Expat pkg vs local pkg info needed

[ljsingapore]

Hi everyone! We are coming over to singapore not as expats but my husband is accepting a permanent position with his company. If anyone else has experience with this and can share what their package included we would appreciate it? This company's hr has no policy for permanent assignments in foreign countries and we really do not want to lose out-we are looking to maintain our standard of living. Of course I am giving up my career in the states and not looking to work right away.  We are asking to be paid in us dollars and looking for the company to help pay the difference between our mortgage back home and rental expenses here! Tax help is also partof  my request based on what I have read here. Suggestions!Any info greatly appreciated. Thanks-new in singapore but loving it already (ps-we dont need a car)We feel comfortable with a 4000-4500 monthly budget rental Thanks again!

[SimonT]

Hi,
I am just a laymen but had been posted to HK for a short stint.

Here are some considerations
- housing allowance
- hardship allowance
- home leave allowance
- children education
- personal tax issues (how much are you being disadvantaged)the difference need to be top up
- Foreign exchange risk (may need to consider pegging the US$ against S$ as much of the expenses has to be incurred in Singapore.

As for rental, with that budget your should be comfortable - again depending on the location, type of housing (apartments, condo, or house) your choose.  I have noticed that you do not intend to get a car and hence the vicinity of your housing location and where you husband commutes to work would have an important bearing.

Cheers!!!