Singapore Clubs: US or UK

[littlefishexpat]

Everyone says we have to join a club when we move to Singapore. But which one?

We're dual citizens, US and UK. My husband and I are very obviously American (accents and big smiles all around) but my son has spent 7 of his 9 years here in the UK and is pretty British (accent and an affinity for proper football, cricket etc). Plans are he will be attending a British school in Singapore and we will all return back to the UK in a couple years.

Initially I just assumed we'd join the British club, but would they all think we were weird Americans, trying to be something we weren't? I'm sure we'd fit in at the American club but sometimes I find Americans to be . . . so very American! (Oh gosh, I'm one those horrible expats, aren't I?)

We could make the choice based on facilities and are planning to visit both clubs on our look and see visit but I wanted to canvas here for opinions first!

[Laptopwieldingharpy]

The American club has Slightly better facilities, activities & a more diverse crowd ( Asian American, South American, US educated Indian etc....)
But it can feel cramped. It's right in the middle of town.
I'd join the American club. Being at the British school, your child will be invited over to the British club and you can reciprocate. A good balance all round.
That said the British club has a high proportion of long term UK expats, Australian families etc.... So a very welcoming & open bunch. But definitely only a handful of Americans.

[kday]

You definitely don't "have" to join a club here. They're fun, but definitely not compulsory!

[Laptopwieldingharpy]

Thoroughly agree with kday!

[mumster79]

You by no means have to join a club.

If you do, you could always go for Tanglin Club or the Swiss club (not so central). We're British and have found the British Club not really our 'cup of tea'! We only lived in the US for two years but I would chose American and Tanglin Clubs over it definitely.

They're expensive though and by no means a necessity.

[Bambambini]

We are British and joined the Hollandse Club (Dutch Club) which we really liked. Most of our friends weren't members of clubs though so not necessarily the 'done thing'.