Here we go again.. Darling we might be relocating - Singapore!

[monkeypuzzeltree]

We have had a heck of a year, a year ago we nearly ended up moving to Boston, was an emotional time but in the end the role fell thru and it didn't happen. Felt a bit relieved but also bit sad that we weren't having an adventure.
So, we then moved out of London - big mistake, really missing town and is taking a while to settle.
Then today, I get a call from dh saying Singapore is now in the offing. I am now dreading the wait to find out, want to make my own mind up as to if it's a good move for us, then either support it or knock it in the head! So what's good or bad about Singapore?!

And who wants to tell my mum??!

Many thanks!!

Hi there,

If you love a city buzz and miss London you will enjoy Singapore. It's very compact and everything is easily accessible. It's a great hub for travelling that part of the world.

People refer to it as Asia Lite in terms of culture and that's pretty spot on.

It's hot and humid all year round. You can't comfortably walk for more than about 15 minutes, and sitting around outside is not pleasant, in our experience.

Some people say it's pretty soulless.

Most people go for a couple of years and then get out.

Rental is very expensive, as is most other things. You don't need a car (cars are insanely expensive). Taxis are very cheap.

Gotta run but didn't want to not reply.

Oh, and schooling - do you have kids and what age are they?

P

I was just looking at another of your posts and thought this is a lady I need to ask!!

Yes schooling is a huge worry, I've got dd starting in September and DS is just at morning preschool.

We do love city life, have just recently moved to the sticks and appreciate the value of open space etc but I do feel a bit isolated - but that probably more to do with me missing friends - another concern about moving abroad!

DH is going to find out realities of the package and specifics on the role.

I've only ever spent a weekend in Singapore, enjoyed it but then that was a holiday experience!

Schooling for your DD may be tricky as she is going in at entry level. A lot of the schools have wait lists. I know Dulwich is opening in August though and there is a bit of an exodus from some of the other schools. Dulwich will likely have spaces I guess.

Search on here for threads. There were some a while back about what to include in your package. You either need everything included or a huge fat salary if you're self-paying for accommodation and school fees.

It didn't work out for us, but we wouldn't have changed it (just the stressy bits!). I think you have to grab these chances with both hands and it's so much easier when the kids are younger...

We miss the city life too, having always assumed we were country bumpkins lol.

Yes, very expensive, make sure you've got a good expat package (rent, health, dental, car, school, shipping, flights home, temp accommodation, utilities etcetc).

Amazing place for kids to live, mine were outside all the time playing with other kids and at the pool, there's scope to have live in help if you wish, you can experience Chinese, Malay and Indian culture all at once and pop off to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia every other weekend, it's safe and clean and everything is pretty efficient.... We've lived there 3 times (twice without kids), for a total of nearly 10 years. Would go back!

School should be fine, lots of expats moving out as companies tighten belts, property agent friends are talking about lack of clients in singapore this year, and opening of dulwich will mean that there are more places available than a last year.

How old are your kids (if you have any)? We've been here for seven months and I have three small kids - one in school and two pre-school and am struggling in a way I never thought possible! Don't mean to scare you but you wanted honest comments. That's just me of course though. I think if your kids are a bit older and a bit more self sufficient (I.e. Don't need to be supervised 24/7) then provided you have a decent package with plenty disposable income, it could be a great experience.
Personally not being able to afford a car and looking after children in this heat is a nightmare and I want to get out as soon as I possibly can and return to a cooler climate and non-reliance on public transport, taxis or other people.
If you are inclined to get a helper as many do, you'll probably fit in fine as that's what many expats do, but I'm not into that which is probably another reason why I just don't fit in.
Anyway everyone I meet seems to have so many perks to their package, I think we missed a trick or two. Not a great place to be if on any sort of budget because it's so expensive and free activities are hard to find.
Sorry for negativity but bear this stuff in mind especially if you have small kids.

Sorry Monkey - I've just realised you did mention your children's ages above and also when I posted that I was having an extremely bad day so possibly was being a tad melodramatic, on top of the usual homesick! Anyway good luck with your decision and if there's anything you need to know about the downsides, I'm your gal

Quirshali - that's exactly the honesty I need actually. All v helpful comments from everyone. I feel isolated as it is in the sticks without having to deal with heat or learning cultural nuances!
Ive told dh it needs to be diamond coated package, and a fab job, the latter we've since found out it is. So now waiting on package details.

I'm terrified of getting stuck, it also means I pretty much have to put my city career to bed, when I was going to go back next year. I'm giving up a lot.

I'm not hearing anyone offering to tell my mum yet

I'm also in the same boat having to leave my ob for the move. Having said that, I had a pretty rough year including a serious accident so I am hoping that I will be able to enjoy life more when out there... Hoping... Planning on getting some help but not sure who does what over there... Confusing...