Expat - Benefits and Packages

[JMiller]

I work for a oil & gas company in Houston, Texas. My manager is planning to offer me an expat position in Singapore for managing a IT organization. I do not have any experience or knowledge with expat benefits or packages.

Today I make $120K per year in US. I would like to get detailed information on different packages or levels available for US expat to Singapore. I understand every company is different and have multiple package levels. I am looking for some of the details on the packages before I negotiate or discuss with my boss or HR rep.

US citizen with family of wife and a kid.

I will continue to search the forum, meanwhile any extra information or input from you would be helpful.

Thanks.

JM

[Makan24-7]

Several things to consider:

Tax: You will be liable to pay US taxes on anything above 82.5k (so 38.5k is subject to US federal taxes at the 82.5k rate) and also on the entire 120k in Singapore. Singapore's tax rate for that income bracket level is 17% this year assuming you cannot get any deductions that take yr income to below S$160k (~US107k). The next rate is 14%. So make sure your company covers for one of the two taxes for which you are liable for.

Accommodation: If you get an allowance of around US$2.5-3k a month, you should be able to find something very, very decent though not in the heart of town. Those nice 2 bedrooms in town are going for about US$4-5k.

Transportation: Well, Singapore's public transport system is very convenient and arguably one of the best in the world. But if the company provides any sort of allowance, that's really a plus point.

Schooling: This I can't really comment because I've none of my own. Post something in the other areas of the forums or search around. Plenty of that around.

Apart from that, you should receive a home leave allowance or allocation and the standard stuff like "hardship" allowance (which is a joke cos it's SG), Movers, apartment search allowances/assistance, temporary housing etc...

Coming from the O&G industry, your relo/expat packages shd be definitely above and beyond most other industries....

[JMiller]

Thanks for your reply, Makan24-7.

[Maggie Alegre]

Hi Makan 24-7,

We're a CA family in the same boat. Could you recommend some areas outside of the city to find housing, preferably near the Singapore American School? Did you use an agency to find housing? I'd appreciate your help.Thanks!

[Makan24-7]

Maggie,
I'm afraid I can't really comment cos my wife and I are a single couple with no kids and our priorities were finding something in town itself and close to a lot of the amenities without having to pay overly exorbitant rents.

I did use an agent whom I felt was pretty honest and didn't hardsell (though I wish at times he were a bit more aggressive).


Cheers!