Family moving to Singapore - need advice

[golfaddict]

Hi there,

me, my wife and our 2.5 year old daughter are moving at the beginning of February. If anybody would have some answers and suggestion, it would be appreciated.

1. Need a neighbourhood with strong expat community, and parks and stuff for baby?
2. Can I fit into a 3200sgd budget for a 2 bedroom with min 850 sqf in a new building? Maximum 30 mins commute by bus or MRT to Marina Bay.
3. Are condos for rent usually furnished or not? We'd prefer unfurnished, have our own stuff shipped.
4. Is it expensive to own a car there? Do you even need it at all?
5. How would you rate healthcare in general. Is it as good as some say?
6. Are there things we should definitely know not to forget before me move?
7. Winter clothing - should we even bring any?
8. Any additional advice?

Thank you all very much, we can't wait to get there.

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[sundaymorningstaple]

Hi there,

me, my wife and our 2.5 year old daughter are moving at the beginning of February. If anybody would have some answers and suggestion, it would be appreciated.

1. Need a neighbourhood with strong expat community, and parks and stuff for baby?

Strong is relative. Most condos on the South side of the island have lots of expats. However, expat is a relative term. Or, are you thinking more "racial" than expat? The latest data from the government show that one out of every 4 people on this island is an expat (foreigner)!

2. Can I fit into a 3200sgd budget for a 2 bedroom with min 850 sqf in a new building? Maximum 30 mins commute by bus or MRT to Marina Bay.

In a new building? Possibly. In that budget should be able to find a place than isn't too old. Why new? New condo's might not have built up amenities in the area (walking distance) whereas older ones will have neighbourhood shops, better bus connections, probably within walking distance. newer ones may not.

3. Are condos for rent usually furnished or not? We'd prefer unfurnished, have our own stuff shipped.

Normally furnished (partial) but you might check with the landlord as some don't have places to store their furniture if you want to use your own. You can start by checking this site. Our host here is a real estate agency primarily catering for Expats. Try using their search facility as well. Works a treat!


4. Is it expensive to own a car there? Do you even need it at all?

Yes. No.

5. How would you rate healthcare in general. Is it as good as some say?

Yes

6. Are there things we should definitely know not to forget before me move?

If the wife is reasonably well endowed, be sure she stocks up on undergarments. Especially if she doesn't like armour plated bras (the asians have a fetish against happy nips showing. Also, if she is leggy and over 5'7" she should ensures that she brings jeans/slacks from home. They can be found here but only in a few shops. The rest? Cosmetics, if she has a preference, she might want to mention it here and maybe somebody will already know if it's available here. Otherwise, Asia is supposed to be an adventure, may as well stay home if you want all the things from home.


7. Winter clothing - should we even bring any?

If you are planning on doing some traveling while you are here (like to Japan, Korea, China, HK then bring a few pieces only. However, I don't think you really need any at all. I came here with a couple of jeans and shirts and a briefcase 27 years ago and I still don't have any winter clothes here.


8. Any additional advice?

Yeah, try the search engine for this board. Just below the profile link on the upper right side of this page. Most of what I've told you can already be found here if one would just use the tools that have already been provided for that purpose. We don't really mind answering questions, that's what we are here for (well, actually we're here to clean of the garbage and moderate when things get out of hand). However, having to regurgitate the same information over and over because people don't use the tools provided wears thin at times. If you have searched and could not find answers to specific questions we'll try our best to find the answers.

Thank you all very much, we can't wait to get there.

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Just keep an open mind and be willing to go with the flow. Some things here will amaze you with their efficiency (government agencies) and others will aggravate the hell out of you (lack of Courtesy & finding a taxi when it's pouring down rain).

moderator