Visited Singapore...and changed my mind...

[newhere]

I took a trip to Singapore prior to my official start date and have changed my mind...not as nice as I originally thought. Anyone else agree?? Anyone with regrets about moving?? Should I go ahead and move anyway? Money not an issue, place just seems dull. BTW, moving from NYC.

[Strong Eagle]

I really guess it depends upon what you want. I made a conscious choice to move here and start a business.

This is a very livable city, safe, great infrastructure, many restaurants and clubs, friendly people, and quite a bit to see and do... although I do miss the wide open spaces of Texas at times.

But what really makes the difference is the opportunity to live and work in a culture different than mine. Now that I am here, I am exploring the details, understanding the people, the politics. My life is much richer for it.

There seem to be two classes of expats here. The first are those that are working for an MNC that get rotated through for a tour of duty. For them (and not all of them by any means), being in Singapore is a burden to be gotten through as part of climbing the corporate ladder. They don't assimilate.

Then there are the expats that have decided to make a life here. Many have Asian wives/husbands. They like the life. They are assimilated.

So, what matters to you? For my part, you couldn't get me to live in NYC. But that doesn't mean it's bad or boring... just not my cup of tea.

[Vaucluse]

Best thing you can do is not come . . . If you don't like it after a few days, imagine how much you'll hate it after a month or more.

Save your employer money and stay in NYC (agree with SE - a team of horses . . . )

[TLTLF]

I am sure there are positives to living in Singapore - those with young families, and a love of the easy life seem to really enjoy it here. Not to mention the ease of hopping around to really interesting cultural destinations and island getaways throughout SE Asia, but....

There really isn't a great deal to entertain in Singapore for someone who likes great food, bars, music etc. Its not only difficult to find but its rather on the expensive side when you do. There certainly are good places out there, but in comparison to other big cities, there's a huge void. Having lived in NYC for 5 years, and absolutely loving it, I think if you're looking for a good fun lifestyle then look elsewhere. I think there are much better choices throughout Asia, both career-wise, culturally and lifestyle-wise - Bangkok and Hong Kong both spring to mind as very happening alternatives.

We thought we could do it for a couple of years - but after an agonising 15 months for my husband and 10 mths for me we're making a break for it, and heading elsewhere. A very expensive gamble to make.

Not going is the best decision you could have made if you're already doubting whether Singapore is for you.

[Mary Hatch Bailey]

I took a trip to Singapore prior to my official start date and have changed my mind...not as nice as I originally thought. Anyone else agree?? Anyone with regrets about moving?? Should I go ahead and move anyway? Money not an issue, place just seems dull. BTW, moving from NYC.

If you are moving from NYC then of course, Singapore can not compare on many levels. Nightlife, shopping, the Arts. But 'nice'? Singapore is not as 'nice' as New York? Tell that to the homeless junkies living in the underground tunnels at Grand Central Station, I'm sure they'll agree.

If it's one thing Singapore does have over Manhattan, is that it is a nicer place to live: cleaner, safer, milder weather, cheaper, less racial tension, better healthcare, less unemployment, and,

wait for it...

no homeless.

Strange.

[Vaucluse]

I am sure there are positives to living in Singapore - those with young families, and a love of the easy life seem to really enjoy it here. Not to mention the ease of hopping around to really interesting cultural destinations and island getaways throughout SE Asia, but....

There really isn't a great deal to entertain in Singapore for someone who likes great food, bars, music etc. Its not only difficult to find but its rather on the expensive side when you do. There certainly are good places out there, but in comparison to other big cities, there's a huge void. Having lived in NYC for 5 years, and absolutely loving it, I think if you're looking for a good fun lifestyle then look elsewhere. I think there are much better choices throughout Asia, both career-wise, culturally and lifestyle-wise - Bangkok and Hong Kong both spring to mind as very happening alternatives.

Not going is the best decision you could have made if you're already doubting whether Singapore is for you.

Wow, TLTLF, you have opened a can of worms here - allow me to dispel some of the questionable things you have written:

Nowhere to go out? Great food? Possibly you didn't give it enough time to find, rather stayed in the confines of your expat club . . . Sngapore is a haven for seafood (and it's all safe to eat - ) Expensive? Again, the clubs can be a bit on the high side. But tastes differ and this cannot really be argued.

One space which I can, however, give my 2 cents better than most is:

I think there are much better choices throughout Asia, both career-wise, culturally and lifestyle-wise - Bangkok and Hong Kong both spring to mind as very happening alternatives.

