Though quite a few of them have been Asians. ;)
For most westerners considering a move to Asia, I'd recommend Singapore over Japan. It's essentially Asia-light, and salaries are higher.
For most westerners considering a move to Asia, I'd recommend Singapore over Japan. It's essentially Asia-light, and salaries are higher.
If you do have an American passport, you get a double-whammy in opportunity costs: you can already work in SV, and you still have to pay American taxes even when you are not working there.
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The government housing in Singapore can be quite nice. But yes, you are going to live in a high rise tower, most likely. Not a country house.
Some people prefer urban living and short commutes.
One effect that I only appreciate after living in Singapore for a while and then visiting elsewhere: the peace of mind not having to look after all you stuff when you are out and about. In Berlin or London or New York, I need to constantly worry that someone would nick my laptop, if I leave it on the table in a cafe when going to the loo.
(I'm an American living abroad so I deal with this every year.)
Otherwise, you are probably better off in a lower cost place.
I assume you still have to do your American taxes, even if just to show that you didn't hit the threshold?
In London to get something of comparable quality I would have to pay at least 3000 pounds if not more.
Singapore has those 'gated communities', but it's actually the last place on earth to need them. ;)