Singapore vs. Taipei? (might be relocating to Singapore)

Taiwan Living in Taiwan
1

My husband will probably get a job transfer to Singapore. I grew up in Taipei and have lived in California for a decade. I’ve never been to Singapore and the few people I asked all were very impressed with what they’d seen there when they were “on vacation.”

I was wondering if any of Forumosans has worked and lived in Singapore and could give me some advice as to how to prepare myself and my children for the transition. I imagine I’ll still get culture shock even though there are lots of ethnic Chinese and most people speak English.

The heat: I know it’s warm all year round. Is it humid? Are you sweaty all the time (if not in an air-conditioned room)? Is the heat more or less bearable than that of Taipei?

The clothing: Will I have trouble finding larger sized clothing? Are people brand conscious? Are good clothes expensive?

Mass transportation: Is it convenient? Is it expensive? (I know buying and owning a car is extremely expensive there.)

Children: Does the society in general care about the protection, safety, and health issues of children?

Education: Do their students learn more advanced materials at school? Can foreigners attend public schools?

Stuff: What small household items or personal care products do you think I should bring from Taipei or the US that are expensive to buy or hard to find in Singapore?

What else should I be asking?

Thanks in advance for sharing what you know or have experienced!

2

I never lived in singapore but i’ve been there a few times.

In my opinion Singapore and HK are comparable when it comes to european, American clothing sizes. It’s been under british influence for a long time. Shopping abound.

Public transport is convenient, taxis, MRT system, bus routes you name it.

It’s humid, warm, average 27 C year round. Nice place, polite, you need to wait in line at the taxi stand, bus, definitely nothing like Taiwan.

Owning a car can be expensive though.

And Singapore improved the past decade, more leisure possiblities. Malaysia is close, just drive across the bridge. And so is Indonesia, Thailand.

You can even take a luxury train to Thailand, 2 or 3 days I thought, something like an orient express.

But … no chewing gum, no trashing, don’t take durians on public transport or eat it in public places.

Nice place, but fro some people to nice, to sterile. Save, yes very save.

And don’t forget that Indian and Malays or a huge population group, meaning … good food

3

I only worked in Singapore for a couple months, but from my limited experience I’d say belgian pie’s comments above are absolutely spot on.

Very well put, b.p. :bravo:

4

Chewycorns lived there for one year. As a career move, it is probably a wise decision for your husband

5

I was going to ask about TV, radio, books, and magazines and saw your post. Is the Internet OK? Does the government put any restrictions on or even monitor the usage of the Internet? I also wonder what most people read (I hope they do read.)

Thank you all for your replies! Please keep coming any additional comments or suggestions!

6

As an Asian you will find Singapre a good place to live. I’m fortunate that I also speak Malay and Mandarin and as a white person I can tell you that Singaporeans treat you much nicer if you speak their language.

I learnt my my Bahasa in Australia before working in Brunei and after that Singapore / Malaysia.

Singapore has all the things you will want and even if you don’t buy a car there is good public transportation. Satellite TV is not allowed in Singapore but then again they have a very good cable TV service, unlike Taiwan.

From Singapore trips to Malaysia and Thailand are cheap. Like any new place you move to it takes time to settle down.

I havent lived in Singapore since 1988 but have visited many times and would live there again.

7

[quote=“ajklin”]I was going to ask about TV, radio, books, and magazines and saw your post. Is the Internet OK? Does the government put any restrictions on or even monitor the usage of the Internet? I also wonder what most people read (I hope they do read.)

Thank you all for your replies! Please keep coming any additional comments or suggestions![/quote]

Singapore has the PAL system so don’t take your TV from Taiwan unless it’s a multisystem.

Singapore has a large selection of both English and Chinese magazines, newspapers and books. Internet can be used freely.

8

Sure, it can be used freely. But the PAP are still watching. Look at this site:
rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=10771

I’ve had many of my posts on the ICERED (www.icered.com)journalism section get removed because of my candid description of what people said at SPH. The country has good infrastructure, but those who value “free” and “civil societies” might not like the infringement on their personal freedoms.

9

Having not lived in Tawian, but visited the entire country. Just moved from 3 years in Singapore and many countless visits before that. Been all over Asia on business and vacation.

Pick your favorite city in the world: Take away crime, pollution, traffic, drugs, guns, gangs, etc… and you have Singapore. Great for families (with money of course for schools, etc.), and singles (like me).

Forget all the silly whinnings about no chewing gum, spitting on sidewalk, etc. One of the best places in the world to live. To many reaons to list…