Guide for Singaporean Retirees heading for Fresh Air

[scroobal]

I thought I will put together a guide of sorts for those planning to have a change of climate, environment and culture and bring back some variety and excitement for those heading towards retirement.

Migrating or Planning to reside on a long term basis

Typically there are 2 major avenues of making the move overseas

Option 1 - The intention is to move permanently and these are either as (a) skilled migrant, (b) Investor or (c) Dependent. Those who plan ahead,can use the skilled migrant category and drop anchor, serve a period of residency and then finally move to retire.

Option2 - Most countries have programs to accommodate foreign nationals on 5 year or extended stay visas. Australia is popular with Singaporeans and there are many such residents whose visas are extended every 5 years. They however do not have access to the welfare/free health but enjoy all else. Malaysia too has a silver hair program.

For details of various categories, consult the sticky thread and the websites of the popular countries which are listed.

Profile of a Retiree and their Needs

Many are set in their ways and they will going into a new country with relative fewer opportunities to meet new people compared to younger migrants who have ample opportunity to make new friends especially locals of the new country in their workplace, pubs, at sports etc. So be prepared.

Your first interactions are those who are family and friends of your relative or family members that migrated earlier. Vernacular church is another. These might prove boring over time especially if the circle is "outdated". Work out a routine on how best to do it and then choose the city, the house etc and begin enjoying life.

Challenges faced by retirees

Many retirees end up in Leeds, Vancouver, Adelaide, Canberra etc because they had followed their kids who are studying there or family members who migrated earlier. The city itself might not be suitable for retirees or the presence of like minded people might not be around.

A better way is to treat the first move as transient and then make the final decision when you are better informed. Any way, most kids after their study return to Singapore or move to bigger cities. And the parents end up stuck in the city. So plan carefully.

 

[Leongsam]

One of the best options for retirees is the Perth option. For many Sinkies, Perth is the ideal place for those who want to emigrate but dare not take the actual plunge.

Sinkies who have moved to Perth have never actually "settled". They fly home every couple of weeks for a few days to meet friends, consume Mee Siam without hum and generally make a pig of themselves while boasting to everyone they meet how wonderful life in Perth is.

When they've had their fill, they head back to Perth and start planning their next trip home.

 

[neddy]

When they've had their fill, they head back to Perth and start planning their next trip home.

These days, with discount airlines flying between Singapore-Perth, it just take the stress out for this group of Singaporeans.

Moreover, same time zone. No jet lag.

You will know who are the frequent flyers - They tend to get chest infection travelling between humid bacteria/virus-ridden Singapore and dry as a dead dingos donger Perth.

 

[scroobal]

You guys are right. Half the retired civil service is there. Ex-cpib head, ex-generals, ex-acps, ex-perm secs etc. Know a teacher that spends winter and summer at home in Dunbar Walk, Singapore followed by Autumn and Spring in Perth. Most of them on 5 year residency visa. Even old man's second son use to fly to Perth on Fri night while CEO of Singtel. and head back on Monday morning.

Even Sant Singh SC, best criminal lawyer works out of Perth. He is not the only one.

These days, with discount airlines flying between Singapore-Perth, it just take the stress out for this group of Singaporeans.

Moreover, same time zone. No jet lag.

You will know who are the frequent flyers - They tend to get chest infection travelling between humid bacteria/virus-ridden Singapore and dry as a dead dingos donger Perth.

 

[american]

One of the best options for retirees is the Perth option. For many Sinkies, Perth is the ideal place for those who want to emigrate but dare not take the actual plunge.

Australia is certainly a good choice because it is closer to Singapore, where the travel time is shorter and air fares are cheaper.

A return ticket to USA on premium airlines from the SFO/LAX costs about $1700. If you reside further inland where you need another domectic flight, the air fare would go as high as $2500 or more. The flight to Singapore takes an average 17 hours.

In this respect, Australia is excellent because you can travel between OZ and SG as often as you want, due to the cheaper fares. Your aged parents can visit you easily as the travel time is shorter.