Housing allowance...is this reasonable

[morphic]

Maybe this isn't practical in the heat, but do people cycle the 1-2KM's to their local MRT rather than take a bus? Many of the East Coast condo's look nice, the downside being the distance to the stations.

[Saint]

Maybe this isn't practical in the heat, but do people cycle the 1-2KM's to their local MRT rather than take a bus? Many of the East Coast condo's look nice, the downside being the distance to the stations.

Would like to echo what Eric said, I'm an East Coast fan (When in Singapore) and always will be. I wouldn't get too hung up on having to be near to MRT or getting the MRT into town as the buses are very good.

As for cycling to MRT, the problem is where to put your bike? I'm trying to think but I can't recall there being anywhere officially to chain your bike up to? Eric, SMS and others might know better

[Cheekybeek]

there are places to chain a bike at the MRTs I'm familiar with.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Maybe this isn't practical in the heat, but do people cycle the 1-2KM's to their local MRT rather than take a bus? Many of the East Coast condo's look nice, the downside being the distance to the stations.

As for cycling to MRT, the problem is where to put your bike? I'm trying to think but I can't recall there being anywhere officially to chain your bike up to? Eric, SMS and others might know better

Almost all Outlying MRT stations have a bicycle parking area where you can chain & Padlock your bike. Only problem is everything that's not welded to the frame or has a chain running through it will be stolen.

There are some folding bicycles being sold now that will fold up small enough that you can carry them on the MRT in a bag to the office and take up little room. Here is one guaranteed to be MRT-able: JZ88 Folding Bicycle And it takes less than 9 seconds to fold once you get used to it. Alternatively you may want to look here if you are over 80Kg. Dahon International

sms

[fung23]

Morphic, you can have many choices for $4500 budget. Better try another agent. I have just confirmed a 2 bedrooms fully furnished apartment in Cairnhill Road, walking distance to orchard and newton mrt station.

If you prefer those fully furnished Serviced Apartment, try the ascotts group and far east group. They have a wide range of choice.

http://www.fareastsvcapts.com.sg/

http://www.the-ascott.com/

[Saint]

Maybe this isn't practical in the heat, but do people cycle the 1-2KM's to their local MRT rather than take a bus? Many of the East Coast condo's look nice, the downside being the distance to the stations.

As for cycling to MRT, the problem is where to put your bike? I'm trying to think but I can't recall there being anywhere officially to chain your bike up to? Eric, SMS and others might know better

Almost all Outlying MRT stations have a bicycle parking area where you can chain & Padlock your bike. Only problem is everything that's not welded to the frame or has a chain running through it will be stolen.

As expected, CB and SMS put me to right

I would how ever heed SMS advice, don't expect your bike to be consisting of all the vital parts you expect, like wheels, saddle etc, they will be nicked at some point

[dot dot dot]

.

[morphic]

I was shocked to hear that bicycles are likely to be stripped down at the stations. Singapore has always had a reputation for being extremely law abiding, but I geuss people are people wherever you go. So it looks like a folding bike for me.

The apartment picture looks better than I thought then and I am really quite looking forward to apartment hunting. Won't take much to beat the best place I could ever afford in London.

Another question is do people have there own medical insurance, or are the one's provided by employers sufficient. Again reflecting the cheapness of the bank that I am foolish enough to go on working for, their medical insurance looks quite bad to me. They have listed various amounts for stays in hospital, dental, surgery etc and these numbers look large enough only for very minor treatment.

Any thoughts on that one?