Living in the UK

[tanchoo1]

thanks for your info bro.

the next time you go to a supermarket, may i trouble you to find out what's the price of yardley soaps in UK? They're going for SGD6.50 for 3 bars in sg.

Hi there,

The price doesn't sound right, unless I'm getting something wrong. If it's luxury soap, about SGD 2+ per bar doesn't sound right.

Some things to confirm:

(1) The weight of the soap: 50g per bar? 100g per bar?
(2) Where it is made; some "premium" soaps are actually Made in China or Made in Thailand, like M & S. Made in UK soaps are much more expensive and more premium, of course.
(3) Is it a genuine product? Which shop did you see it in SG?

 

[drumma]

Hi tanchoo1,

I was wondering if you would be able to shed some light on the working culture in UK. such as amount of holidays per year, work/life balance, whatever you feel inclined to share if possible.

I'm back in SG for my summer holidays from Finland and I'm doing a temporary full time job now. the working hours feel slightly longer than normal from 9am to 630pm, whereas in Finland, it's 8 to 4. not to mention they get 4 weeks of summer holidays and 2 weeks of winter holidays, on top of their annual leave! I've been thinking about this and I thought that I can't slog like this in SG for the next 30-40 years after I graduate. . maybe I'm a lil used to life in Finland.

 

[Beta_Tester]

i always wanna get good tix to watch Manchester United play but cant get. ppl suggest i go buy on match days but i can take the risk man.. later bo.. LL stuck there..

Can residents there help?

Thanks!

 

[tanchoo1]

Hi tanchoo1,

I was wondering if you would be able to shed some light on the working culture in UK. such as amount of holidays per year, work/life balance, whatever you feel inclined to share if possible.

I'm back in SG for my summer holidays from Finland and I'm doing a temporary full time job now. the working hours feel slightly longer than normal from 9am to 630pm, whereas in Finland, it's 8 to 4. not to mention they get 4 weeks of summer holidays and 2 weeks of winter holidays, on top of their annual leave! I've been thinking about this and I thought that I can't slog like this in SG for the next 30-40 years after I graduate. . maybe I'm a lil used to life in Finland.

Hi there,

Working hours in the large cities are probably not much different from SG, though it does also depend on the company culture. You're probably looking at 40 hours per week and more.

In the smaller cities and towns, the average working hours is about 37.5 per week, and about 25 days leave per year. I don't think it's as good as Finland, but still far better than in SG. The emphasis seems to be on working smart rather than putting on a show for the boss; though of course it does depend on the company.

Europe does tend to have a shorter work week and longer holidays. In the UK, comparatively they work longer hours and have shorter vacation. Wait till they compare to SG... it's sad that among the "first world" countries, we come off worse, yet again.

You'll hate it if you return to SG, so if you can, don't. I speak from experience.

As you've said, life is too short to be slogging your hours away in the office. Especially when other places offer you far better work-life balance.

People will still keep talking about higher taxes you pay in Europe; wait till they hear about the shorter working hours and longer vacation; it more than makes up for it.

 

[drumma]

As you've said, life is too short to be slogging your hours away in the office. Especially when other places offer you far better work-life balance.

People will still keep talking about higher taxes you pay in Europe; wait till they hear about the shorter working hours and longer vacation; it more than makes up for it.

exactly! Thanks for the reply. this is so true. in fact in Singapore, I think most of us are underpaid or over worked. I don't see why we have to slog so hard and earn lesser than the European counterparts. I bet most of them are enjoying a few pints of booze as it's summer now!

not to mention, the cheaper housing, cars, medical fees, etc also balance out the high taxes!

 

[unclebutcher]

everytime I mention I'm going to study in the UK and if all goes well, work there, people like to brush me off by first saying.. oh, it's gonna cost a bomb, then after that say, oh, living expenses are high, taxes are high....etc. when i tell them that research has shown PPP wise, singapore is one of the most expensive cities to live in, more so than america (ex-NY) and european countries; they can scarcely believe it. I think tanchoo has given many examples of how living in the UK (ex-london) is so much cheaper than Singapore. 'nuff said.

 

[drumma]

actually when I came back to SG, I realized that things here are getting more and more expensive. now hawker foods have raised by 50cents, some cut costs by giving lesser. in fact I got a shock when I went for grocery shopping when some foods were actually more expensive compared to FI. and u know FI isn't exactly known to be cheap among the European countries. I suggest if possible, Singaporeans should go on trips overseas and see for themselves.

 

[tanchoo1]

everytime I mention I'm going to study in the UK and if all goes well, work there, people like to brush me off by first saying.. oh, it's gonna cost a bomb, then after that say, oh, living expenses are high, taxes are high....etc. when i tell them that research has shown PPP wise, singapore is one of the most expensive cities to live in, more so than america (ex-NY) and european countries; they can scarcely believe it. I think tanchoo has given many examples of how living in the UK (ex-london) is so much cheaper than Singapore. 'nuff said.

