Singapore Expats

Hi all!

I was offered a position in Singapore. For a scandinavian like me, it seems like a dream opportunity. Finally - no winters!

How's life thee for a single scandinavian? Is it easy to get to know the locals? Bet they are already used to the westerns.

I am a bit worried if I can make it, I'd have about 1500 Singaporean dollar left after taxes and accomodation. Having no idea about the living expenses there the question is - will it be a struggle?

I understood that the taxes are low - so is the health care super expensive?

And finally, if somebody has heard / attended Ngee Ann Polytechnic, could you tell me what kind of reputation it enjoys.

Thanks and maybe joining you soon! Looking forward to the climate and the all-year-round swimming! 8)

Mike

Hi
here are some previous postings which might help..and if u have time read the others too

http://www.singaporeexpats.com/forum/ftopic1231.html


http://www.singaporeexpats.com/forum/ftopic2701.html

http://www.singaporeexpats.com/forum/ftopic789.html

GoodLuck
J

mikkis wrote:Hi all!

I was offered a position in Singapore. For a scandinavian like me, it seems like a dream opportunity. Finally - no winters!

How's life thee for a single scandinavian? Is it easy to get to know the locals? Bet they are already used to the westerns.

I am a bit worried if I can make it, I'd have about 1500 Singaporean dollar left after taxes and accomodation. Having no idea about the living expenses there the question is - will it be a struggle?

I understood that the taxes are low - so is the health care super expensive?

And finally, if somebody has heard / attended Ngee Ann Polytechnic, could you tell me what kind of reputation it enjoys.

Thanks and maybe joining you soon! Looking forward to the climate and the all-year-round swimming! 8)

Mike

Mikki,sorry to say Ngee Ann doesnt 'enjoy' a reputation, thats not to say its bad but if you compare it with other local educational orgs like NUS, SMU. How will you be associated with Ngee Ann?

I did a little bit of research on local Unis before, if you post yr email add, will discuss with you that and address some other qstns

cheers!

NUS and SMU are local universities and cannot be compared to ploytechnics, they are both different issues although they are both considered education orgs. I think you are going to be a lecturer there perharps? Just guessing only. For educational orgs, they are part of the gov org and are considered statboards. So you can enjoy more employee benefits than some or most private companies. And schools usually will have facilities for you to use free of charge, like swimming pool, gym, courts etc. Hope that helps.

Right, I would be a visiting lecturer for two years.

As a matter of fact all the benefits sound very good indeed.

A bit of a hesitation though, lecturing in the film & media department would be an challanging opportunity for an IT guy. I guess since I am already given the job I shouldn't worry too much.

Sorry to hear that Ngee Ann is not among the best, however it'd be a great way to get located to all-year-summer anyway 8)

Actually Ngee Ann is the 2nd best polytechnic in Singapore (1st is Singapore Poly). It has an interesting architecture, I've always liked the campus.... a bit of a homey/jap feel. I think you'll like it.

Mikkis wrote:Right, I would be a visiting lecturer for two years.

As a matter of fact all the benefits sound very good indeed.

A bit of a hesitation though, lecturing in the film & media department would be an challanging opportunity for an IT guy. I guess since I am already given the job I shouldn't worry too much.

Sorry to hear that Ngee Ann is not among the best, however it'd be a great way to get located to all-year-summer anyway 8)

please contact me, ive got some contacts in the film and media industry and will be able to brainstorm with to help you
[email protected]

As a fellow Scandinavian, I'd have to say that you'll have to restrain yourself with that kind of pay, living in Singapore.

I had about the same kind of money after tax/accomodation back home and here, but still I seem to spend more of it here. It might be due to my friends here, but it seems like people go out more and spend more than back home, where you're often spending time at someones house or in the nature (it's kind of too hot to go on the big outings here, I think).

Be prepared to live spartanic in Scandinavian standards....

Hmm ok. Sounds like it would be bit of a struggle, but definately an adventure. Thanks for the replies!

So for a scandiavian who hates winters (bad combination I know!) would you think its worth it?

As yet another Scandinavian, I think Singapore is considerably cheaper than back home. But you'll still need to keep a bit of an eye on expenses: cars, heavy drinking and smoking, in particular, are budget-busters. But eat like a local, drink like a local (== lime juice, not beer) and you'll have plenty left over.

jpatokal wrote:As yet another Scandinavian, I think Singapore is considerably cheaper than back home. But you'll still need to keep a bit of an eye on expenses: cars, heavy drinking and smoking, in particular, are budget-busters. But eat like a local, drink like a local (== lime juice, not beer) and you'll have plenty left over.

Yes, if you're able to live like a local you'll be ok. Remember a bottle of wine is the same price as home, a coctails often more expensive than home, the beer is cheaper in the supermarket but often more expensive in pubs/cafes/clubs.

Us Scandinavians are used to "abroad" always being cheaper than back home, and hence I was shocked by the prices when I first arrived (actually, I still am). I love to go to hawker centres and eat lovely local food, but not two times every day. I like to combine it with western food, and all of that is expensive; just "plains" like bread, cheese, youghurt etc are much more expensive than home.

As a young Scandinavian who likes to go out, I would really struggle on your salary. Sure, the endless tropical nights are great and I don't miss winter at all. But I do miss Scandinavian summers, where you can actually enjoy the outdoors - whereas here I think it's normally too hot.

Mikis, I'm afraid since I know what I know now, and was offered a package like you, I'd not go. I love Singapore, and a couple of years escaping Scandinavia is great! But I'm just not able to live the local way.