Moving to Singapore

[Katie]

My Husband has been offered an Expat posting to Singapore from London. We will be coming over in a few week to have a look around before I make my mind up. I have some reservation about moving though. We have a small girl of 14 Months what will it be like for her? He will be working all day and I wondered what it would be like for myself and meeting other people. I hear cars are expensive, is it difficult to get about with a small child without a car. Is it difficult to by children’s supplies in Singapore such as nappies (huggies)? Thanks in advance for your replies.

Kathy

[henry]

Kathy,  you can buy just about anything here.
Your 2 yo will be fine and so will you.  There are many expats here and many have kids.  There are even more locals here with kids.  Lots of nursery schools and playgroups.  It can be a great experience, so I hope you give it a try.

[Bewildered]

I think, however, you should be aware that getting around with a toddler is a lot more difficult than in other places. Firstly running a car is very expensive. You're looking at SGD2000 pcm all in for leasing, petrol and tolls, and that's for a "normal" family car. Taxis are easily available and cheap and many people use them and do without a car, but they are not toddler-friendly. There are no child seats provided, and often not even any rear seat belts. You'll have to sit with the child on your knee unless you want to carry a baby seat around with you (not recommended in the heat).

Although there are lots of buses and an excellent MRT system, using them with a child in a push chair can be very difficult and almost impossible at peak hours.

There are things to do with kids such as playgrounds, swimming pools, etc but the daytime heat can make many outdoor activities something of an ordeal. There's cable TV with the Disney Channel however, so don't despair.

Hope this is not too negative. I'm sure you'll find Singapore an interesting experience, but I think its wisest to be prepared for what you'll find.

[LL]

Katie, we have a 16mth old daughter and have been here six months.  All the previous advice is very true about the transport, but we take taxis everywhere, we go to swimming lessons, belong to mother's groups (and new groups form all the time) and generally we are having a wonderful time.  You do have your frustrations, but we are very happy (and busy) And yes, you can buy Huggies and everything you need for the little one.  It's a challenge, but hey life is to be lived!

[enjoy it!]

We have recently spent a year in singapore with two young children and had a fantastic year, we loved it so much that we are going back, we arrive in 3 weeks!, only returned to UK in January!, the weather is somewhat better than what you get in the UK, the kids gain so much experience in living in another country and there are so many expats you will meet people very quickly.  Come and enjoy yourself, you only live once.  But do budget for a car, we lasted a year and it was awful, so this time that is our first purchase (expensive, but worth it for your sanity) and you can buy just about everything here. Good luck

[Karena]

I've been here for 10 weeks with a now 21 month old and love it. It's a great opportunity and experience.  However, not everyone is the type of person to thrive here, and only you can know that. Living away from your comfort zone is not for everyone.

Our car costs us less than 1,000 per month - and although it's an 8 year old mazda 323 it does us fine!  I think with a toddler life would be much more difficult without it.

[smurfette]

You don't need a car to survive here.  We have 3 kids, the youngest is three and we do just fine.  If you pick your area you can walk to the shops, and if you end up with a live-in maid (as a lot of us do) you don't have to drag your toddler all over town, you can just jump in a cab (they are cheap and there's plenty of them) and take off when you need to. You can buy everything here you could possibly want and more.

[happy here]

You buy Huggies, super- quilted Huggies, extra- absorbant Huggies, Huggies with all your favorite cartoon characters on them... Sorry for the sarcasm.  I have been here a month- with a 6 yr. old, a 3 yr. old and another due in June.  I get around fine by bus and taxi and our kids are having the time of their lives- running about half-naked in the garden, swimming several times a/week, making friends of every cultural and ethnic group...  Of course, if the Disney channel is your biggest comfort, it may be better to just stay where you are...

[jws]

I came here as a 6 month old in the early sixties...spent my child hood years here and have very fond memories. I came back with my own kids and they are having a ball. And so do we (wife and I)
It is safe, clean, tons of activities, tons of friends, great schools and pre-schools, it is the food capital of Asia.
But hey, it all depends on you, not on Singapore... Are you open for change and are you open to give your man a chance.
My wife did and I love her dearly for that