Few days in Singapore, some advice please
Discussion
Just arrived in Singapore, currently having a starbucks at the airport waiting for a friend to arrive.
I'm looking for a jaeger lecoultre watch (not a fake lol) and am wondering if anyone can recommend me some places to pick one up.
Also I've heard it's a electronics shopping paradise so where would the best place be to pick up a nice laptop.
Also a few suggestions for eating and the must do sights.
I'm staying in Marina Bay but I guess travelling shouldn't be a problem as it appears to be a small city.
Cheers
I'm looking for a jaeger lecoultre watch (not a fake lol) and am wondering if anyone can recommend me some places to pick one up.
Also I've heard it's a electronics shopping paradise so where would the best place be to pick up a nice laptop.
Also a few suggestions for eating and the must do sights.
I'm staying in Marina Bay but I guess travelling shouldn't be a problem as it appears to be a small city.
Cheers
sorry, missed this one.
For a jager watch try Cortina Watches in Raffles City Mall, you can haggle.
Otherwise Visiotime on the ground floor of Republic Plaza
Funan is the best place these days for laptops and electronics, Sin Min is mostly full of crap.
However the exchange rate means that you wont be getting many bargains on the electronics side.
Enjoy!
For a jager watch try Cortina Watches in Raffles City Mall, you can haggle.
Otherwise Visiotime on the ground floor of Republic Plaza
Funan is the best place these days for laptops and electronics, Sin Min is mostly full of crap.
However the exchange rate means that you wont be getting many bargains on the electronics side.
Enjoy!
I don't find any/ many things that cheap here, at the moment...
There is another JLC shop at Raffles hotel and I find Visiotime good but expensive for mostly 2nd hand watches.
Will do much, much more shopping when I am back to the UK, at Christmas.
Dom at Hackett watches can usually beat any prices we can get in Singapore, back in the UK on JLC.
There is another JLC shop at Raffles hotel and I find Visiotime good but expensive for mostly 2nd hand watches.
Will do much, much more shopping when I am back to the UK, at Christmas.
Dom at Hackett watches can usually beat any prices we can get in Singapore, back in the UK on JLC.
For those earning in GBP or still converting back to GBP singapore is not that cheep at the moment, the SGD is one of the strongest currencies out there at the moment, which in turn affects all prices.
Current Exchange Rate is $SG2.08 / GBP. in 2008 it was $SG3.2 / GBP, that makes a hell of a difference!
Current Exchange Rate is $SG2.08 / GBP. in 2008 it was $SG3.2 / GBP, that makes a hell of a difference!
XJSJohn said:
For those earning in GBP or still converting back to GBP singapore is not that cheep at the moment, the SGD is one of the strongest currencies out there at the moment, which in turn affects all prices.
Current Exchange Rate is $SG2.08 / GBP. in 2008 it was $SG3.2 / GBP, that makes a hell of a difference!
I'm getting paid in USD (even worse) but still think in pounds! If we were back up around 3 to 1, things would look very, very different indeed!Current Exchange Rate is $SG2.08 / GBP. in 2008 it was $SG3.2 / GBP, that makes a hell of a difference!
Thanks for the information, indeed you are correct on the prices, only useful place I've found so far is Pedro for sandals else things in the UK are around the same price so would just buy them back there.
Must say it's a lovely city you chaps live in, it's like America with Asian friendliness and price and no traffic at all compared to central London. My friend is staying at the Sail in Marina Bay, I'm guessing this is towards the top end of the market here, and for the price he's paying there's no chance of getting something like that in a good area in central London. Looks very tempting for me to move out here, just wondering what are the costs like of importing a car from the UK here, some like a used 40k 997 c2s for example.
Must say it's a lovely city you chaps live in, it's like America with Asian friendliness and price and no traffic at all compared to central London. My friend is staying at the Sail in Marina Bay, I'm guessing this is towards the top end of the market here, and for the price he's paying there's no chance of getting something like that in a good area in central London. Looks very tempting for me to move out here, just wondering what are the costs like of importing a car from the UK here, some like a used 40k 997 c2s for example.
kazino said:
Thanks for the information, indeed you are correct on the prices, only useful place I've found so far is Pedro for sandals else things in the UK are around the same price so would just buy them back there.
Must say it's a lovely city you chaps live in, it's like America with Asian friendliness and price and no traffic at all compared to central London. My friend is staying at the Sail in Marina Bay, I'm guessing this is towards the top end of the market here, and for the price he's paying there's no chance of getting something like that in a good area in central London. Looks very tempting for me to move out here, just wondering what are the costs like of importing a car from the UK here, some like a used 40k 997 c2s for example.
