Possible relocation to Singapore from U.S.

[bamyers00]

I was recently contacted about a new opportunity in Singapore and am considering accepting the position. This would require relocating my family of four from Florida to Singapore 2-3 months from now. I have never been to Singapore and have no idea where to even begin to start the relocation process. My children are 8 and 5 and getting ready to start 3rd grade and Kindgergarten in the U.S. this year. We would most likely base our housing location on what would be best for the children both for schools and quality of life. Any help on resources for U.S residents relocating to Singapore would be helpful! I understand this is vague, but, any feedback I get at this point would all be helpful. Once there, my husband will be able to manage home life, but, would be looking for a job and we most likely would need to hire full time help/babysitter to assist with child care as well.

[sundaymorningstaple]

A thorough search of this forum will give you a wealth of information on just about every aspect from moving to bring pets, to housing, to transportation, schooling and anything else. As you have been very vague, it would take too much time to try to address what has been addressed countless times on a monthly basis, if not almost weekly. Look and the main index for topical heading regarding different aspect of Singapore. Use the excellent search function at the upper right side of this page just under the 'Profile' link. start with a few terms and then add to them to narrow down the search. Once you have digested all that information, then if you have specific questions, ask, and we'll try to do our darnedest to answer them. A trip to our host's main page as well as my links page below will also uncover a wealth of information.

[JohnArtist]

Hi, I'm no expert, because we just moved here in June, but so far it's very easy. We've done one other international move and that was to Tokyo which was very nice but full of challenges.

If you decide to take the job I think one of your big hurdles will be getting your children into a school. Our 3rd and 5th graders both got into the Singapore American School, but that was after a few months of the wait list and luck. There are also several other choices that follow an American-like program. Hopefully your prospective employer will be picking up the tab because all the schools, and even the application process, are very expensive.

The one thing that isn't very expensive in Singapore is the full time help/babysitting you mentioned. Full time, six days a week, will run you about $650 USD/month.

Good luck. Let me know if you have any specific questions and I'll try my best. FYI, I am a trailing husband. We moved here for my wife's job, so your husband wouldn't be alone.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Sure aren't doing the help any favours are you. Normal costs for a maid per annum usually run around $1000/mo all in counting all incidental expenses.

[JR8]

2-3 months lead-time suggests they want you there pretty damned badly! So you'd be wise to suss-out everything that you can reasonably expect from an ex-pat package because you might be surprised at what they'll add to the package just by asking.

The trick is to be able to state what you are looking for and is reasonable and hence expect, versus just having a go and being opportunistic. (I got somewhat stiffed on my first posting, from London to Tokyo and didn't realise it a the time. I loved Asia for holidays and then was being offered buckets of money to move there... sure - why not!. "I agree to everything in your offer", no debate lol!

Then they wanted me to move to Singapore (and badly!, so I turned the tables and got a very very good package, and so on and so on... lol)) Next up was NYC, by then I was a master in not blinking first.

Maybe you already have a colleague you're friends with already on the expat circuit? That can be invaluable especially if they know the players you're dealing with. The thing is with being an ex-pat (on expat not 'local' terms) is that if the economy turns very sour your role is likely one the most at risk. You should earn significantly more as an expat to compensate for that, and also for the disruption to your family life. (This is of course not to suggest that it can be a fantastic experience if you are open to it).

I don't know what kind of level you're going in at. But if you've never been to see SG and the local operation, it might be appropriate if you get a pre-trip recce out there just to get a feel for the place... and before you finally decide.

Good luck! [/b]

[JohnArtist]

My estimate for help was in USD (see above) and was only salary and MoM fee.

[ryanmmx]

Singapore is a small place, the most significant differences you will feel would be the population density, and the huge cost on cars -- given where you come from.

[Laybenet]

Can you PM me please. New forum user so it won't allow me to PM others yet. We plan on Moving from Miami, FL to Singapore at the end of November. We have a 7 months old and 6 years old kids. I am interested to know how your move is going.

[Mi Amigo]

Can you PM me please. New forum user so it won't allow me to PM others yet. We plan on Moving from Miami, FL to Singapore at the end of November. We have a 7 months old and 6 years old kids. I am interested to know how your move is going.

Hi Laybenet, welcome to the forum. If your request was to the OP, they only posted once so they can't PM either. But TBH the best way to get the info you need here is to initially use the search function above and to the right of this text (underneath the Profile button). You'll probably find a lot of relevant information from others who have been in similar circumstances. Then if you have any specific questions please ask them here (or in the relevant sub-forum) and there will be people willing to help.

Good luck for your move.

[bc85]

Can you PM me please. New forum user so it won't allow me to PM others yet. We plan on Moving from Miami, FL to Singapore at the end of November. We have a 7 months old and 6 years old kids. I am interested to know how your move is going.

Hi Laybenet,

Are you still relocating to Singapore? If you are, I can recommend a company to you but i am unable to reveal it here as it is against the forum rules. I am also unable to PM you also as I am a new user.

Maybe you can provide me your email here and I will drop you an email privately?

Thank you.

[Mi Amigo]

Hi Laybenet,

Are you still relocating to Singapore? If you are, I can recommend a company to you but i am unable to reveal it here as it is against the forum rules. I am also unable to PM you also as I am a new user.

Maybe you can provide me your email here and I will drop you an email privately?

Thank you.

You are perfectly entitled to recommend a company here, if they provided you with a service that you were happy with and you want to share that information. Many of us have made similar recommendations over the years.

However, if you work for that company, or would otherwise benefit from them gaining business, then that would indeed be against the forum rules. Perhaps you could clarify which applies in your case?

[sundaymorningstaple]

Spot on. ^^^

[Mi Amigo]

Well the silence is deafening, so I think we can probably guess which category bc85 falls into.

[Laybenet]

Thanks for the reply. We decided to buy everything once we get to Singapore. Only taking what the wife considers 'critical' things for the kids.

The one biggest stress I have is finding primary school for my daughter. We plan on being in Singapore Dec 2...hopefully in time to place her in a public school in January... Any feedback on that?

[sundaymorningstaple]

Isn't going to be easy as most have waiting lists to get in. Do a search of the Parenting, Family & Schools forum & relevant sub-forums.