My company just asked me to move there.
Part of my decision will be driven by my ability to keep on enjoying performance toys. I do know that the pricing for new vehicles is steep in Singapore, so selling here and buying new over there would not be an option.
Anybody know about the vehicle import regulations (and import tax implications) ?

A couples of years ago when i left for a European assignment I stuffed all my vehicles in a 40 footer and had no issues importing them what so ever (no import taxes, no VAT), since I had owned them for longer than 6 months in the US (was even able to sell them with a profit when I came back to the US )
Just wondering whether and 'encore' would be possible.

 

A student of mine lived there- he said because it is an island and space/ road are very tight, driving permits are very expensive and not issued to everyone.

I did visit there many years back- nice clean city and great public transport- good luck and keep us posted of the performance issues.

 

Singapore is a great place. But it is a small island and very populated. I am sure there are p-cars there, but really no place to drive. I've seen more B'mers as they seem to be the preferred status car, with Mecedes, in Asia.

You can drive to Malaysia, across a new bridge, but the roads are narrow there and used by all kinds of traffic, bicycles, carts, animals, except maybe KL. Not many places to drive a fast car. Cars, there, are more a status symbol, somethingto be seen in.

Both countries are wonderful to visit or live. You'll have many wonderful adventures and you will take a lot of taxi rides.

David

 

Thanks for the input.
Just one clarification : I visit Singapore all the time and usually stay at the Fullerton. I indeed see lots of Bimmers and the sparse F-car. Not a lot of Porsches though.
My company has 3 plants in the vicinity, of which 2 are just outside Singapore (Malaysia and Indonesia - to visit the latter I need to take the ferry).

Streets are indeed comparable to Europe. On top of that there's plenty of mopeds around (Malay guest workers who zip over the bridge every morning - a funny spectacle to observe).
Was just wondering whether I could get my Porsche in the country for minimal cost.

The position of the steering wheel will most probably also be an issue...those ugly Brits have a tendency to mess up everything
Most probably will have to live with an underpowered company car for a couple of years....

 

what do you think about it as a vacation spot ? i've been toying with the idea for a while, seems like there is some very nice scenery

 

Good luck trying to get a license plate... Your best bet is drive a company car around. But why even bother? I would ask for a driver and get driven around.

 

Yves, since you know Singapore and how hard it will be to get around, let alone park your car in a secure place, why would you want to take it with you.

I can still see the Malays on their Honda 100's, raincoats on backwards, riding in the rain. A perfect adaption since backwards the "front" is perfectly sealed to wind driven rain, the collar goes up the neck, and the back is left open to breathe.

Buzz M, don't know that there is too much scenery in Singapore, just high rise bldgs. There is a lot to see in neighboring Indonesia and Malaysia. Years worth. Oh, and the Malasian women are the prettiest in the world.

 

I know there's a few members here who are from Singapore, but I can't remember what their SN's are, they post occassionally. Hopefully they'll see this thread. Good Luck!

 

Singapore cars are RHD so I highly doubt you can import your car there. P-cars here are very costly (E.g $190k USD for a brand new Cayman S).. You may consider buying a used Bmw 335i or 996 Turbo since you would like to continue enjoying performance cars; some banks allowed 90% loans with 2.7% interest.

However, it's a clean and beautiful city to live in. I've been living in Singapore for more than 10 years and have no much complaint beside the high prices in properties & cars. And if you're into casino gaming.. they are opening two casino resorts in Singapore early next year.

 

We have a good friend in Singapore that is very involved in the car scene, if you would like his info - just send me a PM

 

Hello from Singapore!