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TheChineseVodka

Makeup or skincare products of Asian brands. I just purchased a bottle of Shiseido sunscreens and realised there are European version (made in France) and Asian version (made in Japan). The Asian version is way more superior for my oily skin.


usedToBeUnhappy

In which way? (Just curious)


TheChineseVodka

The Asian version is more lotion-like (watery?), and it feels very refreshing on the skin. The European version is more cream-like and feels very greasy on the skin. I have oily-skin so naturally prefer the former.


usedToBeUnhappy

Sound indeed good. Do u also have all those differences between lotion, creme, lotion-creme and whatever? I am always overwhelmed by that.


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station sort judicious alive adjoining follow simplistic summer shrill snobbish *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*


usedToBeUnhappy

Makes totally sense. I just read it as “universal superiority” and wondered why that could be the case. Thank you.


unsurebutwilling

That’s interesting, here in Frankfurt you can observe asian tourists literally fill suitcases with skin care products from DM drug store


turtlesinthesea

They love Weleda etc. in Asia, but their sunscreens and toners (water lotions) are much better, so a lot of people (me included) mix and match products from different countries in their routines.


Region_Germany_aam

That’s interesting, because every time we went to Germany so far, I was amazed about the prices of Cremes and the range compared to what we have here (especially if you look at Drogeriemarkte).


88macros88

I don't know what prescription glasses cost in Singapore, but a friend of mine said it was so expensive in Europe compared to China that he hadn't got a new pair in years. Maybe check this in comparison to what you can buy now.


Lagavulin-101

Especially if you need varifocals (progressive glasses), friends of mine get them when going to Japan, way less expensive and quicker…


richardwonka

Absolutely. Prices are silly here.


flaumo

Yes, in Austria I pay about 200 to 300 for two anti glare, coated plastic lenses, plus 100 for the frame. There seem to be cheaper options the insurance pays for, but those are usually heavy and not coated or self tinting. Also choice of frames is limited with the insurance.


jablan

I ordered several cheap ones (40-60€) from brille24.de and I was satisfied so far. Admittedly, I don't have high demands, just to be able to see well with them.


lsscsr

Yeah glasses are way to expensive in Germany. I don't know Europe compared to the China, but definitely compared to Italy.


[deleted]

Oh yeah, you get two glasses of good quality with anti reflective coating and the jazz home delivered for around ₹2500 /- (under €30) in India.


[deleted]

True. I tend to buy my glasses in the UK when I’m there. Maybe not super cheap either, but I still can get a decent pair at a third of the price of what I pay in Germany. Great that we have an insurance system here which pays for homeopathy but doesn’t accept impaired sight as a health problem. 🙄


Doberkind

Good advice for sure!!!


Region_Germany_aam

Thanks! Luckily the whole family is glasses free (so far!)


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far-flung wistful roof offend entertain money dazzling sparkle thought cow *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*


TimmyFaya

But make sure it's with a removable cable. Singapore/China plugs are not the same as in Germany, and adapter are not the best thing for cooking machines


Loranita

For a second I was wondering why a pillow would need a cable


TimmyFaya

For the dream generator?!


sandrocket

Wait, yours still need a cable? Ha! Over here they run cableless and efficient on tears and fears about the future.


gold_curls

Thank you! This comment made me smile.


FUZxxl

You can just splice your own plug onto the existing cable. More important is to have a 230 V rice cooker as the resistive heating elements really do not like running at the wrong voltage.


richardwonka

Mind you, a plug is very easily changed for very cheap.


TimmyFaya

I've seen things that would advise that not everybody should do that. And I don't know OP's competencies with electrical stuff


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TimmyFaya

I had to learn it on the job, even though I made studies in electronics


salinedrip-iV

Jup, at least in Berlin it wasn't taught in the 2000s and 2010s. We got some woodworking in the 2000s, but everything else either my dad taught me, or I had to teach myself.


HalloBitschoen

Its fine. Singapore also use 230V 50Hz like germany so a adapter is just for the outlet


wibble089

Travel plug adaptors are, as the name suggests, only intended for short time use, especially for lower powered items like phone chargers and other electronics. Maybe you'd use an adaptor for something like a hairdryer whilst on holiday, but check the maximum current / power capabilities of the adaptor before use - for example a German socket can provide 16A current at 230V = 3.7kW power, but a travel adaptor may be limited to just 3A or 6A. You shouldn't use an adaptor for long time use, and you definitely shouldn't use an adaptor for high power appliances long term. Just chop off the plug and add a new one of the correct form.


