Petty theft isnt too much of a concern either. Singapore (officially the Republic of Singapore) is an island and city-state and the smallest country in Southeast Asia in terms of area. Although as of now the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) is at a low, owning a car in Singapore is still seriously expensive. Asian in general are known for their appetite in technology and gaming. (Singapore regularly ranks in first place on various Most Expensive Places To Live lists.) I'm also interested in hearing how it is to live in Singapore in general and what you love about it. Potential downsides to using Singapores public schools may include some language barriers and curriculum differences. A: Quality of life in Singapore would be hard to beat anywhere else in the world. This language serves a culturally symbolic role, although English is used in many day-to-day exchanges. Rentals are payable monthly in advance and, serviced apartments aside, are generally exclusive of management fees and government taxes, which could add a further 12-15% on top of rental costs. Thanks again! Once youve arranged your accommodation, job and taxes, its time to finalise your application by applying for a visa. This is a huge deal for many people, especially with COVID restrictions. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Singapore is very clean, organised and safe! By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Whether one drives, takes the train or rides the bus, it's easy to get around the island. For more on life in Singapore and beyond, follow Sarah at sarahwithasmile.com. A: Sometimes the humidity can be too much to take! Our trusted partner Cigna Global is very aware of all the difficulties that expats can face when it comes to healthcare in a new location, so they have created a range of international health insurance plans specifically designed for expats. Thinking of moving to Singapore - check out some of our readers comments on the best and worst aspects of Singapore, impartial and unedited! There are several reasons for this, including a good rice harvest in 2021, says the ADB's Dr Abiad. In a thronging nation of skyscrapers where temperatures rarely dip below 77F, its easy to find your place in the crowd, whether youre a single expat or relocating to Singapore as a family. If you are already there, please share your experience of living in Singapore as an expat. Learn how your comment data is processed. In the case of Singapore, its spirit stagnates. These demographics have a significant impact on expat life in Singapore, bringing international energy and some familiarity in a melting pot, youre likely to meet others from your home country and encounter diversity too. A: The lifestyle, the food and the weather. Pedestrians do not have the right of way in Singapore, so it's a smart idea to use crosswalks whenever possible. Employment pass rejection and status tracking in Singapore. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Singapore was founded with an extreme sense of the necessity of survival. I had everything I needed to be comfortable, but I didnt have anything that inspired me. I called the hospital once as I had been bitten by a monkey in. Cigna is currently giving away a free health and wellbeing module with their Silver, Gold, and Platinum policies. Thinking of moving to Singapore? The 10 best and worst things - MSN The Lion City. Medical Insurance suggestions for expats moving to Cordoba, Argentina? So if you are somewhat averse to dirty streets, living in Singapore will be perfect for you. The Singapore Expats Forum is a useful resource for finding rentals and checking the latest rates. (2) Hot and humid all the time. She cited stress at school as the reason for taking her life. Speaking of families, its very common to hire a domestic helper. Meanwhile, China has been stockpiling various important food products, which has resulted in it bucking the trend, with the country's food prices falling in 2021. In comparison to the States and UK, Singapore is extremely safe. Im pleased to say that my single female friends here have truly designed a life that is filling, rewarding, and rich with a lot of advantages. If you are an expat and are seriously considering a move, this exit interview is some of the most honest feedback you are going to get about living in Singapore. New arrivals often taketwo or three showers a day, just to cool down. HDB Master bedrooms (bedroom with attached toilet/bathroom): anywhere from $1300 to $1900. Last week was my final week living in Singapore. Are the education systems the same in Singapore and UK? We ended up using 'Property Guru' website to save on costs. Singapore is a very safe country with one of the lowest crime rates in the world and a zero tolerance policy when it comes to drugs. 973067. I would rate it higher than that of middle-class South Africa. Asian nations also produce a lot of their own food, which has been sold in domestic markets rather than being exported. My global nature stems from my family. Expats will typically need an Employment Pass (EP) before entering Singapore. without any fear that it will be snatched from your hands. The UK branch is authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), reference no. Singapore is consistently among the world's most expensive cities to live in, so this needs to be considered before moving. It also rains a lot. Q: Any negatives? There is much to do and people to meet. Employment pass rejection and status tracking in Singapore. There are several online forums and social-media groups that provide both expats and locals with the opportunity to come together over shared interests. This may sound ridiculous, but I believe it takes more effort not to form friendships here. Step-by-Step Guide to International Health Insurance, International Health Insurance vs Local Insurance, How to Choose the Right Expat Health Insurance, How You Can Save On Your Health Insurance Premium, International Life Insurance in Times of Global Crisis. Do You Need To Offer Employee Benefits To Your Expat Staff? Despite pandemic pressures, Singapore saw a surge of businesses and expats relocating from Hong Kong in 2020. