New Caledonia Newcomer's Guide: 2008 edition

If you are looking for good, solid information on moving to and/or living in New Caledonia, I highly suggest the New Caledonia Newcomer's Guide. This free 26-page guide was updated, researched and compiled by a team of local English-speaking expatriate contributors. The guide touches on such topics as:

• Recommended Reading
• Getting Around New Caledonia
• Driver’s Licence
• The Magnificent Mobilis (mobile/cell phones)
• Learning French
• Do’s and Don’ts
• Carte de Sejour
• Finding a Place to Live
• Health Concerns
• Medical Care
• Childcare
• Culture Shock
• How To Handle Culture Shock
• Shopping For Food
• Recommended Pastry Shops
• Shopping For Home
• Shopping For Clothes
• Saving Money
• Local Expressions
• Useful Tips for Tropical Transformation
• Creepy Crawlies and Other Tropical Delights
• Poverty
• Hobbies and Clubs
• Places to Volunteer
• Fun Places to Spend the Day
• Vacations
• Who Succeeds Abroad?

A 1997 Newcomer's Guide also exists, but this 2008 edition is a much-needed addition to the limited information you will find on living in New Caledonia (many thanks to Jo Ann for sharing this!).

Happy reading!

Setting up House in New Caledonia

Are you wondering what it is like to move across the world and set up house on a remote island in the South Pacific?

Do you have specific questions about moving to New Caledonia?

It's been a couple of years since we did it, but our friend David and his family are just now moving in in Noumea, and David is doing a marvelous job describing the process on his blog at Trekking Greener Grasses.

Take a look at his tales and see his photos of market life, hiking in Noumea and the trials and tribulations of transitioning into a life of palm trees, early mornings and things going right - and wrong!

Bienvenue en Nouvelle Caledonie, David and Gang. Welcome to New Caledonia!