Singapore Expats

Hello,

I have just been offered an exciting opportunity, however I know very little about Singapore, and even less about relocations. I am relatively young and very naive about this. Th relocation is just for myself and I have no major commitments in UK to worry about.

But What are the things I need to consider with relocation ??

What must I do in advance to prepare myself ??

How do I know if I am getting a good deal ?? (They offered me roughly the same salary, but said cos the lower tax rate I would be better off ?!?)

One things I am worried about is the cost of living. I hear food and such consumables are cheaper. But is it true that accomodation is much more ?? They offered temporary accomodation assistance, but if there is a significant difference in costs, should I ask for more assistance ??

Any comments or advice would be much appreciated.

Many Thanks

While waiting for someone with time and patience to answer all your questions ( ),
try using the Search function above to see the many threads posted that have already addressed these topics.
There's lots to read.

I thought this was going to be a challenge to a game of football

I would be well up for a game of football if / when I get to SG !!

louy wrote:Hello,

I have just been offered an exciting opportunity, however I know very little about Singapore, and even less about relocations. I am relatively young and very naive about this. Th relocation is just for myself and I have no major commitments in UK to worry about.

But What are the things I need to consider with relocation ??

What must I do in advance to prepare myself ??

How do I know if I am getting a good deal ?? (They offered me roughly the same salary, but said cos the lower tax rate I would be better off ?!?)

One things I am worried about is the cost of living. I hear food and such consumables are cheaper. But is it true that accomodation is much more ?? They offered temporary accomodation assistance, but if there is a significant difference in costs, should I ask for more assistance ??

Any comments or advice would be much appreciated.

Many Thanks

You will pay a hell of a lot less income tax in Singapore compared with UK! Also public transport is very cheap compared with London.

Rent will be your major expense and is probably on a par with London rental prices.

I will say alot more than London prices but then in London we dont get swimming pools etc.

I have noticed accomodation is very expensive there.
The packaged offered to me only covers 6 months rental. (I dunno if this is standard)

I am just worried that I wont be able to absorb the increase once the accomodation support ends.

Im coming in on a junior position, a condo may just be out of my range, cos I dunno what unexpected and unplanned extra cost of living i may encounter and dont want to risk stretching myself too far.

Probably settle for a HDB, if i can find a nice one.

I sharing out of the question?

you got 6 months to look for alternative place, so you will be OK. renting a common room in a shared flat would be cheaper.

I prefer not to share.

I think my budget will be 2k, max !!!

louy wrote:I prefer not to share.

I think my budget will be 2k, max !!!

with your budget, you will be OK. maybe in 6 months time, then rental market would have come down too (or UP!).

Woo hoo !!!

Its confirmed, I am almost definately coming to Singapore - in two months time !!

(altho I hav not actually signed the contract yet)




Im to start packing !!!

louy wrote:Woo hoo !!!

Its confirmed, I am almost definately coming to Singapore - in two months time !!

(altho I hav not actually signed the contract yet)




Im to start packing !!!

Nice one Louy!

What sort of thing roughly would i be looking at ??
a 3 room HDB ??

There are some scarey stories on this forum about HDBs and dodgy agents.

How much more do i need to increase my budget to for a condo within 30minutes from Orchard ??

Would it be possible to start looking for accomodation whilst I am in UK, or is it best to wait until I arrive.

How long can it be to agree to a place ?? Just so I know how long I may need to be in a Serviced Apartment / hotel.

durain wrote:

louy wrote:I prefer not to share.

I think my budget will be 2k, max !!!

with your budget, you will be OK. maybe in 6 months time, then rental market would have come down too (or UP!).

Have you ever been to Singapore or SE Asia before?