Considering transfer

[TXMom]

We are considering an assignment in Singapore
and would appreciate some info on evaluating
the lifestyle changes that we'll have to make.

Housing: What area to live in? We are from the US (Texas to be precise) and have 3 year old twins. We currently have a 5BR house with very large yars, playscape, pool. We want to live in a convenient area but we are suburbanites, not city folk. Where could we live that would be fairly quiet and where we could afford a bungalow with yard/pool? (Our budget is likely to be in the S$7-9K range) We are a little leery of condos because of safety where our kids are concerned (ie - falling out a window, climbing over a balcony, etc.) and the noise factor. Also, we have a dog and I'd prefer not to have to walk her late at night when my husband is away and the kids are asleep. Our kids will probably go to the American School but covenience to that area isn't important for another 2 years. My husband's office will be downtown and we'll be travelling quite often.

We will have a car, so access to public transportation is not critical. Or is parking difficult enough that it would be less hassle to just take public transportation most of the time?

Also, is American "kid food" readily available there (e.g. peanut butter, mac & cheese, etc)? What about diapers and Pull-ups?

We've never lived overseas, so any tips anyone has for helping us make this decision a little less traumatic will be greatly appreciated.

[jackfruit]

Hi   TXMOM
In general, I would say, no probs with moving to S'pore.  It won't take long for you to settle in , especially since you're going to travel (within the region?)...you'll see how easy life in S'por is compared to other regional postings.  Whatever you do, get hooked up with a "positive attitude" group of people and avoid those who gripe about almost everything...they  can make your stay there miserable.

Districts 9&10 are central and "distant " enough to have your own space.  There are many lowrise condos w/enclosed (fenced off) gardens and patios so, pretty kid safe but that's a personal decision only you can make.  You have to think of times when the kids are left with a babysitter or maid.
My suggestion is, rent a serviced apartment downtown for the first month and become familiar with the area-you might regret rushing things.

medical facilities are fine as are grocery stores although some American products tend to be on the pricey side...
I would probably advise you to take with you the following:
+specific toiletries that you are accustomed to

+over the counter medicines-S'pore has strict policies and some medications will be prescribed by a doc only

+if you're shipping your bed, bring the linen w/you !
Again, you can find US /Australian linen but it's expensive  
+ if you're into BBQ's -bring your grill over -they are horrendously expensive.  you can get the adaptor changed to fit local gas cylinders

+family pics (leave your negatives at home for safe keeping)

that's all I can think of -you'll have other expats writing in with other suggestions
good luck with your move

[This message has been edited by BoardManager (edited 07-08-2001).]

[kathy]

Hi TxMom,
We have been here for the last few years, moved twice and now enjoying every minute of living in my house, a bungalow in Bukit Timah with lots of greenery around. My dog also loves the big garden that we have. We are paying $8000 rent and I know of a few similar houses for rent in the vicinity. If you feel like chatting, feel free to email me at kathyp@catcha.com

[local]

Hi Tx mom

having been to Houston a few times whilst working in NY, I think you might be ok. There is a thriving expat community here as you can see. The advice you have received is all true, but one important point from me on costs.

That is Singapore prices can vary a great deal. The main issue is whether you are willing to do the leg work. My italian/spanish fiance took some time getting to grips with this. For example we have eaten the same japanese meal at the same restaurant for one fifth of the price! Another is bed linen, during the "great singapore sale" we purchased the same Wamsutta set that we had in NY for less than half the amount. This is especially true now that times are tough for retailers. We have even negotiated dirt low rent in a new condo.

Dont be put off by all the offers and pamphlets flying in your face, in this country they can offer huge savings. I was brought like a good chinese, "price is everything."

[TXMom]

Thanks for the input from all of you. I guess we really won't know how it will work out until we make a visit there. It's good to know there is some housing that might meet our needs while staying within our budget in the "expat" areas.

Couple more questions:

1. In the expat areas, are there locals too? While we'd like to know and socialize with other expats going through the same experience, we also want to meet locals.

2. Given the fact that Singapore is an island, why don't I see anything in the guide books about beaches?

3. Some of the postings I've seen on this board have given me the creeps regarding bugs and lizards. I'm really not interested in cohabiting with any of the above. Don't they have exterminators there? Give me good old pesticides over sharing my cornflakes with a lizard any day!

4. Anyone know anything about the East Coast area? It seems to be more reasonably priced than the District 9/10 area. Why? Is it less desirable or just further away from things?

Thanks again for any input!

[Singaporean]

TXMom, my previous post seems to have disappeared but take a look at my response to Bukit Hill (sic) or Holland V.

I think that with the space you're used to in Texas, you might actually prefer instead to live out towards the American school because it's much quieter and less built up.

You may also know that crime is v low in Singapore and I'd advise you to take a stick when walking your dog, esp at ngiht, only to fend off the other dogs that inconsiderate owners may not muzzle!

As I explained in the Bukit Hill response, all neighbourhoods will have plenty of locals now, the question is whether you can just go up to your neighbours and "borrow sugar". All my life living in an expat neighbourhood, either my family or the new neighbours have made the effort to say hi at least, some becoming lifelong friends even after repatriation. Some newcomers didn't and pretended we didn't exist.

I can't guarantee you will receive a warm reception from every local you greet because it isn't the culture to wave at a stranger here except in some circumstances e.g. next door neighbours or fellow dog owners, walking the baby. Hard to describe, luck of the draw. There's that thin ice you have to break after which most Singaporeans can't wait to show you around or help you.

If you're worried about creepy crawlies then I'm afraid you'd better not live in a house, esp the type you'd really like, i.e. the ones with lotsa greenery. Comes with the territory. At least you don't get snakes anymore!  

The Holland Rd/Bt Timah areas are generally the more expensive areas because they've historically been the expat areas. The East Coast now is seeing plenty of foreigners who like the seabreeze and proximity to the beach (nice to look at and walk along, but with Singapore being the busiest port in the world, you can understand why our beaches are not promoted)

[Mim]

While Singapore is an island it doesn't have great or even good beaches, don't for one minute picture a palm swept tropical paradise.  For the most part the sand and sea is polluted and East coast park area gets terribly crowded on weekends with bikeriders, rollerbladers, picnikers etc.  For beaches you will have to travel a bit further afield on weekend trips to places in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.