potential Job Move, Hong Kong or Singapore?.

[Sideways Rich]

Hi All, some very useful info in this section on Singapore, I am going to be discussing a potential role where I can choose to be based in HK or Singapore?

Having never been to either I'd really appreciate some insight from those that have made similar moves, cost of living, lifestyle etc in each.

Thanks in advance,

[Sideways Rich]

Thanks XJS John, Interesting, my initial reaction was that I would prefer Singapore.

The tax rates look comparable (HK seems to be between 0 & 15% and Singapore 3.5% to 20%) are there any significant differences in terms of cost of living between the two? Scanning another thread on Singapore the general consensus seemed to be £2k GBP per month and upwards to rent somewhere half-decent with good transport links in Singapore. How does HK compare?

Approx how long does it take to obtain an EP (think thats the correct terminology) for Singapore and would my wife (i'll be getting married just before moving if it goes ahead) automatically qualify for an EP as well?

Thanks - lots of questions, I was only asked about the potential move on Friday..

[Sideways Rich]

Thanks Gents, this is all very useful info pls keep it coming.

On a slight tangent, what is the uplift (if any) for Singapore salaries vs UK (tax rate is attractive enough but cost of living looks a bit higher than UK)?

[Sideways Rich]

XJSJohn said:

GBP is worth bobbins now, assume everything on a SGD3 - 1GBP, then add minimum 25%, as it will cost you to set up and learn, also they are asking you to come here, and you still want to put money aside for the retirement etc.

Thanks, so for ease of illustration, a 100k GBP salary should equate to an ask for 375k SGD (3x +25%)?

[Sideways Rich]

so the potential HK or Singapore job is now an offer (offer will be formalised if I express a solid interest) for a role in Singapore.

Question, how easy have people found it for their partners to get work?
I'm recently married, wife has a degree + masters in Psychology and is currently working in research for a UK university.

[Sideways Rich]

Thanks gents, so for those that are prepared to look hard enough there are roles, good to know.

My concern is that she would be v bored if not working.

[Sideways Rich]

XJSJohn said:

The boredom thing is very important to consider, the main reason that many people end an expat posting early is because of this.

Other than her getting a job, consider where you live, Sg is small enough that it won't realy affect your commute. Locate yourself convenie t to places / clubs where she can do hobbies and sports she is interested in, do some research on expat forums etc to find out what sort of communities live in condo's. Often the international schools shape this.

Thanks for the tip, will do some research into it.

[Sideways Rich]

Right, quick update, the offer is now formal!

Quick question, SWMBO will definitely want to bring the cat from the UK, any one have experience of doing this, how long it takes, what's involved etc?

Thanks

[Sideways Rich]

Also, if anyone has a link to a checklist of everything that needs doing/organising rtc that would be greatly appreciated.

Noting much coming up after a quick Google search.

If its going ahead I'll be starting before Christmas!

Thanks in advance

[Sideways Rich]

dom9 said:

Cats are easy from the UK if their vaccinations are up to date and they have a passport...

Ours weren't in quarantine and they are coming to the US without quarantine.

Basically, SG are just scared of rabies (as is the UK) so have the same standards. If yours are clean, they'll be fine.

It's very, very expensive to ship them though.... Trust me, I've paid thousands, this week!

Thanks for the info all, in terms of cost how much are we talking about to ship a cat from Uk to Sing, £1500 ish?

[Sideways Rich]

dom9 said:

Yeah, about that - I was talking dollars (in reference to thousands, plural) and we have two of them... So, I would say that is about right but you have to factor in that they need the special 'boxes' that are certified to go on an airplane (we already had them) and they were expensive when they were bought (though that was 5 years ago, for us).

We have used a guy called KC Tan at the Pet Hotel in Singapore to sort ours and he was the cheapest, by far, and I think they are flying KLM to The US. However, it was cheaper when ours were sent from the UK, so it may be better you looking into it at your end. Just pop down the vets and ask them if they are up to date and what they need for a passport, if your cat doesn't have one already.

Depending on how long you will be in SG and how much you love the cats, I'd genuinely ask yourself whether it is worth it (bloody millions of the things in Singapore) depending on how much you earn etc. Would a relative take them? Put it this way; for me... they are not my cats (though I do like our ones) but to Rachael - They are her children...

Thanks Dom much appreciated, the cost isn't a problem work a paying it, it's the wifes cat so I'd be for the high jump if I even suggested leaving it with a relative!

Another question, is it necessary to have a car in Sing, given the cost etc I was planning not to bother.

[Sideways Rich]

XJSJohn said:

A car is not a necessity when you first arrive, but it's a nice to have if it's part of the offer.

I run 2 cars, but then I choose to live as far out of the city as you can (relatively) and have very limited public transport, this is reflected in what I pay for accommodation, so in the end I pay the same for house and 2 card as Dom was probably paying for an apartment in central.

However for the first 2 years you will want to be Central so that you can get out and exploring I would have thought, and taxi's / public transport is readily available.

Which part of town will you be working in?

Our office is on Science Park Drive.
Thanks guys, confirms what I was thinking I'll bank the car allowance dosh and put it in the GT3 fund I've promised myself when we get back! :-)

[Sideways Rich]

Thanks XJS John, very helpful information. No worries on the clothes front, at a strapping 5ft 8" I should fit right in with the locals.

XJSJohn said:

Sideways Rich, Congratulations!!

Cat - Singapore operates the same quarentine policies as UK.

Details here http://www.ava.gov.sg/AnimalsPetSector/ImportExpor...

Been too long since i did the move to remember everything on a checklist bit sure some of teh recent movers will be able to help.

some tips i would say -

Passports - get secondary ones if you can, and if you are even half full on current ones also change them - its $500 a pop and takes several weeks via hong kong.

Clothes, if you are tall (6ft plus) or a bit bigger on the waist etc stock up on Jeans and shoes - I am 6ft 3 and size 11 shoe and those are the things i ca never find to fit!!

If you are thinking of new electrical goods (TV, Sterio, Fridge etc), you will probably find it is cheaper to buy in the UK at the moment and you may even be able to claim the VAT back.

Car insurance, talk to your insurer, they should be able to give you some sort of documentation / reciept that you can use to transfer your NCB internationally - i think thi sis valid for 1 year.

will revert back if i think of more!

Crazy about cars- just by factoring in Exchange rate devaluations a GBP100k job here should be the equivalent of a GBP65 - 70k job in the UK

Edited by XJSJohn on Thursday 20th September 01:36