I just got back from a trip to India, but on the way home to Oslo we stayed in London for a day and a half. It was my first time there and I kept thinking that I had seen this all before - sort of. I remembered where I thought I had seen it before…it reminded me of the movie Marry Poppins!

We were there such a short time, but I had just enough time to enjoy a ride on the London Eye (it was so cool) and buy a few things. Then it was back to Norway!

Although my very short stay in London did not give me enough experience to share anything interesting at all with you, this expat interview is from someone living in London. This interview is with C.K., author of the blog A Singaporean In London. You can also check out his pictures of London he takes on his iphone here. So read on about life as a Singaporean in London!

London can be a bewildering place for a Singaporean. Coming from an orderly city state where everything ‘works’, the first impression that London gives a Singaporean is not a pretty one. But that’s precisely the beauty of United Kingdom’s capital. You never know what you’re going to get.
~C.K.

1.Where are you from originally, where are you now and what brought you there?

I’m from Singapore, a sunny isle at the southern tip of the Malayan peninsular and am now in London, which is literally at the opposite end of the globe.

Well, long story short, there was an opportunity for my spouse over here in London and it was like now or never sort of decision. Still enjoying every bit of the capital!

2.What do you like/dislike about your new home overseas?

Let’s start with the good stuff, shall we? First, London is definitely more bustling. We love the museums, musicals, plays and dramas that are up all year round. Also, because of London’s proximity to Europe, it’s a joy to just pop over to Paris and Brussels for a weekend getaway.

Though Heathrow can be a pain in the neck some time, there’s always Gatwick and Luton airport if we were to spend a couple of days in other cities in continental Europe. What’s best is that we are still trying to cover some of the major cities in the UK itself. Coming from a small island measuring just 60km at its widest, that’s quite a bit to handle.

We also enjoy the tv programs and the newspapers over here in the UK. It seems that anything goes over here in the media. But after awhile, you’ll learn to sieve out the more pertinent information from the trash, if you know what I mean.

However, I come to realize that these freedoms (of expression and actions) come at an obvious price. At times, it seems that there is a clear solution to some problems but for the fear of political backlash, there is inaction, which is a pity. Let’s move along and leave that to the politicians.

3.Do you have any advice for someone who wants to get a job in a foreign country? Do you have any advice for someone who wants to get a job in the country you are now living in? What was your experience with getting a visa/job? Was it difficult?

It’s not that difficult to get a visa in the UK for Singaporeans. However, it would be a whole lot easier if you’re from the European Union - there’s no need for you to apply for a work permit, which can be a hassle and pricey. I must add that the British High Commission back in Singapore was especially helpful in my application for entry permit.

I guess one will face the same problem of getting jobs in London as in other major financial hubs. Competition is somewhat intense so consider going to a recruiter and ask for more advise before jumping straight in. However, most UK companies (or at least those in London) have to be credited with their diversity employment policies.

4.What was the most challenging part of living in a foreign country when you first started out as an expat? Do you have any advice for those facing similar challenges?

The main obstacle for me when I first came was getting a suitable accommodation. Somewhere near to your workplace would probably be really dear while living further away will mean that you’re in the mercy of the faltering transport system.

The next issue would be getting a UK bank account. Since most companies pay directly into your bank account, it would be advisable to get that set up before you even set foot in the UK.

5.If you were to do it all again (moving to and living in another country), what would you do different?

I would probably take a couple of weeks off to tour the place before deciding whether to move over. The funny thing is that we’ve never set foot onto London prior to our move. Come to think of that, we were rather courageously foolish (for the lack of a better phrase).

6.Do you want to move back to where you came from? If not, what is it about the expat life that makes it all worth it to you?

Well, eventually I guess, considering that our folks are all back home. Well, I would say that moving to London has broaden our horizon a fair bit. You tend to look at things from a different perspective and take things easier. I hope that will serve me well on our return.

7.What are some of the good, the bad, the ugly…and the funny things you have experienced living overseas? Please share any funny or fun stories you have about the place you are living.

Unsurprisingly, being a small island state, not a lot of people has heard of Singapore. During my first week in London, I met up with a couple of property agents and a typical conversation went like…

“So where did you say that you were from again?”
” Erm… Singapore.”
“Oh, fantastic place that is! Lovely people and all!”
“Thanks, it’s not too bad.”
“So which part of China is that again? I mean which province is that in?”
“Erm… Singapore is a country in South East Asia…”
“Oh….”

There was this time during a trip to Edinburgh, I was feasting on a black pudding when a friend told me what it was made of. I lost my appetite for the entire day. Don’t get me wrong, I’m pretty adventurous with food but I would prefer to know what I’m into before tucking in.

8. Did you experience culture shock when you moved? What was that like? How did you overcome it?

I come to realised that the English are really adapt at self deprecating and sometimes crude humour. It took me quite a while to get used to that. No complains as those chatshows and comedies have become my daily staple.

Some words are also used very commonly… “brilliant”, “absolutely”, “excellent”, “cheers” and the list goes on…

London can be quite intimidating and believe it or not, I am still bewildered by the immensity of the capital.
~C.K.

9.Any practical tips for the new expats out there?

Don’t be afraid to try out new things, that’s the whole point isn’t it? If possible, look up for more information at the embassy in your home country first before hopping up that plane. Be a tourist, get a guidebook and get around on foot. Don’t put off traveling and exploring thinking that you’ll be here for quite some time.

10.Where do you think you’ll go next?

Dubai used to be an option until the financial meltdown. No current plans yet. Have you got any suggestions? :)

Do you live in London? Tell us about your experiences in a comment below!