Things you wish you'd brought with you?

[newguy]

We're in the final stages of packing and getting ready to move to Singapore in the next 2 weeks from Canada.

We'd like to find out about things that you wish you had brought from North America, so that we don't repeat the same mistake. Anything from favourite cereal to CDs.

Thanks and Merry Christmas.

[Paul N]

Actually, I'll go the other way...things I wish I hadn't bothered bringing as they have just gotten trashed for climate reasons or are unnecessary.

Vinyl records don't like the humidity.
VCR tapes don't like the humidity.
Soft finish leather goods tend to mold.
Antique paper sucks up humidity and gets wavy.
Any wood or paper products are subject to termite infestation.  We lost an antique Monopoly game to the little blighters.
Electrical appliances...we thought we would convert, but they are cheap enough, we repurchased to avoid the hassle...after smoking several of them during the learning curve.
Artwork, same problems as with papergoods, as well as causing it to adhere to the glass.

[doggmeister]

Hey Paul,
I really appreciate the list since I intended to bring along quite a few VHS tapes of old shows etc to ease the frustration of missing them over there.any chance there is a solution to the humidity problem perhaps you know of one, other than the obvious leave the AC on!!

[Perkins]

We moved from the U.S. in June and brought several things that Paul N regrets bringing and have no problems.  We have no termites, haven't had any humidity or mold problems.  We also brought VHS tapes for our children (along with a U.S. tv and VCR), of course, we also have a tv and dvd player our landlord provided in the lease for new releases we've purchased.

I luckily brought my sewing machine and use it with (don't know what you call it) an adapter/converter depending on the voltage that has worked fine.  I really wish I had brought my KitchenAid standup mixer, blender and ice cream machine, too.   Appliances can be cheap here, but if you already have quality appliances why hassle in replacing them.  These appliances are ones that I wouldn't use more than once or twice a week that would have been worth it to me.

[christy]

we also have brought over VCR tapes and haven't had any problems. as long as you use your AC a lot or get a humidifier, you won't have problems. i wish i'd brought more gum, tampons for women, and over the counter drugs (advil, theraflu, etc). they have supermarkets that cater to expats and you can find just about any brand of cereal of whatever else you need.

[chocola]

Extra large size condoms!  All the ones here always seem to tear.  

[Donna]

A barbeque grill - they are very expensive in Singapore.

[Parker]

We are also moving from Canada.  This site actually confuses me.  Some say bring appliances such as microwave's, DVD player, TV etc. other say no.  We move on Feb. 1 and have basically decided to "bring it all"!

[Paul N]

I would post a really long dissertation on electronics, but I am on my in-laws computer in the 'states and don't have access to my cut and paste file.

The bottom line on electronics is this:  Look on the little metal plate by the cord and see if it will accept 220 volt 50hz power.  If not, you may be able to use a converter.  If it accepts only 60hz power, you will not be able to use it with 50hz, it will smoke the IC's.  If it uses an electric motor, it will turn slower.  The answer to most of your electronics questions can be answered by looking at the plate by the cord.

DVDs - US uses region 1.  You can get a single region machine re-chipped fairly cheaply to a multi-region chip.

TV - Two broadcasting systems, NTSC and PAL.  US uses one, Singapore the other.  Unless your TV is multi-system (which are pretty uncommon in the US) leave it at home.  Come buy a multi-region, dual voltage set here and forget worrying about it.