Potential relocation to Singapore

[Mathieularoche]

Hi all,

I’m starting a new thread, as I need some valuable testimonies from long-time expats as you guys .

I’ve been offered a position in Singapore. I really love this city, and I have the feeling I cannot let this chance slip away…

What do you guys think about living there? Any expats there that can provide a valuable feedback?

I’ve already lived for a while in Bangkok, but this city is literally too much for me. I enjoyed it the time I stayed, but I guess a more “chilled out” place will be a better match for me. I’m looking for something less crazy, where I can enjoy a very good standard of living with my GF.

Any recommendations of expats already settled there?
What is for you the best part to stay?
Is the standard of living comparable to Bangkok’s?
Is it easy to get around, or should I consider buying a motorbike/scooter?
What are the weekend activities that you would recommend?

I enjoyed my time in Singapore when I went there for vacation, but I have to admit my knowledge about it is quite limited.

I have a full bunch of questions, but I guess it’s better to wait for your feedback.

Thank you in advance for any help you will provide folks!

[briansasaki]

It's a place very easy to adapt.English speaking country, safe, very clean, many parks and zoos for families. Singaporeans are very different from Thai people. In terms of efficiency, Singapore is very good. Here with at least 2 million population coming from other countries. Cost of living is much expensive than Thailand, many service industry staff are from Malaysia and mainland China.

Singaporeans are not as friendly as Thai people I thought. Especially when you rent condo, I heard so many disputes. You have to make sure the landlord is not a lawyer, people here like to sue others. Take photos and videos before you move in the condo, a list of requirement you need to do during the lease- e.g. have company to clean the air con regularly ; when you end your condo contract, very high risk the landlord won't return you the deposit or deduct part of the deposit, from the scratch on the floor, the hook you add in the kitchen, anything wear and tear can be deducted from the deposit. There is almost no way you can complain or chase back the money. Legal fee here is huge, and lots of lawyers earn money from this kind of disputes. Just be mindful of the lease contract. This is the major difference between here and other Asian countries.

[bgd]

I'll have a shot at some of your questions.

Any recommendations of expats already settled there?

Travel out of Sg a lot.

What is for you the best part to stay?

Depends on what you like to do and where you will be working. Personally I prefer the east coast because it's close the airport (see earlier comment), close to the CBD (work), has a great park and plenty of places to eat and drink.

Is the standard of living comparable to Bangkok’s?

Higher I would say, due to the infrastructure. But you pay for it, although rents are down compared to a few years back.

Is it easy to get around, or should I consider buying a motorbike/scooter?

Very easy, good public transport. MRT crowded at rush hour and less reliable than it once was. A bike is good here but not essential. Prices may put you off.

What are the weekend activities that you would recommend?

See my earlier comment about travel. It does depend on your interests but Sg is pretty limiting once you have been here a while. But it's like anywhere, it is what you make it. Plenty of sporting opportunities, etc.

[Mathieularoche]

Thank you guys for the valuable information.

What you are describing regarding condos is a bit frightening, but I guess I just have to be careful. In fact, in Thailand it was very easy to rent it. You just give a copy of your passport, you move in, and that's all. At the end of the lease, I just sent a few pictures to the landlady, who transferred the deposit back on my account without even checking the unit.
Thank you for warning me on this aspect though.

Thank you for the general information about areas to live, transportation modes, etc.
You guys are awesome !

I think a good idea would be to book an Airbnb for the first 2 weeks or so... So that I have enough time to check it out and see what's the best fit for me, because my company is not really keen to help me with that

[MikeJones]

AirBNB is illegal in Singapore as owners can't rent out an apartment for less than a 6 month lease, they were talking about changing the law but I don't think it has happened yet. However it is not strictly enforced and even if your particular rental get's stepped on it is the owner who will get in trouble, the renter will just be chucked out and told to find a hotel.

Mike

[Strong Eagle]

AirBNB is illegal in Singapore as owners can't rent out an apartment for less than a 6 month lease, they were talking about changing the law but I don't think it has happened yet. However it is not strictly enforced and even if your particular rental get's stepped on it is the owner who will get in trouble, the renter will just be chucked out and told to find a hotel.

Mike

While this is generally correct (and I found dozens of condo studio apartments for rent in the Orchard area), there are also plenty of properties where this is apparently not an issue. For example, several listings are for people who have renovated the top floors of a shop house they bought. It's treated like a hotel but sold through AirBnB. I've rented a real nice room for a great price... a nice alternative to a hotel.

Bottom line... if the building is not residential and the owner turns it into a hotel/hostel like structure, seems like AirBnB is A-OK.

[Pal]

AirBNB is illegal in Singapore as owners can't rent out an apartment for less than a 6 month lease, they were talking about changing the law but I don't think it has happened yet. However it is not strictly enforced and even if your particular rental get's stepped on it is the owner who will get in trouble, the renter will just be chucked out and told to find a hotel.

Mike

FYI, URA has revised the minimum lease period to 3 months

[Mathieularoche]

Thank you again guys !

Didn't about this kind of regulation as regards Airbnb, even though regulations about minimum leases are the same in Thailand.

I am currently in the process of making it all happen, I'm having a deeper look at the available units, how to book one, how I can handle the moving process, and so on.
Thank you all for the help you provided

[Aff]

where I can enjoy a very good standard of living with my GF.

This may be a sticking point for you.

Going to be hard to bring your GF along with you if you aren't married.

[Mathieularoche]

Hi guys,

Just following up. Don't want to be the kind of OP who asks tons of questions and never let people know what were the outcomes once I got the information lol.

Basically, I contacted various moving companies in Thailand: Sea fly, Santa Fe Relocation, etc.

They all seem quite serious but they all provided VERY different quotations for the same service

One company did provide quite a reasonable quotation and appeared very reliable. It's called Siam Relocation: https://siam-relocation.com

Has everyone ever worked with them? Before I launch the process with them, it would be nice to get valuable feedbacks from someone who already hired their services

Thanks guys, will let you know how it ends up.

Appreciate your help