Singapore Expats

Hey guys,

I am considering an offer from a company to move to Singapore in the next few weeks, so I was wondering if some of you guys wouldnt mind helping me fill in some of the blanks about things such as apartments, social life etc. So if i may, I thought I could start with a few simple questions Thanks in advance for any tips!

Firstly, whats the price of renting a modern 2-3 bedroom apartment (doesnt need to be too lavish, but 'nice' would preferable)?

Also, do apartments come furnished like they do in europe or would I be expected to organise that? (i.e. sofas, beds, tables, chairs, kitchen whites, possibly tv) . I have read some stuff about properties being listed as furnished but then not being truely so when taken.

Whats the nightlife like in Singapore? The laws on cleanliness appeal to me ( love the fact it sounds so clean and crime free out there) but I have to admit that it does scare me that possibly the sterile ethos might infiltrate the nighttime culture. I enjoy going clubbing with my friends etc and having the occasional party into the 'wee small' hours... is that possible?

Also, are there many irish people out there? Not that I am particularly going to be desperate to flock to meet them right away, but it might be nice to occasionally have a pint of the black stuff and watch some of the sport from home.. (any irish pubs out there?)

Erm... also.... should I stay or should I go?

The city looks amazing, more or less decided but still have my butterflys.

C_Ireland wrote: Also, are there many irish people out there? Not that I am particularly going to be desperate to flock to meet them right away, but it might be nice to occasionally have a pint of the black stuff and watch some of the sport from home.. (any irish pubs out there?)

I'm not Irish but the black stuff doesn't taste the same as what you get off the tap in Eire. It's the water I think Note that you can get 2 pints back home for the price of 1 in Singapore.

Get the bosses out for drinks and they'll likely pay for the grog!

Good Luck!

Hi, according to the information I have it costs $10 for a beer in a pub in Singapore, and at the exchange rate, thats about £3.50 (5+ euro). I dont know when you last bought a pint in Dublin, but some would consider that a bargain - its about the same from what I can tell.

I live in Northern Ireland though, so things are a lot cheaper than that, but a lot of trendy imported bottled beers cost £3+ (and I like trendy imported bottled beers - sad but true). So I would be used to paying the prices.

HERES a few more questions....

My girlfriend wants to follow me out. Would she get an "expat" package from a company if she was on the ground out there and applying for jobs or would she have to be offered before she came out?

Also, whats a reasonable amount that one can expect to negotiate the accomodation subsidy for? (the amount the company puts towards rent). I have been offered $1000 p/m but the properties we would be happiest with seem really expensive (4000+) and I have read that I should negotiate more. What would be normal?

C_Ireland wrote:My girlfriend wants to follow me out. Would she get an "expat" package from a company if she was on the ground out there and applying for jobs or would she have to be offered before she came out?

No, she would be locally recruited and would be paid a corresponding (lower) salary. Note that your gf can't just "follow you out", she will need to get a job in order to stay in Singapore... unless you get married and bring here in on a dependant's pass.

Also, whats a reasonable amount that one can expect to negotiate the accomodation subsidy for? (the amount the company puts towards rent). I have been offered $1000 p/m but the properties we would be happiest with seem really expensive (4000+) and I have read that I should negotiate more. What would be normal?

Depends on your job position and salary. Off the cuff, you can probably shoot for $2000 (which will get you a decent apt in most, but not all, of Singapore) and pay the difference yourself.

A few comments on the nightlife -- bars and clubs can stay open very late and especially on weekends many do (4 AM, 6 AM...) A few are open 24h for special occasions, the Balcony at Orchard is open 24/7. $10 is the standard price for a beer, but happy hours offer two for one, and you can get your beer at a hawker centre for half price anytime.

C_Ireland wrote:Hey guys,
Also, are there many irish people out there? Not that I am particularly going to be desperate to flock to meet them right away, but it might be nice to occasionally have a pint of the black stuff and watch some of the sport from home.. (any irish pubs out there?)

Erm... also.... should I stay or should I go?

The city looks amazing, more or less decided but still have my butterflys.

There is an Irish pub I know of. Anyway, why don't you try it out for a few years. The city is indeed amazing and the culture here is similar to many European cultures with an Asian twist to it. Further to that, you have the forummers to seek advice and friendship.

Hi there,

just saw your post and wanted to add my two cents worth having just gone through the relocation experience. Most of the apartments we looked at (condos) were furnished or part furnished and always included the fridge, washing machine and dryer.

A Dishwasher is usually not included (because I think the idea is that normally the maid would do the washing up!). We managed to negotiate a dishwasher into the package except it is not in the kitchen!!

We bought our own washing machine and dryer from Oz and I have to say i wish we hadn't.

My advice would be to bring very little with you. Most of the newer apartments are well furnished.

Hope that helps.