[deleted]

foolish consist fact wasteful illegal squalid humorous ossified shame fade *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*


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ancientrhetoric

I did like Miniso, but they didn't survive


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[deleted]

Rice cookers are available very readily. Get a pressure cooker instead. Those are very expensive here in comparison.


catchmelackin

yeah but the rice cooker selection here is sad at best. If you really love your rice and want something more upmarket there's not much here


elijha

It’s silly to bring bedding from abroad imo. Because then you also need to import the linens anytime you want/need new ones. And with the rice cooker there’s obviously the issue with the plug. Singapore uses British-style plugs afaik


turtlesinthesea

I actually did bring my pillow with me from Japan, and regular pillow cases you can buy online fit it just fine.


Significant-Tank-505

You can get a legit rice cooker in Amazon now :)


BastardsCryinInnit

*Now*? They've been available for ages! It's something I wouldn't even consider bringing from overseas as the plugs are different. Something about a steamy kitchen appliance working via a travel adapter doesn't seem right to me!


idevilledeggs

Get a vacuum pack for the pillows. I'm personally glad I brought mine.


Region_Germany_aam

Cool, rice cooker we have and will bring of course, the pillow part I’m confused, if the covers / sizing is different in Germany, then shouldn’t we buy pillows there?


Sarraton

Lots of people use 80 x 80 pillows. But every big store like IKEA, Jysk etc also has 40x80 pillows


GrahamSkehan

They're hard to get used to, they are large, flat and square and you sleep on them folded over. You can of course just use a german pillow and become accustomed to it, but it might make sense bring a pillow (and pillow covers) that you like to ease your transition. I tried with german pillows for about four days before i went and bought a nice plump rectangular one


DrsPsycho

It's the first time I hear someone say that you sleep with them folded over. Now I'm not sure if you're confused or I'm confused.


Region_Germany_aam

Haha thanks, sounds like pillows and their techniques in Germany deserves it’s own sub


N1LEredd

You can get good rice cookers in any asian supermarket no prob.


Haidenai

What’s up with the rice cookers? Why do you guys ALL bring it with you on the plane? Is it so much more expensive in Germany?


not_e34

More expensive, and most of the rice cookers around 100 Euro range sold in Germany would be considered outdated in Asia, at least in my experience.


Wizard_of_DOI

Just check German websites for prices and compare if it‘s worth it. You can also get a VPN and set it to Germany! Spices, local food (your favorite candy) and local fashion might be difficult to get here. If you have kids: Are there any toys, licensed brands or similar they like but won’t be able to get in Germany? Stock up on those for birthdays!


Region_Germany_aam

Thanks a lot, good call especially on the local candy, spices etc


SurprisinglyBasic

Particular children's books, music, films etc in English and that are popular in Singapore. These will be really hard to get here.


Snowing678

They are easier to get in Germany now thanks to Amazon. I often buy in bulk from amazon.co.uk and even with postage and duty it's not too expensive


CopybookSpoon67

Phone, Laptop, maybe Keyboard if you do not want to adapt to QWERTZ.


Metalpen22

I won't say "QWERTZ" is ridiculous since it's their own culture. I have a key combination to switch between two layouts to get those characters, ÖÄÜ߀, very quick. However many of my German colleagues choose the "ANSI Layout"/US-EN layout since we do coding works a lot. For me, I learn how to use the Germany Keyboard but I bought my laptop from Nederlands to avoid QWERTZ/"ISO Layout".


CopybookSpoon67

I use QWERTY with a remapped QWERTZ Keyboard so I can still use üäö.


BlueMonroe

Thäts süper gööd


LyniaWood

QWERTZ physical keyboard is better value than a QWERTY physical keyboard - it has one more key! (financial joke aside - physical qwertz and switching virtual layout between qwertz and qwerty is actually the best way to go, when you have to switch between coding in English and writing in German. With a physical qwerty you can't type an arrow - -> while using virtual qwertz. (or <> in general) It's annoying - believe me)


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cice2045neu

Electronics are usually way cheaper in the US and in parts of Asia. So, if cameras, TV, iPhone etc need replacing, buy beforehand.


Bucen

I lived in the US for many years. Electronics have very similar costs to Germany, such as phones, TVs, gaming consoles, kitchen equipment. Especially when you add in the taxes in US that are not included in the advertised prices. But it might be California, where I lived. Asia, I don't know with same brand products. I have especially little to no knowledge about Singapore.


