Moving to Singapore? Ask our regular expats in Singapore questions on relocation and their experience here. Ask about banking, employment pass, insurance, visa, work permit, citizenship or immigration issues.
-
MiamiExpat
- Newbie
![Newbie Newbie]()
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Thu, 05 Sep 2013 9:29 pm
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by MiamiExpat » Sat, 07 Sep 2013 8:59 pm
zzm9980 wrote:MiamiExpat wrote:
As far as HDB goes, I think it's okay. i mean, two years ago we were living in a slum lord's house in Europe, so living in a relatively complete public housing apartment doesn't sound intolerable. We certainly don't need to live in a fancy
condo. I would personally like to live in at least 60 sqm, but if we have to go smaller, I think we can manage.
You'll be OK on space. The smallest HDBs you (as a foreigner) can rent would likely be "3 room", and are larger than that. Note that HDBs are identified by number of rooms, but it is not bedrooms. I believe it is the number of rooms minus kitchen and bathrooms. So a 3 Room HDB is 2bed, a 4 Room HDB is 3 Bed. But a 5 Room HDB is either 3 Bed and a Living+Dining Room, or 4 Bed + Living room. In your case, you're just looking for 3 Room HDBs. 2 Room HDBs exist (1 Bed), but they're very rare and I believe reserved for the elderly.
Wow. That really clears things up, but that means my housing cost projections are way off.. Depressing. Thank you for the advice.
-
Strong Eagle
- Moderator
![Moderator Moderator]()
- Posts: 11773
- Joined: Sat, 10 Jul 2004 12:13 am
-
Answers: 11
- Location: Off The Red Dot
-
Contact:
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by Strong Eagle » Sat, 07 Sep 2013 11:02 pm
MiamiExpat wrote:Concerning the pass, I think my company is getting around it by offering a supplemental income for the first year which increases the total compensation to 9700 SGD monthly. But I'm trying to calculate the possibility without this compensatory sum, as it will not last forever, and its not set in stone that it will in fact be offered...
The question is: Do they have your pass in hand? The gahmen has been tightening up employment passes. If you have 10 years of experience and are coming in at S$7,100 per month, that may raise eyebrows. Admittedly, the focus has been on other Asian countries, nevertheless, it doesn't sound like they have your EP yet, and that may not be a slam dunk.
-
zzm9980
- Governor
![Governor Governor]()
- Posts: 6869
- Joined: Wed, 06 Jul 2011 1:35 pm
- Location: Once more unto the breach
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by zzm9980 » Sun, 08 Sep 2013 11:18 am
MiamiExpat wrote:but that means my housing cost projections are way off.. Depressing.
Welcome to Singapore. I think you now fully understand it

-
MiamiExpat
- Newbie
![Newbie Newbie]()
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Thu, 05 Sep 2013 9:29 pm
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by MiamiExpat » Thu, 10 Oct 2013 9:27 pm
Hello, everyone again.
I was just offered a 3-year contract based in Singapore that pays $10,500 net SGD monthly.
I'm thinking this is a good deal and that I should take it without question.. I think this would improve the quality of life for myself and my wife significantly.. At least I hope so. We don't earn nearly this much money in Miami (75k pre-tax).
-
bgd
- Manager
![Manager Manager]()
- Posts: 1684
- Joined: Wed, 25 Jul 2007 4:09 pm
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by bgd » Fri, 11 Oct 2013 12:05 pm
I would personally take that offer. You are flexible on accommodation and like to travel. Come and see what Asia is all about. Sg is a pleasant place to live and a great base for travel in the region.
-
triste
- Regular
![Regular Regular]()
- Posts: 73
- Joined: Tue, 02 Jul 2013 12:01 pm
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by triste » Fri, 11 Oct 2013 1:31 pm
Based on what you wrote, I thought you were going to be fine on 7100. The new offer, even better. I'd take it. Your quality of life will certainly improve, for reasons that have nothing to do with money.
-
Girl_Next_Door
- Reporter
![Reporter Reporter]()
- Posts: 621
- Joined: Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:35 pm
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by Girl_Next_Door » Fri, 11 Oct 2013 3:20 pm
Congrats on the job offer!
For your wife, she can approach AFS to see if she can either volunteer or work as a part time french tutor (after obtaining a letter of consent).
-
zzm9980
- Governor
![Governor Governor]()
- Posts: 6869
- Joined: Wed, 06 Jul 2011 1:35 pm
- Location: Once more unto the breach
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by zzm9980 » Fri, 11 Oct 2013 8:25 pm
MiamiExpat wrote: I think this would improve the quality of life for myself and my wife significantly.. At least I hope so. We don't earn nearly this much money in Miami (75k pre-tax).
I don't know Florida's state tax rate (does it even have one), but i suspect it'll be pretty close overall for you comparing costs of living.
At least you're used to the shitty weather

