Singapore Expats

Hi, I am a professional relocating to Singapore next month with a job with a large multinational. I am planning on taking an apartment around Orchard, on Claymore, right next to Meritas Hotel. Is that a good area for single expats?

Couple of specific questions to the esteemed readers:
1) I have a gas grill that I would like to bring. Can you get US type gas tanks in Singapore or are they of different size/type?
2) I love to cook. Should I bring any specific condiment that I would not find in Singapore? Such as maple syrup etc.?

welcome to singapore!

good to know a guy enjoys cooking.
if u want to discuss about condiments, drop me a line at [email protected]

quick answer for maple syrup...yes we've got it!

Claymore? Perfect for a single guy. Orchard Towers will definately satisfy your curiosity.

For cooking, Jason's Supermarket in Orchard Towers should have almost anything you'll need.

I am grateful to you both for your responses - it is good to know there are people out there ready to help as I am moving to a new country!

I have rented an apartment on Claymore Road - very much look forward to living there. I will follow up on the stores where I can buy ingredients for cooking - yes I enjoy cooking.

Can I tap into you for some advice on a gas grill? I have a nice gas grill in NY, which I can get shipped for free to Singapore. Is it easy to find US type gas tanks with similar attachments as in the US? Or should I scrap the idea and plan on buying a gas grill when I arrive in Singapore?

Another question: I am planning on buying DVDs of popular tv shows before I leave US, and then gettiing myself a multi-system TV/DVD in Singapore - shows such as Friends, Sex in the City etc. Are these shows available in Singapore in PAL format?

Thank you again for your advice!

Good for you...u r in the heart of the city!

Not sure about the gas grill cos my home has gas built in when I moved in.

As for DVDs, there is no more PAL format, it is code 1- USA, code 3 - Asia
So if u get a multi-system, it can play both codes. However, since these multi-system usually comes from the dealer instead of the manufacturer, sometimes there is a risk that some DVDs cannot be played for code 1. so please ensure the dealer will fix for u since waranty usually from manufacturers.

Code 1 Original should be more expensive in SG so if u want original u shud bring yr own. Code 1 pirated is ample in Asia but u need to find out where to get yourself and quality is NEVER assured. However, there are also Code 1 DVDs converted legally into Code 3 re-production and those would cost lesser than the Code 1 Original. Since Friends and Sex in the City are pretty good productions for keepsake, perhaps u should bring yr own. Offhand, I cannot point u to a DVD store that carries a code 3 version of both titles....

Hope u enjoy the Singapore life......u will soon find out that it is "bigger" than what most people says about its smallness......it has alot of virtual space.....

Gas grill?? If it's those outdoor BBQ type.. grilling in an apt will be an issue for the neighbours upstairs! Anyway.. most gas grilles in Sg are connected to a LPG tank with a rubber hose and a hose clip at the pressure regulator. Even if the local regulator differs from the US design, simply get a local regulator and interchange at the rubber hose.

Almost all indoor cooking done in Sg is by way of a gas hob, which is standard item in all apts. Something like these...

http://www.hoekee.com/appHobTecPg01.shtml

Some apts are supplied with town gas, where the connections are rigid and not easily modified. Other apts use LPG gas tanks with rubber hoses which is easy to interchange.

Hope this helps.

Once again, my thanks to both of you for your generous reply - helps me a lot. In terms of gas grill, I want something for my huge outdoor terrace - it is more of a hobby, not a necessity. I will probably just see what I can get locally.

Thank you again - it will be nice to get together for a drink once I settle in - my chance to repay for advice? Also so that I can meet some nice prople.

just reading through several things on the message board as I'm considering an expat assignment to Singapore and saw this one....what would folks recommend on Orchard area vs. Clarke Quay / Boat Quay for single people? saw the note below that Orchard seemed great but have heard conflicting....

any thoughts?

thanks!

With public transit so easy to use and taxis so cheap, it really doesn't matter where you live. Any of the places you mentioned would be great. Look at condos in the Orchard and Clark/Boat Quay areas and choose based on the best place for whatever money you have to spend. Good luck!!

If you want close proximity amenities (but all things are a bit more expensive than other areas)and if you love shopping, Orchard would be a convenient place. Clarke Quay and Boat Quay area has nice condos next to the singapore river and it is more well known for clubbing and pubbing.

So you shud make your choice based on your lifestyle and needs.

Hi Im an english girl struggling to find a nice place to rent.I miss my enlgish mate. will you be renting a room in your apartment? If not maybewe could meet for a drink some time? (thats not a chat up line by the way!ha)