[Need Advice] Considering Relo to Singapore from Shanghai

[fredhuang1228]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum and looking for some advice on relocating to Singapore.

Background
I live in Shanghai now with my wife and two children (3 years old and 18 months old). Now there is an internal transfer opportunity to work in SG. I've been to SG a couple of times but just for business travel and I don't really have any friends in there. And I hope I can find some answers in this forum.

The biggest concern for this relocation is whether I can afford my family to live in SG.

Thanks to user JR8's guide (http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/viewtopic.php?t=101985). Here are some more details:

Priorities:
- your budget - No idea, I do not have the compensation package details yet.
- your workplace/s - Changi Business Park
- the size and/or type of property that you are seeking - At least two bedrooms (2 adults, 2 children), preferably three bedrooms two bathrooms.
- will you have a car here - Not for now, it will be too expensive at this point.
- proximity to transport required. MRT-subway/buses/the airport/Malay border post - Ideally, close to MRT is better.
- will you have any accompanying children needing to attend school? If so, age/s? - Yes, one is 18 months, elder one is 3 years.
- are you looking at private (international/fee-paying, or local schools?) - Local schools, bilingual. International Schools are more expensive (over 20,000 SGD a year?)
- will your employer being funding any fees; or will you, 'out of pocket'? - Not sure from employer. Out of pocket, yes, about 15,000 SGD.
- is remaining within a national curriculum important; if so what nationality are you? - No. And I'm Chinese.
- have you identified any such schools yet? - No, need recommendations

Nice to have:
- will you need to be able to say walk to the local shops, a library, your doctor, a market, and so on? - My wife and myself will take care the kids by ourselves, and most of the time would be my wife, door to door public transport would be great. Or any suggestions?
- access to any specific sport, social, and recreation facilities? - Nope, not necessarily
- are you considering bringing any pets. If so what kind, and will they require outdoor access and/or exercise? - Nope
- are you considering bringing any parents/in-laws etc? Do they have specific needs (for example difficulty climbing stairs?) - Not at the moment.

Your current home and commute:
- are you already a city dweller? i.e. Are you used to city-centre hustle and bustle, or would you hope for a bit more peace and quiet? - I currently live in outskirt of Shanghai. Peace, quite and safe would be great.
- what is the size and type (apartment, house+garden etc) of your current home? - 2 bedrooms apartment
- what are any current commute times like? - Work from home (60%), Business travel (20%), Office (20%)

Overall, I'm looking for a place which is close to kindergarten (walking distance), convenient transport to shops/markets, SAFE and nice environment, convenient transport to Changi Business Park.

I also need to find out the average cost of living for a family of four, kindergarten tuition fees, health insurance, recommendations for bilingual kindergarten, etc.

Thank you very much for your patience to read this message. Your help and advice would be much appreciated!!!

Cheers,
Fred

[fredhuang1228]

Some additional information
My current salary is S$ 72k before tax
The role is Implementation Consultant (6 years of experience), Software Industry

[JR8]

Many things you list, workplace, children, access to Changi, and so on suggest the East Coast to me. Not an area I know well, but others here do.
As I read it you haven't yet received a budget figure for housing. That limits what can usefully be suggested. Meanwhile perhaps what you could try and do is a search on the kind of housing you currently have, but out in the East Coast districts, and see what that would could cost. At least that will give you some idea of what you are probably going to have to budget.

ps. The property search function incorporates a district map, which will give you the 'Dx' numbers in the vicinity.

[bgd]

Areas to look at would be Bedok, Tampines and Simei. They all have reasonable links to CBP and local facilities. Slightly further afield and with a few more expats are Marine Parade, Siglap and Katong.

[fredhuang1228]

Many things you list, workplace, children, access to Changi, and so on suggest the East Coast to me. Not an area I know well, but others here do.
As I read it you haven't yet received a budget figure for housing. That limits what can usefully be suggested. Meanwhile perhaps what you could try and do is a search on the kind of housing you currently have, but out in the East Coast districts, and see what that would could cost. At least that will give you some idea of what you are probably going to have to budget.

ps. The property search function incorporates a district map, which will give you the 'Dx' numbers in the vicinity.

Thanks for your reply.
Indeed, the budget is quite important and I'm trying to figure this out as soon as possible. It's also a key factor for my relo decision.
I also did some research as you suggested, it seems there are quite a few options in East Coast.
One quick question though, regarding the kindergarten, does public ones accept foreigners? As I've learned private ones are quite expensive. Not sure if you know the answer or point me to the right direction. I probably should check out the Parenting forum.

Thanks

[fredhuang1228]

Areas to look at would be Bedok, Tampines and Simei. They all have reasonable links to CBP and local facilities. Slightly further afield and with a few more expats are Marine Parade, Siglap and Katong.

Thanks for your reply.
I did find some condos in Simei which is walking distance to MRT. The lowest price is around S$ 2800. The condos are quite old, but this is not an issue.
Do you know these areas well? How's the surroundings? Are there a lot of expats?

Thanks,

[bgd]

Areas to look at would be Bedok, Tampines and Simei. They all have reasonable links to CBP and local facilities. Slightly further afield and with a few more expats are Marine Parade, Siglap and Katong.

Thanks for your reply.
I did find some condos in Simei which is walking distance to MRT. The lowest price is around S$ 2800. The condos are quite old, but this is not an issue.
Do you know these areas well? How's the surroundings? Are there a lot of expats?

Thanks,

Bedok, Tampines and Simei I don't know at all. Plenty of expats but generally from India. CBP is an IT hub and India owns IT in this region and many reside in the areas I've mentioned. Depending on where in Simei, CBP is walkable or a short cycle ride. Quite a few do that.

If you want more of a western presence then look at Marine Parade, Siglap and Katong. These areas I do know and personally like. You can bus to Expo (across the road) or an MRT.

Older condos can actually be quite good value. Generally more spacious and harder to rent these days so better prices. Also consider HDBs, I've seen some very nice 5 roomed units. No pool though.

[JR8]

@FH1228. Re: your earlier, sorry can't advise on schooling, having never faced that issue myself.