-
MiamiExpat
- Newbie
![Newbie Newbie]()
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Thu, 05 Sep 2013 9:29 pm
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by MiamiExpat » Sat, 12 Oct 2013 7:25 am
zzm9980 wrote:MiamiExpat wrote: I think this would improve the quality of life for myself and my wife significantly.. At least I hope so. We don't earn nearly this much money in Miami (75k pre-tax).
I don't know Florida's state tax rate (does it even have one), but i suspect it'll be pretty close overall for you comparing costs of living.
At least you're used to the shitty weather

Hey.. I like the heat and humudity. I think it's good for the skin too, taking into account how bad it is for sweat stains and non-stickiness more generally.
-
sundaymorningstaple
- Moderator
![Moderator Moderator]()
- Posts: 40557
- Joined: Thu, 11 Nov 2004 1:26 pm
-
Answers: 21
- Location: Retired on the Little Red Dot
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by sundaymorningstaple » Sat, 12 Oct 2013 7:50 am
And.....
While we do have our monsoon season (winter for you, lots of rain for us) we don't have typhoons alias hurricanes like Fla does. And during monsoon we have a couple of days, if we're lucky, where you don't perspire like a $100 hooker on Fiver night while watching the TV. (I don't use Aircon at all - depend on ceiling fans and open ventilation)
The atmosphere here is like the Atchafalaya Swamp in Louisiana or the Everglades during the dog days of August.
SOME PEOPLE TRY TO TURN BACK THEIR ODOMETERS. NOT ME. I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW WHY I LOOK THIS WAY. I'VE TRAVELED A LONG WAY, AND SOME OF THE ROADS WEREN'T PAVED. ~ Will Rogers
-
Dert42
- Regular
![Regular Regular]()
- Posts: 126
- Joined: Tue, 07 May 2013 11:02 pm
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by Dert42 » Mon, 14 Oct 2013 8:29 am
Your new offer sounds better.
Having just moved here a few months ago, here's some things to consider.
Don't worry about the proximity of your living place to your work. If you work is close to an MRT, you can get a few stops down the line and still have an acceptable commute.
In my opinion biking here is best done recreationally only. It's too bloody hot, and it rains(POURS!) frequently. Also not very safe on the roads.
Consider the costs just to move in:
You'll likely need 2x the montly rent for a deposit. (i did)
Then a few hundred dollars for stamp duty.
Deposit for utilities was $500 for me.
Don't bother bringing any electronics. You'll need to replace them all, so TV, fans, microwaves, toasters, lamps, etc.
Not an issue for you but i needed nealy 10k just to get my kid enrolled in school.
Once I found all that out, I negociated with my company to pay me a retention bonus, so i could cover all the deposits and fees.
Oh and of course make them pay for the move.
Also it seemed nice at the time, but i highly recommend against CitiBank for your banking needs.
-
zzm9980
- Governor
![Governor Governor]()
- Posts: 6869
- Joined: Wed, 06 Jul 2011 1:35 pm
- Location: Once more unto the breach
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by zzm9980 » Mon, 14 Oct 2013 9:58 am
Dert42 wrote:
Also it seemed nice at the time, but i highly recommend against CitiBank for your banking needs.
Curious why. If you say poor customer service (this is true) I'd love to hear which bank (or any org really) in Singapore has better customer service. Almost none. Everyone here working in those types of roles are retards. Welcome to Singapore.
-
Dert42
- Regular
![Regular Regular]()
- Posts: 126
- Joined: Tue, 07 May 2013 11:02 pm
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by Dert42 » Mon, 14 Oct 2013 2:17 pm
Not to hijack the thread but...
Our intent was to open a Citi account in America and Singapore so we could transfer money back and forth, like advertised on their site.
It took over a month to set up the account in America. Although they took $15,000 on the 2nd day. I didn't have access to it for nearly 4 weeks. And then only because we called every day for two weeks for the PIN number. Customer service swore up and down they had overnighted it, and couldn't give it by phone. Eventually we got it over the phone. The day before we left the country.
Once we finally got both accounts set up, there is a daily limit of $1,000 you can transfer. Not advertised…Kind of important.
It took over 30 days to receive the credit card we ordered, when I was told it would be 10 days max.
The checks we ordered never came. I had to go in and ask again.
Their website vs my American bank's website is just laughable. It’s difficult to use and unnecessarily over secure, to the point it’s harassing.
I only heard this one, but the source is good: Being a foreign bank, they are restricted as to the number of ATMs they can have in Singapore. Which is why it's hard to find one.
Last straw: Today I went in because they rejected our check for my son's tuition because of "signature discrepancies". It was my wife’s signature which always looks exactly the same. They cashed another check written the same day in the same way. I went in and told them to show me why they rejected it. After making me wait AN HOUR, the idiot rep told me she couldn’t access the images right then. Pathetic. I made her wave the fees, and do a wire transfer for the amount. She told me it probably was rejected because it was a large amount. Don’t you think that would make it more important!? And couldn’t you call and confirm with us that we wrote it? They call every other week harassing me to sign up for new products.
So my advice, particularly to American expats, stay away.
-
zzm9980
- Governor
![Governor Governor]()
- Posts: 6869
- Joined: Wed, 06 Jul 2011 1:35 pm
- Location: Once more unto the breach
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by zzm9980 » Mon, 14 Oct 2013 4:46 pm
I'm not surprised at all, especially the signature discrepancy, but I wouldn't expect anything better from any other Singapore bank. I've had lots of 'signature discrepancy' disputes at DBS also, even when I sign something in front of them and have my passport.
I've transferred much more than $1000 (but never more than $10000 USD) in at one time with Citi many times. As for ATMs, they share a network with Maybank / HSBC / SCB and one other bank whos name escapes me. No fees, etc, so it helps with finding an ATM. (And if it doesnt, almost every MRT station has a Citi ATM).
Not trying to dispute what you say Dert, but I think it's just a typical Singapore thing and despite your bad experiences there still isn't a *better* alternative for us. If there is, I'd love to know

