Jennifer: Diary of an Expat in Singapore

In our InterNations Recommended Blog section we let you take the spotlight! Expat life in general is, of course, a perfect breeding ground for great, user-generated reads, and life in Singapore makes no exception. Take your time and browse the great blogs showcased in this article!

Also in this article:

Jennifer is an expat from Verona who was drawn to the “Lion City”. Her blog, Diary of an Expat in Singapore, is not only a forum for her own thoughts: Jennifer also features other expats and their opinions on life in Singapore in the form of short interviews.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Who you are, where you come from, when you moved to Singapore, etc.

I am Italian-American from Verona, Italy- a wife, mother of two, university lecturer and freelance writer.

When and why did you decide to start blogging about your experiences?

I thought it would be fun to have my experiences recorded. Then I started getting positive feedback so I continued.

Do you have any favorite blog entries of yours?

Ten Sure Signs You Are An Expat Kid Living in Singapore. This is my most popular blog entry and was featured in a magazine.

Tell us about the ways your new life in Singapore differs from that back home. Did you have trouble getting used to the new circumstances? Did you experience culture shock?

Singapore is great. I’ve gotten so much more than I bargained for. I would say it’s a far better place to live in than to visit. Expats are very sad when they leave.

Do you think you were fully prepared for what awaited you in Singapore? If you could, would you change some decisions/preparations you made?

I didn’t really know what to expect and it has exceeded my expectations. The best part has been the friends I have made and the interesting expats I have met along the way.

Every expat knows that expat life comes with some hilarious anecdotes and funny experiences. Care to share one with us?

You’ll have to read my blog for those.

Which three tips would you like to give future expats before they embark on their new life in Singapore?

Pack light, be open-minded, and live in a condo with a pool.

How is the expat community in Singapore? Did you have a hard time finding like-minded people or fellow expats?

Best expats, it’s especially great if you have kids. You’ll have no trouble making friends.

How would you summarize your expat life in Singapore in a single, catchy sentence?

Hot, humid and tropical!

Continue: Ays: Pink and Mints Previous

Moving to Singapore
Want to become one of the many expats relocating to Singapore in ever-increasing numbers? Singapore’s comfortable lifestyle is particularly popular among expats worldwide. On InterNations you’ll find health and travel advice, visa information, and more useful tips.

Visa Requirements for Singapore

Singapore: Residency and Import Permits
Living in Singapore
People living in Singapore often come from diverse cultural backgrounds, making for a multi-ethnic society. As an expat, you’ll enjoy Singapore’s diversity and its luxurious lifestyle. InterNations gives you a brief insight into neighborhoods, education, and other aspects of being an expat in Singapore.

Transport and Housing in Singapore

Education and Child Care in Singapore
Working in Singapore
Thinking about working in Singapore? The city-state offers job opportunities in various sectors as well as a high quality of life. With the InterNations guide, you will learn all you need to know about the economy, social security, and business etiquette in Singapore.

Health and Social Security in Singapore

Singapore’s Business World

Donald Moore

"I moved to Singapore to build up my own business. In fact, it was easier than expected. With InterNations I quickly got in touch with the lively expat community here."