Well, why don't you? Lots of expat parents do (especially those who aren't on 'expat packages' and must make do with local salary rates).Michelle Martin wrote:
2. School: youngest is on wait list. and due to start kinder in fall, I assume I will home school until then - any other thoughts on schools? Feel like I have looked at all and wish I could just send her to a "public" singapore school! )
I have the exact opposite experience. Starting SP Services was easy, I'll give you that. Everything else in Singapore, and I mean *everything* must be done by phone or in person.jshin wrote:
One thing you will find is that unlike the US, utility companies and are actually responsive and prompt. You can start your electricity, water, gas and trash all in one go online no less. And you will likely have just one provider for your internet, telephone, cell phone and cable, too.
Just FYI, you can have internet, cable, phone and cell through one provider in the US as well....AT&T Uversejshin wrote:1. $6000 for 3bdrm near Orchard will be tough. If you find something, it will be old and with less amenities. Singapore is tropical so buildings age much more quickly than in dry California. Look at areas still close to MRT (subway), but a little furhter from Orchard. Places like Novena, Farrer Park, Toa Payoh are definitely cheaper but still convenient. Also more 'local' which can be good and bad. Compared to the states, furnitures is generally expensive if it's imported from US or Europe, cheaper if from the region. If you buy furniture here, it's easy to offload. Just list it on craigslist and on the boards at local supermarkets.
Just wanted to post a follow up as we are now here and have learned a few things.: we were able to find a great place that is 3 years old on River Valley and Kim Seng Road - for just a little over our budget - anything we looked at that was less than 6K was really NOT ok for my familily (tiny, loud and no privacy) Since we live in "suburbia" in california the high rise building was the way we wanted to go and I am SO glad we chose it. We did look at One Devonshire, great place and almost rented it but the construction around the building was/is way too loud and no one lives in the building yet - only 6 tenants, seems lonely.
3. Don't know about iPhone and AT&T, but most US carriers have an opt out especially for those who are moving overseas. In which case, the breaking contract fee is waived. Many US carriers have int'l roaming plans but they're more for data than for voice. Definitely need a cell here. BTW: your husband will have to go with you to get the cell phone if you want a contract instead of prepay, because he's the one with work permit. But might also want to consider getting Vonage. I keep 2 US lines at home via Vonage.
AT&T does NOT allow you out of your contract since you are leaving the country - just the opposite, you can pay $10 a month to suspend service, go international plan at $4.99 a minute and.50c a text (with a $50 fee to text in addition to your $119. plan) or you can pay $250 to cancel your contract (in my case since I was only a year in the contract) My husband works for Samsung - hence why we are here, so I guess I am retiring my iPhone and moving to a samsung phone.
4. For most jobs, you will need to at least get an exemption. Otherwise, you'll need a fuul employment pass (EP - work visa). now you know how foreigners feel when they arrive in the US. At least Singapore is relatively welcoming to foreign workers.
Not sure I even understand your comment here as I live in California and it feels like half he population in ca is illegal immigrants and they all seem to get jobs, some better paying the one I had and I am a college grad - but I have researched obtaining a job on a dependent pass and it's actually not as hard as you say, there are companies out there that will sponsor you
One thing you will find is that unlike the US, utility companies and are actually responsive and prompt. You can start your electricity, water, gas and trash all in one go online no less. And you will likely have just one provider for your internet, telephone, cell phone and cable, too.
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