Singapore Expats

Hi!
My family will be coming over at the end of July. I have 3 boys (ages 9, 12, and 14) who will be attending the American School. We thought that we would want to live near Orchard Road, but after visiting the East Coast area we are open to that as well. (Pebble Bay in particular) Does anyone have any experience with this type of commute for their kids? I know no matter what we decide to do the 2 older ones won't be happy--until they adjust. Also, for myself as I wouldn't have access to a car everyday (only when my husband is travelling), will I have difficulty getting around town? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

So Why wont you have access to the car while he's in Sing?

I'll have use of the car while he's in Sing if I drive him to and from work. His office is in Jurong and without actually living there-yet-I'm not quite sure of the logistics between getting kids on the bus and him to work on time.

I'd reconsider Pebble Bay. It's a bit far -- not just for the daily commute for the kids, but for the activity bus, the games on Saturday, the concerts -- I think if you can get closer in, you should.

Thanks RNT--We are re-thinking things. We've had a heck of a time dealing with realtors and landlords. We may just have to stay in a service apt. a little longer than planned. At least it will give us a chance to check out areas we may not have thought of. The move is coming quick (July 28) and looking forward to it with both excitement and trepidation!

Hope it all works out. I know a few families who stayed in Serviced Apartments for a year The East Coast is tempting, but it is really far from the Woodlands, especially during rush hour or when it's pouring down rain. Call the bus office at the school and ask them how long the commute was from Pebble Bay last year for kids. Also find out where the nearest activity bus stop is, if you have kids who will stay after for sports, or other activities that can be really important. Good luck.

Maybe you should consider getting a small used car. I got mine from expat motor.

zialisa wrote:Hi!
My family will be coming over at the end of July. I have 3 boys (ages 9, 12, and 14) who will be attending the American School. We thought that we would want to live near Orchard Road, but after visiting the East Coast area we are open to that as well. (Pebble Bay in particular) Does anyone have any experience with this type of commute for their kids? I know no matter what we decide to do the 2 older ones won't be happy--until they adjust. Also, for myself as I wouldn't have access to a car everyday (only when my husband is travelling), will I have difficulty getting around town? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hi, had you explore the option of staying near the Singapore American School neighbourhood?
Based on the few reason,

1.There is a very close American expat community which I feel
would help your kids settle in faster.

2.There is school bus service which you can enroll your kids , however a car ride from Pebble bay to the school without any traffic will take about 30 minsIt will pick up from more stops before driving to the school. The kids will be tired from the long trip , if Pebble bay is the first stop, they will alway be the first up to be pick up in the morning and last one to be home after class.It would be worse it there is EASA or SACA after school.

think I will stop now seem too long winded,

Hope the info help

Welcome to Singapore

zialisa wrote:Hi!
My family will be coming over at the end of July. I have 3 boys (ages 9, 12, and 14)

Hi is has been a few years since you posted. But now that you settled in Sing maybe you can share some of the knowledge gained since you arrived. I tried to PM you but having just registered to this site is not an available feature for me (maybe you can PM the reply).

I would be grateful for your insights since we also have three kids in the exact same range ( one girl and two boys).

This would be our 2nd expat assignment. We currently in Western Europe and our kids go to the International School here.

We would come to Sing with a typical MNC package (housing paid, school paid, company car, etc).

So your advice/tips on which American school, where to live (place big enough for 5 plus maybe an extra room for guest/home office), sports for kids, and anything else you wished you would have known before arrival and/or during the contract negotiation would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

It's lovely on the East Coast. Great quality of life. But you couldn't be further from the American School and still live in Singapore. If you're going to live there, please for the sake of your children have them attend another school.