Things to bring from USA

[BedokAmerican]

If you're shipping a bed, be sure and bring sheets and comforters to match because bed linens are different sizes here.

Also, bring big rolls of wrapping paper. That might sound odd, but wrapping paper here is typically sold by the sheet. I just thought of that because it's time to start wrapping Xmas presents.

[scarbowl]

Yes, this subject comes up regularly. Nevertheless, it is often an interesting questions. Keep in mind that most goods will be more expensive here but you just need to get used to it unless the premium is really high. Some oddities here:

Deodorant typically comes with "skin whitening" advertising. If you don't like the idea of (whatever) chemicals you'll want to bring it from elsewhere. Me, I can't figure out the benefit of whiter pits or why anyone's underarms might be getting darker.

Vitamins can be unreasonably expensive here. But you'll have to refrigerate any that you bring.

Clothes and shoes. Expect your leather goods to mildew, by the way. Buy some kitchen spoons which don't mildew as well.

And check the archives for many more ideas and arguments.

[the lynx]

Deodorant typically comes with "skin whitening" advertising. If you don't like the idea of (whatever) chemicals you'll want to bring it from elsewhere. Me, I can't figure out the benefit of whiter pits or why anyone's underarms might be getting darker.

http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-ca ... kening.htm

Many women experience underarm pigmentation/darkening. Not sure if it is common among Westerners but for Asians it is quite a problem.

[x9200]

Hmmm, interesting, but you can still buy the standard stuff around at least for men - H. Boss, Davidoff etc. (deo sticks) in places like Isetan.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Has anybody seen Old Spice Deodorant (Classic) - not the white stuff with ammonium chloride in it around town? I've never been able to find it here, so always get someone to fetch me some when they go to the US (Along with 1 lb tins of Old Bay Seasoning & Triscuits)

[BedokAmerican]

I'm also a Triscuits fan. I just returned from a trip to the US (after being away from there more than a year) and there are some new brands of Triscuits on the market and there is now a "brown rice" line, which sounds odd but is pretty good. The boxes have also been redesigned. Nabisco should seriously consider getting Triscuits and Wheat Thins into Sg.

[sundaymorningstaple]

On rare occasions I have found them in Cold Storage. When I do, I usually buy whatever is on the shelf! They look at me strangely when I check out with 7 boxes of Triscuits! I don't like the new smaller boxes but some of the newer flavours aren't bad. I haven't seen the brown rice ones though. Wheat Thins are also good, but my favourite is Triscuits (originals) can't beat 'em! Maybe my Son in Law will bring some back with him when he returns from his year in Dallas! Although I know he'll already be traveling heavy (thanks to my daughters shopping in between her hitches at work in Angola!

[Dert42]

Our overseas moving company wouldn't even transport our TVs for us.
So that might kill the conversation right there.

[JR8]

Our overseas moving company wouldn't even transport our TVs for us.
So that might kill the conversation right there.

Er but, US TVs wouldn't work here anyway.

[sundaymorningstaple]

The newer multi-system ones will. They have dual voltage switches and multi systems like the Singapore versions. Again, it would depend on the brand though. I doubt if a Curtis-Mathis TV will work though (went out of production in 1988). Was probably one of the best American TV's you could buy in the 80's.

[JR8]

Yeah isn't it a two-step thing.
- Voltage. Appreciate that's pretty easy to overcome
- The PAL vs NSTC 'thing'. Don't know about that. It used to be insurmountable..

Curtis-Mathis? Is that like an American Bang + Olufson?

[zzm9980]

- The PAL vs NSTC 'thing'. Don't know about that. It used to be insurmountable..

This is pretty much a non-issue now.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Curtis-Mathis? Is that like an American Bang + Olufson?

Yep, perxactly. My father had one from the early 80's until he died in Jan 2012. It still worked and had beautiful color for a CRT. They were the only TV you could buy with a 5 year no quibble guarantee. B + O or from a non-TV standpoint, Macintosh would be good comparisons.

[acad]

Is it easy to get a 240v to 110v transformer in Singapore? I have a Philips baby steriliser that can only run on 110V. Thanks.

[JR8]

Is it easy to get a 240v to 110v transformer in Singapore? I have a Philips baby steriliser that can only run on 110V. Thanks.

If you're moving here then it might be cheaper and simpler to order one back home, and get it put in your freight. The below is 1kW which should handle most appliances bar things like bigger hair-dryers etc. US$62 incl p+p. You'll see there are smaller ones, that are much cheaper too.

The guidance used to be, check the max Wattage rating of the appliance, then multiply by 130%. That is the rating you need to happily run an appliance via a transformer.

http://www.amazon.com/Bright-VC1000W-Vo ... er+110+240

p.s. The small trannies you could bring in a suitcase, the bigger ones can be very heavy....

I tried to check amazon.com.sg to get a comparative price here, but it point blank refused, defaulting back to the .com site each time [sigh]...