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Looking forward to hearing your stories!

You’ve made a new life for yourself in another corner of the world.

But have you crossed the line to becoming a true expat??

Test yourself on these 10 signs of a true expat.

1. You get cravings for silly things like Heinz ketchup and Hershey bars

2. You get grumpy about the very same things that  initially drew you to your adopted home

3. You often feel torn between two identities.

4. You’re friends with expats, but only those who arrived around the same time as you

5. You find newbies irritating

6. You sometimes dream in a foreign language

7. You’ve attended weddings, birthday parties and baby showers….. on Skpye!

8. Your old life seems gray

9. After many iterations, you’ve finally perfected the The Ultimate Guest Tour

10. You pity those still stuck in corporate life

Click through to the full article to see all 22 Signs of a True Expat!

via http://www.entersingapore.info/sg-shopping/directory/category/singapore-malls/

Overall, I still think it has been a great move for us as a family. I can’t think of any time in our lives that we could use domestic help more than with two little boys underfoot and I’ve been able to stay home and raise them myself. It is such a blessing to see all the firsts and experience the wonder of babies turning into little boys. We have all gotten to travel more than we ever expected (and still hope to do lots more) and expose both kids to new cultures and languages. Whether they retain anything or not, they should both be able to speak Mandarin much better as adults having heard it frequently as children while they can still distinguish intonations that older ears can’t hear. We get to spend our weekends exploring, playing, or relaxing as a family because there is little yard work or housework requiring our attention. We have made friends from all corners of the world, eaten (and become addicted) to food I’d never even heard of before, and learned the geography and history of the Southeast Asian region that seems largely ignored in the US.

Here are some of our favorite things about Singapore (in no particular order):

• Great transportation – taxis 24 hours a day, buses, subways…it’s easy to get around. Unless it’s raining.
• ERP (electronic road pricing) in every single car. Many popular roads are toll roads at certain hours of the day but there are no toll booths, only tall gantries over the road that charges your card without slowing down traffic. The drawback is that you have to have a cash card with funds inserted into the reader or you get a ticket, meaning you have to remember to take the card out and go to a 7-11 to add money before you park or drive through a gantry. Let’s just say I’ve gotten a few tickets.
• Smart parking garages! The parking is also paid by the ERP so you never have to wait in line to get out or dig around for cash. Most garages also have signs indicating how many open spots are on each level and even red or green lights over each space so you can look down an aisle and see if anything is available.
• No weather forecast. It’s like Groundhog Day…every day you look out the window and know it will be hot, sunny, and might rain. No guessing, no seasonal wardrobes, no bundling kids up to go outside. 
• Grocery delivery. Free! Daily!
• Fresh seafood everywhere. Mostly shellfish, which I love.
• Full-service gas stations. Asians are NOT do it yourself people. In cases like this, it’s really nice. Other times, not so much (read below)
• Beautiful, lush greenery everywhere. I’ve always compared Singapore to Manhattan mixed with Honolulu. Think big, densely populated city with huge trees and beautiful landscaping (minus the beaches and mountains, unfortunately).
• Fantastic restaurants. There are more than we could possibly visit here but we love to explore and find interesting new places. Very few are chains so they’re all unique and many are outdoors. I am thrilled about a Chili’s that is opening soon, though, so I still love my good ole American chains!
• Hawker stands. The Singapore version of fast food without the drive-thru. You can get a great meal for $3 US dollars. I had no idea how much I loved noodles and how many varieties exist.
• Full-time domestic help. It’s very well regulated here so the maids have a nice life and a large community to gather with on their days off.
• Skype! Every expat lives for the webcam calls back home.
• The expatriate community. Singapore encourages workers from other countries to bring their expertise here so there is a huge community of expats from all over the world. It doesn’t feel so far away from home when you can still celebrate your own holidays with fellow Americans.

