Are expats as bad as I've heard????

[squidgy]

Hi guys

My husband and I are considering relocating to Singa for 5 years. We have researched aspects such as healthcare, living costs and locale etc and we know Singapore quite well as we have been there many times and my husband completes work out of there quite often. The only thing that is a concern for me is that I haven't heard one single nice story about expats?? I understand that I can't be making generalised statements but I know alot of people who know alot of people who have lived and worked in S and their one complaint was the expats. It was all about who had the latest season fashion, the best watch, etc etc etc (god forbid you only had a Longines or Tag Huer!) and not so much about genuine emotional support or building an enjoyable community. Rather it was about comparison and, quite honestly, we can't stand that BS. Please don't blast me, I'm just putting it out there as I heard it and so I have decided to go straight to the source rather than accept second hand opinions. Everyone deserves to have the opportunity to defend themselves.

Finally, what are peoples opinions in regards to renting a hotel suite monthly as opposed to a condo? I figure this way we get it cleaned daily (though I would do it myself generally), utilities are all paid for, security and parking would be available etc etc.

Cheers,

Squidg

[zzm9980]

Just like any other racial/ethnic/group stereotype, you will find expats just like you describe, and those who hate them just as much as you do, and everything in between. IMO be wary of (or just avoid) gatherings of wealthy expats such as expat clubs, social events tied to International Schools, etc, and you shouldn't have too hard of a time avoiding that which you seek to.

[Mi Amigo]

^^^ +1

squidgy, there are indeed some expats of the snob variety here (they mainly surface at International Schools and clubs in my experience too) and I can't stand their company either. However I think the great majority of expats are not like that at all. Conclusion: don't believe everything you read on the internet or hear from 2nd / 3rd hand sources.

Regarding your idea of renting a hotel suite on a monthly basis, that would be an expensive option. However, there are quite a lot of Serviced Apartments here (some linked to hotels, some not) - these are normally used for the first month or two after arriving, but I know people who live in them 'permanently'.

[zzm9980]

Theres also a lot of them at the Starbucks at Big Splash and Siglap in the morning hours. Just avoid old caucasian women in lululemon

[x9200]

It very much depends on the social circle you fall into or chose. Let me put it this way, I arrived here on an expact package, stayed so far for over a decade, met many expats and their families including some rather wealthy and I don't know a single person matching your description. On the other hand I see around many (especially women) driving some expensive SUVs where I would highly suspect such inclination just by the expressions on their faces.

[JR8]

I don't know where you have been socialising, but the snobbery you describe is terribly vulgar (nouveau riche*).

I don't recall ever witnessing what you describe on this forum; and there are and have been some 'big swinging d*cks' of the expat variety here.

If you wish to participate in the 'snobbery game' there are ample opportunities. You can take sweaters with you to the shopping malls, to signal to others how adjusted you are, and how anything under 30c is simply intolerable.... 'only tourists and newbies need air-con don't you know!'...





* 'New money shouts the loudest'

I remember a friend and neighbour of my parents in the village where I grew up, who used to drop in to visit from time to time. His short collars were invariably worn through, i.e. the surface material worn away, but the stiffer white sub-fabric still there.

One day I asked my mother about this...

JR8: Mum, why does Charles always wear such worn-out shirts?

Mum: Because dear, he's a Lord, so he's allowed to.

[beppi]

There are far more expats in Singapore earning under S$1000 per month than over S$10000. They are mostly labourers, construction workers, domestic helpers, shop assistants, etc.
YOU choose who you mingle with and how you display what you have!

[colio]

I echo much of the sentiment expressed here.. it completely depends on who you choose to hang out with.

But I have to say that there are these kind of people found in every country, not just Singapore. We've just moved from Australia & there were these people there too but if you don't like that (the "social" column in all the major papers were full of them), you just choose not to hang in those circles.

[curiousgeorge]

I must say, I haven't experienced the kind of expats you're talking about.

But then I don't go to clubs or International School functions

I am truly grateful for my Singapore Family, the people who supported me through ill health, the people I hang out with. I think in my circle the salaries range from $2,500 to $50,000 pm with most on less than $8k. In a circle like that you connect with people for who they are, and the thing you *do* have in common.

But what you describe - the flashing of branded goods and comparisons...well that's pretty prevalent in the nouveau riche local scene too. I laughed the other day as a local guy got out of this Lamborghini wearing Crocs...

[movingtospore]

There are those...but quite honestly I do have kids in International School and have not met many like that. Sometimes it's just a matter of perception. I would say, moreso than staying away from international school or club crowds, stay away from banking and finance crowds. They seem to most be the type that are all about the fancy watches.

I think it is true though, that Singapore lacks diversity among the expat community. Just by nature of the type of jobs that bring people here - it's by and large a pretty conventional lot.

[Steve1960]

Just come and join us here. Not a sign of snobbery, not a hint of a discussion about designer labels.

We are a bunch of grumpy, sarcastic, self opinionated f*****s though

[PrimroseHill]

Just come and join us here. Not a sign of snobbery, not a hint of a discussion about designer labels.

We are a bunch of grumpy, sarcastic, self opinionated f*****s though

There are those...but quite honestly I do have kids in International School and have not met many like that. Sometimes it's just a matter of perception. I would say, moreso than staying away from international school or club crowds, stay away from banking and finance crowds. They seem to most be the type that are all about the fancy watches.

I think it is true though, that Singapore lacks diversity among the expat community. Just by nature of the type of jobs that bring people here - it's by and large a pretty conventional lot.

aww. I have a kid in international school, we joined a club, work in the financial industry, wear Tag watches, shipped our car over - still doesnt mean that we are snobs.

[zzm9980]

aww. I have a kid in International School, we joined a club, work in the financial industry, wear Tag watches, shipped our car over - still doesnt mean that we are snobs.

Not with a Tag, that's for sure! Head on over the the 'watches' thread haha

[offshoreoildude]

The variety of expats in Singapore is pretty wide although not as wide as Thailand or Jakarta (mainly as the visa/work pass situation stops the more interesting hippy/missionary/poor entrepreneur /loafer/retired military/retired businessmen/old colonial planter types from living here). The biggest issue with expats here is how itinerant they are. You'll make a friend and poof - suddenly they're gone forever!

[sundaymorningstaple]

The biggest issue with expats here is how itinerant they are. You'll make a friend and poof - suddenly they're gone forever!

Sure wish the hell I could do that with some local relatives, though!