You're absolutely right. Throw in lesser working hours, more annual leave, better work-life balance, and free healthcare... and one would be a fool at least not to seriously consider working overseas, even if just for a few years, to get a taste of what it's like.

Seriously, if it was so unbearable living here, wouldn't people be leaving in droves? Instead, I see students and cleaners driving cars and the middle-class living in landed property and having at least two cars per household.

But forget it; it's also better if we keep it all to ourselves really; so that when you graduate and look for a job there in the UK, you'll have less competition. So stay away everyone; UK sucks.

 

[tanchoo1]

actually when I came back to SG, I realized that things here are getting more and more expensive. now hawker foods have raised by 50cents, some cut costs by giving lesser. in fact I got a shock when I went for grocery shopping when some foods were actually more expensive compared to FI. and u know FI isn't exactly known to be cheap among the European countries. I suggest if possible, Singaporeans should go on trips overseas and see for themselves.

Actually I think not all Singaporeans are that ignorant; many do know it, but to know the facts and to experience the facts are quite different things. To know that cars are cheap overseas is one thing; to actually pay around 2000 pounds for a decent car is another. When it hits you, it hits you hard.

I think when I return to SG, I would probably refuse to buy much; save up the money for the next overseas stint.

 

[tekster]

actually when I came back to SG, I realized that things here are getting more and more expensive. now hawker foods have raised by 50cents, some cut costs by giving lesser. in fact I got a shock when I went for grocery shopping when some foods were actually more expensive compared to FI. and u know FI isn't exactly known to be cheap among the European countries. I suggest if possible, Singaporeans should go on trips overseas and see for themselves.

haha.... when a person go overseas for tours, i don't think supermarket is considered a tourist spot le.


anyway, the reads here are very informative and has been enlightening.

 

[drumma]

haha.... when a person go overseas for tours, i don't think supermarket is considered a tourist spot le.


anyway, the reads here are very informative and has been enlightening.

pardon my bad paragraphing and phrasing. I didn't mean going overseas to check out supermarkets.

but surely you will visit it somehow don't you? maybe I'm not as atas and rich. I get my water and food in supermarkets as I'm still a student.

 

[Atelier]

This is one of the few things that is more expensive in the UK.

I know that SG has decided to abolish the TV licensing fee, which used to cost SGD 110 per year.

Unfortunately the same has not happened here. So having a TV in your house will cost you GBP 145.50 per year.

(It could be argued that BBC produces far superior programs than TCS / Mediacorp and is therefore worth paying for, but let's not go there.)

There are two major options for TV; Freeview, which requires a Freeview box or a Freeview-enabled TV, and Cable TV.

Freeview does not require any subscription, and gives you access to the so-called standard channels. Think Channel 5, 8, etc.

Cable TV requires the usual subscription, which does not look cheap; looks comparable to SG. It gives you access to many more channels. Think StarHub Cable TV.

There is one upside; we decided to be cheapo and not get a TV, so we did not have to pay the TV licensing fee. But we're still able to watch BBC TV programs on demand (not live) using BBC's iPlayer on our laptop, which is free. The additional advantage is that you can actually save the programs into your HD and use freely downloadable programs to remove the viewing protection, so you can view your saved WMV files without a date / time limit. Don't pirate them, of course!

Hey bro...so glad you're still continuing with your posts about living in the UK...same as you I'm still loving the life here man! Just thought I supplemented your reason on why in the UK, households still have to pay a TV licensing fee. It's becoz the fees are used to fund the BBC...hence that's why programs on all BBC channels are advert free...

 

[tanchoo1]

Hey bro...so glad you're still continuing with your posts about living in the UK...same as you I'm still loving the life here man! Just thought I supplemented your reason on why in the UK, households still have to pay a TV licensing fee. It's becoz the fees are used to fund the BBC...hence that's why programs on all BBC channels are advert free...

Wow, I didn't know that. Now that you mention it, it makes complete sense. No wonder I can download unedited movies from BBC's iPlayer.

Much better than watching it on Mediacorp; they cut out all sorts of scenes (even those without objectional content) and have five minute advertisements every ten minutes. And it was only this year that the TV licensing fee was abolished. Their coffers are full enough, obviously, from all the years of compulsory contribution from the public.

I just bought three wonderful tubs of Haagen Dazs a few days ago, 500ml tubs on promotion at £2 each, or about S$4. In SG, on promotion at about S$11 each, and even then you have to buy 2 tubs. I don't know about you (I'm not rich); but S$7 savings is not a small amount to me; multiply that each time you buy a tub and it's not insignificant at all.

 

[myben5]

hi,
going there the first time
any free map to collect at london stansted airport?
cannot locate british tourist authority (sin). anyone
know where is the new premise ?
thanks

 

[jarvis]

hi,
going there the first time
any free map to collect at london stansted airport?
cannot locate british tourist authority (sin). anyone
know where is the new premise ?
thanks

from google (you can always call to check):
British Tourist Authority
GMG Bldg, 108 Robinson Road, Singapore 068900
+65 6227 5400

Anyways, even if they don't have free tourist maps at the airport, you can pop by a book store and pick up a proper map - last time i got one for 2.25quid. it's not like SG where the maps at the book stores will cost you like S$20.

