Moving to singapore....

[sathishkumarm_16]

Hi,
i would be moving to singapore in another couple of weeks. Can someone give me information on Cheap accomodation(sharing is OK).

- Sathish

[joop]

Here - room/ house sharing > http://classifieds.singaporeexpats.com/index.php

[neilf]

Hi,

I am planning on moving to Singapore (job) in December. I have visited Singapore many times through work, but i have never been based there. I am married with 3 children all are required to go to primary school. I am currently in negetiations with my contract, but need info on renting an apartment or other, school costs and so on. I anyone outhere can give me some advice i would appreciate it. I essentially need the overall cost structure of living in Singapore.

Regards,

Neil

[Abigail Lee]

Neil...welcome to Singapore...in December. Answers to your questions vary, depending on your lifestyle, and school costs also vary, but using what you've given...here is a sampling of costs which I know about:

For example, at International Community School, for 3 kids in primary school (grades 1-6) your cost for the year (2 semesters) could be approx $50,000 ...but discounts are available, so that can be much lower. Many schools are listed on this expat web site and you can shop and compare. If your company can help with school fees that would be great...a good place to bargain in the contract, as it's higher here than some other places, as land is scarce and rental fees for school properties are very high. My family's electric/water/gas has been $300-$450 a month, running 2 AC units a lot. 2 handphones cost approx $90 per month. Internet is $60 per month. Transportation, for buses and MRT's, which we use...again this depends on how far you live from work, and school, and how much you need to go, but $100 per person per month will take you a lot of places...and have some left over for the inexpensive taxi's, too. With a family of 5...may be cheaper to take a taxi...for the whole group. ...so you could figure more in the budget. Groceries/food is relatively inexpensive and you can eat for pretty cheap, in our opinion. What do you spend on groceries wherever you are now? ...probably will be cheaper here, unless you live in Indonesia. We did live in an unfurnished 3 BR HUDC apartment for $1,100 per month, but just moved (because the workplace moved) to a 3 BR terrace, which is $1,450. These prices are fairly low and many pay more...so think a bit higher. You can pay as much or little for rents as you want, and your budget will allow. Agents are available to help, and use one that will show you places within your budget. Lots of start up costs, too....with utility and rent deposits, agent fees, etc. etc. Our budget doesn't allow us to spend lots and lots, as some do. Your company probably has a medical plan for you and your family, and if not, should bargain for that, too, but not overly expensive here. I'm the maid, so don't have that expense, which could be $700-$1,000 per month. If you plan to have a car, others would have to comment on that...but expensive I think. ...plus all the other expenditures for you and your family. Add it all up and get a rough estimate. The rich will have a different opinion. Basically, if you want it, it's probably in Singapore, and can be purchased within your budget.

Again, welcome Neil. It's hot and very humid here, and a terrific place to live! I know you and your family will enjoy it. Don't forget that everyone will need comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella, and lightweight clothes will be helpful.

[neilf]

Thanks for your info, i am coming from australia and singapore sounds incredibly expensive. Education costs are a worry. Thanks anyway i will be in touch.

[Abigail Lee]

Neil, don't worry. Singapore is really surprisingly less expensive than we thought and were told before coming. Just start taking the steps that you need to take to get here, talk to your company, work out some deals in your contract, talk to the school (of your choice) and ask about monthly payment plans and tuition assistance, which are available, too. Fill out the on-line applications, make some phone calls. In the end, you'll probably be pleasantly surprised at how affordable it truly is. 90% of what we worry about never happens. ...will just give you gray hair. It's good you have 4-5 months to prepare, too!

[borneng]

Hi, I've just join today. My husband gave me a homework to prepare budget forecast of living expenditure in Singapore (we might be relocated next year).

Abigail, thanks for that post with all the living expenses in Singapore. I just have one stupid question. Those figures you mentioned, are they in Singapore $? How much do you spend average per month on groceries?

My husband and I are thinking of leasing a car as opposed to buying. Would that be more economical ?

Many thanks again.

[Abigail Lee]

Of course, in Singapore dollars...that's where we live, so only think that way. You can convert of course to your country's currency and compare. I don't spend much on groceries and don't count the dollars. We spent $150 the other night at the grocery store...and probably won't go back for a couple or more weeks. ...but of course, pick up things here and there as they run out. We're adults, but eat like kids...nothing fancy, with lots of salads and fruits and vegetables, which are so cheap. Sorry I can't give you a better estimate on groceries. Figure what you spend where you are...and think cheaper here. ....unless you're into gourmet items and delicacies, fancy eating...think higher. You can spend as much or little on food as you want. Come to Singapore...it's a great experience!

