Spring is in the air and that means PCS season is in full swing. The moving crates are piling high and the freight evelvators are packed with the comings and goings of nearly 90% of the Osan population.
This is also the time when lots of questions about PCSing up. There's not too many more things as overwhelming as moving half way around the world. Here are the answers to some of the more common questions:
1. Are grills allowed in base housing?
Yes! Don't forget to pack your grill, but if you have a "mega" grill, you may want to downsize. Balconies in base housing vary, but are approximately 10 feet in length and 4 feet in depth. While you are at it, be sure to bring a few ourside toys for your balcony like a sand and/or water table. They are expensive in Korea and in the summer it makes for good cool play!
2. What child care options are available at Osan?
There are many workable child care options at Osan. The trick is to figure out what you want. Some people hire an ajima ("housekeeper") at about $70 per day (9 am -5 pm) who can clean their home and do some basic child care. Some people take their kids to the base CDC, but the options there can be a bit limited if you are only seeking part-time care.
Other options include doing a child care swap with another mom, joining the child care co op, arranging for another private child care provider to come to your home, or paying a babysitter as needed. For children who are 3 and 4, there is a great preschool program called Part Day Enrichment. This is available on an enrollment basis and lasts for the entire school year (part or full-time is usually offered, but keep in mind things always change).
Osan is also trying to encourage in-home child care providers to become qualified to open a child care in their home. If you want to do this, you would make a very nice income. It is badly needed.
3. What should I bring that is hard to get in Korea?
While the BX does stock some child care items and kids clothes, you can do better to stock up before you come. If you have a baby product you can't live without, get a good supply. One thing that is really expensive here is Tylenol Infant Drops and there is no generic. It can also run low in stock during sick season. Also, child proofing items are virtually impossible to find here. Stock up before you come.
If you have prescriptions that can be tricky to get, set yourself up with Tricare Pharmacy Online and get your current PCM to write you a long-term prescription. Once you are set-up, you can fax or mail your prescriptions to Tricare and they will mail them to you APO. The turn around time is fairly quick, but requires a bit of planning.
Most places will ship most (but not all things) to your APO. Companies such as Amazon and Target are very popular here. (And Fat Brain Toys usually offers free shipping to APOs.)
If you have stroller-aged kids, make sure you bring an excellent stroller. There are many popular brands here so you can ask for specific advice on the OPN Yahoo Group.
Other items people like to bring or wish they did include:
- dehumidifiers (they tend to sell out fast)
- hiking-style baby carriers
- snow boots
- cold weather gear, esp. infant/small child sized gloves
- swim suits
- shoes for everyone
- rain gear (esp. raincoats)
- lamps (they are so expensive at the BX and the selection is not so good)
- microwaves (tend to sell out), high chairs, cribs, toys (again, the BX selection is poor, esp. for babies and girls),
- telephones (limited selection with noisy ringers!)
- computers and computer peripherals (limited selection)
- favorite toiletries (esp. salon brands)
- Air purifiers. The air quality here is not the greatest and the selection of air purifiers is very very limited.
4. What about bringing my pets? What is the process and what are the limitations?
Click here for a blog post about this question. Again, please remember to verify information before you come as it does change.
If you have more questions, be sure to join OPN's Yahoo Group to ask. There are lots of people to help you in anyway they can.
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