked/planned travel.
• Processing Fee - same as above

Additional documents

• Birth Certificate - attach the child's birth certificate whether your child is born overseas or in PNG.
• Parents' Passport bio page - attach a copy of both mother's and father's (or legal guardian's) passport bio page.
• Section 9 (parents/legal guardians' consent) is completed as required

For the applicants wanting to get a new passport, please refer to the Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority website.

Top tip. Make sure you have followed all the instructions on PAGE 1 of the passport application form. If you are still in doubt, take your application to the ICSA office. Cross-check with the staff at the office. Finalise your application properly before submitting it.

PNG Passport Processing Fee

The normal processing fee is K100. It takes 15 working days (3 weeks) to process the application. 

You can pay K300 to fast-track your application. It only takes 2 days to process the application if you pay K200 more.

Dealing with passport agents 

Many Papua New Guineans and foreigners use passport agents in Port Moresby to process their passports and visas. Passport agents are everyday people who are front up at the immigration office at Waigani all day, only some are real businesses. 

So, be careful when you deal with them.

If you are in Port Moresby (or travelling in) this information should be sufficient to get your passport ready and pick it up. 

Best of all, it can be challenging to do it the first time. But, if you do it yourself, you'll find it easy to do it again.

PNG Travels and Destination

Join PNG Insight on YouTube and check out our PNG Travel Stories. A collection of trips around Port Moresby and to some of the beautiful parts of Papua New Guinea.

MVIL: HOW TO TRANSFER CAR OWNERSHIP TITLE - WHAT TO DO BEFORE BUYING CAR FROM SOMEONE

I know the feeling when you don’t have all the documents required to transfer car ownership title the first time you went to Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited (MVIL).

Produce the required documents in full will save you time and frustration, follow the steps and you’ll get title without hassle.

Documents from the previous owner

Documents from the new owner

1.    Original certificate – this is the registration certificate, including current safety sticker docket too. 2.    License copy – copies of both the front and back of your license 3.    State Declaration Form – complete the SDF and give details of owner and car and intention of title transfer, amount received etc… Ensure that the SDF is signed and stamped at the court house or by a legal entity.

1.       Bring the vehicle for inspection – MVIL employee at the enquiries will check all documents and inspect car              2.       License copy – copies of both the front and back of your license              3.       State Declaration Form – give details of new owner, amount spent, etc… Ensure that the SDF is signed and stamped at the court house or by a legal entity.

Note: MVIL requires that the new owner pays for a full registration before title transfer. 

This means that any unexpired registration fee, if any, would have to be calculated and reimbursed to the previous owner.

There are three things to do. 

As a new owner, you could let the registration run out (expire) then renew the registration and transfer the title at the same time. 

But, to do this you’ll have to ensure you have all the required documents signed and stamped with the previous owner.

 You can pay the full registration and talk to the old owner to reimburse the registration fee that is owed to you.

Also, if you are clever, you can negotiate with the previous owner to reduce the car selling price by taking into consideration the registration fee.

CHECK YOUR AIR CONDITIONED FILTERS: A 10-MINUTE JOB YOU'D BE GLAD YOU DID

You live in an air conditioned (AC) house. I guess you have one in every room. You turned it on when you are hot, every time. So, when was the last time you cleaned the filters? If you have not cleaned the filters in the last 6 months, take a look at the BEFORE and AFTER images of this AC filters. Your AC unit has something like this in it. This image still makes me sick when I think of how much dust there was.

Before

After

It is easy to check, remove and clean AC filters. To check, gently pull on the front cover. The cover of Ascon model does not have to be removed completely. Flicking it up like a car’s bonnet usually exposes the filters. Dirty filters can be removed by simply pulling – be careful not to get the dusts everywhere.

A brush can be used to clean dusts off the filters. For best cleaning result, I would recommend brushing off the thick dirt, then pressure wash using a water hose or under water tap. If you want to get all the dust and dirt off efficiently, soak the filters in dishwashing liquid before rinsing.

It won’t take long to check your AC filters. I am sure you’d be glad you did.

Photo Tips for DIY Bookcase

Following the first bookcase I built and wrote about on the 17th of March, I am taking this one-level up. This is a 120 cm by 120 cm bookcase.

Step 1. 21 lots of 4x3 sawn timbers

Step 2. build 2x leg stands 

Step 3. Nail 3 timbers (first shelf)

Step 4. Nail top timbers to place 

Step 5. Nail the other timbers in

Step 6. Put in the brace & support

Perfect fit - from timbers to a bookcase

Working holiday visa Australia 2023

This post aims to help those who a looking for a working holiday visa for Australia in 2023, including others who are intending to obtain an Australian tourist visa for a short stay. 

I share this experience I share to help others. In fact, I was very annoyed when I started the application. 

Two things went wrong. 

First, I realized that the whole application process changed, it was not like before when you submit the visa applications at the Australian High Commission’s office in your country, manually. The visa submission process was left in hands of agents. You have to go to an agent to get it sorted for you. 

Second, you have to do it yourself online.

The online working holiday visa Australia 2023 application was easy, but you must connect to wireless internet. I’ve tried in vain for two straight days though I had all the required and recommended papers. Simply because a major Internet connection was not good where I was. If your internet connection is good, you should do it online.

Apply for a Working holiday visa Australia 2023

Applying to the agent means that you will have to go to the agents. 

I completed the application form – form 1419. 

In addition, I had less than 10 working days to get a visa before leaving on a booked flight. It was stressful. Sounds all too familiar?

So how did I, finally, submit my application?

