the above "TXinSingapore" has some sound advice and you would do well to take heed.
I have been here 3 years and I find many of my friends panic when they get here and can't find the exact brand or item they are used to. Well, you are moving to Singapore, it is an Asian Country .... why would everything need to be the same?
You come here for the experience, the cultural changes etc ... if not, then you are far better off to stay at home. It will be far too stressful to spend each and every day looking for familiar items that you "are used to".
One friend from Houston brings her own meat / cheese / flour / frozen foods etc every time she comes back after holidays. Why bother?
There is an alternative to everything... maybe not exactly what you are used to to, but close.... you learn to adapt.
Most of all, you do need to bring an open mind and a sense of humour!!
As for wine .... yes, you can bring it in but you must declare it on the form you fill in prior to shipping .... be prepared to pay big import duty at this end. We brought in 19 bottles of wine and one of scotch .... total duty was $198.00 ...... Is it worth it?
You can get wines on special at the supermarket .... OK, still more expensive, but you get to enjoy it more as you will not be drinking it with every meal...
"Brenstar" is right .... if your wife is larger than "Barbie size" buy up big on underwear ..... this is Barbie Country .... a normal size 12 - 14 will be an XXXL here. Which is VERY disheartening!
We find toiletries to be a good price here, it all depends on where you shop ... "Cold Storage" a supermarket here is the most expensive to buy anything .... there are cheaper supermarkets by far. Then there are the smaller local stores that sell these things at just about half price.
You do need to find a couple of friends that can show you around, point you in the right direction to find all these things. It takes time to learn where all these places are, but with the right helping hand, you can do it.
If you are on medication - check with your Dr and make sure you have a covering letter - for all prescription medication if you are bringing in 6 mths supply or more.
Vitamins etc are cheaper in the US than here, you may want to bring some in...... I buy mine in Malaysia as I do my medication..... I go over once a month and purchase what I need. Cheaper than in Singapore.
Lots of items are also cheaper in Indonesia ...... when I go there (again once a month) I buy up big on other items that are cheaper there.
Many people make reference to everything being much more expensive than in the states ..... you need to decide that for yourself. The salary is probably higher here, if not, you are then being compensated with the rent being paid a car etc, you need to add up the value of it all and then work out the % of your salary against the dollar here.... take into consideration the tax and everything else, it is not so bad after all.
One of my friends here just assumes the dollar is the same value here ... no way will she ever understand that the value changes... ... sometimes I wish Singapore had a different currency, it would be far easier to cope with.
She keeps telling me that when something costs $20,00 here and in the US "it would only cost $15.00" .....hellooo .... $20.00 here is $14.50 USD!!
You do learn to adapt.
Some things are better by far ..... somethings, maybe not. But keep in mind you are here for the global experience and the enjoyment of same.
That's how I would make the comparison anyway.
