Moving From US

[BN]

SM moving To Singapore next month, any tips that will save time and make the move easier.
I.E. Movers, what to pack, amd what to store.
And where I can catch the NCAA tourney?

Thanks

[kes]

You might have a bit of a problem with 'March Madness' because there isn't a large viewing population for it here in Singapore.  I don't think ESPN Asia shows March Madness.  Sorry but you have to give it a miss here.

[SkidMark]

Bring as much as you can (by sea). I've spent a fortune rebuying all those little things I sold at our garage sale for 50 cents. Be careful of your electrics though.

[Rand]

You won't be able to see every game, but there are some NCAA tourney games shown on ESPN. AS Kes said, it's not as big as other sporting events are here. NBA isn't a problem, for the most part, but unless you're a Dukie, this might be the year worth missing some games.

[Blue]

Hi,
 
   I moved from the states last year, so
   I'm still fresh with packing advice.

   1) Metal or wooden coat hangers. S'pore seems
        to only have small ones or plastic ones.

    2) Books.   Books are quite expensive in S'pore.
        The prices in the USA are better; the shops
         seem to price it according to stock alot
         of the U.K editions and priced accordingly.

    3)  Video tapes of films, tv shows etc...
          You'll have a difficult time finding those
          movies and tv shows back in the USA
          in Singapore.  (you can purchase a NTSC
          duel version VCR in S'pore).

    4)  Running shoes.   The prices in S'pore are
         higher than in the USA.

    5)  HOME COMPUTER.   Prices in S'pore are
          higher.   (you can purchase a special converter
          to enable your American computer  to
          work in S'pore from Sim Lim electronic ctr.)

    6)  Vitamins.    Believe it or not vitamins are
          way over priced in S'pore.  Stock up before
          you get here.

    7) Road Bike/Mountain Bike.   The selections
         in the states are bigger.   The prices are
         higher and you'll see alot of cheap no-name
         knock offs in bike shops in S'pore.

     Sunglasses.   Again, the prices are way too
         high and you won't find the selection nor
         the brand you want back in the USA.

      That's all I can think of at the moment.
     
        Food, clothes, furniture and most household
        appliances need not be a concern- the prices
        and selection is better than the USA.

            Cheers.

[More items]

As I also moved here last year from the U.S., let me add to the terrific list that preceeds this one.  

Bring a grill!  Or two!  Share with your friends and neighbors!  Grills are VERY expensive here.  

I have found that wire coat hangers tend to rust (especially in the container on the way over), but I second the motion to bring plastic or wooden hangers.  Wooden ones are available at IKEA, but the plastic ones here are much inferior to the ones from WalMart.

Do bring your videos, but music is cheaper here.  Go figure!  If anyone in your family is a gamer (playstation, nintendo, etc.), the selection of games here is limited and expensive.  

Bring lots of clothes!  The quality and fit of clothes here is not the same.  The few items that are comparable are outrageously priced.  Undergarments for men, women and children are not available in the brands and styles that we are used to.  Bring chic clothes for a tropical island, but remember that many places overcompensate with the air conditioning so there are times that you will need sweaters, pants or light jackets indoors.  

Shoes - Asian shoes are much wider and smaller than American shoes.  I wear a ladies size 6 in the U.S. so I assumed that I could find shoes here.  Wrong!  I can find the length, but the shoes are so wide that I can't wear them.  Men's shoes in large sizes are very hard to find and the selection is quite limited.  Rubber soled shoes for men are a great idea - even dress shoes.  When it rains here (almost every day), the marble floors are incredibly slick.  Falling down outside your office is not a good look.  Waterproof is a good idea, also.  If you travel much in Asia, you may find that when it rains you will be standing in sewage.  Never a problem in Singapore, but who wants wet socks, anyway. Think tropical rain storms.  

Wooden furniture and decor items are terrific here, but beds, sheets and towels are not the same sizes as in the U.S.  Recliners must be made of gold considering the cost.  

Plan on buying carpets here.  Selection, quality and prices are so much better than the U.S.

No matter what you bring, you will have a list a mile long the first time you make it back to a Target or WalMart.  And even people who hated American malls before coming here miss them.  It is a great life, but it is not like the U.S.!

Don't forget your Advil!  Can't buy that here without a prescription.

[blah blah]

Can probably get the NCAA Tourney at Dan Ryans or the American Club (both places showed the superbowl this year).  However, don't count on seeing any of the winter olympics.

As for packing, I would leave most heavy clothing back home.  Have been here over 3 months and still have not worn jeans even once.

If you have a baby, you will want to buy as much baby stuff (eg, strollers, crib, etc) in the US and ship it b/c the selection and quality here is not very good.

Definitely agree with the comment about a grill.  Much better to bring one from the US (or better yet, Australia, if you have the chance).