‘We want something more exciting’: Young couple share why they up and left Singapore for Bangkok, Lifestyle News

“The agent themselves, some of them don’t even have a real estate licence, which is very different from Singapore,” he said. “I got very scared.” 

Despite his concerns, the 31-year-old eventually went ahead with the transfer. 

Reflecting on the process, he said that that was one of the “toughest” parts about the move. 

“The administrative work is still fine, but this was a leap of faith and uncertainty,” he said. 

New experiences, lifestyle

Today, the couple live a considerably different lifestyle compared to when they were in Singapore. 

As someone who preferred staying in more often, Carissa shared that she now finds herself going out more and trying things she might not have done as often in the past. 

“In Singapore, I tend to coop at home because I think going out and spending [money] is too expensive,” she said. “So on a day-to-day, I wouldn’t want to go out and spend so much.” 

In Bangkok, however, she said she feels “more liberated” to head out and explore. 

The couple have since picked up activities such as pickleball, joined running clubs and met people outside of their usual social circles. 

@carissacly

Truly one of a kind experience #samesabali

♬ Girls just wanna have fun 2k19 remix – KB 🌴

Recalling an instance where they befriended a group of strangers after joining an open pickeball game, Carissa and Darryl shared that they went out for supper with them and have continued hanging out since. 

For Darryl, being surrounded by new people and experiences has also been one of the biggest differences from life back home. 

“Being in a new city gives you an opportunity to live a new identity,” he said, adding that in Singapore, people often stuck to their usual circle of friends and a fairly routine lifestyle — working, watching movies, having dinner then going home. 

Since the move, he found himself coming across new people and experiences more — something he may not have had in Singapore. 

“Here, I’m trying new things. I play soccer with the locals, I speak Thai. You start realising that you are not just existing, but rather, you are living a life,” he said. 

The 31-year-old also added that the move has also prompted him to reflect on what he used to prioritise. 

“In the past, I probably worshipped achievements in income, but I was not really living. Just eat three meals a day, and continue working, continue working.” 

Still, the couple acknowledged that the initial excitement of living somewhere new eventually wears off. 

“The first two weeks you’ll feel like a tourist,” Darryl said, with everything from shopping to going for parties and massages still feeling exciting. 

“Then after that, the novelty wears off. Welcome to life, you are a local here.” 

This meant everyday routines begin to set in, such as daily work and repetitive chores. 

“I think that transition came for us after the third and fourth week,” he explained, adding that they are now trying to find their rhythm for balancing work while exploring the new city. 

Cost and quality of life 

While Carissa and Darryl said that affordability was one of the factors behind the move, they stressed that living in Bangkok has not necessarily meant dramatically cutting their expenses. 

Instead, they feel they are able to get more out of what they spend. 

“Even if it’s cheaper, it’s not like we can cut down a lot,” Carissa explained. “But it’s more like an increased [quality] of life for the same amount.” 

Darryl echoed this, saying: “You will maximise more value in Bangkok.” 

Housing is one area the couple have noticed a difference. 

In Singapore, the pair had been paying about $2,500 each month in rent for a HDB flat, while their current condominium in Bangkok, which comes with facilities, costs around $1,200 a month in rent. 

@carissacly

Our new cosy space #bangkok #housetour #petfriendly

♬ Shadow of the Coffee Bean – Penelope the Perfectionist

They have also found transport, dining out and recreational activities to be slightly more affordable. 

For example, Darryl shared that a date night in Singapore might’ve cost around $100 in Singapore, but in Bangkok, that number is halved. 

The couple estimates that, depending on their spending, they could save around $2,000 per month as a couple with a dog there.

What’s next? 

While Carissa and Darryl plan to stay for approximately two years in Bangkok, the pair shared that the timeline is “not fixed”. 

“It’s just a rough gauge, it’s not a fixed thing,” Carissa said. She added that the timeline would allow them to experience the city and see if they would like to continue staying or move to a different place. 

The couple also makes regular trips back to Singapore to visit family and friends — an important aspect for the 28-year-old as she feels that being away from them has been one of the more difficult parts about living abroad. 

For Darryl, meanwhile, the move has reinforced an idea he has been thinking about — “global citizenship”. 

With children in their future plans, Carissa and Darryl shared that they are open to raising them across different places rather than staying in one country throughout. 

While Singapore will still be the base, particularly during times when they will need family support, the pair is also considering other places such as Australia to potentially call home. 

“I will still have a place based in Singapore, but I will be travelling up and down non-stop with my family and kids, for them to really see the world at their age,” he said. 

[[nid:728217]]

No part of this article can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.

carol.ong@asiaone.com