moving back to Europe

[knaning]

Because of an interesting job offer in my home country I want to leave Singapore soon.
I have 2 year contracts with M1 (mobile phone plan) and Starhub.
Contracts have been disclosed only 7 months ago.

Both companies issue early termination charges of around 500 SGD each when contract period of 2 years has not been completed.

Does anybody have experience what will happen if I stop paying my subscription charges after I left? Is there anything they can do in order to get their money? I plan not to cancel my bank acount here, is that a risk?

Thanks!
knaning

[JR8]

I suspect you'll never be able to set foot in Singapore again without being arrested.

[beppi]

It sounds harsh, but JR8 is probably right!

If they go the legal way after you stop paying, there will be a court hearing. If you don't show up for the hearing, an arrest warrant will be issued and the case suspended until you appear in court (you cannot be convicted in absentia). This arrest warrant never expires and the information is accessible to immigration, so you'd be picked up at the border if you enter the country.

I know this because I had a rental dispute (over approx. S$1200) and the guy now has to avoid Singapore forever. Since he was a complete nutcase, this is a much better outcome than getting the money - both for me and for Singapore!

Of course chances are that the companies you deal with won't go that far, but do you want to take the risk just to save a few hundred dollars?