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Moving to Singapore?

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alfellner
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Moving to Singapore?

Post by alfellner » Wed, 13 Nov 2013 2:34 am

Hello all,

this is my first post here.

I am a naval architect with 2 years of work experience in Germany.

I have been offered a position in Singapore. It pays SGD 4500

I am obviously wondering whether that's sufficient.

I would very much appreciate it if someone could help me out on the topic

Here are the boundary conditions:

I am perfectly comfortably living in a room in a flat share (No family)

28 years old, bachelor

Public transport and riding bicycle is my preferred method of transport

Going out to party maybe twice a month, which would include a cab ride home.

Movies, museums, amusement in moderate amounts

Internet at home, mobile phone (incl data plan)

I do like to cook, but I also enjoy eating out (I don't mind hawker centres, like them actually)

I've been visiting south east Asia since I was little, so I really enjoy the local food! No need for Western food.


The occasional after work drink

Since I don't have girlfriend/wife it may be possible that I'd go out on dates.

Id need to put some money aside (500-1000 a month?)



I am grateful for any answer!

Thank you very much in advance,

Alex

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Post by AngMoG » Wed, 13 Nov 2013 9:59 am

Based on what you are saying, it seems sufficient, especially since you are a bachelor and do not have high demands. With 2y experience and 4500 SGD, work visa should also be possible to get (though not guaranteed of course - don't resign until you have your IPA!).

Calculate about 700-1500 SGD per month for a room in a shared flat (the upper end having its own bathroom, lower end shared). Check the property sites, esp. prop guru, for up-to-date prices. Maybe 50-70 SGD per month for public transport, 10-20 SGD for a taxi ride (unless it's "halfway across the island", which could hit 30 or more). About 300 SGD for food. And don't forget that at the end of the year, you'll have to pay taxes, though it is not much at this level (probably less than 2000 SGD) - check iras's tax calculator. Another 150 SGD or so per month for internet, cable and mobile, and 150-200 SGD for utilities.

Note that alcohol is very expensive here, so any going out would make a significant dent in your budget - calculate 10-15 SGD for a beer.

Just make sure you rent at a place where cooking is allowed. ("Light cooking" means only boiling water or at most, instant noodles.)

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Post by JR8 » Wed, 13 Nov 2013 10:08 am

I think AMG has it more or less right. Though $150/Mo on net/mobile is heavy - more like $50 here (i.e. to me, basic usage).

What I've come to realise it that SG is very elastic. If you want to live cheaply you can. Share a room and eat for $3 a day. Sure can. -- The upper end is unlimited.

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Post by AngMoG » Wed, 13 Nov 2013 11:34 am

JR8 wrote:I think AMG has it more or less right. Though $150/Mo on net/mobile is heavy - more like $50 here (i.e. to me, basic usage).
JR8, I meant mobile + internet + cable.

Mobile would be around $40 for relatively basic data contract, internet is another $40 at least, and cable can be easily $60-80, depending on which channels you subscribe to. Sure, with some restrictions, and choosing all from the same provider, can probably be pushed to $100 or less. $50 if no cable - but then you're stuck with the local TV, or have to go all-online for movies and shows.

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Post by beppi » Wed, 13 Nov 2013 4:19 pm

Don't underestimate the cost of the entertainment options you mentioned: It is perfectly possible to go out an evening and spend S$80 (EUR50) on alcohol without even being drunk - add transport, entrance fee and a snack and you're beyond EUR100. Now imagine you meet a girl and want to impress her ...

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Post by Mi Amigo » Wed, 13 Nov 2013 4:40 pm

beppi wrote:Now imagine you meet a girl and want to impress her ...
No problem. "Hey baby, I'm a naval architect. Want to come back to my place and check out my torpedo?" :cool:
Be careful what you wish for

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Post by JR8 » Wed, 13 Nov 2013 4:51 pm

Mi Amigo wrote:
beppi wrote:Now imagine you meet a girl and want to impress her ...
No problem. "Hey baby, I'm a naval architect. Want to come back to my place and check out my torpedo?" :cool:
Sir, Oh sir [giggle], hehehehe....

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Post by x9200 » Thu, 14 Nov 2013 8:04 am

Mi Amigo wrote:
beppi wrote:Now imagine you meet a girl and want to impress her ...
No problem. "Hey baby, I'm a naval architect. Want to come back to my place and check out my torpedo?" :cool:
And now we have ++S$5000 topping up the bill with outrage of modesty charges, but at least the girl will have a new LV bag. In a way, yes, its probably priceless.

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Post by JR8 » Thu, 14 Nov 2013 8:22 am

New charge: Outrage of Vuitton?

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Post by PrimroseHill » Thu, 14 Nov 2013 10:00 am

JR8 wrote:New charge: Outrage of Vuitton?
Vuitton outtage :D

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Post by AngMoG » Thu, 14 Nov 2013 10:19 am

JR8 wrote:New charge: Outrage of Vuitton?
New bag: Outrage by Vuitton(tm)

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Post by JR8 » Thu, 14 Nov 2013 10:21 am

Love it.... should it have '''angry''''' studs all over?

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