Organize your move to Singapore

Hi all,

we invite you to share your experience about moving to Singapore.

Here is a list of questions which might help the ones preparing their move to Singapore:

What would you bring and what would you leave behind?

Is it a good idea to bring furniture or domestic appliances?

Any foodstuffs that are banned in Singapore?

Is it better to bring a car or to buy one once settled in Singapore?

Any advice for the ones who are moving to Singapore?

Thank you in advance for your participation :)

What would you bring and what would you leave behind?
No winter clothes, more shorts than jeans, cotton T's

Is it a good idea to bring furniture or domestic appliances?
No - easy to find 2nd hand items

Any foodstuffs that are banned in Singapore?
Chewing Gums

Is it better to bring a car or to buy one once settled in Singapore?
No idea..have heard that license to drive a car here costs a lot

Any advice for the ones who are moving to Singapore?
Singapore is the most westernized city in Asia, sea food lovers would love it and ideal for a vacation. How memorable is your stay here would depend on how your social circle is.

What would you bring and what would you leave behind?

i came with a phone, some clothes and a laptop. that's it, :) anything else will just encumber you.

Is it a good idea to bring furniture or domestic appliances?

unless you are sentimentally attached to stuff from your home, no need to bring anything at all. fully furnished appartments are readily available for rental.

Any foodstuffs that are banned in Singapore?

there are lot of restrictions, depends from which country you are bringing food from. it's controlled by the AVA and I wouldn't advise anyone to bring frozen foods, dairy and stuff, especially from third world countries.

Is it better to bring a car or to buy one once settled in Singapore?

there is an import duty if you want to bring your car + the car has to conform with all local standards, this is controlled by the Land Transport Authority.
Buying one here is also very expensive. On top of the price of the car, you would have to purchase a COE to register a car (it is a market-driven right to register a car). Currently this COE is worth more than the actual price of some cars.
Unless you are really well off, you would be better off using public transport or cabs. Singapore is small and commutes are short. Public Transport system is well connected and reliable.

Any advice for the ones who are moving to Singapore?

Most people don't have any problems adapting. It's a blend of asian and western culture. Foodwise you wouldn't find a place more diverse elsewhere in Asia, your tastebuds are in for a thrilling experience.
If you are an expat, try not to remain exclusively in your expat circles. Mix with locals, it's always enriching anywhere you go.

Thanks for your contributions, which will definitely help other members.;)

Harmonie.:)

It is not allowed to bring in meat and other animal products (unless you are a licensed importer).
It is impossible to bring in used cars, and bringing a new car is very difficult and costly (count on paying duties, fees and taxes 2-3 times what the car costs elsewhere).
Tobacco products and alcohol is also heavily restricted and expensive to bring - not worth the effort (except one bottle from duty-free).

:top:

I really regret not bringing wine with us. It's relatively easy to pay a flat rate on the duty and bring in cases when you move. Much easier than lugging in bottles in your bags every time you fly in and out.