I recently relocated from Surry Hills, Sydney to Singapore with all of my furniture in tow, except for my BBQ which I gave away to a friend (on the basis that I never thought I'd have a balcony here on which to use a BBQ). My bad mistake! Since arriving in December 05 and finding an amazing apartment with a balcony fit for an outdoor kitchen, I've called or visited what I think is every BBQ supplier or distributer in Singapore only to reach the conclusion that the BBQs here are at least 3 times more expensive than in Australia but without the same range or quality.
Although I guess that's understandable given that Singapore isn't Australia and that the culture, lifestyle and apartments here are different, I'm still having BBQ withdrawals, and can't bring myself to spend a ridiculous amount of money in Singapore buying a BBQ which I wouldn't think about buying back home. And after some preliminary calls to relocation and freight companies, I'd be looking at almost A$1000 to transport a BBQ from Australia to Singapore on a single box basis (hardly economical!)
So, here's my request and some advice: If anyone out there is contemplating moving from Australia to Singapore in the near term and bringing their furniture with them (or you know anyone who fits that description):
(1) please, please, please get in contact with me ([email protected] or +65 819 869 01) so that I may ask (nay beg, and offer to pay a reasonable sum, including a steak on the barbie hand-cooked by me) to add a BBQ to your shipment (delivered by BBQ's Galore direct to your shipping company if that's easiest for you). Of course, I'd cover (and pre-pay to your shipping company if that works) any customs charges, together with any applicable handling fee; and
(2) if you already have a BBQ, make sure you bring it (because you might not be able to find a replacement here!).
Also, on the off chance, if there's anyone else out there already in Singapore who's in a similar predicament and who'd be interested in sharing the cost of freight (the cost for 2 BBQs by sea freight is about the same as 1), whether for a BBQ or another item you'd like to bring over, please let me know.
Thanks in advanced (and fingers crossed), Simmo