Allowances and negotiations

[wannamove]

Our move to Singapore seems more real now. I just got done with a face-to-face interview with a potential employer and it looks like they will not do an expat package (most engineering firms these days are saying no to expat packages).

How open are companies to negotiations on salary? I know a variety of allowances that I can ask for - what are the most common ones (health is mandatory)

- Mobile/internet
- childcare/education
- housing

any others? What would you say is a good negotiation starting point?

Just as a background - 10+ yrs experienced OnG onshore engineer moving from US

[sundaymorningstaple]

If they have said they won't go for an expat package, then all the things you have just listed are already off the table and not for discussion. The only thing you can negotiate is salary, and that will be debatable as well.

[wannamove]

Thank you! That is interesting because they said no relocation costs but will be open to some allowances

I guess it depends on the company and what is in their budget

[sundaymorningstaple]

If they are willing to stump up schooling & Housing, I'd say, by most here's reckoning, it would be considered an expat package then. Let's be honest here, a local package would contain schooling or housing allowances would it......

[sundaymorningstaple]

If you have done your research here, then you will already have a general idea on schooling costs & housing costs (especially considering we are being hosted by a real estate portal).

As far as what salary? I guess that depends on the person doesn't it. We don't know from adam and 10 years experience? Well, I worked in the O&G OFFshore industry and knew guys with 15 years experience who would never get on a job I was running. So, you're on your own there. If he's any good, he already knows his worth.

[BillyB]

Push for a higher salary to cover the items you listed, and as a fall-back and something to bear in mind so you don't out-price yourself don't forget your tax rate should (depending on which Country you are based and where you are from) be much lower here which will increase your disposable income.

Healthcare for the family is worth mentioning in the negotiation.

[wannamove]

Thanks folks!Appreciate all the info and help. Every single bit (well expect the spam) helps us navigate the path to Singapore!

[movingtospore]

International schools are a really, really big expense - 20-30K/year per child depending on the grade and the school. Keep that in mind. This is a personal pet peeve of mine right now - companies need to take responsibility for some of these costs as you will not be able to easily access local schools until 1-2 years after you arrive - if you get PR status. And that's a big if, these days. You can get evidence from the Ministry of Education re there not being room for foreigners at local schools and use that to support your request for a higher salary due to education costs.

[wannamove]

International schools are a really, really big expense - 20-30K/year per child depending on the grade and the school. Keep that in mind. This is a personal pet peeve of mine right now - companies need to take responsibility for some of these costs as you will not be able to easily access local schools until 1-2 years after you arrive - if you get PR status. And that's a big if, these days. You can get evidence from the Ministry of Education re there not being room for foreigners at local schools and use that to support your request for a higher salary due to education costs.

Sounds like a valid concern. My case is quite different as my kid is less than 2 years and atleast one of us will get our PR before she is school-ready

Thank you

[sundaymorningstaple]

International schools are a really, really big expense - 20-30K/year per child depending on the grade and the school. Keep that in mind. This is a personal pet peeve of mine right now - companies need to take responsibility for some of these costs as you will not be able to easily access local schools until 1-2 years after you arrive - if you get PR status. And that's a big if, these days. You can get evidence from the Ministry of Education re there not being room for foreigners at local schools and use that to support your request for a higher salary due to education costs.

Sounds like a valid concern. My case is quite different as my kid is less than 2 years and atleast one of us will get our PR before she is school-ready

Thank you

How can you be so sure?

[wannamove]

International schools are a really, really big expense - 20-30K/year per child depending on the grade and the school. Keep that in mind. This is a personal pet peeve of mine right now - companies need to take responsibility for some of these costs as you will not be able to easily access local schools until 1-2 years after you arrive - if you get PR status. And that's a big if, these days. You can get evidence from the Ministry of Education re there not being room for foreigners at local schools and use that to support your request for a higher salary due to education costs.

Sounds like a valid concern. My case is quite different as my kid is less than 2 years and atleast one of us will get our PR before she is school-ready

Thank you

How can you be so sure?

unfortunately I am one of the half-full people! I like to see the positives! If things go wrong I will deal with it at that time. I really do not want to borrow trouble

[sundaymorningstaple]

fair enough. Me? I always like having a plan 'B' in reserve and try not to "worry about it when the time comes". But horses for courses I believe is what they say. Good luck.

[Girl_Next_Door]

International schools are a really, really big expense - 20-30K/year per child depending on the grade and the school. Keep that in mind. This is a personal pet peeve of mine right now - companies need to take responsibility for some of these costs as you will not be able to easily access local schools until 1-2 years after you arrive - if you get PR status. And that's a big if, these days. You can get evidence from the Ministry of Education re there not being room for foreigners at local schools and use that to support your request for a higher salary due to education costs.

Sounds like a valid concern. My case is quite different as my kid is less than 2 years and atleast one of us will get our PR before she is school-ready

Thank you

You should take a look at the PR forum. If only one of you (out of a married couple) intends to apply for PR, the chances of the one applying for PR is going to be really low. SG government is now cautious about giving PRs to individuals who are taking advantage of the benefits of being a PR but have no plans to stay in SG permanently.

My bf's colleague has been in SG for 12 years, holding a very senior position in a very well known financial institution (i.e. earns a lot of money) got his PR rejected last month.

You should have a backup plan.

[wannamove]

fair enough. Me? I always like having a plan 'B' in reserve and try not to "worry about it when the time comes". But horses for courses I believe is what they say. Good luck.

Plan B - yes I have something vaguely thought about but that is Plan B but thanks for the reality check