What to expect

[leslie]

My husband and I will be moving to Singapore this summer.  I have a thriving career here in the States, but am planning to take some time off and explore other interests while in Singapore.  Anyway, after reading the message *** finding a good job sounds a little depressing  .

Can anyone tell me what I should expect in terms of food and toiletry items that might be hard to find in Singapore.  What things should I definitely stock up on and ship over?  Any input would be appreciated.  Thanks.

[gum]

Chewing gum!
Almost everything else is available here....

[PaulN]

Stock up on cold remedies.  You will find the selection in SNG is limited with the items we use in the US almost non-existant.  It is virtually guaranteed that you will need them, as the bugs tend to be a little different strain in SNG and your body won't fight them off at first.

Also, bring your favorite pain relievers.  Panadol is the primary one and I found it just doesn't work for me.  Albeit, if you eat a whole bottle of it for each bottle of whiskey you have, it does relieve the pain (permanently.)  

Lots of the women on the board have mentioned skivvies.  Unless you are petite, you are likely out of luck in SNG.

[Donna]

Bras are difficult to find if you don't like them padded(!). The best place is Marks & Spencers but more expensive than in the UK. Most local dept stores tend not to have anything larger than a 34B cup...(of course the local ladies are petite.

[This message has been edited by BoardManager (edited 15-05-2001).]

[out of luck]

If you have a favorite brand of sanitary napkins (like always), I suggest stocking up on those. The selections that I have found are somewhat lacking. Also, if you're a US size 10 or bigger, don't plan on doing a lot of clothes shopping. Most stores just don't provide those sizes.

[GAB]

The panadol is not paracetemol.

[Bewildered]

If you are partial to a particular brand of deodorant (eg Rexona) you are unlikely to find it here.

[welshman]

Bring lots of spare shoes! If your feet are anything bigger than about.... I don't know, say.... a small fish, then you will struggle.

Welshman

[buzz]

Have your magazine subscriptions forwarded. They may arrive a bit later then usual, but magazines are very expensive here!

Bring a good supply of cosmetics, as most here are yellow-based.

Bring your bbq. Easy to get an empty gas container filled here.

Bring a hammer drill

[Fat Bob]

GAB, Panadol is paracetamol. Well, they call it acetoaminophen, which is the same stuff.

(I just checked on a chemistry database, just to make sure I wasn't going to make a fool of myself!)

I prefer ibuprofen (Neurofen, Advil plus several others). However, you need a doctors prescription for one, and I'm not that sort of Dr! Therefore I just get a whole bunch every time I'm in the UK/US/Aus.

[GAB]

Well, sorry for my ignorance but a pharmacist in a chemist here told me to bring it from home because they don't and can't sell it here!! Doesn't say much for the pharmacist does it?? Thanks for that!!! By the way aren't ibubrufen and neurofen, brufen based and anti-inflamatories?? I don't know either as Physics is my thing!!
If you have a bread maker bring some bread flour(like the 10 kg bags). Ditto for the BBQ!! And possibly hair colour if you do colour your hair other than something dark!! Bring wine as well aware of the fact that there is a duty.

[This message has been edited by GAB (edited 27-04-2001).]

[This message has been edited by GAB (edited 27-04-2001).]

[Barbie]

Just wanted to correct you GAB - there are loads of places here that do blonde hairlights very well.... unless you want to do them yourself - expect to pay S$100+

You can get most things here and if not just adapt to this new culture.. when in Rome!