• But everything has its downside:

• Our families and friends are 10,000 miles away. That’s not a weekend trip and it’s very expensive. We have to compress all our time together into a few short weeks at the end of the year.
• There is a 13 or 14 hour time difference between Houston and Singapore.
• We only have one car so I’ve had to adjust to life with 2 kids and public transportation most of the time.
•  Singaporeans are NOT do-it-yourselfers. There is no Home Depot or Lowe’s here where you can find all kinds of hardware or yard equipment. You have to call a contractor or handyman who knows which tiny store carries what you need and then pay him to do it. That’s the complete opposite of a Texan! And no one has pickup trucks so you have to call another handyman to move your big items. Singaporeans also don’t like to fix things, just patch them up. Really irritating when I look at all the leaks in this house. Things are made of brick and concrete here so it’s a little more complicated to look inside the walls compared to sheetrock.
• Mailboxes are one way. You have to go look for outgoing mail at a drop box somewhere other than where you receive your mail.
• There are no outlets in the bathrooms here and very few in the rest of the house. Do locals not like to plug things in?
•  Drivers are terrible. Not angry and crazy like Houston drivers, but pretty ignorant and dangerous here. And taxis will stop on a dime on any street so drivers have to be much more alert.
•  Groceries and alcohol are very expensive. It still hurts to pay 2 or 3 times what we’d pay back home for the same things, but we’ve found local alternatives to several of our favorites and we consider ourselves lucky that we can find our favorite orange juice and cereal most of the time.
• There is construction EVERYWHERE. It’s noisy. It blocks roads. It’s 24 hours a day. But thank goodness we no longer live on the edge of a high-rise condo under construction! I have enjoyed the quiet in this house every day.

Overall, we love Singapore and have had a great two years here. The time has really flown by, mostly thanks to our wonderful friends here who have shared in our lives and our children’s lives. We have met some unforgettable people and thank goodness many of them will also be returning to the Houston area eventually so we’ll get to stay in touch down the road. This marks our original halfway point in our overseas adventure and we look forward to what the next few years have in store for our little family!

 Laura

There are numerous choices, which are ruled by differences in national attitudes toward expectations. If you have never lived abroad before, your expectations of a good school are based on your home experiences in your home schools. But schools in other countries are very different from what you may be familiar with.

Here are the various types of schools you may consider:

Foreign National School

Schools of your own nationality cater to the needs of children who will be staying abroad only for a couple of years and then returning to their home country. They instruct your child in his/her mother tongue and based on your home curriculum. Transition and repatriation will be smooth and easier for the children.

On the other hand, the school might be so small that making friends is difficult for your child or might not be able to offer the range and variety of classes and activities you expect.

Check if the school offers higher grade classes so that your child does not need to switch to another school if your stay is prolonged beyond expectations.

Sometimes the quality of education in your child’s mother-tongue may be lower due to children of mixed marriages with lower language qualifications.

 Local Schools

 Sometimes there is no other choice than attending a local school .Many parents choose this alternative to encourage contacts between their children and locals as an enrichment program for their lives instead of just living in the privileged expatriate society.

 However, the culture shock for your child will be tremendous and the educational methods may not be to your liking. Parents reported this to be an acceptable option especially for younger children who often take up the foreign languages quickly.

 International Schools

 According to many expatriate parents this is their only option for their children as these schools are best qualified to handle the cultural and academic differences of Third Culture Kids and those coming from two cultures.

 As there are often more than 40 countries represented in the student population, international schools have to blend their cultural differences and often offer the best of all worlds. The instruction language is English and they offer English as a Second Language (ESL) for non-English speaking children to speed up their language skills.

 Normally non anglophone children catch up fast and are able to follow the curriculum within six months to a year’s time. The advantage of being fluent in a world language needs not to be discussed.

 Your child should enter the International school system if you can envisage an international life for your future due to your professional career, or if you want to prepare your offspring for one. As International Schools are widespread all over the world (see information below) you will always be able to find decent schools wherever you will be posted.

 Schools with International Baccalaureate (IB)

 If you want to avoid your child being in and out of different school systems, the IB could be an interesting alternative. Even in England the authorities are considering changing to this international exam and giving up A levels, as the qualifications are considered most competitive.

 The IB is centralized worldwide as a nonprofit educational foundation based in Switzerland and offers The Diploma programmed for students in the final two years of secondary school: The Middle Years Program is for students in the 11 -16 range.

 The Primary Years Program is for students aged 3 -12 years.

