Singapore Expats

Hello Everyone!

I am relocating to Singapore from London in August and would like to say hello to my future neighbours. And a big thank you for this goldmine of practical information!

At first I was not sure I wanted to move out of the Big Smog, but all the stuff I read on this website (and few other sources) with advice on how to settle in easily helped me to make up my mind. So, I am coming and really looking forward to it! Sun, beach, outdoor activities, oh yes, bring it on! hahaha

I have already chosen 2 districts I will focus on while searching for a flat and know what to expect with my budget. I want to live close to the sea, so will look mainly in D15 & D16. Just one question, is there much noise from the planes flying to Changi? After leaving in Clapham I am used to Heathrow and Gatwick, but Changi seems really close.. This is my only concern. I'd appreciate your advice on this one.

I am leaving behind a great bunch of friends and relocating on my own, so you can imagine I am a bit scared of being lonely on the other side of the world. I hope I will find some nice people, though. Judging by this website and Internations.com contacts I already met, I have a chance to be very happy in Asia.

Thanks again for all your assistance and see you in 8 weeks!!
Dori

Yeah the sound of aircraft flying is pretty much similar living near the aiport anywhere in the world when the airport is a major Air hub
Singapore has a total land area of 100 km² and 193 km of coastline. Not a big chunk of land to go about.

If I have not said it, "Welcome to Singapore !!!, It is a FINE CITY !!.

Dori111 wrote:So, I am coming and really looking forward to it! Sun, beach, outdoor activities, oh yes, bring it on! hahaha

Hi Dori and welcome (almost) aboard, but I am afraid sun, beach and outdoor activities does not really sound very much like Singapore. Sun, yes, the daily heat generator, but it is a bit different way than if you put it in one sentence with the beach. You can have it all here (including outdoor activities), but this is really nothing special. On the other hand, living in London you may have a bit different perspective

x9200 wrote:

Dori111 wrote:So, I am coming and really looking forward to it! Sun, beach, outdoor activities, oh yes, bring it on! hahaha

Hi Dori and welcome (almost) aboard, but I am afraid sun, beach and outdoor activities does not really sound very much like Singapore. Sun, yes, the daily heat generator, but it is a bit different way than if you put it in one sentence with the beach. You can have it all here (including outdoor activities), but this is really nothing special. On the other hand, living in London you may have a bit different perspective

This is the tropics where a sunny day can be scorching (and seriously, dangerous--put on some sunblock especially if you don't have enough melanin in your skin). About the beaches, there aren't enough of them and those that are there, you could probably swim to any of those numerous ships (or the occasional refinery) you see if you tried.

Dori111 wrote:I am relocating to Singapore from London in August

This is the easy part. Going back will be immensely more difficult.

As far as beaches go, East Coast Park is nice though I wouldn't recommend it for swimming as such, but there are plenty of other activities available.

Come to think of it, which is a good beach for swimming, guys? The one at Changi Village, perhaps?

Dori111 wrote: At first I was not sure I wanted to move out of the Big Smogi

Welcome aboard,

Not wishing to be a grump, but he smog is worse in SG than London.

aster wrote:

Dori111 wrote:I am relocating to Singapore from London in August

This is the easy part. Going back will be immensely more difficult.

As far as beaches go, East Coast Park is nice though I wouldn't recommend it for swimming as such, but there are plenty of other activities available.

Come to think of it, which is a good beach for swimming, guys? The one at Changi Village, perhaps?

I think the beaches at sentosa are better

hi there! we are moving from toronto to singapore end of july!! we are also looking at districts 15 and 16....very excited!!

have u found a place yet? are u moving all your furniture?

sbhambri wrote:hi there! we are moving from toronto to singapore end of july!! we are also looking at districts 15 and 16....very excited!!

have u found a place yet? are u moving all your furniture?

Hi sbhambri!
Hope your relocation planning is going well. Not long to go... Are you nervous? I am well into panic stage, hahaha

I haven't found anything yet. I am still waiting for my work permit to be sorted out and once this is done I will book some viewings. I want to arrive on Saturday 5th and book some viewings for Monday and following days. I am thinknig of staying in a hotel for max 2 weeks. Do you think 14 days is enough to get the house hunting sorted?
Did you get any intersting info about the area we are both looking at?

I decided not to ship my furniture. I got an allowance to get a new one, so will use it for some local teak beauties. It'll be fun.
What about you guys? Are you shipping all your household?

All the best for your last month in Canada!
D.

JR8 wrote:

Dori111 wrote: At first I was not sure I wanted to move out of the Big Smogi

Welcome aboard,

Not wishing to be a grump, but he smog is worse in SG than London.

Thaks for the heads up, JR8!
D.

alexwei wrote:

aster wrote:

Dori111 wrote:I am relocating to Singapore from London in August

This is the easy part. Going back will be immensely more difficult.

As far as beaches go, East Coast Park is nice though I wouldn't recommend it for swimming as such, but there are plenty of other activities available.

Come to think of it, which is a good beach for swimming, guys? The one at Changi Village, perhaps?

I think the beaches at sentosa are better

Well, in that case Sentosa is going to be one of my first destinations.. I am dying for some sun! Saying that I am sure most of you smile politely thinking "This silly girl has not idea what she is talking about.. Naive blonde...She will curse the weather in no time, hehehe!"
And probably you are right, haha.

Have a great evening/day, Everyone!
D.

I never curse the heat, just the humidity

Dori111 wrote:

sbhambri wrote:hi there! we are moving from toronto to singapore end of july!! we are also looking at districts 15 and 16....very excited!!

have u found a place yet? are u moving all your furniture?

Hi sbhambri!
Hope your relocation planning is going well. Not long to go... Are you nervous? I am well into panic stage, hahaha

I haven't found anything yet. I am still waiting for my work permit to be sorted out and once this is done I will book some viewings. I want to arrive on Saturday 5th and book some viewings for Monday and following days. I am thinknig of staying in a hotel for max 2 weeks. Do you think 14 days is enough to get the house hunting sorted?
Did you get any intersting info about the area we are both looking at?

I decided not to ship my furniture. I got an allowance to get a new one, so will use it for some local teak beauties. It'll be fun.
What about you guys? Are you shipping all your household?

All the best for your last month in Canada!
D.

Arriving just in time for National Day on 9th.

Not sure you will get much joy arranging viewings for Tuesday Aug 9th as its a public holiday.

I know, Barnsley. Did my homework with the calendar Do they celebrate it in any way or is it just a day off when people chill?

I will surely get some joy exploring the city

JR8 wrote:

Dori111 wrote: At first I was not sure I wanted to move out of the Big Smogi

Welcome aboard,

Not wishing to be a grump, but he smog is worse in SG than London.

Eh?? You old frump. What smog? Vapor envelope, yes.