Settling In 105(not the landlord). Of course, if you are not happy with the
service, you are free to hire someone else. This is also true
of swimming pool maintenance companies, except that
there is usually a formal contract between the parties. Often,
gardeners and handymen will ring your doorbell soliciting
their services.
If you live in a house, or even in some apartment buildings,
mail carriers deliver mail to you directly. Technically, the
carrier should be paid a small amount (a few pesos) for each
piece of mail that is delivered. Most people pay a lump sum
at the end of each month.
If you are having a large package sent from abroad, it will
go through customs and once cleared, a notice will be sent to
your address. The recipient must go to customs to pick it up
in person, with a form of identification. If items can be sent
separately in legal-size envelopes, they will not get stuck in
customs and will be delivered right to your door.
Garbage and Cartoneros
If you live in a house, refuse should be placed outside your
home the night before garbage collection. It is a good idea to
place it up high (some people hang it from trees or use handy
purpose built stands) to prevent stray dogs from shredding
the bags and scattering litter all over the street. Also, you
may hear, late at night, someone rummaging through your
garbage. Cartoneros ride around the streets on their bicycle
carts scavenging for anything that can be sold or recycled
such as cardboard, glass, paper, etc. You may want to leave
these items out separately to save them from having to go
through the garbage.
MEDICAL SERVICES
The quality of health care depends upon whether the
facilities are private or public. Private hospitals and clinics
provide excellent care, modern facilities and high-tech
equipment. You should have no trouble finding a doctor
who speaks English, French, German, Italian, etc. Call your