Filipino maid

[Guest]

I've never had a maid before - any suggestions about where to start?

[H]

is it possible to have the maid as a lover?

[ufi]

Yes, but it's better to go out with someone else's maid, not your own.
If you have your own maid, it's too expensive, the so-called 'levi', in reality a tax on the poor girl, is about $350 a month; then you have to pay her. Better then to date someone else's. It's best to get one than one gets one day off per month. You find four such girls, and see a different one every weekend. Perhaps not PC, but still a good way to go.

[Kim]

I am about to move to Singapore and have been looking extensively for a maid throught the web. There are fors and againsts (so I have been told) about having a new maid (new to Singapore) or a transfer maid - one that someone else has recommended as they leave and pass her on.

I have opted for the Agency as you can change her if you do not like her in the first year (with most agencies) some it is 6 months.

There is a website www.netmaid.com.sg and it brings up lots of maids and you can shortlist (depending on your requirements) and then one email will be sent to all the Agencies. I have found them to be very responsive and the fees reasonable (anywhere from 400-1900 placement fee). This covers insurance etc. All this info is pretty much relevant if you want a live in maid. If you only want a part time one - word of mouth might be the best option.

I am currently going through 2 Agencies. Apac is one and they also have a website with lots of biodata on each maid. www.apac.com

Good Luck.

[fair]

I've tried out APAC when I first arrived Singapore. I realised their maids are rather demanding as far as salary and days off are concerned. In addition, their agency fee is one of the highest in Singapore. I have lived here for over 8 years now and have gotten my maid elsewhere when I looked for a second one. I think agency charges of anything less than S$550 is reasonable. You should also stand firm about the maid's salary and days off. Try not to give them the moon initially as there will be no turning back and subsequently becomes difficult for you when they take advantage of you as an employer. Maids especially those through companies like APAC, Telstar, Dans assume that expatriates are not street smart and usually ask for higher salaries from the start. Sometimes I wonder whether they have been overcharging all of us. I managed to hire two maids at a total salary of S$800 excluding levy plus they are both given two days off a month to help with my household needs. Lots of us expats are rather new to hiring maids.

[Friend]

Hi, I have a friend that runs a maid agency. Two of my maids I got from her. Thru' experiences, both are very reliable. If you would like me to recommend, I can do so. Let me know and give me you contact details.

[europe74]

Why do you ask for a filipina only? some indonesian maid can be very efficient too. Mine in an indonesian, with 7 years experience (4 years in Indonesia and 7 years in Singapore) and she is just great: my house is perfect and my son love her.

I guess the main thing is someone with good references, good experience, who has already stayed many years with one employer.

[Friend]

Why do you ask for a filipina only? some indonesian maid can be very efficient too. Mine in an indonesian, with 7 years experience (4 years in Indonesia and 7 years in Singapore) and she is just great: my house is perfect and my son love her.

I guess the main thing is someone with good references, good experience, who has already stayed many years with one employer.

I totally agree with you. Indeed, not necessary all but 'selected' maids with experience are recommended. Forgot to mention, both mine are Indonesian. They speak English, too. Look out for those who have worked for same employers for 4 years or more, or at least completed their 2-yr contract with the same employer.

[paddy]

Very experience indon maid needs a new expat employer. Current contract ends in April 2005. Very good in cooking all kind of dishes ie. western, malay and chinese. Have been working in Singapore as a live-in maid for past 11 years. Experience in general cleaning, ironing and looking after children. Please contact 98537451.