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Moving to Singapore, or staying in Hong Kong

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  1. #41

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    Quote Originally Posted by FrancisX:
    Also disagree that SG is better for families. Good for holidays but living?

    Putting aside the peculiar PAP system you'd be raising them in, there's not that much to do for kids either, unless air con shopping is considered an activity. Big reason we didn't move this summer is because our eldest expressed a certain amount of cynicism regarding his anticipated lifestyle.
    Yeah, true... Singapore has a similar vibe as Dubai where they see going to the mall as an activity.

    Talking about public transport, EP holders can't apply for a monthly MRT pass, so only day passes and weekly passes. Only citizen and PRs can apply for a monthly MRT pass.
    Last edited by NTCP88; 24-09-2022 at 03:58 PM.
    shri and alexdown like this.

  2. #42

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    Quote Originally Posted by NTCP88:

    Talking about public transport, EP holders can't apply for a monthly MRT pass, so only day passes and weekly passes. Only citizen and PRs can apply for a monthly MTR pass.
    That is just bizarre.

  3. #43

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    Quote Originally Posted by NTCP88:
    If I decide to stay in HK, I have to make more efforts again to expand my social circle. I've been a bit lazy on that front.
    You actually have a legit reason to hang out at the pub then. No complaining about that!

  4. #44

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    Quote Originally Posted by shri:
    That is just bizarre.
    Another one: citizens can have a public library card for free. All others have to pay a yearly fee to get one.
    hullexile, shri and Mrs. Jones like this.

  5. #45

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    Decided to stay. In case HK doesn't goes back to 'COVID Zero' I have my SG Employment Pass ready...

    Got a good deal at Bel Air Residences, so this will be new HK experience living out of the city.


  6. #46

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    Quote Originally Posted by hullexile:
    Shit I missed out on all of that when I lived in the west! Must have slept through many years. Sounds very much like propaganda you have been fed.
    How often do you go to Europe and the USA? You’re the one that’s brainwashed lol

  7. #47

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    Quote Originally Posted by NTCP88:
    Pros Hong Kong:

    • After almost a decade in HK, I still don’t feel bored. Even when I’m alone at home, I don’t feel bored. The last 18 months were terrible, but hopefully this will change in the next coming weeks/months.
    • I’m familiar with the city, the good and the bad.
    • Overall lifestyle.
    • Hong Kong mentality, people want to become successful.
    • Ease of doing business, there is always an opportunity.



    Cons:


    • If HK doesn’t open up by the end of the year, I’m worried for its future. Maybe it’s already too little too late. Hong Kong has always been a strong ‘brand’, not sure if it still is.
    • Housing.
    • Less opportunities in my sector.
    • Politically unstable.
    Politically unstable is one way of expressing it. Not wanting to wake up and read in the news that the government is prosecuting harmonica players is maybe another one.

    Quote Originally Posted by NTCP88:
    Pros Singapore:

    • Housing. Although prices are almost on the same level as HK, seems flats/condos have a better layout, bigger, overall better infrastructure.
    • Healthier way of living, meaning less pollution.
    • More of a ‘normal’ lifestyle, maybe that’s what I need.
    • More opportunities in my sector.
    Housing here is ridiculously better, although rents have gone through the roof in the last year. Not sure if this is permanent but anecdotal evidence suggests that it was fueled by people relocating from HK who just had a very different mental price point

    Quote Originally Posted by NTCP88:
    Cons Singapore:

    • It’s a boring place. Was there for a 10 days back in August, and god damn, I was bored after day 4. I’ve been to Singapore a few dozen times, never really thought it was boring, till I considered living there.
    • Discrimination: according to some friends who live there, they are basically second class citizens. For example, during SG’s vaccination program SG Citizens were prioritized, then PRs, than all the rest (expats with Employment Pass, domestic helpers, etc.).
    • Racism: We all know that SG has a racists side. Some of my friends experienced it first handed a few months ago. When they arrived in SG, Immigration took them aside for an interrogation. Why? Because they have Arabic names. They are Ivy League educated, work for First Tier IBs and Hedge Funds. Just because of their name they were taken aside for 45min and aggressively asked what they were doing in SG. After Immigration did a background check, they released them, no apology.
    • Rent is getting out of control.
    • Jealous culture: in Singapore when you are successful, people envy you. In Hong Kong people are happy for you.
    • Higher taxes.
    • PR almost impossible.
    • Expensive. Daily expenses are higher than in HK.
    This is a very odd list.
    Some items I can't agree with at all - what exactly is boring in Singapore? I do miss the mountains, yes. Booze is more expensive, as a student this bothered me, but now? Culture, both international and local, is there. Food is excellent, from hawker to top end. Amazing bars, again, top end and corner pub both. Much more ethnic variety, obviously. I do miss the entertainment that the local crime section of the SCMP provided 10 years ago, but again, since the triads became a government department in charge of beating up kids, I don't mind not seeing it. Racism exists but the people targeted are the same here as there (if you think that people don't get profiled based on race at HKIA, speak to a friendly brown person). And on tax, you need to make a lot to notice the difference.

    The two valid points are jealousy culture and the lack of a reliable way to get PR.
    Quote Originally Posted by NTCP88:
    Are there any members who recently made the move, did you regret it? How’s overall life? Do you miss HK?
    Not a day goes by that I don't miss _my_ HK. But then, it has largely emigrated. I had a wide circle of HK Chinese friends, they're now in Berlin, London, Huddersfield (!), Taichung, Melbourne and yes, Singapore. Really a shame, but I don't see HK becoming again what it was for the next decade at least.

  8. #48

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    I think people who are saying that SG is family friendly have not lived in the outskirts of HK. I live in Tung Chung and we have plenty of space for the kids to run. I like the fact there aren't as many Chinese as in HK Island, it's mini India here and I find them way more sociable. And you're like 5 minutes from a hike.

    SG is nice, but it feels gimmicky in a way. The food was great but it's because the person I was with knew where to go I guess. Business wise they are so slow, but HK people are slow when it comes to negotiation but faster at implementing.

    It's all a matter of choice and personal taste. I like the chaotic side of HK, I feel HK has more grit. I don't know SG healthcare so I can't say but HK level is crap depending on where you go. Princess Margaret Hospital is a horrible place.

    The North Lantau hospital is quite good but lacks specialists so you always get redirected to PMH. But they're extending it so should be solved soon.

    For me the deal breaker with SG is the weather, I need some cold weather (though in HK it's been an atrocious summer), and I just can not handle Singlish.

    muzzdang likes this.

  9. #49

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    Quote Originally Posted by Hkemail888:
    How often do you go to Europe and the USA? You’re the one that’s brainwashed lol
    Well, I live here in the west and I dont recognise your summary. Those things exist to a certain extent of course but I don't see them in my everyday life. Just on twitter and in certain media.
    Sith and hullexile like this.

  10. #50

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    Feb 2021
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    Housing better than in HK, size, yeah. I've visited One Shenton, V on Shenton, Marina Residences and The Pier. What are they all missing, character. They all looked a bit sterile, like every room had a 'kitchen' vibe.


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