Singapore Expats

Is it advisable to have a car? We expect to be in SG from 2-5 years. Will have a daugther in high school and a hubby whom will be traveling a lot. Expecting many visitors while we are in SG.

if you can afford it, buy it. if you just can afford it, lease it. if you cant afford it, get a ez-link card.

it also depends where you gonna be staying. if it is near the MRT or transport hub, you can do without a car.

In the 2-5yrs period buying a second hand Japanese runaround is cheaper than leasing.

Generally you can pick up a Japanese mid-size Toyota or Honda in the $35-45,000 range. You'll at least have the option of flogging it or scrapping it when you leave and getting some cash back.

Hi MamaCass. . .

We're here from NJ as well. . .

No car for us--but we're quite close to the MRT.

And when that's not convenient, we use taxis.

Many thanks for your advice. I think I'll come and live for a bit and make the decsion after a few months. It's good to know I don't need to rush into anything right away. I lived in China for 2 years with 3 kids and no car or MRT.

MamaCass,

A Joisey girl eh? Inland, on the coast or a NYC suburb? Worked for a little while in south Joisey (Millville) many lifetimes ago but spent heaps of time in Wildwood - pre-casino, 40 years or so ago! (I'm from the eastern shore of Md.)

I owned several cars here many, many years ago when the first baby was small but sold the last one before the second one arrived but found it wasn't all that necessary. Today the infrastructure is much, much better so it's not really a requirement unless you just want one. I find the hassle of parking and the sorry driving habits here were just not worth it. If you only have a teenager at home now, you may well decide that the hassle is just not worth it especially when factoring in the cost. (Unless the auto allowance/car is provided by the employer that is.

I'm NOT a Jersey girl, I know how to pump gas & I'm proud of it. Just been hanging out here for 3.5 years in a burb of NYC, we have black bears roaming around. Hail from Maryland, DC burb. I'm a Terp alumni, hubby went to Annapolis. Singapore will be our 9th move in 23 years. Was hoping to have a European expericence but alas Asia is calling us again. Thanks to all that responded. Be Well

Hey! I have some very dear friends who are Jersey girls! Any state that can produce Bruce Springsteen should be consider hallowed ground...

MamaCass wrote:I'm NOT a Jersey girl, I know how to pump gas & I'm proud of it.