[Abigail Lee]

Sorry I forgot about the car question...not my area of expertise, since I ride the buses and trains. I had a friend who was going to rent a car for $500 a month, and I hear of people leasing them for $1,000 per month. More expensive to buy a car for sure...a lot more. Finding a place to park a car seems to be the biggest complaint I've heard. Many people on this site have cars, and hopefully they'll provide additional insight in this regard.

[borneng]

Come to Singapore...it's a great experience!

Thank you for your help Abigail. We certainly hope the we could move there. My husband has been requesting the transfer fro some time now. Hopefully it will go through. I'm preparing for the living expenditure budget so that my husband can negotiate the terms better. Cross fingers.

[Leone and John]

..thanx Abigail for your very informative messages on costs in Singapore.

Am also wondering if you (or others) know of any on-line shopping URL's. In the past all my shopping (groceries etc) has been thru on-line shopping and am wondering with the high cost of car ownership etc, if this would be the better option whilst in Singapore. At least I would not have to carry the heavy parcels back home! Plus it would be another way of comparing prices etc.

In the midst of planning our relocation and all help and advise is very welcome indeed!

regards,

Leone

[EC]

I have friends who shop at Cold Storage online (a big grocery chain here).

Here's the link http://www.coldstorage.com.sg/mall/

I just looked at it and I think you might have to register before looking at prices and things.

There is also NTUC Fariprice, another chain (but a bit cheaper).

Here's the link http://www.fairprice.com.sg/

There are other grocery chains, and smaller more independent ones. But this gives you an idea of grocery cost anyway. An example of a fantastic small butcher shop (Australian guys) is The Butcher. The link is here:
http://www.thebutcher.com.sg/ You can also order from them online, when you're feeling homesick for some Aussie lamb.

Cheers.

[Leone and John]

Much appreciated your list of URL's and info.

Start to see that shopping at "wet markets" might also be the way to go.........and as I live in Melbourne, within walking distance to the "Vic Market", I think shopping at Tekka and similar, might also prove interesting!!

Now that I know more about the Singapore Shopping experience......

My next step is to check out bringing our two small "Tenterfield Terriers" into Singapore.....but as my head is in overload at the moment. Will leave that one for a later day.

Thanx again for your help.

Leone

[leeywg]

Hi Leone!

In case you are not aware of, you may wish to check-out the following web sites:

PET QUARANTINE SINGAPORE
http://www.singapore.alloexpat.com/sing ... gapore.php

INCOME TAX
Foreigners working in Singapore are subject to tax which include "Benefits-in-kinds". "Benefits-in-kinds" include furniture & fittings, household equipments, air conditioners, utilities/telephone, home leave passage, children education, car benefits, etc." In the event these "Benefits-in-kinds" are provided for by your husband's company, please highlight to him to ensure that his company will give him "Tax Refund" for "Benefits-in-kinds".

For more information about income tax in Singapore, please visit:
http://www.iras.gov.sg/ESVPortal/iit/ii ... gapore.asp

MEDICAL & HOSPITALIZATION INSURANCE
Ensure that your husband's company covers him & family adequately.

CAR OWNERSHIP / CAR RENTAL IN SINGAPORE
http://www.lta.gov.sg/motoring_matters/ ... ing_vo.htm
P.S. We rent a 3-year old 1500cc Nissan Sunny at S$1000/- per month which include servicing and insurance (excess S$1500/-)

MONTHLY EXPENSES (ESTIMATED FOR 2 ADULTS W/O CHILDREN)
Food* and Non-food = S$800-1000/- (Relatively good amount & quality)
Utilities/Residential Telephone(local calls ONLY)/Cable Vision/Broadband connection = S$400-500/-
Part-time maid @ S$10/- per hour = S$200-250/-
Laundry (for bed linens and dry cleaning only) = S$50-100/-
* Does not include outside dine & wine.

Happy planning and budgeting!

Best regards,

[Leone and John]

Thanks so much Virginia for your very lengthy reply!

Have been gradually collecting many useful URL's and reading thru them thoroughly. Have learnt so much in such a short time.

Have a much better appreciation of costs / utilities / medical / accommodation etc for Singapore.

All we need to do now is wait for the company to decide IF they want my husband in Singapore or not. .... and of course - PACK!!

thanks again Virginia,

Leone