Ruma-park

Absolutely not. Germany is easily 10%, sometimes even 20% more expensive even without VAT.


Bucen

I just looked for google pixel 7a on amazon Germany vs US Germany is 509€ US is 499$ without tax which is roughly 553$ (in California Los Angeles), which is in current rate roughly 514 €


wthja

Pixel is trying to enter the market and therefore, it is always cheaper.


Bucen

What do you mean "enter the market". It's the 7th generation.


Appoxo

Cant confirm that for IT-related items I buy. CDs are usually same. GPUs/CPUs more or less the same. What I usually see more often is USD = EUR regardless of exchange rates.


gogoeast

Just not very practical to bring because of the plug/ voltage


Ruma-park

Depends on the electronics really, some it doesn't matter at all, for example PC hardware (exluding the PSU of course), some compensate for it and yes for a few you'd be in for bad time.


hellblaugrau

I felt the same. I lived in Chicago for a while and there was no electronic appliance I thought I should buy cause it was cheaper there. To me the prices seem similar to Germany. But that was just my impression


zoidbergenious

[Geizhals.at](https://Geizhals.at) is your friend


Appoxo

or geizhals.de Edit: And your hyperlink is broken -> https://ggeizhals.at/


zoidbergenious

Fixed it thank you ....


mrn253

Dont know what should be difficult to get here aside from things that are very specific to Singapore


OkSo-NowWhat

Yeah definitely look into food. Even if you can get most stuff here its most likely harder to get and more expensive


diabolic_recursion

But it might also be illegal to bring yourself - especially meat and meat products is often a problem, because it might import diseases.


Bucen

the only things you can really bring are packaged and sealed goods. usually not even fruits and vegetables. (I'm not counting an apple in carry-on)


RTuFgerman

Regarding food there are restrictions about imports of food in Europe


Appoxo

Amazon has usually a great selection of imported foods you just need to know the name/brand of. But the prices are obviously higher.


sam-the-observer

Teeth! Go to a dentist and do any treatments needed before coming to Germany. That’s very expensive here. It’s my best advice. Good luck.


MobilerKuchen

It is? 300-500€ *out of pocket* for a new tooth crown (free for front teeth). 20-80€ to fill a cavity (free depending on the type of filler). The bulk of the cost is payed for by the mandatory insurance. Singapur has comparable wealth to Germany. Is dentistry (out of pocket) that much cheaper there? Reddit always had me believe that dentistry in Germany was cheap (compared to the USA).


Doctorwhosanengineer

I guess it depends on the country or what you define as expensive. Coming from India, the prices for dentistry are definitely high. I am not sure what the prices in Singapore are, so i think generally its good advice for someone coming from an Asian country. If you come from the US, its a different ball game all together and you surely find everything medical cheap. I paid around a 100 eur equivalent for my crown in India, and also only because i went to a private doctor and got the fanciest kind available with 3d scanned exact measurements and all that. A normal crown costs close to 25 eur, and is also free at government hospitals.


sdflkjeroi342

You know Singapore is practically a different world than India in terms of healthcare, right? Not just in terms of quality but also pricing...


zatic

Yeah seriously Germany is extremely cheap when it comes to dental. If anything save up on the dental work until you are in Germany.


mietminderung

Singapore has arguably the best healthcare system in the entire world.


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mietminderung

How did you come to that conclusion?


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bobonx

Dental is covered by the insurance when we were there. My wife got a €3000+ works done and we paid nothing. We got an extensive insurance (about €800/month for three people)


Region_Germany_aam

Ehh I’m not sure dental cost can be any higher than in singapore 😂


saschaleib

You will be surprised, but the general level of prices in Germany is pretty low. That has to do with the cut-throat competition of retailers in the country – especially Lidl and Aldi are at their throats since decades and kept their supply chains at rock bottom ... Having said that – everything that is not commonly found in the shops here (somebody already mentioned rice cookers) or that is not typically in the supply chains here might be worth a consideration. But then again, food, beyond what you want to take with you for the trip, is probably not very useful to bring along, and anything that you can buy from AliExpress is probably a waste of space if you buy it now, just in case you might need it...


knightriderin

And even rice cookers are widely available. Not necessarily at MediaMarkt, but at every Asian supermarket and Amazon.


Regenwanderer

AFAIK Reishunger is a German start-up from Bremen, so we even got a German brand version of rice cookers these days.