It's an expensive place, at the moment!Must say it's a lovely city you chaps live in, it's like America with Asian friendliness and price and no traffic at all compared to central London. My friend is staying at the Sail in Marina Bay, I'm guessing this is towards the top end of the market here, and for the price he's paying there's no chance of getting something like that in a good area in central London. Looks very tempting for me to move out here, just wondering what are the costs like of importing a car from the UK here, some like a used 40k 997 c2s for example.
The service can leave a little to be desired, but I am very happy here (current, devastating break-up excepting) and will most likely stay a few years now.
My old boss used to live at The Sail and my best mate over here lives there, currently, though is moving soon. Compared to flats in London, that does look good with all the amenities etc but there are nicer places and I prefer Robertson Quay (where I live) and no doubt John will extol the virtues of getting further out.
Pay/ tax are obviously very good and generally more than make up for the expensive goods and although it seems to rian quite a bit at the moment, I can't generally complain about the weather. The one thing that gets me down is the car issue... My Porsche would cost a FORTUNE over here and it isn't really economically feasible to bring your own over, so I make do with my company supplied Toyota Corolla.
I think there are deals to be done but one of my buddies paid around 90k GBP for his Mini (though it's a nice spec)... Imagine what a Carrera costs! Despite that, I think that Singapore has more Pagani's than anywhere else in the world and there is no shortage of supercars, so somebody is making the coin!
kazino said:
Thanks for the information, indeed you are correct on the prices, only useful place I've found so far is Pedro for sandals else things in the UK are around the same price so would just buy them back there.
Must say it's a lovely city you chaps live in, it's like America with Asian friendliness and price and no traffic at all compared to central London. My friend is staying at the Sail in Marina Bay, I'm guessing this is towards the top end of the market here, and for the price he's paying there's no chance of getting something like that in a good area in central London. Looks very tempting for me to move out here, just wondering what are the costs like of importing a car from the UK here, some like a used 40k 997 c2s for example.
As a recent immigrant to Singapore, it takes a while to readjust to the prices - you just have to bear in mind that you are paying c.15% tax rather than 40% tax. Public transport is cheap, and taxis are reasonably priced, although occasionally scarce.Must say it's a lovely city you chaps live in, it's like America with Asian friendliness and price and no traffic at all compared to central London. My friend is staying at the Sail in Marina Bay, I'm guessing this is towards the top end of the market here, and for the price he's paying there's no chance of getting something like that in a good area in central London. Looks very tempting for me to move out here, just wondering what are the costs like of importing a car from the UK here, some like a used 40k 997 c2s for example.
One beds at the Sail were starting at 4.5k pm - I have a 3 bed about 20 minutes from the office for the same, and not living next to work has many bonuses
On the car situation, I'm biting the bullet for a few years and going to save up some cash so that when/if I do leave, I can buy something that I know I'll really appreciate. (Either that or pull my finger out at work and stop posting crap on PH all day).
One thing that cannot be emphasised is that Singapore is the best hub in Asia for regional and global travel (IMHO) - when you tire of the city, there are many many sandy beaches a short hop away....
dom9 said:
I think there are deals to be done but one of my buddies paid around 90k GBP for his Mini (though it's a nice spec)... Imagine what a Carrera costs! Despite that, I think that Singapore has more Pagani's than anywhere else in the world and there is no shortage of supercars, so somebody is making the coin!
'kin hell GBP90k for a Mini ?!?! thats about the same as my 370Z!!!! did he get it gold plated? To OP it is hassle bringing cars in here, cant be over 3 years old, 130% import duty applied etc.
Having said that there are definitely some interesting loopholes and ways of turning some money on a car ... sadly you need to be richer than I to start these clever tricks!
Regarding The Sail, middle of the road downtown condo, there are some absolutely jaw dropping places up around Orchard and and Tanglin at a jaw dropping price, there are also much bigger places of similar standard 15 or 20 minutes out of town for same or less. (and then you can live in the Jungle like i do
)I know a lot of people in The Sail including another Pistonheader
Hello 
I live in The Sail.
Ideal location if you work in the CBD. Unlike me who's office is on the East Coast! Least I travel opposite of the traffic.
As said, watches are cheaper back in the UK. I've managed to bag a few decent 2ndhand deals off the watch forums here however.
Not been on the forum for a while, struggling with a serious bout of yellow fever.
How's things John? Beer soon?
I live in The Sail.Ideal location if you work in the CBD. Unlike me who's office is on the East Coast! Least I travel opposite of the traffic.
As said, watches are cheaper back in the UK. I've managed to bag a few decent 2ndhand deals off the watch forums here however.
Not been on the forum for a while, struggling with a serious bout of yellow fever.
How's things John? Beer soon?
