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Family relocating from Dubai to Singapore - need advice.

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shodge
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Family relocating from Dubai to Singapore - need advice.

Post by shodge » Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:07 am

Hi there

We are an Australian family of 4, both kids under 2 and possibly relocating to Singapore. We have already relocated once to Dubai, so the thought of moving isnt a concern.

We were just wondering what Singapore is like for a young family. I have read that the humidity is bad all year round, does this stop you from being outside (this is something that has frustrated us here? Are there any areas and accommodation types that are better for families? Are there plenty of things to do with kids? Is it easy to get around with children using public transport? Is Childcare expensive?

Its all happened very quickly, so your help will be so very appreciated.

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carteki
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Re: Family relocating from Dubai to Singapore - need advice.

Post by carteki » Thu, 12 Nov 2009 9:17 am

shodge wrote:I have read that the humidity is bad all year round, does this stop you from being outside (this is something that has frustrated us here?
Having spent July in Dubai, I was really pleased to get back to Singapore. Yes it is hot, but only up to about 35'C and the humidity is tempered on good days with a cool breeze. It usually doesn't feel as hot as it is.
Are there any areas and accommodation types that are better for families? Are there plenty of things to do with kids?
Guess you're wanting to be near schools. Take a look at some of the other discussions in the forum. Most of the private condo's come with swimming pools, tennis courts and playgrounds for the children. If you decide to live in an HDB (Govt subsidised accom), there will probably be a play area close by. Children are encouraged by the Govt and there are plenty of facilities for them.
Is it easy to get around with children using public transport?
Depends on whether or not you're using prams etc. They're usable, but more unwieldy than in a car. There are plenty of taxi's too and the distances are not as great as Dubai, so that is a good alternative.
Is Childcare expensive?
Can't answer this one, but most people have a live-in helper rather than use childcare facilities.

karin140973
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Re: Family relocating from Dubai to Singapore - need advice.

Post by karin140973 » Wed, 02 Dec 2009 1:02 pm

Hi shodge,

We are family of 4 also moving from Dubai to Singapore by mid Jan 2010. We are in currently in Singapore over the EID holidays looking at schools for our boys 4 & 9. We hear pre-schools & nursery are hard to get into here so you have to enrol early.

Coming from Dubai, personally we think Singapore has alot more to offer families. More outdoor activities year round, weather is much nicer, public transport is so efficient,closer to home (Oz) and people are much nicer.The MRT & Bus are child friendly.Grocery & rental is the same as Dubai. Just depends what you are looking for either landed properties or condos. Happy to assist with any questions you have regarding moving from Dubai to Singapore.

Happy moving:-)

shodge
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Post by shodge » Sun, 06 Dec 2009 10:01 pm

Thanks for your replies. Great to hear from you Karin, how is the move going? We have arrived in Singapore and just finding our way around staying in temp accommodation at the mo. Which area are you looking at moving too? We are just trying to suss out a good area for families and affordable for us. We are looking at the East Coast though so tempted by Holland Village way!

Good luck with the move too.

kf
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Relocating to Singapore with young kids is no problem!

Post by kf » Tue, 08 Dec 2009 2:04 pm

I relocated to Singapore with two young kids (aged 2 and 4 at the time) and it really wasn't a problem at all.

Underground trains (public transport) are all accessible via lifts and escalators so a buggy/pushchair/stroller is really not an inconvenience at all. Taxis are also cheap.

There are lots of things to keep kids amused in Singapore, many of them free. There is lots of green space for kids to run around, plenty of things to keep them entertained in shopping centres, etc. - always something to do if you want to.

Playing outside is fine in the heat as long as you ensure you protect them from the sun and keep them hydrated. Indoor activities for kids in air-conditioning are also plentiful.

Hope that helps,
K.
K.

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