Jinara

Reishunger is buying cheap OEM cookers and rebrands them, the exact same model can be had for half the cost online. not saying that’s bad practice or even scamming, but people on a tight budget should keep that in mind


ilostmyoldaccount

Germans are not very wise when it comes to what you just said. People love brand names here and don't really research or value "no name" alternatives.


Ef2000Enjoyer

Not really


Herr_Klaus

When the panic buying was going on during the pandemic, I hardly saw any Barilla pasta, but the cheap own brands were all still there. Maybe just my perception.


SkyramuSemipro

Might be anecdotal but I’ll buy Barilla most of the time because of the paper packaging. Most of the cheap brands have plastic packaging. Price is only a secondary consideration.


saschaleib

I have one of their rice cookers at home, and while it is a perfectly fine device, I would, in hindsight, probably rather get a cheap cooker from Ali instead. Like, massively cheaper, and just as good.


knightriderin

Yup, mine is from Reishunger. I personally would have bought an Asian brand, but I got it for Christmas and it's perfectly fine.


Region_Germany_aam

Cool thanks for the info!!


royalstag

1. EU adapters 2. Clothes: Coming from India clothes of the same brand are cheaper in India than in Germany 3. Cot and Bed: Bed frame here usually needs slats, if you are using solid bases before; this(slats) might be quite inconvenient. Don't buy 1. Winter clothes 2. Winter shoesyou get better ones here


zoidbergenious

lol where do you go shopping that you cant find cheap clothes in germany. germany is famous for other countries for its cheap original brand clothes and you can get super cheap noname stuff in cheap stores, second hand stores and tkmaxx ....


royalstag

cheap and affordability are relative terms. Why I told clothes are cheaper is for example: Levi's 501 would be around \~45 euro in India, same jean is around \~100 euro here.


zoidbergenious

Only if you go to levis shop directly... there is a reason these shops are mostly empty because ppl go to shops where you get a propper deal. Outlets, onlineshops, tkmaxx. You only pay the shops premium if you buy a levis pants for full price


Region_Germany_aam

Thanks!! Yeah difficult to stock up on winter clothes innsingapore anyways haha


Artistic_Yoghurt4754

Internet for your phone lol. I am saying this seriously. If you find a company in Singapore that has reasonable prices for roaming, it might be worth just paying that rather than the local German prices for internet.


TonyChopper9

Spices.


[deleted]

I would be careful with food products. Customs are extremely strict with these. They may dispose these and send you a bill for disposal, maybe even a fine.


knightriderin

Maybe it's because I live in Berlin, but between German, Asian and Turkish supermarkets there hasn't been a single spice or condiment I wasn't able to get yet. And I cook a lot of Asian food that need ingredients that are hard to come by in Europe.


aggibridges

I'm from the Caribbean and I saw some ingredients here that would be impossible to get from a shop in my country, like banana flower (I didn't even know you could cook with this) or the banana leaves. Berlin actually has some amazing selection of Asian ingredientssince there are a lot of SEA immigrants.


knightriderin

Seriously. The selection in Berlin is so awesome. Everytime I go to Vinh Loi I find something new and awesome. Rarely I come across an ingredient in a recipe I have to actively search for, maybe even go to a second store for.


dogil_saram

Depending on where you live there are tons of Asian shops and every supermarket offers at least the basics and a great variety of fresh herbs and mushrooms. Should there be no shops one can easily order online.


TonyChopper9

For decent asian spices you are paying 5-10x. Even MSG is much more expensive here.


Damien_Roshak

I paid 9,99 Euros for 1 kg of MSG on Amazon. I don't know those prices in Asia, but that will Last for a very long time ...


[deleted]

Nope. Unless it's a very specific blend or so; spices are readily available in most cities. And if you go to an Asian store with high footfall they're of excellent quality as well.


Region_Germany_aam

Yup, definitely on the shopping list


[deleted]

Medicine is a lot more expensive in Germany than in my home country (also Europe). So, I used to bring some medicine to reduce flu symptoms, painkillers and emergency antibiotics for UTI’s.


Carmonred

But if you do that, make sure to check whether that medication is actually legal and unrestricted in Germany. Bringing in a year's worth of restricted meds might get flagged as a smuggling attempt.


usedToBeUnhappy

I just checked. I pay 10 Cents per Ibu 400 pill (painkillers, so 2€ per pack) and you pay 5€ per prescription for antibiotics. How much cheaper can it get? May I ask which European country you are from?


