Singapore anyone?

[beebuzzer]

OK DH has just bee talking about how there are a lot of companies recruiting out there atm (in his sector) and I am wondering if anyone has lived there and what your experiences were. We have both lived in different countries (I live in South Korea for 3 years among other countries and DH in Nigeria) Any advice/suggestions would be of help. We have a one year old daughter.

lived there for 3 yrs and might be moving back. We had a great time but can't say I lost my heart to it. As you've lived in asia (no idea how it compares to South Korea) you probably realise it's considered one of the easiest expat postings, especially with young children. The infrastructure is good - good health services, sports facilities, schools, roads, parks, softplay centres, kindegartens, toddler groups, public transport, everyone speaks english, low crime etc. Depends what you like, have you been before? It's all quite sterile, built up, busy and shopping is the national pastime so many people start to feel a bit hemmed in after a while, especially if you like wide open spaces, stunning scenery and getting a way from the crowds. But if you take the time to explore away from the typical expat hangouts of Orchard Road, Clarke Quay, the sunday Brunches etc there is many great local areas to go and see and have a better cultural experience and usually a much cheaper one.

Saying that we had such a good time there and made many fantastic friends - feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions regarding housing, areas, anything really.

Agree with begonyabampot but the great thing about Singapore is that it is one of the safest cities to live in in SE Asia and it is a great base from which you can travel around Asia cheaply (when you get bored or stir crazy!). Also, when choosing housing, I will advise you going for a condo. They usually have fantastic leisure facilities such as swimming pools and playgrounds for the kiddies. But it can be very expensive too. I'm from Singapore and DH and I have always talked about going to live there for a few years (don't think we could tolerate forever!). Good luck!

Thanks both. :) I did read that accommodation was very expensive though. How do you think it compares to the UK? Your description does sound a little like SK begony - Its all very modern,a bit sterile etc.
Also what about the weather,any thoughts?

I guess one of my concerns is how they accept foreigners/different nationalities and races etc. In SK they still have a very narrow view of foreigners from different places,I wonder how it is there?

My other worry would be that I might feel a bit cut off with a young child as I use to travel alone and thats kind of different. (DH spends ALOT of time at work!) I wonder if the work mentality is similar to SK too. (start at 7am,finish at 11pm is very normal!)

Many thanks.

I am in Singapore now. Prices for condos/houses are scary. You will not get much for less then 3000SGD a month. Houses are more like 10000 and big houses with pools and gardens are double that.

It is hot and humid but you get used to it after a while. Or rather you get used to feeling a bit sweaty constantly and to having two showers a day.

I find it a friendly place but I have been here a while so I know quite a few people.

As Angel says, the holiday opportunities are fabulous. I can't believe all the places we have visited.

I like Singapore. I am enjoying the warmth and the beautiful light at the moment. It will never be home but we are all enjoying living here.

OP, I think you should also post in Living Overseas as I think there is quite a big Singapore group there.

The weather is a double edged sword. I found the evenings lovely - love being able to go out eating as a family and sitting outside but it can be very hot for most of the day and I found it difficult with baby/young children, always applying sun cream staying inside for the hotter hours/ always trying to stick to the shade. TBH, even the locals find it too hot and deal with it by staying out of it as much as possible, probably why evening time is family time for the locals and yes the working hours are quite long, many working until 7pm or about.

Housing depends on your budget. We had a house cost about 13,000 SGD a month back in 2008. Most of our friends lived in condos with full facilities from about 3000 to 7000 per month. If we go back we will probably go the condo route this time as we will be paying this time and not Dh's company. The condo probably is also a good way to meet others and make sure any children can find friends easier. We always had to make more of an effort regarding playdates etc as we had the house.

We also had a car which was great as the roads are good and driving on the left made it easier and was a great way to explore and keep your kids safe in car seats - this option might not have been open to you in SK. Again really happy to help with any queries.

Work mentality - Yes, people do start early and work late. The work culture is not as balanced as here in the sense that it's not how much you fit in the hours you do but more how many hours you do! It's a bit clock-watching I'm afraid! I know many of my friends do start at 8/9am and not expect to finish before 7pm.

Weather - Hot and humid but honestly, I would kill for that sort of weather now given the cold snap we are having here now. The great thing is you spend VERY little on your kids' clothes as they can literally live in just vests and summer dresses/clothes all day long. I never bother much with sun cream in SE Asia as the sun is not as harsh, it's usually very cloudy.

Foreigners - Very multi-racial probably more 'open' and modern than SK. Plenty of my generations have married other races/nationalities. But you will be fine. Honestly.

Housing - My parents live in a very nice condo - low-rise and Bali-resort-type styling, very nice and fun toddlers' pool and adult pools. DS1 was down at the pool every day when we were there for a holiday. For a three-bedder you are looking at SGD$5000 a month.

What you will find in Singapore is there is very little discrimination against foreigners as such. The law is very rigidly applied there. For example, they cannot charge you extra for admission/food just because you are a foreigner. You will be surprised at how much of that rubbish goes on in the neighbouring countries where the law is a bit more 'fluid'. For example, we went to Bali the last time we were back and it was shocking at how many places we went to (safari park etc) where they openly charged foreigners much higher fees than the locals.

Thanks again, I will pass this info on to my DH. Obviously its still in the thought process and him just mentioning it every now and again.

I appreciate all the answers and we do need to think seriously about it whatever we do. DH does seem quite taken with the idea though.

Go, it's not forever and you will love the experience for a few years! I promise you! We will so jump at the chance of going back there now...