Edited by Rich_AR on Monday 25th October 06:12
.... beers, yup! see if we can figure something out! XJSJohn said:
dom9 said:
I think there are deals to be done but one of my buddies paid around 90k GBP for his Mini (though it's a nice spec)... Imagine what a Carrera costs! Despite that, I think that Singapore has more Pagani's than anywhere else in the world and there is no shortage of supercars, so somebody is making the coin!
'kin hell GBP90k for a Mini ?!?! thats about the same as my 370Z!!!! did he get it gold plated? To OP it is hassle bringing cars in here, cant be over 3 years old, 130% import duty applied etc.
Having said that there are definitely some interesting loopholes and ways of turning some money on a car ... sadly you need to be richer than I to start these clever tricks!
Regarding The Sail, middle of the road downtown condo, there are some absolutely jaw dropping places up around Orchard and and Tanglin at a jaw dropping price, there are also much bigger places of similar standard 15 or 20 minutes out of town for same or less. (and then you can live in the Jungle like i do
)I know a lot of people in The Sail including another Pistonheader
While visiting a local estate agent showed me a couple of flats : very central ( Orchard ( Orchid ?) road area .... but seemed massively expensive for a pretty dismal 2-3 bed : around $8,000 a month [!]
the office is quite central - though i can choose to move the office location if I want to : I'd welcome any advice on where to live which is relatively quick access to work , and what I should be paying for a nice flat/ condo - say 100 m2 ish .
thanks
ETA : estate agents mini cost him $145k ! - around 70k GBP : unbelievable
Edited by alfaman on Saturday 6th November 00:31
alfaman said:
Hi - I'd welcome a bit of advice on where to live in singapore - very likely I'll be posted to Singa beginning of 2011 - had a 1 day visit this week to meet the local team.
While visiting a local estate agent showed me a couple of flats : very central ( Orchard ( Orchid ?) road area .... but seemed massively expensive for a pretty dismal 2-3 bed : around $8,000 a month [!]
the office is quite central - though i can choose to move the office location if I want to : I'd welcome any advice on where to live which is relatively quick access to work , and what I should be paying for a nice flat/ condo - say 100 m2 ish .
thanks
ETA : estate agents mini cost him $145k ! - around 70k GBP : unbelievable
Depending on your tastes you should be able to get 100sqm and bigger condos in holland village or east coast for around the $4 - 5k mark.
You can usually save a grand by being located away from public transport.
Is your wife going to be coming too? Worth planning your location based on her hobbies / activities else she will start to feel very claustrophobic if she ends up in a community that she cannot find a common ground with!
That sounds steep for the mini, although coe has gone up, my 370 was $170k 5 months ago.
What industry you in?
Edited by alfaman on Saturday 6th November 00:31
Whoo John 4,000 Sing for 900 sq feet, In Kl you can get a nice place of 1500 for half that, I knew Sing was getting expensive.
My experience/advice is get a local to to do the deal, my wife found our place, I looked at other apartments in the building but never saw the one we bought until after I (she) paid for it, the seller never knew I was an expat, saved my about 12% of the purchase price according to my lawyer.
If its like Malaysia don't let the HR team from work do a deal for you.
With regard to car prices, what about a bike, my mate took his Sing monthly car allowance and bought a liter sport bike, on a loan brand new, paid over afew years and shipped back to Europe.
My experience/advice is get a local to to do the deal, my wife found our place, I looked at other apartments in the building but never saw the one we bought until after I (she) paid for it, the seller never knew I was an expat, saved my about 12% of the purchase price according to my lawyer.
If its like Malaysia don't let the HR team from work do a deal for you.
With regard to car prices, what about a bike, my mate took his Sing monthly car allowance and bought a liter sport bike, on a loan brand new, paid over afew years and shipped back to Europe.
XJSJohn said:
Is your wife going to be coming too? Worth planning your location based on her hobbies / activities else she will start to feel very claustrophobic if she ends up in a community that she cannot find a common ground with!
From bitter experience, this is the best advice you will get... 
I pay S$6,500pcm for a very nice place on Robertson Quay but I have plenty of mates who pay S$5k or less for a couple of bedrooms, they just may be closer to a building site or have a few feet less and a worse view...
Look at plenty of places is the best advice as there is a fair amount of construction etc going on and some beautiful places can be ruined by 12hrs a day, 7 days a week of building work!
I have a car provided by work and that makes things easier from a transport point of view, in reality though taxi's are very cheap and i have never used public transport.
Along with what dom has said about building and construction, east coast not too bad as the en bloc craze has largely ended, the old condos left are going to stay old by existing owner decree, and everything else is too new to knock down!
However the expat club scene is mostly in central / bucket timah / holland v so to keep the doris sane you will probably need to ensure she can get to these areas easily!
However the expat club scene is mostly in central / bucket timah / holland v so to keep the doris sane you will probably need to ensure she can get to these areas easily!
