Category: Relocation Q&A

On a recent flight back from Tinian with tour clients, our pilot introduced himself and shared a compliment for the DiscoverSaipan Youtube channel and relocation guide.

@Frank-l9c4j asked on my DiscoverSaipan Youtube channel:
“Do you have any thoughts on Saipan vs Hawaii? Im originally from the east coast but have lived in Hawaii for 5 years now. I’m about over it. A lot has to do with the racism towards “Hoales” or white people. They blame all of us for stealing their country. I get sick of that nastiness. But the CNMI had a different history than Hawaii does. Given that, do the locals there have the same chip on their shoulder? Im hoping the CNMI is a better version of Hawaii and is more welcoming to Mainlanders. I’d really appreciate your views. Love your channel.”

Here’s my reply:

Okay, that may seem a bit of a click-bait title, but the question asked on my “Discover Saipan” Youtube channel was precisely that:  @mryeast907 commented: “Is it okay for me an extra white completely not Jamaican American to learn and speak Jamaican patois?”

Here’s what I think…

More questions? More answers!

Are you on Saipan or know someone who is? Are you ordering products on the internet and having them shipped to Saipan? Be careful, this bit of new information might just save you hours of frustration, and weeks and even months of unnecessary delay!

“re: relocating…..could you direct me to how would I find out more about that?…If there is a website that would be a one-stop-shopping for this kind of information (a “SO YOU WANT TO LIVE ON SAIPAN” sort of site), that would work perfectly.”—recent email

That’s typical of the inquiries I’ve received over the past 10plus years. And, it just so happens I do know of such a resource! So, just in case you or someone you know are considering relocating to Saipan, CNMI and have questions:

(a) I have a Saipan Living Relocation Guide and a companion website at https://www.saipanliving.com that answers questions about cost of living, health care, entry requirements, taxes, lifestyle and more! Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XDCxH9

(b) I have growing series of “Saipan Living” as well as “Relocation Q&A” videos on the DiscoverSaipan Youtube channel! Here are some recent topics:

@ApauHawaiiTours asked, “How do locals feel about outsiders moving to Saipan?”  I’m not “local,” but here’s my take:

Click watch on Youtube, then the “Notify Me” button so you don’t miss it in your time zone! Relocating? Retiring? Or simply curious about life on Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands? Well, this is your chance to ask me anything about life on Saipan! I’ll be taking your questions live as well as answering questions that have already been asked in the comments section! This will be fun, informative, includes some business ideas for entrepreneurs and might be helpful for someone you know who’s relocating, but can’t make the livestream! Don’t miss it! Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 at 11:00am Saipan time (ChST: Chamorro Standard Time)

That’s 9:00pm Tues Oct 24 in New York City

6:00pm Tues Oct 24 in California

Q: “I may have a job offer on Saipan. I’m thinking of shipping my car there. How much does it cost, and what advice can you give?”

A: A more pertinent question is: “Even if it’s affordable, should you even think about shipping your car to Saipan?” Here are my answers to both:

One of the popular questions I am asked, and that I include in The Saipan Living Relocation Guide is “Which is better, Saipan or Guam?” Here’s my answer, and why:

(I’m adding a COVID Introduction and updating the 2023 edition as we speak! Anxious to get it? If you order the 2022 pdf before Jan 1, 2023, I’ll ALSO send you the 2023 edition when it’s ready in a few days)