Singapore Expats

so i hear shopping is a big past time there, yet the quality of shopping for clothing, especially either american/european styles and sizes is not particularly good... does this mean I just go seriously shopping for a new (both work and leisure) wardrobe before heading over?

will i definitely save on money and hassle and time... i'm more concerned about the work clothes, outside of work I can wear whatever as I am not one to care for looks nor showing off, but at work you have to look the way you have to look...

If you are an average sized American, not obese, just an average Ladies 8 or 10, 5' 4" or over you should buy 90% of what you need before you arrive in Singapore. If you are a petite size 2, 32 A, you'll be fine here. You should not plan on buying any shoes here unless you love paying full retail + 30%. Stock up on bras and underwear before you arrive as well.


Running shoes are available, and crocs -- everything else hard to find or very expensive.

good point, that too, thanks...

The styles here are a bit lacking (based on USA tastes), IMHO. You can, of course, find recognizable brands here but you'll pay out of your nose.

Def. buy shoes b4 you come for your whole family.

Funny, I heard that shoes were cheap and plentiful in Singapore? I have size 7 feet (US size I think)... would that be a problem fitting into most Singapore shoes?

underwear for sure!! also stock up on tampons, deodorant, hair care products that you are used to in the US - loreal seems to corner the market here. anything you might get at sephora you might want to think about getting as well

i'm assuming you can get these... it's just that the price will be ridiculous, at least compared to the thinking of how much less i would pay at home...?
NY is expensive, but you can get a lot for cheap or reasonable...right?
is there no chinatown cheap? i know there's a chinatown, but i doubt it's the same concept

there are definitely bargains here - you just have to know where to look - and there are a lot of knowledgeable people on this board who can help. there are hyperstores like carrefour or this crazy big dept store in little india called mustafa center that has great prices... and some imports from the US (my hubby likes the green speed stick and this is the only place i can find it)... but if you have certain creature comforts that you like (for me it's downy softener sheets, kotex, advil, aveda ...etc) i usually stock up when i'm back. the average box of tampons will cost you around $10SGD for a small box and the nicer shampoos are a considerable amount more. but honestly you could come with nothing and be just fine - singapore is a very first world country and has everything you need. like NYC - it's all about where you choose to shop - you could get your groceries at A&P or you could go to D'agastinos... you know?

all true and helpful....
although a&p vs dag... now it's a little more like Whole Foods vs Trader Joe's, at least around Union Square... but I'm more of the a&p type

cbavasi wrote:underwear for sure!! also stock up on tampons, deodorant, hair care products that you are used to in the US - loreal seems to corner the market here. anything you might get at sephora you might want to think about getting as well

Sephora is coming to Takashimaya cbavasi!

how DO people dress... it may be impossible to answer that or fully figure it out until we're there... but I've read that people judge you by how you're dressed, I suppose second to the color of your skin...

for work I have to dress nicely, professionally, conservatively yet slightly minimally sexy, I suppose... And for any meetings or hanging out for drinks after work I wont change so mostly I'm like this... But on weekends or days off, I dont mind looking relatively crappy or wearing unassuming clothes; I am really really not into showing off and do not like people who make showing off their past time...

In NYC anything and no one will mess with you, you can walk invisibly around the streets sometimes... or get a few looks if you're looking nice, but people are so mixed and diverse that you do not have to follow any norm....

But it seems to be that in SG people ARE into looks and money and status, and shtuff like that, don't other people find that boring and wacky/tacky?

Wait until you get here. You'll see misplaced label consciousness side-by-side to impossibly tacky all day long. Buy what you like and wear it well, it's your best option. Just remember lots of light weight cardigans, offices are usually frigid. New Yorkers are usually a lot more 'sophisticated' in their style choices.

i'll agree new yorkers are a bit more sophisticated, but if you include in the meaning also the variety of styles/options...
I'm just not the 5th Ave type and luckily most new yorkers arent either...
i try to avoid obvious labels, but I'm also not a hipster trying to be cool by pretending that I dont want to be cool and being overly cool. Not into unnecessarily expensive shoes either, although I'll admit they're nice and have at least a pair, but I guess the having to dress nice to be treated nice routine. Just like I dont go out to places where there is a waiting/line to get in, I rather go to more friendly casual place... I dont expect it'll exactly be the beverly hills of asia, hopefully...

stacey wrote: the beverly hills of asia, hopefully...

That's funny because I have heard it referred to as 'the Beverly Hills of Asia' more than once!

You'll be fine, you'll figure it all out when you get here.

oops!!

I may stay in at home with my A/C then...
I'm actually a boring home body... but I do like to have options just in case