Singapore Expats

..and just moved into my apartment at Savannah condo Park.

Been surprise at how easy everything was including getting the EP without a medical and sorting out things like cable tv etc.

Liking the Singapore experience so far and cant wait for the family to join me in the summer..!!

Welcome to Singers! Hope you continue to have a good run here.

ChrisCowps wrote: Been surprise at how easy everything was including getting the EP without a medical and sorting out things like cable tv etc.

Liking the Singapore experience so far and cant wait for the family to join me in the summer..!!

I agree, moved here 6 weeks ago and was amazed at how polite and easy the whole EP process was made. Also came ahead of the family (they are here now) expecting trouble that never materialised

It is like this practically with all the governmental institutions. At least from my experience. As long as you are on the beaten track and fall into a standard case category the procedures are reasonable and people friendly and helpful. It is easy to open up your own company, it is easy to pay taxes, all the procedures are friendly. Also, they are focused to let you do the things right and not to punish you if you make some obvious mistakes. This is so different from some European countries where tax or other authorities would nail you down if they only manage to prove something was not done according to the procedures.

x9200 wrote:This is so different from some European countries where tax or other authorities would nail you down if they only manage to prove something was not done according to the procedures.

Not just European but Western countries in general.

Also, what a huge contrast this country is to Dubai, where you can step in sh!t for practically anything and the authorities will look at the tiniest of things to get you in trouble. Just recently a guy and girl arrested and sent to prison... for kissing in a restaurant. Normal people sent to jail for ordinary medication prescribed back in the UK just because it's not on Dubai's magic list. On top of that technically you're not allowed to be in any public place (sidewalks included) after consuming alcohol.

Thank God we live here in Singapore.

Welcome to SG...Things can be very efficient here if you have something they want

aster wrote:


Also, what a huge contrast this country is to Dubai, where you can step in sh!t for practically anything and the authorities will look at the tiniest of things to get you in trouble. Just recently a guy and girl arrested and sent to prison... for kissing in a restaurant. Normal people sent to jail for ordinary medication prescribed back in the UK just because it's not on Dubai's magic list. On top of that technically you're not allowed to be in any public place (sidewalks included) after consuming alcohol.

DUH Aster.. UAE is not Singapore and the UAE is a Muslim nation with Syariah law.I suppose because of the majority expat crowd there,people tend to forget. Respect the local customs and you will be fine!

raden888 wrote:UAE is not Singapore and the UAE is a Muslim nation with Syariah law.

Exactly why I would steer well clear of that place.

I enjoy Egypt though, much more civilised and a great place to spend time in.

ChrisCowps wrote:..and just moved into my apartment at Savannah condo Park.

Been surprise at how easy everything was including getting the EP without a medical and sorting out things like cable tv etc.

Liking the Singapore experience so far and cant wait for the family to join me in the summer..!!

I think what you got was the in-principle EP, Chris. With this you'll be asked to go have a medical. SMS, can you confirm this? I.e. isn't a medical always required?

But, yeah, the whole settling down and arranging all the formalities thing, it's a breeze here.

Welcome

Actually, not any more. Depends on which country you are coming from. If one of the Asean countries, almost always, but if coming the the US, UK, Aus and a few others, you only need to fill out a medical declaration, unless they suspect something. You know, like having lesions all over the body e.g., the last stages of AIDS etc. or coughing up blood while at the interview......

sundaymorningstaple wrote:Actually, not any more. Depends on which country you are coming from. If one of the Asean countries, almost always, but if coming the the US, UK, Aus and a few others, you only need to fill out a medical declaration

For the benefit of others checking this thread, I'm from an ASEAN country and I wasn't required a medical checkup, just signed a declaration. P2 pass. Hence the 'almost' up there.

Singapore public services are second to none, in my very humble opinion . . . and that includes Oz, the US, HK and much of Europe . . . let alone the half-wits who pay to get into a government job in most of SEAsia

hey guys, just for your info that the medical examination depends on the pass category that is issued by MOM. Usually P1, P2 passes are not required to go for a medical examination. But those under Q1 category are required to go for medical examination irrespective of the country you come from.

just my 2 cents/

I didn't need a MOM medical (UK) but I did have to do one for work which apparently is pretty common though it was fairly basic....

24601 wrote:I didn't need a MOM medical (UK) but I did have to do one for work which apparently is pretty common though it was fairly basic....

Same here

Went to MOM to do my biometric data and registration today. Amazingly quick (was in and out in 5 minutes) Thinking of shipping over a few of the employees from the UK passport office to learn a thing or two! Did have a curious incident with a female employee though who grabbed me as I came in and told me I was so beautiful her heart skipped a beat! (Bare in mind I'm female!) Made a rather sharpish exit as she was insisting I couldn't leave until I gave her my number. Well I suppose that is extremely 'friendly' customer service anyway!