 

[myben5]

from google (you can always call to check):
British Tourist Authority
GMG Bldg, 108 Robinson Road, Singapore 068900
+65 6227 5400

Anyways, even if they don't have free tourist maps at the airport, you can pop by a book store and pick up a proper map - last time i got one for 2.25quid. it's not like SG where the maps at the book stores will cost you like S$20.

thank you
the office no more exit
maybe buy over there

 

[darkchamber]

hey TS, i've been reading your threads here for a couple of days starting from the very first post. Very insightful Looking forward to seeing more stuff from you!

 

[Kahlan]

Wow, I didn't know that. Now that you mention it, it makes complete sense. No wonder I can download unedited movies from BBC's iPlayer.

Much better than watching it on Mediacorp; they cut out all sorts of scenes (even those without objectional content) and have five minute advertisements every ten minutes. And it was only this year that the TV licensing fee was abolished. Their coffers are full enough, obviously, from all the years of compulsory contribution from the public.

I just bought three wonderful tubs of Haagen Dazs a few days ago, 500ml tubs on promotion at £2 each, or about S$4. In SG, on promotion at about S$11 each, and even then you have to buy 2 tubs. I don't know about you (I'm not rich); but S$7 savings is not a small amount to me; multiply that each time you buy a tub and it's not insignificant at all.

Hi tan, very very informative thread of yours, even if i'm not going there to stay but for a visit.

Wah lucky i don't stay there, if not i will be buying Ben & Gerry and the Haagen Dazs ice cream every day. Will definitely put on weight.

But hopefully when i'm in uk in september for visit will try to see i i can buy a tub to eat there.

 

[mambofever]

What is the difference in prices between a return flight from SIN to LHR, and from LHR to SIN?

The strange thing, it turns out, is that if one stays in the UK, return flights to SIN are cheaper than one staying in SIN and making return flights to the UK.

See for yourself, both on SQ and Qantas! On our national carrier SQ, the differences are even larger!

For fairness of comparison, I've done two adults, flying on Tue 11 Oct 2011, returning on Tue 18 Oct 2011 (I chose Tuesday as they tend to be the cheapest days to fly). And I chose Oct 2011 which is fairly far ahead in time, more than six months away. And to be fair, no special promotional fares. All prices shown include all fees and taxes, which is standard nowadays.

First, SQ, SIN to LHR return, SGD 2,014.40 per person:

http://i54.tinypic.com/2qx9pq8.gif

SQ, LHR to SIN return, GBP 675.73 per person:

http://i55.tinypic.com/33b1ufo.gif

That's a difference of at least SGD 600 per person. Ouch.

Next, Qantas, SIN to LHR return, SGD 1,943 per person:

http://i51.tinypic.com/292pfzt.gif

Qantas, LHR to SIN return, GBP 798 per person:

http://i51.tinypic.com/dxjwn6.gif

That's a smaller difference of at least SGD 250 per person.

I'm sure someone can explain why there is such a difference in fares; maybe it's just those two airlines; but it seems irksome that on our national carrier, SG citizens visiting the UK pay a lot more than UK citizens visiting SG. Maybe it's to boost tourism to SG; so we are subsidizing the tourists' air fares? Whatever it is, it just makes my wallet lighter, and no one likes that.

No wonder so many of us have to end up flying to the UK with Airasia / Middle Eastern airlines / Malaysia Airlines / Thai Airways / etc., braving lengthy stopovers in overcrowded grubby transit areas of foreign airports.

we've spoke a lil about this in my other thread. Actually, I called them up and the difference is purely in the taxes for landing. SG certainly much cheaper for the planes to stay overnight/for a while compared to Heathrow. Passenger tax also much cheaper in SG(ie. you pay more to breathe UK air than in SG)

 

[tanchoo1]

we've spoke a lil about this in my other thread. Actually, I called them up and the difference is purely in the taxes for landing. SG certainly much cheaper for the planes to stay overnight/for a while compared to Heathrow. Passenger tax also much cheaper in SG(ie. you pay more to breathe UK air than in SG)

I'm not sure about this. Passenger tax is paid at both the departing and arriving airports by the passenger, so whether one flies LHR -> SIN or SIN -> LHR, total passenger tax paid is exactly the same.

The other thing about plane parking tickets being more expensive in LHR is probably true; but I still don't buy the argument. The length of time a plane parks at the airport has nothing to do with my return flight.

I still believe it has something to do with STB trying to get more tourists to visit SG; which in itself, isn't a bad thing; until you realize that you are subsidizing their tickets. Surely it makes sense; if they make those tickets cheaper, they need to get their profits from somewhere else.