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Living overseas

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is this enough money in Singapore?

6 replies

slightlyconfused85 · 06/10/2015 09:42

DH has been offered a contract for $100, 000 USD. We have a 3 year old and a baby and I would hope to be back in the UK for DD to start school Sep '17. I would like her to attend a little pre school or similar if possible and I'd like a little help around the house. Is this enough money for accomodation, food, bills, preschool?

OP posts:
papooshka · 06/10/2015 12:20

That would be approx $142k in Sing dollars which is about 12K SG a month. It is doable but you wouldn't be able to save. A pre school can be anything from 1k to 2k per month. Depending on where you live you could get a 3 bed condo for 5k. Food is more expensive, for a family of 3 you would probably be looking at about 1k per month. Then theres utilities (gas elec water) on top - we used to pay about 500 per month for that. Then phone/tv etc. Definitely doable but Singapore is a lot more expensive than the UK.

TerrorAustralis · 06/10/2015 14:56

Yes, you could do it. Papooshka is right, but I would say you could definitely rent a 3 bed condo for less than $5K. We do, and the rental market has been on a backslide for some time. But it does depend on where you live and how well you negotiate. We pay around $300 a month for utilities (and use air con all the time).

Local preschools can be cheaper than $1-2K, but you need to be comfortable with their different approach to what you will be used to. We are about to move DS and it will cost $1500 per month, but that is full time.

The big costs here are rent, international school and health insurance. If your DH can get comprehensive health insurance provided by his employer, that is a big saving. Cars are very expensive, but most people rely on the public transport and taxis. Taxis are relatively cheap and the public transport reliable and cheap.

When you say you'd like a little help around the house, a live-in foreign domestic helper's costs start at around $1000 per month (all costs, not just salary). A once-a-week cleaner costs around $60-80 for 4 hours (some people claim to have cheaper cleaners, but I've never found one). A babysitter will cost anything from $5-20 an hour (most around the $15 mark).

When you're doing your sums, bear in mind that you will want to travel in the region to take advantage of the location - so budget for holidays. You will probably also want to factor in a trip home (or two) or at least have the funds on hand to fly home if you want or need to.

slightlyconfused85 · 06/10/2015 15:11

Thanks so much. This is really helpful info- looks possible on this salary. It would only be for a maximum of 18 months for various reasons so just need enough to live comfortably and for the kids to be happy. I'm really nervous about the whole thing; DP is used to living round the world but I'm not!

OP posts:
TerrorAustralis · 07/10/2015 07:28

Moving countries is daunting! And I won't deny there is a settling in period during which you'll question the decision. That said, Singapore is pretty easy, once you get the lay of the land. English is the common language (even if it's not spoken quite like you're used to) and things function pretty well. It's not called Asia-lite for nothing.

Plus, it's only 18 months.

slightlyconfused85 · 07/10/2015 10:32

Where will I meet people? I am the type who needs a few friends - dh is less social so it's normally down to me to find friends! I'm a bit Hmmas I not long moved cities and have built up a solid network only to be off again soon!

OP posts:
TerrorAustralis · 07/10/2015 10:56

The thing about being an expat, is that we are all in the same boat and people are much more open to making friends than at home, where most people already have their friendship groups and support networks in place.

There are loads of opportunities to meet new people if you put yourself out there. Certain condos are better than others for meeting people. Around the condo pool or playground you'll find other parents with kids. Preschool and other kids' activities are also opportunities to meet other parents.

Social media is also brilliant. I met a few other Mumsnetters, and then met more people through them. There are of Facebook groups, where people often propose meeting up for various activities - either with kids or without. I formed a book club with some others via FB and we've all become great friends. Real Singapore Expat Wives is obviously expats only (or supposed to be) but there are various Singapore 'mums group' FB groups by geographical location. Also Meetup.com is quite popular for playgroup meet ups. There are also regular things like a Thursday morning coffee and chat, where you just turn up at the regular cafe at 10 (I've never been, but I know it's popular).

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