Singapore Expats

Question on some items I would like to bring??

Moving to Singapore? Ask our regular expats in Singapore questions on relocation and their experience here. Ask about banking, employment pass, insurance, visa, work permit, citizenship or immigration issues.
Post Reply
User avatar
Bigeasy
Member
Member
Posts: 26
Joined: Fri, 02 May 2008 10:10 pm
Location: CBD - Singapore
Contact:

Question on some items I would like to bring??

Post by Bigeasy » Wed, 07 May 2008 5:46 am

You guys (and Gals) have been great at informing us on what to expect, how to plan, and where to look for housing. We have read a lot on what to bring ( and not to bring) but have a few other questions on the below. All of the below would be with our furniture and personal effects. I want to avoid any tariffs .

Thanks … as always.


• BBQ – Learning that BBQs are expensive it looks like it is a bring item. Question, what about coals or gas? Is Gas available? Will US gas BBQ fit or convert to SG gas tanks? What about Coals.. if we bring a coal fired BBQ are coals available… can I bring them.

• Computers… most of our computers will take 110v US and 220/240v Eur. But the cords are all US plugs. What kind of cord plug should I get?

• AC transformer. In addition to the computer, I have about 8 USB hard drives and other peripherals. Most are only 110v US. Is it wish to bring a heavy duty transformer?

• Prescription Drugs. We plan on bringing a years worth of Prescription pills. (birth control, migraine, sleeping), stuff like that… any precautions or limits.

• Consumables – Soap, shampoo, make-up, ointments, dish-soap, hair and skin products. If we load up on these is there an issue with quaintly… again a year’s worth (or several boxes)

• New ver Old. I have read that tariffs apply to new items but not used items. If our items are still new in the original box (BBQ, Computer, TV, Etc) is there a problem?

• Extension cords – I hear Hardware Stores are few… assuming I can get the correct plugs, should we bring Extension cords or other hard to find Hardware?

• Jewelry – In addition to the stuff we wear … what about the typical western accumulation of rings, watches, and such… too much to be worn on flight.

• Foods – Dry goods and can goods… and maybe a few cans of olive oil… is there a issue with 4-5 boxes? Or the items themselves?

• Tools – We are going to leave or sell the power tools, but what about hand tools?

• TV- is Singapore in NTSC or PAL format?

:shock:

User avatar
durain
Director
Director
Posts: 3666
Joined: Thu, 23 Aug 2007 8:15 pm
Location: Location: Location: Location:

Re: Question on some items I would like to bring??

Post by durain » Wed, 07 May 2008 6:23 am

Bigeasy wrote:You guys (and Gals) have been great at informing us on what to expect, how to plan, and where to look for housing. We have read a lot on what to bring ( and not to bring) but have a few other questions on the below. All of the below would be with our furniture and personal effects. I want to avoid any tariffs .

Thanks … as always.


• BBQ – Learning that BBQs are expensive it looks like it is a bring item. Question, what about coals or gas? Is Gas available? Will US gas BBQ fit or convert to SG gas tanks? What about Coals.. if we bring a coal fired BBQ are coals available… can I bring them.
you can get charcoal in singapore. not sure about the gas connector.

• Computers… most of our computers will take 110v US and 220/240v Eur. But the cords are all US plugs. What kind of cord plug should I get?
you can get the cord in singapore. they are aka as kettle cord. easily available in singapore.

• AC transformer. In addition to the computer, I have about 8 USB hard drives and other peripherals. Most are only 110v US. Is it wish to bring a heavy duty transformer?
yes, unless you want to buy new ones. but step down transformer are not for 24/7 use.

• Prescription Drugs. We plan on bringing a years worth of Prescription pills. (birth control, migraine, sleeping), stuff like that… any precautions or limits.
you can get those in singapore.

• Consumables – Soap, shampoo, make-up, ointments, dish-soap, hair and skin products. If we load up on these is there an issue with quaintly… again a year’s worth (or several boxes)
you can get those in singapore.

