SINGAPORE EXPATS FORUM
Singapore Expat Forum and Message Board for Expats in Singapore & Expatriates Relocating to Singapore

I made a similar move from the UK about 8 years ago. I took a 35% pay cut to become an Assistant Manager with KPMG. Salary was $5,000, but I also got paid my CPF ($500 per month at the time) as a cash payment, which was a nice surprise. At the time there was also a 2-4 month bonus (not sure now). Ho...

If you are not married, you will probably only qualify for a LTSVP. I'm on an EP and I was able to bring my long term partner here on the LTSVP. But you won't be able to work with type of visa.

As far as i'm aware those benefits you mention are taxable and should be added to your tax form a BIK. The company will do this at yeah end. You may not notice them as they get added to a different category on the tax form.

I think that is too much of a drop. But you are young and if you think of it as an investment to get some Asian experience on your CV, then fine. I don't think you'll be able save any unless you really live like a local. But don't let that stop you. Think about whether you will be better off in 5 ye...

When I look at my personal costs, I think almost everything I buy here is more expensive than the UK. The only exception is public transport and taxis. But in the UK, i can buy a good second hand car for about 8,000. Overall my costs are similar as the tax is so much lower. Now one thing to consider...

I think being a foreigner is fine. For my company, I would say over 50% of Manager grade and above are EPs. Probably 60%-70% for Directors and VPs. Of those EPs, 95% are on local salaries, which are now equal to London or HK.

There are so many banks here, what area do you work in?

You might be right. I don't have kids, so I haven't checked this for a while. I just remember from my HR on boarding, but that was 3 years ago.

I think they must have just had a very bad experience. I don't know any senior Finance person in a MNC who hasn't had time with the Big 4. I know there will be some, but it will certainly be a minority. The Big 4 is tough in Singapore, much harder work than the UK, but it can also be a lot of fun. I...

I think S$200k will be similar to your UK income. The increased cost is offset by the lower tax. I took a 25% cut on my gross to come to Singapore in 2005. Now I earn many multiples of my UK salary. I am glad I never listened to those who said: "do go unless you get a raise". Opportunities in Asia a...

I think I would need $10k minimum to live with average comfort.

If you can live like a local, $5k should be ok. But most foreigners can't live like a local, even Asian ones.

I would say most MNCs get 20-25 days PTO + 11 public holidays.

My company gives 17-21 days PTO (depending on grade), 21-25 days after 5 years. We also get 5 child care days (all levels).

Similar to the UK.

I think the Big 4 is a great training ground and good for your CV. The reason why they work you to death for a relatively low salary is the “carrot”

Time living together in Singapore was counted for me. I applied for a LTSVP for my partner and we have only lived together in Singapore. You need to prepare a Statutory declaration on your relationship and have it witnessed by a commisioner of oaths ($20) and then apply online. I think the key is th...

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I think a night out to an average type places is very expensive in Singapore. Other than rent and cars, this is really makes Singapore expensive for me. Say a night out in CQ (which is not high end). Taxi - $40 to and from - I live in Semei. Dinner - $40-$50 - one main and either dessert or starter....