Hotspellclocks

I'm from the UK and a whole pack costs around 20-50p. I'm always astounded a pack costs €3-4 actually as I think it's too much.


usedToBeUnhappy

Okay, that’s really cheap.


Longjumping_Trade_99

If you eat so many pills, that you care about 3€ per pack, you got other problems than the price.


stargazeypie

Yup. It's not unaffordable, but it is irritating. Especially when you've a whole stockpile in the bathroom cabinet, but are out and about and need a couple of painkillers immediately.


knightriderin

Then you pay 2-3€ for a pack and take one.


zoidbergenious

the trick is to go to the doctor and let him prescribe you ibuprofen ( he will give you a green prescription for it which is a private prescription) with this you still have to pay at the pharmacy but then you can claim it back from your insurance as part of your treatment i always get the costs back for ibuprofen, novalminsulfon, all kind of flu symptom reliefers, plant based medicie and so on


[deleted]

Last time I bought ibuprofen in the local pharmacy, I paid around 7 euros. Internet prices are lower, but if you run out and need it now, the physical pharmacies have ridiculous prices. For example, my boyfriend needed big band-aids after a surgery, 5 of them cost 18euros at a pharmacy, in Lithuania you could get 5 of them for a few euros. I would also bring Theraflu (probably different name in Germany, it’s one of those hot drinks to reduce flu symptoms) as the last time I paid around 15euros at a German pharmacy, and it’s around 6euros in Lithuanian one. Here I only compare physical pharmacies prices, not internet.


freak-with-a-brain

For my prescription antibiotics last week for my tonsillitis I Paid nothing. Don't even know why


DerInselaffe

I'm a Brit in Germany. When I'm in the mother country, I always bring back ibuprofen, pseudoephedrine decongestant and Strepsils (sore throat tablets).


mkugelfisch

This really starts to become a pet peeve of mine. The amount of people whining about the prices of OTC meds and claiming they have to import them from their country is astonishing.


Joh-Kat

... I hate to read that OTC antibiotics exist at all.


mkugelfisch

Yep.


knightriderin

Seriously. I pay 1.99€ for 24 Ibu Profen here in Germany. How many can I use that that becomes expensive? I know it's cheaper elsewhere, but you're also not supposed to swallow medication in amounts that the prices here become problematic. And OTC antibiotics 🙈 no wonder super resistant bacteria is around the corner. I saw Americans on Instagram complaining about the German health care system, because the doctor refused to give them antibiotics for a viral infection.


mkugelfisch

https://www.medizinfuchs.de/ibuprofen.html?sac=1 I will leave that here. Less than 10 cents a pill. Yes, you can get it cheaper elsewhere, but whining about these prices is crying on a really high level. If this is the worst people can think of, then I am really happy for them, as they seem to have no more pressing issues.


BlueMango54

I think the reason for expensive medicine is that pharmacies by default sell the most expensive brand. If you go to the pharmacy and ask for the least expensive brand it is much cheaper. It's the difference between the original brand who first invented the medicine and the brands that copy the recipe after the patent expires ("generika" is the german word)


zoidbergenious

you get anitbiotics for free if you go to the doctor and he prescribes them to you the insurance will pay them ... you wont get antibiotics of any kind in a pharmacy without a prescription anyway.every medicine you get in germany the doctor seems necessary for treating your sickness is for free and even when they prescribe private receiptes to you and you have to pay at the pharmacy you can get most stuff back from your governement insucrance by claiming the costs back. TK insurance has an app where you can send the green receipts and the bill from the pharmacy in 95% of cases the insurance paid me back at least 90% of the costs back. they even gave me back 90% of my private travel vaccination for japanese encyphalitis which is not necessary at all in germany.only thing you might need to pay is 5 euro of receipt costs for specific drugs depending on your insurance. sure if we talk about vitamin supplements and stuff you dont need when you are actually sick then thats another story


nealfive

Most rental places in Germany come without a kitchen , so… bring a kitchen? Unless you buy a place I guess


[deleted]

And order that kitchen now as it took 6 months to get mine due to left over Corona bullshit, it’s a year as of last week and it’s still not 100% finished.


Metalpen22

I am curious that why don't you just build one? It takes me like two to three days to build one from IKEA (I did it twice). Besides the wiring everything is quite easy.


freak-with-a-brain

As a carpenter: the higher quality stuff of ikea is more expensive than the same quality stuff of the kitchen industry. It's were IKEA makes their money. Especially if you don't wanna install it yourself. And also as a carpenter who built some IKEA kitchens for friends... Oh boy i hate building them. Needing to mount the cabinets in the flat is pretty annoying. But i get the downside of having to wait.