• New ver Old. I have read that tariffs apply to new items but not used items. If our items are still new in the original box (BBQ, Computer, TV, Etc) is there a problem?
should be OK as you are relocating. just to be safe, just open up the box so that it doesnt look like it is brand new.

• Extension cords – I hear Hardware Stores are few… assuming I can get the correct plugs, should we bring Extension cords or other hard to find Hardware?
who told you that? CIA world factbook?

• Jewelry – In addition to the stuff we wear … what about the typical western accumulation of rings, watches, and such… too much to be worn on flight.
mister T was OK.

• Foods – Dry goods and can goods… and maybe a few cans of olive oil… is there a issue with 4-5 boxes? Or the items themselves?
best not to bring food in.

• Tools – We are going to leave or sell the power tools, but what about hand tools?
you can get those in singapore.

• TV- is Singapore in NTSC or PAL format?
PAL.

:shock:
please note that singapore is not a 3rd world country. you can arrive in singapore in your underwear and you can buy just about everything and anything here, like for like in your home country.

User avatar
road.not.taken
Editor
Editor
Posts: 1293
Joined: Sat, 06 Oct 2007 9:24 am

Post by road.not.taken » Wed, 07 May 2008 6:49 am

Here's my way of looking at it:

If you plan on being here for more than six months, get rid of everything that plugs-in. Don't store it in the US -- unless its an antique lamp from your Great Aunt Martha -- get rid of it. Storage is not kind to things with plugs.

Buy new electronics when you get here, they will be up-to-date, serviceable and the correct voltage. Some items sold in the US say the are adaptable but their range is only 110 - 140. No good here! If you're sure about your computers, you can buy adapters here or go to the service center here (or after market seller) and buy plugs.

If your housing budget allows, and you know you'll have a proper place to grill, bring your BBQ (and a few extra to sell on the black market to put your children through college). No kidding, they are that expensive. They do not last long here, 3 years is about the max. If you know the weather in New Orleans, you're getting close. I have seen just coals and lava rocks for sale (briquettes are available at grocery stores). Gas tanks are easy, you call the guy and 10 minutes later he shows up and replaces the tank. No issue with change in size, at least for us.

AC Transformer. Nice to have, but again, better to buy it here. They run about $100 depending on the size.

Perscripts - should be no problem. They are probably available here for cheaper, but go ahead and bring them, it'll give you peace of mind and you won't have to run around looking for a local equivalent right away. Maybe not a year's worth.

OTC -Again, a year's worth is a lot, I'd say 6 months is better and only for personal hygiene products you can't do with out. Dish soap? Unless you're ultra picky -- you'll find what you need. Not 40 choices like in the US, just 4. But will they clean your dishes? Yep and you'll be out of the supermarket a lot quicker.

Old vs. New - never ran into this problem, sorry. I have crammed shipments with lots of new items in original packaging, don't think we or the company was ever charged, but I can't be completely sure.

Extension Cords - No great big sprawling hardware stored like Home Depot, but tons of little DIY shops all over the place with a wide variety of items. Extension cords (with the proper plugs) are available everywhere (because Singapore builders are very stingy with plugs, a family room may only have one or two).

Jewelry - wear your good pieces or carry them on, do not put them in your luggage. Don't put any important paper work in luggage either.

Food - no need, really. Plenty of places to buy top quality olive oil. You are not supposed to put food in shipments, you can pack it, but if that olive oil opens :o If you have allergies, I'd bring a favorite snack food or something to get you over the hump, but honestly no need to bring food.

Tools - We bought a drill here (to hang big pictures, the walls are concrete) and bought some basic tools: set of screw drivers, hammer, wrench set, etc. If you are renting, the LL will take care of a lot of repairs but you'll want some basic tools for sure.

Singapore is PAL, but if you buy a multi-regional DVD player, which is available everywhere, you'll be fine -- it can play anything.

I would load up on:

Bed linens
Towels
DVDs
Books
Shoes
Clothing

Good luck Bigeasy & Welcome

:D

User avatar
sierra2469alpha
Editor
Editor
Posts: 1381
Joined: Tue, 27 Feb 2007 10:50 am
Location: Singapore (Finally!)

