New to Sing

[BN]

I'm moving to Singapore from the states on Mar 1. Any tips on what and what not is need ed to survive from those of you who've been thru the move? I'd appreciate any info you might think would be beneficial.

Thanks

[T2K]

In order to "survive", there is nothing that you can get in the states that you will lack here.

In order to live comfortably, I've also found nothing unobtainable here that I could get in the states.

In regards to child care and intensive cooking, I've heard people mention difficulty finding some items.  I do neither, so I can't comment there.

Oh wait, one thing.  If you wear very large size clothes and/or shoes, you may need to resort to mail/internet ordering as there is a limited selection here.

It's an easy place to live, don't worry.

[male or female]

If you are a woman I'd say bring bras-they are mostly padded, overpriced and undersized. Also bring a BBQ and a supply of wine- worth the duty. You can buy bras from vitoria secret or no regrets and get them shipped under 5 days. BBQ's are also avail. and I have noticed their price has dropped in the last year...for what reason I don't know but it is true.Wine costs a bomb compared to home and a few of your faves are nice.

[mabre]

hi, we made the move about 3 months ago and I have a laundry list of things I wish I had brought!  
It really depends on if you have children. The previous post are right, you will be surprised to find your pantry does not look that different than it did "at home" but there may be some key items that you would like to have to make your life easier.

Right now I am on a quest to find a butter tray that does not cost S$80!  

I am also posting a query on finding shoes (womens) in a 9.5 because everything here generally stops at 8!

I have not had much trouble with  clothes but I wear a size 10 in the states.

The things for kids (and adults) that I brought and am glad I did are medicines for colds and general tylenol for adults, toddlers and infants.  They are not avalible over the counter hee and even the "tylenol" perscribed by the DR taste differnt and my daughter will not take it.

We brought a BBQ and a couple cases of wine and are VERY glad we did.  Duty is S$5.00 per bottle ( about $2.50 US)

the first week I would have given my right arm for 20 minutes in a Target to try to get the basics (sheets, towels, pillows, blankets, cookware etc.  You can get it here but you are going from shop to shop which is a challenge with toddlers.

Hope this helps.

OH,  also, mens clothes in large sizes does not seem to be a problem.  

[Mo3]

Gotta second the Mom's reply.  You can get just about anything is Singapore, hell, I can even find Tex-Mex stuff here that I used to have to import to Europe.  But if you're coming with little ones, start up purchases are a pain wherever you live.  Best to do it where you know the lay of the land, assuming you have room in your travel allowance.  If you won't be settling in with little ones in tow---it's as good a way as any to get to know Singapore.

[This message has been edited by Mo3 (edited 30-01-2002).]

[KatyF]

If you just want to get basics from one shop, I guess most people would head for Ikea, where you can get bedding, cutlery, pots & pans and all the rest of the stuff you need to set up house.  They also deliver.