BamBam

iTrader: (4)

Hey Guys, I need a hand from some of you locals in Singapore., and those familiar with the area. I am looking at an offer to move out there and trying to understand what the cost of living is.

I have lived in Asia before (2000 – 2004) in Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, Taipei and Phuket, but unsure of the Cost of Living Adjustment I should consider for Singapore. I have flown through Singapore many times staying overnight in the Marriott mostly, but I never stayed for more then a couple of days at a time and did not really get out much. (The bar in the Marriott is expensive but nice, it stayed open till 5 AM and I usually could find some company if I was interested.) Could anyone give me an idea of some of the average cost for:
• 1 or 2 bedroom apartment
• Utilities
• Food (especially BEER in a normal restaurant)
• And normal day to day expenses like getting around town? (I won’t be bringing my car or buying one there either)

Anything particular to Singapore I would need to consider? I am probably going to be working as an independent contractor and not an employee, but both are options in this situation.

Thanks guys, and when I work all of the details out, we should get together and the first nights drinking is on me and my relocation expenses...

eagletanggreen

iTrader: (40)

Ok! I lived there for a month.

Of course I was living in a condo $115 a day. I ate out for two meals about $50. A night out would cost me $100 to $200 buck. Taxis was about $20 a day. i did not have to pay for water or power becuase that was included in the price of the condo (Tree tops) was the name of the place it on the a street that becomes Orchard Rd. Its walking distance to Hard rock and the main stip. IMO the money better be good becuase I was sick to death of the place. Great place to visit just to small of a place to live.

Luie

BamBam

iTrader: (4)

Thanks Luie,

So far I am figuring the monthly cost is going to be like $3,000 USD per month if I keep it reasonable. I have lived in a # of places in Asia over the last 6 years and enjoy the variety, but yes, I was worried that Singapore was a bit too small for me. China is much more to my liking, then again, Phuket is not a bad place to stay either,
I will be traveling to different countries around Asia every week and unfortunately international flights are not easy from Phuket.
As I will be flying every week, my priority is to be close to a major international airport, and Singapore is a major hub for most of Asia.
I have also been considering KL as my home base because I lived there before and there is lots to do there. But if I recall a lot of the flights connect through Singapore before going to their major destinations.

Gonna have to make a decision soon….

SupermanZ

iTrader: (11)

Brent what do you do?

BamBam

iTrader: (4)

I am a computer consultant.
I have been specializing in a Supply Chain software suite for about 10 years now. This is a new Oracle Transportation Management software they are starting to push into the AsiaPac region.
The deal is VERY close to being done. Just going back and forth on the cost of living, tax rate and local billing rates.
Wish me luck.
--B

MI 35th

iTrader: (16)

Dont Do it!

that is my $.02

but good luck either way.

Sean

**** is illegal there.

SupermanZ

iTrader: (11)

Good luck Brent.

NGZ

iTrader: (1)

Don't do it. I grew up in Kuala Lumpur. Don't wanna slam Singaporeans, but I'm just gonna state my personal opinions (which I'm sure many Singaporeans will disagree with):
Food there is worse than Kuala Lumpur.
Yes it is small. Tiny.
It is uptight and very strict.
It is very clean... too clean. Makes me nervous.
Can get boring real fast.
Women there take care of themselves so they appear to be hotter in general, but I can't stand them.
You can't bribe the cops if you get caught speeding.
You don't really get to enjoy and experience the corruption that Asia is known for.
There really isn't any need for a car in Singapore. In fact, the government makes it very costly to own a car.
Singapore is very very efficient. Think of a country that's run by educated chinese business people. That's the impression I get anyway.

Choose Kuala Lumpur. You can drive to Singapore in a few hours, or a very short plane ride. I like visiting Singpore, but I would never want to live there.

Edit: also, yes Singapore is a major airline hub. But if your flights are only going to be around Asia, you should be able to fly right out of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

MI 35th

iTrader: (16)

Brent be a baller!
Buy a private jet, write it off, hire me to fly it around. I have always wanted a boss who shares my enthusiasm towards cars.

Then you can stay where you are.

Also I am going to need a signing bonus for when I come to work for you. A BS 4.2L would be just fine.

BamBam

iTrader: (4)

NGZ: I have to agree with you on a lot of what you said. I know I would get more of a ‘local’ feel in KL. Maybe I will try Singapore for a while and if I don’t like it I cam move back to KL or Beijing of something like that.

KLIA is a great airport in my opinion, but pretty far away from everything. Having to do that trip multiple times a week would drive me nuts. The one benefit Singapore has is the airport is very convenient from just about anywhere. I wont be driving, so the Subway or Taxi is a cheaper efficient means of travel in Singapore also.

I guess we shall see, I look forward to some REAL dimsum again soon.

MI_35th: I wish I could man.. always wanted my own plane

danisr1

iTrader: (5)

just bring the Z Brent, its as fast as a jet anyways
good luck on your new move if you go!!!

eagletanggreen

iTrader: (40)

+1 If I had to choose. I would pick in this order
1.Bangkok Thailand (It's the best place in asia)
2. KL (Kl is a bit more fun than the pore and cheaper)
3.Singapore

See you friday Brent!

BamBam

iTrader: (4)

Actually I have been spending a lot of time in Bangkok over the years, and have to admit, it is not my kind of town. I only stay there to get over JetLag really. I usually spend all my time in Phuket or Rayong province. I would rather live in KL, but need to consider flying out at least once a week. Singapore appears to be an easier 'commute' in that manner.

Thanks for the input. I will go over and see what it is like, if I don't like Sing, I can forfit my deposit and move somewhere else.

See you tomorrow or Sat man.
--B

Devvic

hi bro,

I'm a local singaporean, so my views on singapore will be skewed.

i'm not sure if you've read this site.
http://www.singaporeexpats.com/
but i believe the site be of some help to ou. from the mouth of fellow expats.

BamBam

iTrader: (4)

Thanks for that. I have not seen that site yet. Good reference base for me.
We are still working out th details, but because I have to foot the cost of relocating myself, deposits etc.. I might spend some time in Australia for a while first, and make weekend trips to Singapore so I can look around and find a decent place to set up shop.

Thanks again. I owe you a couple of beers at 'Orchard Towers' LOL...
--B

Lucino

how long will this project be? A year? a couple of months?
My friend is a SAP consultant and he was thinking about going to Shanghai but they couldn't afford him so I say if you can land the rate you desire do it. We only live once you know.

Oracle is nice. wish I got into either Oracle or SAP consulting after school, I'd be pimpin' in a M5 by now, haha

BamBam

iTrader: (4)

The position is a contract to start 6 mths, with an optional extension for 1 year. After that I can continue or become full employee.