Post by sierra2469alpha » Wed, 07 May 2008 8:45 am

BigEasy - agree with what most people have said in this posting. We've been here almost 6 months and haven't really had too much need of a "care package" apart from:

1. Hair colouring
2. Non-whitening aluminium free deodorant
3. Decent stockings

I'll qualify the comment on electricals. Check out what you would want to "upgrade" to - eg TV, or maybe new PC etc., and check your best local price. We found that the top of the line Sony Bravia 40" LCD was cheaper back home (even after exchange rate conversion) by quite a factor. That may have been a one-off, but it's worthwhile checking.

If you want to get a list going and PM it or post it here I'll try and have a quick look around next time I'm wandering by the larger stores.

Also regarding New vs. Old - as long as you sign that you are staying for more than 6 months then duties do not apply to household goods. Duty WILL apply to alcohol - and it's BIG.


HTH - P & C

[edit: added new vs old]

User avatar
sundaymorningstaple
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 40532
Joined: Thu, 11 Nov 2004 1:26 pm
Answers: 21
Location: Retired on the Little Red Dot

Post by sundaymorningstaple » Wed, 07 May 2008 9:43 am

sierra2469alpha wrote:
Also regarding New vs. Old - as long as you sign that you are staying for more than 6 months then duties do not apply to household goods. Duty WILL apply to alcohol - and it's BIG.


HTH - P & C

[edit: added new vs old]
Just to add a link regarding duty on Alcohol:

http://www.customs.gov.sg/leftNav/trad/ ... +Goods.htm
SOME PEOPLE TRY TO TURN BACK THEIR ODOMETERS. NOT ME. I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW WHY I LOOK THIS WAY. I'VE TRAVELED A LONG WAY, AND SOME OF THE ROADS WEREN'T PAVED. ~ Will Rogers

User avatar
sierra2469alpha
Editor
Editor
Posts: 1381
Joined: Tue, 27 Feb 2007 10:50 am
Location: Singapore (Finally!)

Post by sierra2469alpha » Wed, 07 May 2008 9:47 am

SNAP! Was just looking for that!!! Thanks SMS :D

Jeppo
Chatter
Chatter
Posts: 365
Joined: Wed, 14 Mar 2007 9:13 am
Contact:

Post by Jeppo » Wed, 07 May 2008 9:47 am

With regard to the migraine medicine, I always bring my own from Australia, since codeine is restricted here, and the medication I use (Mersyndol) has it and the doctors here will only give me medicine that are no better than sugar pills. Just make sure you bring a letter from your doctor stating the reasons you need the medicine and you should be fine.

User avatar
sundaymorningstaple
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 40532
Joined: Thu, 11 Nov 2004 1:26 pm
Answers: 21
Location: Retired on the Little Red Dot

Post by sundaymorningstaple » Wed, 07 May 2008 3:11 pm

sierra2469alpha wrote:SNAP! Was just looking for that!!! Thanks SMS :D
Should have checked my links page! :P :wink:
SOME PEOPLE TRY TO TURN BACK THEIR ODOMETERS. NOT ME. I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW WHY I LOOK THIS WAY. I'VE TRAVELED A LONG WAY, AND SOME OF THE ROADS WEREN'T PAVED. ~ Will Rogers

User avatar
sierra2469alpha
Editor
Editor
Posts: 1381
Joined: Tue, 27 Feb 2007 10:50 am
Location: Singapore (Finally!)

Post by sierra2469alpha » Wed, 07 May 2008 4:44 pm

sundaymorningstaple wrote: Should have checked my links page! :P :wink:
*I* should have checked our duty bill!!! However I think it's off being framed for nostalgia!

