Moving to Singapore - questions

[Adams2jones]

Does anyone know if we/our children need any vaccines before moving over?

I read earlier that Media (Magazine, books, dvds, video games) are prohibited. Does anyone know if this is certain ones or if they are packed in our shipping they will be ok?? We only have fiction books, children's books and games for computers.
My son is worried if he takes his gaming console on the plane when we fly over it will be taken off of him?!

Can anyone recommend any pet travel companies (UK to SIN) ? Would prefer to use one that people can recommend.

Hi there.

Living in the east makes sense if your husband is working at Changi, though I do know of people that drive every day from Bukit Timah (more west, very expat area). EtonHouse Broderick is a good school. My Daughter attends a different EtonHouse (it's a big chain) and is very happy there. Other schools in the east to look at are OWIS and Canadian International School.

Dover Court is lovely but they now have 1200 and are looking to grow to 1800. They are doing well at retaining the small school feel but I'd imagine 1200 kids would be a big change for your son!

There is a newer international school called Invictus which might be a good fit, especially if you are only here for two years. It's small and apparently has a very welcoming school community.

Kids tend to take the school bus here. I couldn't get my head around it at first but it's actually great and now I can't imagine living without school buses! There is always a bus 'auntie' who keeps behaviour in check, seatbelts on etc.

You can buy/lease a car here and it's very easy to drive here, however it's very expensive. Definitely worth trying to negotiate a car lease into your transfer package.

Sorry, just to add that if you're looking at Dover Court or any of the other big international schools, you really should apply now as there are significant waiting lists.

Thank you so much!! That’s great info!!

It’s so hard thinking I have to make a decision on a school I’ve never visited, I would never do that here but I know I don’t have much choice!!

Can I just ask, which neighbourhood/ area would you suggest is the most ideal for British expat family, 2 kids under 6 and wife who won’t be working? I’m concerned about feeling isolated or not having all the amenities I take for granted now on my doorstep like shops, playgrounds etc!! Do you think East coast would be a good fit or do you think living more central would be better? Thanks again xx

I don't know the East Coast well so can't recommend particular spots. We had friends living in a house in Siglap which was a good spot and also other friends near the 112 Katong mall. There are condos which are more popular with expats - your agent will be able to recommend. I know it's hard to imagine but people here are very friendly and I've found it easy to meet friends through our condo, the kids' school and sports.

Most west, River Valley is a great spot where loads of expats live. Also, Bukit Timah, Holland Village and Tanglin.

There are plenty of amenities here. Google the East Coast playground - it's incredible! Most neighbourhoods will have a decent little park nearby - we have 3 on walking distance. And then there are some amazing Parks (west coast park, Admiralty playground, Gardens by the Bay, Jacob Ballas at the botanical gardens....) that will be well worth the trip to get there.

It's a tiny place - things are very convenient. Pretty much everywhere is 20 minutes away.

East Coast is lovely with young kids. There are expats everywhere - so unless you’re staying in local housing HDB you’ll have a real mix - especially in a condo. There’s also some nice clubs if you wanted to join as a different way to meet folk outside condo or school set ups.