Written by Mark Neville
Singapore is fast becoming one of the biggest financial hubs of Asia, joining the ranks of Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo. As such, a lot of westerners from the US are making the move to Singapore. As this is a big move it’s important to figure out some of the associated hurdles before you make the trip.
Housing:
Be forewarned: Rent in Singapore is not cheap! While you’ll be privy to some of the newest, coolest, and stylish condos in Singapore, they all come with a pretty hefty price tag. If you have company-sponsored residence, you’re in luck, if not you’ll need to do some serious financial planning. A one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center will still cost you about $2100 Singapore dollars per month.
Transportation:
Singapore is one of the most expensive places to drive in the world. With very high congestion, gas prices, tolls, as well the costs of the car itself, if you can get around without a car we highly recommend it. (For example, with all of the fees, a 30k car in America could cost about 60k in Singapore.)
If you do need a car it’s much more economical to ship yours from home versus buying a new one. Luckily this is another area where Schumacher Cargo can help you out. Find out how we can ship your car to Singapore.
Luckily, public transportation in Singapore is top notch so if you can’t afford to import your vehicle, or just simply don’t want the hassle you won’t have to worry about getting around.
Pets:
Whenever you’re moving to any new country you should check the pet allowance beforehand. Singapore is no exception. Only certain animals and breeds will be allowed to enter Singapore and that’s after having met the veterinary and import requirements. Additionally, depending on where you live, you might meet further restrictions; many of the high rise condos only allow small dogs.
With these major aspects hammered out, you’ll be able to spend the rest of your planning figuring out what you’ll see first.