User avatar
Bigeasy
Member
Member
Posts: 26
Joined: Fri, 02 May 2008 10:10 pm
Location: CBD - Singapore
Contact:

Post by Bigeasy » Wed, 07 May 2008 9:07 pm

Thanks all…. Guess that kills any idea of filling any remaining container space with a few brand new BBQs in there boxes. :wink:

durain -No didn’t get the question of extension cords from the CIA World factbook – LOL I picked that up in other threads… and other forums. I realize that most of the items are available. I bet I could find a crate of bubblegum there as well… at a price. My questions were about any duties or tariffs if shipped in personal belongings. And how diligent they are at looking for new items in the shipment. I figure why sell it here at garage sale prices…only to re-buy it there, unless duties or tariffs are high. Between my wife and I, we have lived in 11 countries… so yes we know Singapore isn’t 3rd world.

SMS – your links are great!

road.not.taken – I may need the name of your gas guy once we are in country. :lol:

Again, thanks all … your input is making this much easier to plan.

User avatar
sillingw
Chatter
Chatter
Posts: 304
Joined: Wed, 04 Jan 2006 3:24 pm
Location: West coast

Post by sillingw » Mon, 12 May 2008 10:00 am

I brought my BBQ from USA, no problem to get gas, but, the connector is different, you cannot ship your gas canister so will have to buy one here and getting one with a USA fitting is not impossible, but you will have to shop around - pm me if you need a contact number. The alternative is to get your fitting changed (in my opinion, not worth the hassle, my guy turns up with a full bottle same day - I just keep a spare)

User avatar
Zeenit
Reporter
Reporter
Posts: 603
Joined: Wed, 02 Apr 2008 9:50 pm
Location: Singapore

Post by Zeenit » Tue, 20 May 2008 8:57 pm

.


If your housing budget allows, and you know you'll have a proper place to grill, bring your BBQ (and a few extra to sell on the black market to put your children through college). No kidding, they are that expensive. They do not last long here, 3 years is about the max. If you know the weather in New Orleans, you're getting close. I have seen just coals and lava rocks for sale (briquettes are available at grocery stores). Gas tanks are easy, you call the guy and 10 minutes later he shows up and replaces the tank. No issue with change in size, at least for us.

What type of BBQ sets are you referring to?


I would load up on:



Books
Again what type of books and why books?
Shoes
I am 4.5-5 my husband is a 9
Clothing
I am a uk 8


I would be grateful if I can get some clarity on why we need to buy certain things.

Regards :???:
Zeenit

User avatar
road.not.taken
Editor
Editor
Posts: 1293
Joined: Sat, 06 Oct 2007 9:24 am

Post by road.not.taken » Wed, 21 May 2008 8:47 am

Zeenit wrote:.


If your housing budget allows, and you know you'll have a proper place to grill, bring your BBQ (and a few extra to sell on the black market to put your children through college). No kidding, they are that expensive. They do not last long here, 3 years is about the max. If you know the weather in New Orleans, you're getting close. I have seen just coals and lava rocks for sale (briquettes are available at grocery stores). Gas tanks are easy, you call the guy and 10 minutes later he shows up and replaces the tank. No issue with change in size, at least for us.

What type of BBQ sets are you referring to?


I would load up on:



Books
Again what type of books and why books?
Shoes
I am 4.5-5 my husband is a 9
Clothing
I am a uk 8


I would be grateful if I can get some clarity on why we need to buy certain things.

Regards :???:
Zeenit, I guess you are asking me for clarity since it appears you tried to quote my response to Bigeasy?

I'm not saying you 'need' to bring any of these items. I was addressing specific concerns posted by Bigeasy.

zjules
Regular
Regular
Posts: 125
Joined: Thu, 10 Aug 2006 10:20 am

Post by zjules » Wed, 21 May 2008 3:44 pm

Sleeping pills not available here. Get told to go see a 'head doctor'.. :-|

User avatar
Strong Eagle
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 11744
Joined: Sat, 10 Jul 2004 12:13 am
Answers: 11
Location: Off The Red Dot
Contact:

Post by Strong Eagle » Wed, 21 May 2008 10:59 pm

zjules wrote:Sleeping pills not available here. Get told to go see a 'head doctor'.. :-|
Not true. I drop into a local med clinic (Accumed) from time to time and get Ambien for international travel with no problems. Get a prescription, wander over to Watson's and buy. Cheap, as it is the generic variety.

Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “Relocating, Moving to Singapore”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 20 guests