 There are more than 800 participating schools in more than 90 countries around the world. The three working languages of the IB are English, French and Spanish: with the additional choice of your national language as standard for a higher-level degree. Universities and other institutions of higher learning in over 90 different countries have accepted students holding the IB and some even grant advanced standing of up to a year to students who successfully complete it. The IB is increasingly becoming a benchmark for worldwide education.

Jacqueline Reischel has set up her own company enterAsia Information Services Pte Ltd in Singapore and invented the worlds only online relocation step-by-step guide to Asia specialized for Singapore and Shanghai. She now manages her company from the UK – a truly virtual career in a suitcase

• Find and join one of the above-mentioned groups as soon as possible.

 • You are expected to adopt the norms and respect the local traditions for women in your professional and private life.

 • You will not command respect automatically but gain respect by fitting in.

• There are a number of regional and local networks for businesswomen in Southeast Asia, some created by female expatriates.

 • A single female sends out mixed signals to the men in Southeast Asia. You may be a potential social problem.

• Look for support from male and other female expatriate colleagues, but do not complain.

 • Local male colleagues will treat you differently than their local female colleagues.

• Authorities in Southeast Asia are respected and dealt with in a very formal way. Use your female qualities rather than those shown by many task-driven Western male expatriates.

 • Local colleagues like you to show interest and learn new things from them. Listen, rather than lecture.

• Learn the local language and use your new skills as often as possible.

 • Show high competence in whatever you do.

 • Be inclusive rather than directive.

• Do not act overly competitive.

 • Avoid conflicts and emphasize harmony.

 • Insist on adequate support from headquarters for a successful performance.

Publications
Southeast Asia for Women on Business
By Wilen, Tracey & Patricia Wilen 
ISBN 1880656175

Jacqueline Reischel has set up her own company enterAsia Information Services Pte Ltd in Singapore and invented the worlds only online relocation step-by-step guide to Asia specialized for Singapore and Shanghai. She now manages her company from the UK – a truly virtual career in a suitcase.

For American or European Sizes, the width is usually the same but the lenght would be around 3 inches longer. Make sure you measure your bed to ensure it is a local Singapore size before you purchase a mattress.

Customization

If your bed is not a standard local size ( i.e American or European size), you will then have to ask for customization. Not all mattress can be customized (especially imported mattress), so check with the salesperson first. The customization fee also varies from shop to shop.

At www.beds.sg, the extra charge for customization is 30% – 35% on top of the mattress price. 

For those that are looking for really good quality meat and a wide range of products, e.g., dairy products, burgers, frozen vegetables, canned products, chicken franks, margarine, drinks etc try Ben Foods.

Their prices are a lot lower than the supermarkets, but they are open only on Saturday mornings for the general public.

To get there take BUS 79 from Jurong ……. or if you are not sure how to get there, log onto GOTHERE, this is the best website for getting around Singapore by car / cab / bus or train!

BEN FOODS WEBSITE

Ben Foods (S) Pte Ltd
1 Fishery Port Road,
Singapore 619729

Tel : 6778 6655 ;
Fax : 6777 2869

Email : info@benfoods.com

But they do have good specials most Saturdays……. Australian and New Zealand Sirloin and Rib Eye and other beef cuts too which are better quality than in Australia as it is Export Quality. They also have good fillets of Salmon for around $20.00 ….. that is half a salmon. Cheese (Coon) is also a lot cheaper there …. I think about $4.00 compared to $6.50+ in some supermarkets.

Phoon Huat is another place I shop at …. there is a store at Holland Village and another over near Jurong MRT, at the back area past Cash Converters. But check the website as they have many otther stores listed across the island.

** have rec’d a message to say the Jurong Store closed recently – will check it out **

PHOON HUAT WEBSITE

They sell heaps of things at a really good price, but not only that, you can purchase food items (in particular Christmas goodies, bakery items) that you cannot get elsewhere. I buy Australian butter (250g) for $1.90, which sells for $4.00 in the supermarket.

So worth checking out if you have not already done so!

a friend in Singapore (thanx Pete) has just sent me this, am sure it will be of help to many others:

Can I also add The Butcher - while catering somewhat to the expat market, their free home delivery for orders over $100, online store, and quality is fantastic.

