Have any HK expats moved to Singapore? How is it?

Hello there


I've recently returned to HK after spending a couple of years in Sydney. I've lived in HK for most of the past 12 years and really like it here. However, I'm looking for work and it seems that all of the job opportunities at the moment are Singapore-based (I work in IT/telecoms). So, after having just resettled in HK, I'm considering the possibility of Singapore.


I've tried to post this in the Singapore section of asiaxpat.com, but the site isn't working properly.


I know that many HK expats have moved to Singapore, and I'm wondering how they are finding it? I am a single male, mid-40s. And as a really important part of the lifestyle question, is the nature of the expat community, as I will be looking to start a new relationship (and possibly family) with another expat at some stage. I've always like the vibrancy of the international community in HK, especially that of the European community, and want to make a move that could work for me both professionally and personally.


I know the obvious things about the differences between the two cities - the pollution or lack thereof, the coastline and hills or lack thereof, the crazy energy or lack thereof, but ... for expats who've had especially the experience of HK (for all its good and bad), is Singapore bearable, or even better?


Thanks and appreciate your thoughts.

I moved to Singapore 9 months ago and I've reached my limit with the place, am moving back to HK in September. I won't go into the HK vs SG comparison as you've obviously done your research, but my advice is when people tell you it is boring here, believe them. There is a reason Singapore is the world's most emotionless society. There are no peaks and troughs here, nothing innovative or exciting. Even the weather is the same (hot and humid) with each day only differing by the length of the rainstorm. If you get the chance to spend a week in Singapore, go for it. If you run out of interesting things to do on day 4, you'll see what I mean.


On the expat scene, it really is similar to HK in that you have your expat areas and bars, seedy hooker clubs, social clubs etc. however my experience is that the people aren't as friendly or fun in SG, and there are arguably more people who want to act like they own the world because they have a bit of cash (I've lived in HK and London and by far Singapore has shown me the most pretentious people). If you are looking for your chance to meet another expat for a relationship, your chances are as good in both cities in terms of number of singles I'd say. The question is will you actually enjoy it here while you search for them?

@squigibo


Thanks muchly for your reply. Exactly what I didn't want to hear but confirmed my feelings. I am loving being back in HK and find that, like other great cities of the world, it really "holds" you. I'm not sure how to break that comment down further; it's just a feeling.


Can I ask you a quick follow-up question: what's the demographics of the expat community like? I really like the fact that HK is truly international, including, for me, the number if interesting European women. Is Singapore lke that too, or too full of Aussies like me? :). Thanks!

I'd say Singapore is slightly more diverse due to the higher number of southeast Asians in the expat community, but if you count these as "local" to the region (if not singapore specifically), then the expat mix is similar to HK. Given this expat pool is often interchangeable between HK and SG (I know plenty of people who have swapped between the two cities in both directions), it makes sense they should be similar. No more or less Aussies here in my opinion!