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. It's just for general information, and we don't provide professional advice on moving abroad (we're an expat insurance provider). But if you have lived overseas before, and having to deal with the unpredictable four seasons, the constant summer weather in Singapore can be a godsend. Getting to Singapore might be a long and arduous journey for most expats, but once settled here, the city-state serves as an excellent base for myriad close-by getaways. Alcohol is very expensive. Q: Any negatives? Public housing, or HDBs are clean and well built. We are trying to decide where we want to move to and Singapore is at the top of the list so far, but I have experience with being an expat (I'm French but living in the US) and I know that it often takes years of living in a country to discover deal breakers. Marketing and partnership work, such as our. A: Singapores quality of life is of a very high standard. I also miss being able to buy a great bottle of wine for a reasonable price. Housing Singapore is well known for expensive real estate, but at that pricing level you can expect to have a good standard of living as well. Other types of Singapore work permits may be granted to professionals with certain skills. Archived post. Crime rates are extremely low, and you can walk in the streets late at night and not have to worry much about getting mugged. Singapores expat community is strong in numbers and community. A: Singapore is a transient place, expats come and go, so forging friendships has to remain a priority regardless of how long youve been here. To keep the prices of key products stable, the firm says it is employing various strategies including "stockpiling of daily essentials, forward buying and diversifying our import sources to over 100 countries". I dont know how the statement, you will get caned for chewing gum in Singapore became such a repeated and misconstrued remark! Elsewhere in the region the impact of higher prices is even more severe. Its right up there with the best I have used and itsaffordable. Not since Lee's impassioned campaigns of the late 1960s has the topic of cleanliness felt as pertinent as it does in . In the Philippines, for example, liberalisation of rice imports has allowed the supply of rice to improve which has kept prices low. Life in the Lion City: An American expat on relocating to Singapore The food is unbelievable, and the buzz of the city means theres always something to do. Its no wonder Anthony Bourdain loved coming here! Personally, I feel zero threat about being verbally harassed or assaulted. For an English-speaking expat living in Singapore, there are plenty of international schools to choose from, including many that follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. If your property is unfurnished, have you found a company that can supply your home with essential furniture ahead of your arrival? At such a young age, they are already discussing with their friends where they are from, and getting a geographical sense of the world. Singapore is renowned for being one of the safest cities in the world. These include languages, cuisine, and limited space. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? NTUC FairPrice also has more than 2,000 own-brand products such as rice, oil, toiletries and cleaning products that it says are at least 10% cheaper than comparable popular brands. Please try again later. Living in Singapore: What is it Like?: What You Need to - InterNations In this short time, it has defied all odds, and become one of the worlds most outstanding countries. To work on a Dependent Pass, youll need a letter of consent from the Ministry of Manpower. Thats why its always best to agree a contract for a job before moving to Singapore. One friend was even promoted during the hiring process itself! Ive never seen the extreme amounts of eateries, cafes, hawker centers, and restaurants all piled up on one another. Privacy | Legal. Singapore has become so open, that outsiders are getting close to outnumbering locals. The buyer normally funds the remainder from a Central Provident Fund bank account these form a key part of Singapores social security system but for expats its likely that this sum will need to be paid in cash. Subscribed! Even though there wasnt a language barrier, I encountered a hefty communication barrier. If this is the case, the patient is expected to pay for the consultation and any other services provided at the time of visit up front, including prescriptions for medication. Otherwise, be on the lookout for organisations that hostsocial events, as these are great places to meet likeminded individuals. The island is no stranger to gastronomy delights. Get in touch if you can provide useful info on your city or answer forum questions from new expats. Before the pandemic, office workers would make their way to their headquarters on a regular Monday Friday schedule. Read below to find out