Edited by XJSJohn on Saturday 6th November 05:38
XJSJohn said:
alfaman said:
Hi - I'd welcome a bit of advice on where to live in singapore - very likely I'll be posted to Singa beginning of 2011 - had a 1 day visit this week to meet the local team.
While visiting a local estate agent showed me a couple of flats : very central ( Orchard ( Orchid ?) road area .... but seemed massively expensive for a pretty dismal 2-3 bed : around $8,000 a month [!]
the office is quite central - though i can choose to move the office location if I want to : I'd welcome any advice on where to live which is relatively quick access to work , and what I should be paying for a nice flat/ condo - say 100 m2 ish .
thanks
ETA : estate agents mini cost him $145k ! - around 70k GBP : unbelievable
Depending on your tastes you should be able to get 100sqm and bigger condos in holland village or east coast for around the $4 - 5k mark.
You can usually save a grand by being located away from public transport.
Is your wife going to be coming too? Worth planning your location based on her hobbies / activities else she will start to feel very claustrophobic if she ends up in a community that she cannot find a common ground with!
That sounds steep for the mini, although coe has gone up, my 370 was $170k 5 months ago.
What industry you in?
Edited by alfaman on Saturday 6th November 00:31
I would be coming out by myself ( single) - the local office have suggested I'll last about a month max before being targetted by the local women
!I am thinking of asking for a car as part of the package - though that may be an "ask" too far ? - is it possible to live in Singa and get around easily using public transport / metro etc - or does that tend to leave one a bit stranded for transport at weekends [ I am not sure how essential it is to own a car ]
Also - have pitched the salary at about what the role would be worth in London - not sure if that is way under what I should expect in Singa .
thanks for any advice
alfaman said:
XJSJohn said:
alfaman said:
Hi - I'd welcome a bit of advice on where to live in singapore - very likely I'll be posted to Singa beginning of 2011 - had a 1 day visit this week to meet the local team.
While visiting a local estate agent showed me a couple of flats : very central ( Orchard ( Orchid ?) road area .... but seemed massively expensive for a pretty dismal 2-3 bed : around $8,000 a month [!]
the office is quite central - though i can choose to move the office location if I want to : I'd welcome any advice on where to live which is relatively quick access to work , and what I should be paying for a nice flat/ condo - say 100 m2 ish .
thanks
ETA : estate agents mini cost him $145k ! - around 70k GBP : unbelievable
Depending on your tastes you should be able to get 100sqm and bigger condos in holland village or east coast for around the $4 - 5k mark.
You can usually save a grand by being located away from public transport.
Is your wife going to be coming too? Worth planning your location based on her hobbies / activities else she will start to feel very claustrophobic if she ends up in a community that she cannot find a common ground with!
That sounds steep for the mini, although coe has gone up, my 370 was $170k 5 months ago.
What industry you in?
Edited by alfaman on Saturday 6th November 00:31
I would be coming out by myself ( single) - the local office have suggested I'll last about a month max before being targetted by the local women
!I am thinking of asking for a car as part of the package - though that may be an "ask" too far ? - is it possible to live in Singa and get around easily using public transport / metro etc - or does that tend to leave one a bit stranded for transport at weekends [ I am not sure how essential it is to own a car ]
Also - have pitched the salary at about what the role would be worth in London - not sure if that is way under what I should expect in Singa .
thanks for any advice
I would say that your first trip to The Towers / Brix / Attica / Steriolab etc will be your "babtism"
you are probably about in the right area on money, just add some uplift for housing, as this is more expensive than London.
You can get long lease car rental for $1 - 1.5k for a reasonable if dull car. or you can buy and finance easily for the same sort of cash.
I personally think you do need a car here, just because there is a lot of the island and malaysia that you dont readily get to without your own transport, it also frees up options of where to live.
I would definitely go for a salary uplift from London wages. Beer is about 6-8 pounds a pint, and food outside of the local places can be dear. I have a 3 bed condo about 25 minutes walk/MRT from the CBD at 4,500 SGD a month.
I'm not running a car at the moment as the traffic is bad, it's damned expensive, and I need to sell my flat back home. It's not been an issue for me so far, I maybe get frustrated by not having one once a week, but I'd rather spend the money on golfing in Indonesia and chasing skirt right now!
Also, assuming you get a relo package, I'd be tempted to upgrade your TV etc before you get here, as the weak pound is making stuff here seem expensive.
I'm not running a car at the moment as the traffic is bad, it's damned expensive, and I need to sell my flat back home. It's not been an issue for me so far, I maybe get frustrated by not having one once a week, but I'd rather spend the money on golfing in Indonesia and chasing skirt right now!
Also, assuming you get a relo package, I'd be tempted to upgrade your TV etc before you get here, as the weak pound is making stuff here seem expensive.
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