Reality check before moving to Singapore

[nakatago]

From what I've observed, the diversity OP would most probably encounter is this:

* OP's from New York
* And there's UK Robert in accounting; not to be confused with Dutch Robert or Minnesota Robert (he prefers to be called "Bob")
* Tina in HR grew up in Melbourne
* Francois, who's handling accounts, moved here two years ago from the Switzerland office
* Jie Ning just graduated from NUS is now being trained in sales
* Sunil and Jobert are handling IT
* Raquel just sealed the deal on the LATAM account
* Hiroshi will be moving back to Tokyo to open the East Asia office

(Yes, I'm aware the sketch is racist).

[Brah]

Thank you for the information on dog/dog run - I have made notes of it.

I was a bit surprised about this comment: "You're moving from one of the top cultural locations in the world to one of the lowest, in terms of arts and entertainment in general, and variety in many things." -

I had thought Singapore, like Hong Kong, is quite diverse in multinational culture as there is a large number of expats from all over the world. Is this not the case? Do expats often interact with each other and the locals?

Whereas JR8's info is more constructive and balanced, mine was a bit darker and a little overly cautionary, albeit also accurate.

Based on your questions you appear to not have lived overseas before so it's not like this would be either a hardship assignment nor an other-worldly deep cultural immersion as if you were moving to, say, Korea or Italy, where language factors in. Just try to become familiar with the deep and multifaceted environment you are coming from to the rather bland one here.

[ER2015]

Thanks everyone! I am currently working out the details on the move with my company re. health insurance/work visa, etc. Will update when I know more about when and how...

[Brah]

Good, you got my PM

[ER2015]

Just wanted to give a quick update on the Singapore relocation: I was recently offered by another company, for a similar amount of salary and position, but in Hong Kong instead of Singapore. both opportunities offer more or less the same career development. So the question is: between Singapore and Hong Kong, which one should I choose?? I don't have a particular preference in one over the other (never lived in either one), so it's purely up to which one would make more sense financially and lifestyle wise...

Any insights? Also, is HK more (large) pet friendly than Singapore?

[Brah]

Just wanted to give a quick update on the Singapore relocation: I was recently offered by another company, for a similar amount of salary and position, but in Hong Kong instead of Singapore. both opportunities offer more or less the same career development. So the question is: between Singapore and Hong Kong, which one should I choose?? I don't have a particular preference in one over the other (never lived in either one), so it's purely up to which one would make more sense financially and lifestyle wise...

Any insights? Also, is HK more (large) pet friendly than Singapore?

Would say it depends on the job and what you want out of your career.
HK is more front office and SG is more back office. HK is more exciting and international than SG, in some ways SG has better living conditions than HK. Both are damn expensive. Both are quite different from the other.

Insights are ok, but don't ask people what you should choose, that is for you to do.

[zzm9980]

It's easier to find less expensive rentals in Hong Kong overall, but they're all much smaller so you'll be paying more PSF.

IMO HK is more exciting, but Singapore is an easier place to live and you'll have a more laidback lifestyle. But this is one of those "great debate" questions that always come up like NYC Vs. Chicago, LA Vs SF, etc. Both cities are big cities and each have their own very significant pros and cons.