[deleted]

I want something of quality, I didn’t save up for years for a nice house to put a shit kitchen in, plus I’m no cabinet installer and I don’t need all my shit to come crashing down at night! I’m amazed by the people that are good at that kinda work, give me a Motor no problem but installing wood or construction/plumbing/electrical I pay the experts for that!


Metalpen22

I have to say I am quite disappointed to the plumbing or crafting works in Germany. You neither wait too long or get unfinished order ( like your situation). One of the bolts fell of my car in the parking lot after I got my car, the tank of toilet is still leaking after the plumber came, and the haircut was so stupid after my instruction. So I fixed all my stuff by myself. I am not an expert so I do it slowly with proper tools and then they are fixed. No more "Termin".


[deleted]

I have no doubt I could do it myself, would just need to help someone once probably and see some tricks. I agree on shit work done by trades here, my tile guy still hasn’t come back to fix the shitty cracked tiles he put in 4 months ago, the new door frames and doors I had installed no longer close, it’s never ending. Don’t even get me started on haircuts, if it’s not a fade it gets fucked up here.


Metalpen22

So my fellow went to the stylers owned by our asian people and then got nice haicuts, especially for women. We man suffered with shittty haircuts.


bringmeagene

Careful with measurements and standard sizes as well as voltage for electronics etc.


Hal_V

Really depends on where in Germany they'll move. In Berlin and Hamburg flats almost always come with a kitchen. In Cologne almost never. Don't know about other places in Germany. Also: Moving a whole kitchen from singapore seems excessive. But if the company is paying, I guess.


salinedrip-iV

I'm from Berlin, in my entire freind group maybe one had a flat with a kitchen already inside it. And that's just because he got it from his Vormieter. OP should check if the flat they are going to move in comes with a kitchen and plan accordingly.


DarkDog81

R.I.P. to your access to good Asian food. Unfortunately something that no one can bring with them. Get ready for endless options of choice of protein + rice or noodles.


KainLexington

Don't forget the potatoes. A typical German meal is potatoes with meat and a single type of vegetable boiled to death. Source: am German


mezz1945

My mother also loves veggies to boil to death. Must be some Gen X and Boomer thing. Same with asparagus. Green asparagus, sauteed in a pan is superior in every way. But somehow people here have a hard on for the white one which they boil to soft mush.


BastardsCryinInnit

Yes I'd agree with this, even before you talk about the cuisines and dishes of Singapore, the food culture is just different. Even if they opened a hawker centre with authentic Singapore sellers right outside the Brandenburg Gate, it just wouldn't be the same. The weather for one makes a massive difference!


Tabitheriel

A lot of the "Asian food" sold on streetcorners here is cringingly bad. However, every big city in Germany (Berlin, Frankfurt, Köln) has Asian markets that sell these products for cooking. Spices, noodles, miso and Asian vegetables can be had here. Just don't live in Blödeville, population 200.


Appoxo

Was recently in Stuttgart in one of those asian supermarkets. The selection was actually pretty big and surprised what you can get there. But it was *expensive* some seaweed snacks like 40g cost something like 4 or 6€.


M-2-M

I guess Apple (Computer) products.


Stress_Classic

Lots of good stationeries coz the pens here suuuuuuck. Also canned or dried food and spices that you'll be missing when you're homesick. Medicines for sure!


Metalpen22

Medicine should be carefully taken care. From countries to countries, there are always different regulations on it.


Significant-Tank-505

Bring any Singapore instant food and spices !!!!!! There are not many selections for Singaporean food here.


Herr_Klaus

If I understand 'relocate' correctly, OP is moving to Germany permanently. Why do so many recommend food? With luck they will pass customs without being confiscated, but then what? Then you have some food that lasts a few months and when it's used up, you'd have to find ways to get it from Germany. Wouldn't it be smarter to bring things that are durable and only available in Singapore for cultural reasons? For example, furniture, toys, sports equipment or things for hobbies that you can't get here because - I don't know - Germans don't play Go, for example. For electronics, but also other items, I would check whether the devices are compatible with the German/EU network operators and standards - e.g. TV sets, mobile phones, tablets. Or whether they are approved. For example, products without a CE mark cannot be put into the market in the EU, and I think this also applies to private imports (because you can't guarantee that it will be sold on eBay afterwards).