To make it clear I have not got a visa yet. The decision to grant me a visa is out of my control having applied, I am writing in waiting. 

Let me answer the question. The ‘break-through’ came when a friend mentioned that I could use a mobile phone as a router (or Internet Access Point). 

So, I did and submitted my application online. Get a data bundle (60MB) to upload all the documents. 

Here is the link to a step-by-step guide on how to connect your mobile phone and laptop. So you can do that anywhere in PNG. It takes up to 10 working days to get a response. If you haven’t got one after that period, give them a follow-up call.

There is a list of required documents you must produce. The common documents are a passport photo (doesn’t have to be signed), a copy of the passport biography page, a bank statement, Form 54 Family Composition, etc.

I would recommend using the online application. It costs Au$136.46. For fees and charges information, refer to www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa/Fees. Costs at the agents are indicated in the image above.

A 300MB of mobile data would be enough to launch your application online.

Important tips/docs for online application:

-Create an account https://online.immi.gov.au/ola/app

-Ensure that all your documents are less than 5MB before uploading

-Passport page/s

-Passport photo, taken in the last 6 months

-Bank statements

-Evidence of assets in the country of residence. E.g. recent share value cert.

-Family Composition (Form 54)

-Checklist PDF

*Visitors with different circumstances may provide extra docs, use this as a guide 

Use Your Mobile Phone Data Into a Wireless Hotspot

Ever wished you could use your mobile phone's internet connection to access the web on your laptop? Well, you can! And it can be more cost-effective than using an internet café.

Connect Your Laptop To The Internet 

Here's how to connect your laptop to the internet using your mobile phone as a hotspot:

On your mobile phone (Android or iPhone)

1. Enable mobile data: Ensure your mobile phone's data connection is turned on.
2. Navigate to settings: Access your phone's settings menu.
3. Find tethering or hotspot options: The exact location of these settings may vary depending on your phone's model. Look for options like "Mobile Hotspot," "Tethering," or "Personal Hotspot."
4. Enable tethering or hotspot: Toggle the switch or tap the button to enable tethering or hotspot functionality.
5. Set a hotspot name and password: Assign a name to your mobile hotspot and create a secure password to protect your connection.
6. On your laptop
7. Enable Wi-Fi: Turn on Wi-Fi on your laptop.
8. Locate your mobile phone's hotspot: Identify your mobile phone's hotspot network from the available Wi-Fi networks.
9. Connect to your mobile phone's hotspot: Click on your mobile phone's hotspot network and enter the password you set earlier.
10. Verify internet connection: Once connected, launch a web browser and try accessing a website. If the internet works, you're all set!

Go to settings

Click on tethering and portable hotspot

 Turn on Wi-Fi hotspot

   Turn on Wi-Fi hotspot: Check your laptop wireless network connections to see if there is a connection between your devices

• Click connect, this will establish a connection (IMPORTANT: mobile to laptop wireless connections will require a password which be generated by your mobile phone)

• Enter the password and connect - this should be done on your computer

• Personalize the security setting if you wish to do so

• Now, it should be ready to use

If you get one of Digicel’s data bundles like the Day Pass or Booster Pass you can do a lot more things on your laptop than the mobile phone. 

DIY: Build a Bookshelf And Save, Customised To Meet Your Preference

If you have lots of books and wanting a bookshelf, the obvious choice would be to buy one. Take a look at the prices of bookshelves at Courts. I bet the other retailers have the same prices, if not more. You may not have the time to build one. That is okay. All you have to do is buy it. But any DIY person would know the satisfaction that comes with building something.

Courts' Price at March 2016

I spent K157.20 to build this bookshelf - 110 cm (H) x 30 cm (W) x 140 cm (L).  Such a size bookcase would, ideally, cost around K500. Despite the fact that it may not be professionally done, it is practical, stable and above all met the need.

Six stands (taken from a crate) providing lift to slot nicely into back wall; rope attachment at the back as 'stopper'

Perhaps the important fact behind DIY idea was that I saved more than K300. Additionally, I now have materials (nails, off-cut timbers), tools and knowledge and skills to make the next one better.  I only have to buy good quality timbers to make it look great.

It would be smart to paint the finished shelf. I have decided to use wood stain or vanish, but I considered them to be too expensive. That is why the first bookshelf has not been given any TLC. I planned to build a couple more. Hopefully they will get the Tender Love and Care they deserve…

I’ll provide some tips (with photos illustration) for building a bookshelf in my next post (a step-by-step guide). So, if you would like to get some inspiration, join me on Google+, Twitter or Facebook for update. 

Here are some vital materials, tools and information I used in the making of the first bookshelf shown in the above photo.

Materials used

1.       Nails: One, two and three inch nails

2.       Timbers: 4x1 , 1x1, 2x1 (some of the timbers & nails are taken from a used crate)

Tools used

1.       Hammer

2.       Hand Saw

3.       Tape Measure

4.       Square

5.       Nail punch (option: use a 5 inch nail)

Other useful info

-          You can ask for the timbers to be cut to length at the timber yard before taking them away. Instead of using your hand saw, the electric saw they use at the timber yard gives a fine cut, ensuring perfect fit.

-          Always take the off-cut with you. They are useful.

-          POM residents, hire vehicles are usually on stand bye at most timber yards. Keep an eye out for them if you need help with transporting timbers.

-          The timbers have been sourced from UAA Timbers, behind Big Rooster, opposite TST Boroko 4 Mile.

-          Price and receipt attached (Take note of the Unit Price)

Unit price: K2.50/m 20x20cm | K4.80/m 4x1 inch