-
MiamiExpat
- Newbie
![Newbie Newbie]()
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Thu, 05 Sep 2013 9:29 pm
-
Quote
-
0
login to like this post
Post
by MiamiExpat » Tue, 15 Oct 2013 9:09 pm
zzm9980 wrote:I'm not surprised at all, especially the signature discrepancy, but I wouldn't expect anything better from any other Singapore bank. I've had lots of 'signature discrepancy' disputes at DBS also, even when I sign something in front of them and have my passport.
I've transferred much more than $1000 (but never more than $10000 USD) in at one time with Citi many times. As for ATMs, they share a network with Maybank / HSBC / SCB and one other bank whos name escapes me. No fees, etc, so it helps with finding an ATM. (And if it doesnt, almost every MRT station has a Citi ATM).
Not trying to dispute what you say Dert, but I think it's just a typical Singapore thing and despite your bad experiences there still isn't a *better* alternative for us. If there is, I'd love to know

Oof. Does HSBC Premier facilitate banking transactions in Singapore, or it banking a pain there no matter which bank you use?
-
-
PR approved but already planning to move
Replies: 7
First post
After 1 year long waiting, my PR is finally apprved but i have already planned to move out of the country and unlikely to return in near future....
Last post
Majority race and kid in local school, good chance for SC lah. Apply after 3-5 years of being a PR.
- 7 Replies
- 3681 Views
-
Last post by MOCHS
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 1:38 pm
-
-
possible to find job in Singapore
Replies: 2
First post
is it possible for me to find an engineering job in Singapore? I am from India.
Last post
I rather doubt you will be able to find anything at the moment as there are thousands of your countrymen who are here are trying their darnedest to...
- 2 Replies
- 2527 Views
-
Last post by sundaymorningstaple
Sat, 06 Feb 2021 8:35 pm
-
-
Travel from UK to Singapore via Germany possible?
Replies: 1
First post
is the following possible (short term social visa)?
(double jabbed in UK, AZ; 01 Sept).
UK - Germany (15 Sept)
Germany to Sg (21 days later; 07...
Last post
Yes looks like possible. But apply for travel pass first
- 1 Replies
- 2650 Views
-
Last post by novaandbong
Wed, 01 Sep 2021 3:50 am
-
-
Is it possible to retire in Singapore as PR forever?
Replies: 24
First post
Hi all ,
I was wondering is it possible to retire ( Basically stay in Singapore until old & die ) as a PR ?
Because i read many cases persons who has...
Last post
...
Just realised I posted the same link in my earlier post. It was mentioned again in parliament the other day (point 62):
No problem and...
- 24 Replies
- 32009 Views
-
Last post by Lisafuller
Sat, 23 Sep 2023 1:40 pm
-
-
Is it really possible to get EP sponsorship from outside Singapore?
Replies: 1
First post
I’m a Senior software engineer with a Canadian PR, and I’ve been exploring opportunities in Singapore. However, I keep hearing mixed things about...
Last post
The short answer is, No , you have about zero chance of succeeding.
You may wish to read through this post, written by me for a similar question.
- 1 Replies
- 1581 Views
-
Last post by Strong Eagle
Wed, 05 Mar 2025 9:41 am
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 7 guests