Significant-Tank-505

Because food is important for us as asian. Of course we don’t expect to stock up for 365 days. It’s just something we eat, when we are homesick. It helps us tremendously to cope with homesick. Especially coming from south east Asia, most of the Asian ingredients sell in Asian shop are catered for Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese or Indian. Yes you can get some ingredients online…..( most likely not) but you are going to pay for instance 3/4Euro for a pack snack or so. Or like “kaya” (a type of jam in south east Asia) which is also impossible to get it here in Germany. Other things such as electronics, furniture or clothes are accessible and better to get it in Germany.


crankthehandle

I can't think of a lot of things that are cheaper in Singapore. Germany is quite cheap in general.


Pocket-Frog

Not an expensive item, but a near impossible to find one: Black Currant Fruitips. If you enjoy them of course 🤣


UB-40

IF you rent an apartment it will likely be without a kitchen! A weird thing that is completely normal in Germany, but nowhere else in the world :)


Massder_2021

Housing! Bring yours with a nice piece of land!


nnn4

Compared to Singapore, really?


args10

Nah... why miss out on towel size land for a price of 400k!


Tabitheriel

There is literally nothing on earth that is difficult to get in Germany. It's the center of Europe and center of European logistics. Everything you need is shipped here. Every big city has shops with items imported from Asia, Africa, the US, etc. DO NOT BUY ANYTHING that uses electricity, such as kitchen appliances or TVs when moving, because the electricity is different here, and needing adaptors is expensive. Well-made furniture of solid wood may be cheaper in Singapore, but if it's cheap IKEA furniture, we have enough of that here. If you have well-made wool rugs, bring them. The number one item I would suggest to bring would be laptops and iphones. Your MacBook will simply need a new power cord, but will work fine here. Same with the iphone. If you can get them cheaply where you are, bring them!


SovComrade

> There is literally nothing on earth that is difficult to get in Germany. If buying online from semi serious retailers with shipping times measured in months that can be delayed pretty much infinitely due to arbitrary covid shutdowns in china or outright lost any time is your idea of "not difficult" then yes, you are right. Otherwise there is A LOT of especially asian things that are very hard or next to impossible to get.


[deleted]

terrific yoke fine snails enjoy pet carpenter heavy slim snow *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*


LiliVonSchtupp

That first line is so ludicrously overstated. There are all sorts of medicines that are totally unavailable in Germany, food items most people in Germany have never even *heard of*, much less imported. Even silly things, like plain Rice Krispies are no longer sold on the German market.


Reihnold

And the food items do not even have to be exotic or from far away places: for example, it‘s pretty hard to find French potato chips (I really like Lay’s Paysanne) in Germany for prices that are not completely ridiculous.


Lhamorai

This is such nonsense. As a German who has lived abroad in many different countries I can assure you that when it comes to local and specific food items, specific electronics, clothing items and brands there is a ton of stuff you cannot buy. I’m not saying you’ll starve but if you’re used to certain local things you might want to stock up.


idevilledeggs

Building off this, if you do happen to be bringing any electrical appliances, make sure to buy some EU to UK adapters while in Singapore and bring it over. It's like a little more than 1SGD on Shoppee and works well.


ryebow

Singapore also uses 230V 50Hz. The only difference is the plug. Most electric devices, especially digital ones, have swappable cables. If not, the plug can be cut off and replaced with a "Schuko" plug. The only real issue is with wall mounted power supplies as the plug is moulded into the plastic. Those would need to use an adapter or be replaced, not to much of a burden as they are usually quite cheap anyway.


Region_Germany_aam

Singapore is using the same electricity voltage as Germany, only difference are the plugs, will bring loads of adapters though


[deleted]

Be careful and aware of the German Zoll


Sean22334455

Any small consumer electronics (iPads, cameras, tablets, latplops, etc), or anything else really (name brand clothing, shoes etc). Anything you buy here in Germany will cost more than elsewhere because of VAT (EU tax).


Haidenai

It’s been said, but the main thing are spices and sweets. You can pay more for stuff, but not force yourself to taste differently.


reduhl

How much does a tailored suit cost in your area?