Career-wise HK and Singapore are on par and Bangkok is a joke - I have not met one serious businessman/woman who was happy with their posting in the city of foul air (except one single Brit who loved the bars in Soi 8 8) ) Please share with us how you come to the Bangkok conclusion.
Lifestyle-wise again HK and Bangkok would lose out. We have an office in HK and even the Hongkies would prefer to live here - there really is no comparison. Just had a meeting yesterday with two guys based in HK and they would love to be posted here (one with wife and family, the otehr no kids yet)

Bangkok? Surely you jest. (Yes, I know your name is not Shirley and you never jest)

Culturally? Please explain this.

I do, however, agree with you 100% on your last sentence, having voiced this earlier:
Not going is the best decision you could have made if you're already doubting whether Singapore is for you

[newhere]

Did not mean to offend by saying that its not as nice...should have known that I would have been attacked

My original intention of moving there is to see another culture, lifestyle, etc. and that has not changed. Thanks for the advice, but despite the comments not to come, I still plan to....for all the reasons you have all stated.

My plan is to stay for about a year and who knows...maybe longer. My wife is pregnant and I think Singapore would be a great place for her to take it easy and avoid the stress that is NYC.

[Vaucluse]

Did not mean to offend by saying that its not as nice...should have known that I would have been attacked

My original intention of moving there is to see another culture, lifestyle, etc. and that has not changed. Thanks for the advice, but despite the comments not to come, I still plan to....for all the reasons you have all stated.

My plan is to stay for about a year and who knows...maybe longer. My wife is pregnant and I think Singapore would be a great place for her to take it easy and avoid the stress that is NYC.

In that case - welcome (you will, at times, need a thick skin ) My wife is pregnant as well - this is a 'safe as houses' country to have kids, in terms of hospitals, doctors, pre and ante natal infrastructure.

We thought about going home for the birth, but several friends have had their children here and they all look normal - - - well, almost) And it will be a buzz for them to have Singapore as their birthplace set in their passports when they are older. My bro was born in Africa and I was born in Asia - both totally cool places, in terms of street cred!!! 8) )

Give us abuzz when you arrive - we'd happily share our (limited) knowledge.
(Ok, that's my nice side )

[Carpe Diem]

(Ok, that's my nice side )

SHOCKED

[Close Encounter]

Code: Select all

If it's one thing Singapore does have over Manhattan, is that it is a nicer place to live: cleaner, safer, milder weather, cheaper, less racial tension, better healthcare, less unemployment, and, 

wait for it... 

no homeless. 

Strange.

Strange indeed. There are homeless people sleeping on the HDB void deck as shown by these photo link....
http://www.photobucket.com/albums/y29/v ... of_Living/

I admit these photos are a bit distressing. Came across this in a local discussion forum.

[Mary Hatch Bailey]

Granted, you may find the occasional 'homeless person' -- someone who has been kicked out, ran away, etc... The difference is, there is a very tight safety net for these people and I believe their situation is temporary. Big, big difference.

[Vaucluse]

(Ok, that's my nice side )

SHOCKED

Shocked? But why? I have many nice sides. the nicest side of New York is from any one of the airports as you're leaving the place . . .

[Carpe Diem]

(Ok, that's my nice side )

SHOCKED

Shocked? But why? I have many nice sides. the nicest side of New York is from any one of the airports as you're leaving the place . . .

I won't waste another post to tell you that you know what I mean.

[ringo100]

I would agree Bangkok and HK have far more night life and Bangkok is bursting with culture compared to relativly new country like Singapore. But I also think Singapore is a great place to live especially if you have a faimily.

Food wise all three are great (altough i've not been to HK) everyone I know says it's fantastic.

Drink wise, Singapore is expensive, a night out in a good club in London can be cheaper, even after taxi and food.

I think I would be happy to live in all three to be honest.

[JayV]

Did not mean to offend by saying that its not as nice...should have known that I would have been attacked

My original intention of moving there is to see another culture, lifestyle, etc. and that has not changed. Thanks for the advice, but despite the comments not to come, I still plan to....for all the reasons you have all stated.

My plan is to stay for about a year and who knows...maybe longer. My wife is pregnant and I think Singapore would be a great place for her to take it easy and avoid the stress that is NYC.

Yes, you will experience another culture and lifestyle in Singapore. Stress is more related to individuals than locations, so do not expect too much. Otherwise, Singapore is a fairly good place for a family.