List of Butchers and Gourmet Shops in Singapore

For wine, try Wine+ - good selection, half and dozen pricing (including mixed dozens), and usually free delivery. More wine shops

And finally, do try and locate your nearest wet market! Hope this helps!

More info on food shopping in Singapore  and a list of supermarkets and wetmarkets

Original post click here

The pet is older than 10 years
If a pet is older than ten years, some countries require a confirmation of health and a letter of indemnity to the quarantine provider as at this age a strenuous flight and quarantine may be fatal.

The pet has a serious health problem
During quarantine the normal care a pet needs is very much reduced to the basics and health problems can aggravate a situation which is easily under control when the pet is in your care. Quarantine providers are not a care giving institution (even if they provide vet services!) but are there to minimize the risk of contagious diseases entering a country via an animal.

The breed is used to temperate conditions
A pet owner needs to consider the impact of the tropical climate on the health of the pet. Your pet may turn very lethargic from the heat and even become sick.
A breed equipped for arctic subzero temperatures does not live well in the tropics with permanent temperatures of above 30°C! (90° F) and will suffer tremendously. A dog’s life in an air-conditioned home with no chance to roam outside freely is a poor life. Breeds suitable for a normal climate will generally adjust within 4 -6 weeks.

Asians are not as affectionate with pets as Westerners.
Muslim Asians consider dogs to be impure and do not want to come close to them.

Pet’s Freedom
The freedom of your pet may be severely restricted also in view of the heat and some dangerous or unhealty animals (snakes,  poisonous spiders, bugs) your pet is not used to.
Dog-sitter or kennel costs can mount, as you cannot take your dog along with you, especially when traveling or on home-leave.

A pet’s view on Singapore
Read a dog’s viewpoint of Singapore here

Jacqueline Reischel has set up her own company enterAsia Information Services Pte Ltd in Singapore and invented the worlds only online relocation step-by-step guide to Asia specialized for Singapore and Shanghai. She now manages her company from the UK – a truly virtual career in a suitcase

Most expatriate families have survived their assignment in Asia without any major problems.

As the situation varies greatly from what you know from your home country you have to adjust to your new surroundings by taking up some precautions and follow our advice throughout your stay.

General Rules

• Go easy in the beginning of your stay. Your body needs about 6 months for acclimatizing to the heat and the humidity.

• Remove your shoes when entering your home.

• Wash your hands often.

• Have several showers a day as sweat encourages fungus and rashes.

• Do not use the one and only towel and soap in public toilets.

• Wear light clothes out of cotton, or other natural fibers.

• Wear a hat or cap when in the sun, and use sun block lotion regularly.

• Wear shoes whenever you walk outside.

Food and Drink

• Have drinks only from sealed bottles; avoid having ice cubes in your drinks.

• Avoid ice cream, fresh salads, dishes with mayonnaise, cold meat, non-pasteurized milk products, raw eggs in dubious food outlets or at hawker stall where food cannot be kept cool properly.

• Fruits and vegetables: follow the rule: boil it, cook it, peel or forget it.

• Start carefully when trying out local food at hawker stalls.

• Boil water for drinking, cooking, tooth brushing for at least 20 minutes.

• Use built-in filters.

• Have the water tank on the roof in your home cleaned several times a year.

Pet Hygiene

• Meet the vet on arrival and have all inoculations suggested done in the first few days.

• Get your pet de-wormed regularly.

• The pet’s sleeping area and feeding bowls have to be kept very clean and replaced regularly.

• There are many bugs ready to hop on your pet. You need to brush fur regularly, clean eyes, ears and check paws often. Bath the pet once in a while with a special soap against fleas.

• Take skin diseases serious when they occur and treat them at once. Check small wounds daily and treat them as to your vet advises.

• Make sure no toxins are used in the house and garden to kill pests as this may harm your pets.

• Always keep fresh water for your pet. Inquire about special pet taxis for emergencies.

• If you adopt a pet from a kennel or bring a pet in from the street, have it de-wormed, cleaned and checked by a vet first!

Jacqueline Reischel has set up her own company enterAsia Information Services Pte Ltd in Singapore and invented the worlds only online relocation step-by-step guide to Asia specialized for Singapore and Shanghai. She now manages her company from the UK – a truly virtual career in a suitcase