Hi Narmi, i read rom the same website that if ur loan is more than 80 % then u have to take an insurance.. i am not sure.. can some experts comment?
I am not an expert but some quick points:
MRTA is a must for some banks but not for all especially if you have a stellar record with the Credit bureau report (they would ask for your SG one) when applying
Crime wise = Is not only everywhere but as someone noted, its relative.
However that has changed quite a bit with the spate of recent news in SG, i shall not go further.
Price you pay now is definitely higher when this was first started 3 years ago.
When you mention cheap, there are good and bad as movies will be not so good a comparison for me as i seldom have time to watch and movies is not a staple or need for some.
The toll every day is offset by the following quick items (off the top of my head on and ongoing monthly basis):
Note that this has actually been discussed to death by forummers in pages past but well, here it is:
Utilities
Free parking in my area and at all my houses
Lower cost of living generally for:
1. Food (quality and variety may suit one or not, your mileage varies)
2. Medical care (definitely MUCH cheaper, i shall not go further about this as folks have asked me not to discuss about hospitals, they don't need the crowds)
3. Diapers, groceries, etc
4. Maintenance fees (for those whose house incurs this monthly)
5. Car maintenance, painting and repair, i have a number of cars. 2 of which i sent for servicing on the same day which costs me the price of what i serviced for 1 car in Singapore
6. Many items related to sports on a per use or monthly basis
What is not cheap
Internet charges
Mobile charges
I agree with the inconvenience but there are always ways to get about it including carpooling(quite popular here now) as well as leaving early. I have no issues with going to office and being on time. I just leave slightly earlier. I did a 3 day test last week where i drove to work from SG to my office and then the other 2 days i did from my home in Johore.
Twice i got to office slightly earlier and one time was later. The expressway "carpark" that i have to drive through in SG to my office is about as expensive as the toll in Johore but the jam is more at times. What works for me may not work for you or indeed anyone else. The folks who have made the move may well be mad but some of them may also be happy as well.
Again, i agree with bros here, i always advocated buying for own stay first before you think of anything else. Bros who remain unconvinced are very welcome to remain in Singapore. I have one relative and 2 bros who still thinks that Pelangi is situated next to Tuas yet never been here to see for themselves.
I must apologise to all those who told me about Johore years ago including my younger relative. If only i wasn't so stubborn and myopic. Seeing some of these past questions and past doubts, whether baseless or otherwise reminds me of my own dogmatic ways back then. I have since learnt better and realised that there isn't anything that is 100% absolute and beliefs can be so easily swayed by propaganda. I was so glad i came and saw for myself.
There was once many years ago when i passed the SG customs gates at Changi after taking a long haul flight home and breathe a sign of relief.
Yes i was once one of those but i know differently now.