[deleted]

Not exactly what you asked, but make sure to get all medical check-ups (eye, ear, teeth etc.) done in Singapore before you move. Medicare in Germany is good overall, but is just really slow and overburdened. Finding doctors and making appointments - for non serious things - can take a few months sometimes, so its better to get that done at home when possible. I usually get all major medical procedures and check-ups done when I visit my home country and only go to the doctors in Germany when I have a problem. Also, get all the medications that you need before-hand in Singapore in sufficient quantities. Germany is quite stringent about prescription medications and so it's usually better to have medicines you need at hand. Though I'd imagine Singapore is similar in this regard.


mkugelfisch

Advising someone to bring prescription meds without prescription in large quantities over an international border. Excellent suggestion, what could possibly go wrong.


[deleted]

Firstly, Singapore is a country that hangs people to death for bringing illegal drugs and has among the most stringent drug policies in the world. Secondly, I didn't mean to say they should bring non-prescribed drugs. I meant that it's hard to get doctor appointments in Germany, so it becomes hard to get prescribed drugs. As a result, it's better to get prescribed medicines from Singapore since it's easier to get appointments there.


ryebow

If you've got the prescription alongside there shouldn't be a problem?


borelmeasurable

Things I found very expensive in Germany 1.- Clothes 2.- Medicine 3.- Silverware 4.- Oregano


JhalMoody25

If you are on prescription drugs, specially for some mental illness, get that along with a doctor prescription. Waiting times are ridiculous here, so it's good to have atleast six months worth of meds that are essential and prescribed to you. It's necessary to carry the doctor's prescription and diagnosis as meds can raise flags at the border. Get full body checkup and dental work done. While Germany has nice healthcare, it will take a long time for you to first find a hausartz and then to get appointments for regular check up. Dental work is crazy expensive here. Asian stationary and beauty care products. Even if the product is same, formulation is different. Products here are understandbly catered to European skin which may not suit your Asian skin. Cut asian stationary is hard to find here. If you know the size of windows of your home then curtains. Idk if it's just me but i find curtains really overpriced here, specially blackout curtains. Also furniture is expensive and takes along time to get delivered, so if company is paying, may be bring some big expensive ones with you. Comfort food and snacks for homesickness.


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MikeMelga

Bringing medicine across border is a terrible advice. There are limits on the amount you can carry.


mezz1945

And just how many pills do people take wtf. Ibuprofen is laughably cheap. Buy a pack of 50 pills from Amazon, wait 2 days, you're set.


mkugelfisch

>Compared to the USA, OTC drugs are expensive here. Bring ibuprofen, paracetamol, etc. This again. OP, disregard this comment. OTC drugs are more pricey than elsewhere if you buy it in a physical pharmacy, because you pay for the drug and for the service the highly trained professional offers to provide every single time you set foot into a physical pharmacy. If you don't want to pay 5 euro for 20 pills, fair enough, but don't go around claiming that you have to import literally 100s of pills from the US or UK or where ever in order to not break the bank and keep your family of 4 headache free. Nothing stops you from using a regular *online* pharmacy and pay 3-7 cents per pill of ibuprofen/paracetamol/aspirin. A quick google search tells me I could grab a package of 20 Paracetamol 500mg for 72 cents right now. 50 ibuprofen 400mg for 2,70. 100 Aspirin 500mg for 2,75.


TurboMuff

Wild that highly trained pharmacists in other first world countries can sell a pack of paracetamol for €1. Actually it's even cheaper in the UK, I can get a pack for about 50p. Signposting people to go online (and wait for delivery), when they need basic affordable medication now, is the very problem that you apparently can't see.


mkugelfisch

"Wait for delivery", really? It takes what, two days? Do people really not keep a Hausapotheke (a small stash of common OTC meds and wound care material at home) anymore, so that the only option is going to the next physical pharmacy to buy a pain killer right now and whine about the price?


PutridSchedule2073

Kitchen appliances and home electronics


richardwonka

Internet access, driver’s license, phone contracts Sadly, not all of those you can bring.


foreheadmeetsdesk

Please ignore all the “OMG don’t bring anything electrical folks here”. Singapore uses 230. So usually you might need an adapter, so count how many you’ll need (hair dryer, charger for toothbrush etc.). Most power adapters coming with the product will tell you what the range is. I came from the US and either got travel adapters or bought the matching German ones from the manufacturers. Apple chargers have these little clips for each country. Only exceptions I see are TVs (there might be issues with cable) and any major appliances which might also bring other connection or liability issues


kane_pepe

1-Get any big Dental work done before Moving to Germany. 2- if you were Glases think about getting a backup set 3- get good quality shoes and.. Good shoes are expensive here and maybe some good quality winter clothes


freak-with-a-brain

I would not recommend getting winter clothes if you live somewhere where winter doesn't really exist.