Tobe2015 wrote:Yes JR8, you have made the point, that the whole idea of moving to Singapore sort of grabs me (hence thats why I applied for the job in the first place), but there are other things needing some serious consideration after the initial excitement, especially getting to know the current offer is not that up to the standard and expectation.....
I guess I will have to come to SG and actually see which area to live, in terms of work commuting and the right balance of "blend-in" culturally...
Regarding getting home after a night/dining out, I reckon taking taxi could be a good option, heard that it is not that expensive?
I have some contacts in SG (saying contacts, thats like school mates who moved and settled in SG and I haven't been in touch for years, also some friends' friends...), so hopefully I can re-connect with them and extend the networking, but can only find out when I m physically in SG...
I don't know what kind of impression you get so far but this whole immersions is not so difficult at all and I feel JR8 exaggerates a bit with the worries. Having said that, If your social life is based on pubs (no drinker nor smoker so probably not?) type of interactions then the Lakeside area is not really good for it, but it is a nice area to live and it's not really short of anything. Depending on the
condo you may find many Western expats around. Sure it will not be as many as in Holland Village or some other more central places but I think it is less about the quantity and afterall Singapore is small enough to meet up anywhere.
Locals are most of the time nice, interacting with them in coffee shops and eating places is pretty nice too and frankly more sh**ty looking place and more far from central areas often better eating and social experience. The annoying/difficult part of the immersion is very much independent of the location. It is about having some things done or sharing public space.
Besides, aiming at 2k5 rental budget you may be pretty much excluded from higher Western expat density places.