how to make a move and what it is like to be living in Singapore in 2023. But it didnt get here without rules. I know I dont have to be concerned about having my bag or purse open in public or hanging on the back of a chair when dining. Because of the pandemic, current restrictions continue to impede our return to normalcy. Best and worst things about driving in Singapore What I miss the most about South Africa - samosas, koeksisters, Table Mountain, and of course, my family. I didnt sign up to Facebook until after I arrived (as Ive never needed the app). I dont plan on ever returning. Illegally selling alcohol can be punishable by a fine of up to 10,000 Singapore dollars (5,362) or higher in certain Liquor Control Zones. See our guide on getting a vaccine as an expat and COVID passports for expats for further details. If expats are looking to get away for a weekend, Singapore is an ideal jumping-off spot for travel in Southeast Asia. Read our full guide on how to get a COVID-19 vaccine as an expat. In western tradition a wedding ceremony is over within hours and the whole reception within a single day. This article is part of our series of guides to expat life. The biggest downer (of everyones lives) is Covid. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If you want to live in the main central region, do not expect to live in big apartments. Suicides hit all-time high in Singapore in 2012 AFP News: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/suicides-hit-time-high-singapore-2012-112353103.html, Population statistics: If so, please use the red feedback button on the right to let me know. "Up to 20% of our requests thus far, especially starting from the second half of last year, has been pivoting towards personal hygiene products," she adds. The result sometimes is that public places (MRTs corridors and trains, especially) look like they are crowded with . "We've been absorbing the costs for a significant period of time," he tells me as we meet at one of his OK Chicken Rice stalls in the north of Singapore. This is widely accepted. The Bad. The food scene is unreal. No related content found. It is possible to go on tropical island weekend breaks without breaking the bank. Copyright 2016 Globe Media Ltd. All rights reserved. So if you are working in the CBD area and want to stay near work, expect to pay a sizeable sum in rent. Property comes at a premium in Singapore, where land is scarce so although the cost of rent varies, its usually a significant outgoing for expats. But the downside of that would be the limitations of space. I routinely watched people work 15 hours days and stress over strict deadlines. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. The cost of living can be high in Singapore. Whether expats want to enrol their child in a local public school or a private international school, there are several options thatprovide world-classeducation in Singapore. Use the Park Connector pathways when possible to avoid the dangerous roads. All play a big part in the cost of living. Guide for Living in Singapore as an Expat : Expat Info Desk Swapping political uncertainty for Singapores shores has been a key priority for some, leaving prime Singaporean property in high demand. Singapore is a fantastic destination for expats and their families, with wonderful food, a vibrant culture and so much opportunity. "A thousand dollar electrical bill for a chicken rice store really is not sustainable," he says. I dont want to waste my limited time and resources in places that doesnt make me better. Have you asked your landlord or property manager to set up your, Have you calculated a budget that takes into account. Best way to get your foot in the door and show your worth in a Singapore working environment? Trivia time. Historically, Singapore hasnt been a warring nation, so the excess manpower in the military is assigned to civil work. So we meet for a quick lunch/tour, with enough time for them to get back to the airport and make their next flight. and our How do you want to remember your experience of the pandemic? Singapore is CLEAN. What is it like living in Singapore as a foreigner?! - Reddit 'Ang Moh' explains why people hate Singapore - AsiaOne Settling into a new environment can take time, particularly in larger cities which can feel isolating. My two brothers and I were born on different continents. I would describe my time living in Singapore as sterile. Expat Guide To Moving And Living In Singapore | William Russell Inlingua is one of many local providers that offer Malay tuition to individuals and businesses, but you can also find classes run by government organisations such as Peoples Association (PA). "They act like a central bank to the rest of the grocery players in Singapore. This marks Singapore as a very low crime free nation. Here's my list of bad things about Singapore (note, I still choose to live here an as expat so to me the good outweigh the bad): Cost of living for expats is very high. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Lack of options to enjoy nature. Also, if your expat package does not included rental expenses, it would be a good idea to check out rental prices first to see if you can still maintain your standard of living. Our site uses cookies to improve your experience and help us make the site easier to use. One answer is pride. Plus marketing really pushes for pale skin. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Things are now vastly different. Getting around Singapore by bus or MRT is a piece of cake. William Russell Europe SRL is a mandated underwriter for AWP Health & Life SA. Condos in prime locations can range between $7000 - $15,000. We are currently limited to fraternizing with no more than max two people a day. Copyright 2016 Globe Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Video, On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry, Met Gala 2023: Stars celebrate Karl Lagerfeld, Shooting suspect was deported four times - US media, King Charles to wear golden robes for Coronation, Photo of Princess Charlotte shared as she turns 8, Yellen warns US could run out of cash in a month, The 17 most eye-catching looks at the Met Gala. Dont get me wrong, Im a lowkey sun worshipper. To have a car would be a waste of money and unnecessary. During my months in Singapore, I walked around and tried to investigate the heritage of the people. Depending on what youre used to, it can be quite a price sticker shock for some, because space is a luxury in Singapore and it comes with a big price tag. All posts are for informational purposes only, and do not constitute legal, financial or medical advice. Heres a general lowdown of what to expect from life in Singapore. Check out our latest guide on international career opportunities. However, the reliable and inexpensive broadband services entail that expatriates can easily overcome this obstacle. Such as, bank setups, if certain rental housing protocols are reasonable or even legal, hiring a domestic helper, or what certain items they should bring that they cant get in Singapore. Being here means I can travel around extensively. There are an incredible amount of amazing places in the world. Before living on this mighty and tiny island called Singapore, my husband and I were in the Bay Area of San Francisco, California. Just make sure you are well prepared, with a job offer secured, international health insurance prepared and an apartment ready to help you settle in quickly. Singapore is definitely not the cheapest place to live. Cost of Living in Singapore And some of those tourists get inspired to come here for work. Are there are restrictions for people working in Singapore? Read about our approach to external linking. The nightlife is awesome. So what are some of the living in Singapore pros and cons? This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget. Scan this QR code to download the app now. It seemed fitting to include a photo of optimized nature with this post. Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world. Lysher was a 10-year-old girl. This site uses cookies to give you the best possible web experience. Behind the curtains of the hawker stands and the brand new five billion dollar casino, there is a struggle in Singapore. Recent changes such as the influx of expats from Hong Kong may drive these figures up further. Singapore is renowned for being one of the safest cities in the world. English is widely used, and if thats not your primary language, theres Tamil, Mandarin and Malay. Meanwhile, a Singaporean wedding has a list of customs and traditions that are done over a period of time. In his 2,064 -word answer, Mr Shawcross touched on the common sore points by detractors of Singapore, such as freedom of speech, cost of living and the cost of cars. The UK branch of William Russell Europe SRL is registered at William Russell House, The Square, Lightwater, Surrey, GU18 5SS, UK. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. A: I enjoy everything being open in the evenings as it allows me to get a lot more done during the week. Answer (1 of 15): The amount of times I hung up the phone mid conversation with Singaporeans because they couldn't understand The Queen's English is incredible. High School Scholarship in Singapore / Living alone in Singapore as a teenager? The neighbourhoods are built for families as well. For more information, please see our The conversation is spreading, and fueled by the Internet, the voices are getting louder. "If global prices continue to rise, there will be an impact, especially for lower income families who spend bigger proportion of their income on food.". This month I made a new blogger friend. She cited stress at school as the reason for taking her life. A: I miss family and friends as well as my clients from Perth. It's sad how taxi drivers are just out to make a living but have been labelled generally as some of the worst drivers in Singapore with their sudden braking and lurching, and aggressive driving on the roads. Miss running and cycling in cooler weather. However Singapore is located a few degrees from the equator and receives direct sunlight, and high levels of UV radiation. Sarah and I bonded over our shared pains to find a reasonably priced apartment in our foreign lands. She would say, my best friend so and so she is from Italy, and my other best friend- so and so from Taiwan. Suicide statistics: Even those that live in a freestanding home will find that backyards are rarities, but there are lots of green spaces and parks around the island to make up for it. Ive also been contacted by friends of friends who visit Singapore during their Southeast Asia tour. Of course I am thankful that we are very safe, and low risk. Moving to another country can be challenging, but you can ensure peace of mind by making sure you have the rightinternational health insurance. The Changi Airport in Singapore has been named several times as the world's best airport for seven consecutive years. Many hosted house gatherings, barbeque cook outs, pool parties, boat parties, and dinner parties. Certain drugs, such as strong painkillers, some sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medications, are illegal in Singapore. To some people, the weather in Singapore can be too hot. A dormitory located on the outskirts of Singapore. These are often short, sharp and sudden, but can also last all day. The suicide rate in Singapore is rising at an unprecedented 29% a year. Now, many can work from home or a nearby cafe. But at the beginning of July 2021, Singapore embarked on a new living with Covid mission, easing restrictions after its leaders concluded that the disease will not be eradicated as new variants continue to emerge. Single expats and couples sometimes prefer Tanjong Pagar, a place just outside the central business district known for its lively dining scene. Moving abroad can be a difficult process, and if you have done so before, youd know that every country has its pros and cons. As much as public transportation is a pro in Singapore, owing your own car in Singapore is quite a huge con. In a school system built to produce scientists, bankers and mathematicians, an artsy student was deemed a failure. Private international schools are also a great choice, particularly for expats whowanttheir child to continue with the school curriculumfrom their home country. The big homes and gardens we enjoyed back home. Nevertheless, all serial expats will attest thatevery city and country have their own pluses and minuses. The city is clean, easy to get around, English-speaking, has a large expat population and the opportunities for serious travelling, whether you like beaches, cold weather and slopes or adventure travel, are endless. High School Scholarship in Singapore / Living alone in Singapore as a teenager? An unexpected trip to the doctor may end up being rather expensive, especially ifthe facility or doctor doesn't accept direct bill settlement from insurance companies. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. High costs of car ownership. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. With people between the ages of 20-29, the increase is a horrifying 80%. An international student from an ASEAN country is around S $450 (GBP $247 US $333) a month and for non-ASEAN countries an average of S $750 (GBP $ 411, US $555) a month. This envelope is called an ang bao, and its also given during Chinese New Year. Any personal experience with British schools in Singapore? We miss the gorgeous beaches of Sydney! Every student in Singapore starts their day by vocally and harmoniously declaring their pride in their country. The 10 best and worst things about life in the city-state. However, the downside is that the costs of renting and buying a property in Singapore is higher. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. These settings provide such a strong visual juxtaposition of how much time and history has passed through Singapore. 5 worst things about driving in Singapore. The rest were foreigners. Governments have also been working to ensure that food supplies have been stable, says Dr Abiad. Q: What do you enjoy most about your host city, hows the quality of life in Singapore? I wish we would stop the emphasis that light skin color is more beautiful than others. While maize prices rose 44% last year and wheat by 31% , rice prices dropped 4% . Become our local expat expert for your area! Globe Media cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. On a girls night out, the topic of dating is at the forefront (and the stories are entertaining!). Weekend jaunts to such beautiful places like Bali or Borneo are the norm. Mr Tan of OK Chicken Rice, who also owns three mini supermarkets, says smaller retailers tend to take their cue from larger rivals when pricing goods. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute. Even forthose without access to the city-state's subsidised system, healthcare in Singapore is still reasonably priced as long as expats are insured. Living in Singapore: An expat's essential checklist | Honeycombers Making sure your outgoings match up with your salary and expat relocation package is therefore often a key step. "In the past, at certain times of the year, you might see these price surges but it seems that this inflation is going to be persistent - and none of us really have that crystal ball to understand when it is going to end," she says. In 2020, the Global Food Banking Network saw the number of people needing help increase by more than 130% to 40m, with half of them living in Asia. The temperature ranges from 86 to 92F (30 to 33C) from January to December, making it perfect swimming weather year-round. If you're planning on living in Singapore for a long time, you've probably got a ton of things to bring over. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget. Welcome to /r/singapore: the reddit home of the country Singapore. Other than a few odd cravings for American-past times, the only bit of home I truly miss on a routine basis is family and friends. To make things easier for you, we categorise and explain these non-essential cookies (e.g., advertising, analytics, functional). When we moved to Singapore, the market was on the rise: we had to pay an inflated price but there were not many options. Get in touch if you can provide useful info on your city or answer forum questions from new expats. Expats will typically need to get certain vaccines before travelling to Singapore. Probably the number one thing that most tourists would remark among landing in Singapore. Do you have all the necessary payment cards to go with your account? Any personal experience with British schools in Singapore?