But just weeks later . Privacy | Legal. In South East Asia you don't get much more of a staple food than chicken rice. People reserve (or as we say here in Singapore, chope) a seat in advance by placing a business card, a pack of tissues or an umbrella on a table. 973067. For 30 years, we have helped expats like you move and settle into their new lives overseas, with the peace of mind of knowing their families are covered by a comprehensive and flexible health insurance policy. Read about our approach to external linking. Singapore, a sovereign nation in Southeast Asia, has a reputation for expat life - in 2018, it was ranked the world's best destination for expats by HSBC. While these non-essential cookies are important to us, we'll only store them in your browser with your explicit content. Have a question in mind? A former British colony, Singapore is rated one of the best economies for business in the world, which is why it is such a popular destination for expat workers from USA and UK. It is a safe country that provides a good quality of life. Q: What do you enjoy most about Singapore, hows the quality of life? Just to clarify, we are not referring to income tax here, as Singapores income tax rate is actually one of the lowest. 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. Weve been so blessed with such a fantastic community that has filled our hearts to no end. 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. medical treatment can cost away from home? So if you are working in the CBD area and want to stay near work, expect to pay a sizeable sum in rent. Last week was my final week living in Singapore. This marks Singapore as a very low crime free nation. A dormitory located on the outskirts of Singapore. We compare six well known insurance companies for working abroad. My two brothers and I were born on different continents. Ive noticed my friends are participating in activities they wouldnt usually wouldnt do. I dont plan on ever returning. Archived post. In general, it costs at least SGD 700 per month (370/$515 USD) for a room in a shared flat and a one-bedroom apartment can cost SGD 1,500 to 4,000 per month in Singapore. Please try again later. The Expater occasionally contains paid-for content, gifted products and affiliate links (where I receive a commission on sales of the products concerned). She cited stress at school as the reason for taking her life. Its a spectacle of many dishes. In the case of Singapore, its spirit stagnates. While the local language of Singapore is officially Malay, English is the de facto second language and employees of international companies will often speak English at work. Sending money to Europe, InstaReM or TransferWise? Similarly, they start each class by verbally acknowledging their teachers. Ms Ng is also concerned that the current wave of inflation does not seem to be temporary. Mobile-addicted zombies invasion. Here is our take on it. Not to mention the taxes, and ERP, the convenience of having a car comes at a really high price. Of the conversations that I took part in and overheard, the vast majority of them were about work. Here comes the end of our living in Singapore pros and cons list, are there any major ones that we have missed out? That said, with so much global talent flowing into this region, competition for the top jobs can be fierce. Ive also been contacted by friends of friends who visit Singapore during their Southeast Asia tour. Please note that opting out of having non-essential cookies stored on your browser may affect your browsing experience. Singapore is consistently among the world's most expensive cities to live in, so this needs to be considered before moving. 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. Singaporean Government (National Population and Talent Division, Prime Ministers Office): http://population.sg/resources/work-pass-framework/. Auto Rotation On. Building connections can make all the difference to your experience of expat life in Singapore. Dont get me wrong, Im a lowkey sun worshipper. William Russell Europe SRL is registered at Place Marcel Broodthaers 8, B-1060 Saint-Gilles, Brussels and is registered in Belgium with the Financial Services & Markets Authority (no. I most miss my family and friends. Chicken rice stalls have seen higher costs of ingredients, electricity and labour, Lower rice prices mean that inflation has been more muted across Asia than elsewhere in the world, Nichol Ng of the Food Bank Singapore says she has seen a rise in people asking for help, Global food prices are expected to remain high in 2022, Daniel Tan also owns minimarts which have also seen higher costs, On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry. Recently, we celebrated our fourth expat-anniversary on the Little Red Dot, as Singapore is affectionately known. In comparison to the States and UK, Singapore is extremely safe. "If I go on any further, either my staff are not paid or I have to close down some stores and that's not what we want to do.". The compassion and willingness to help strangers in these groups this is what the world needs more of! There's no need to bring jumpers or coats when you move here. With all that said, I hope well soon be in a place where restrictions can be lifted. When we moved to Singapore, the market was on the rise: we had to pay an inflated price but there were not many options. You can accept all cookies, or accept only the essential cookies. This means youll likely need international health insurance to access Singapores excellent healthcare. Singapore is very clean, organised and safe! Marketing and partnership work, such as our. I honestly believe SG is one of the best place to raise a family. 2023 BBC. Another pro is the safety, but more on that below. Alongside our highly thriving "Global Business Center", people living in Singapore can barely afford rising housing prices & living expenses. Post image is of man-made gardens near downtown Singapore. 5 worst things about driving in Singapore. They have such disgusting phone manners and appalling customer service. The nicer clubs and bars sell drinks at a premium. The main benefits of the module are : Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. When the census was taken in 2011, it was revealed that only about 60% of Singapores population were Singaporean. "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. Nevertheless, all serial expats will attest thatevery city and country have their own pluses and minuses. The average monthly salary ranges around S $600-$1000+. We ended up using 'Property Guru' website to save on costs. 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. 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: Language tutoring if youre a native speaker and you have relevant qualifications, then Singapores melting pot can be the perfect place to share language skills. Anyone who is going to ride a bike should wear a helmet and be as predictable on the road as possible. This type of reservation style can start as early as 9:30am! Globe Media cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Singapore is renowned for being one of the safest cities in the world. Singapores Changi airport is an efficient hub, with easy access to Southeast Asia and Oceania. Learn how your comment data is processed. Becoming a member of an expat club or society, such as the American Association or the British Club, is another great way to find out whatson in Singapore. Expats willing to move further away from the central parts of town just might score a good deal. The good, the bad and the in-between! CON: Poor pedestrian and cyclist safety Pedestrians do not have the right of way in Singapore, so it's a smart idea to use crosswalks whenever possible. Daily life was convenient, but it was only the bare minimum of living. The nightlife is awesome. Privacy Policy. Speaking of marriage, its perfectly normal for young adults to live with their parents until they are married. 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. Landed homes (similar to single family homes in the US) can be found in the suburbs. 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. This is a huge deal for many people, especially with COVID restrictions. This article is part of our series of guides to expat life. (2) Hot and humid all the time. You can register with a general practitioner (GP) in person at a public or private clinic and for some medical needs, such as vaccinations, you might need to head to a polyclinic. Lack of seasons - life gets stagnant and limiting with the steady humidity and rain. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. One answer is pride. There are also international schools closely aligned with certain national education systems. 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. Condos in prime locations can range between $7000 - $15,000. Whether expats want to rent a HDB (government-owned) flat or a privately owned condo, theyll have loadsof options, as high-rise developments are still springing up all over Singapore. If youre starting out on your expat journey, I believe Singapore is a great starting point. Housing prices are contingent on region, the type of housing, and the view. There are rules about the types of properties foreign buyers can purchase in Singapore HDB flats are off-limits, for instance. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Ultimately, if you are looking to grow your career while earning a good salary, Singapore could be the perfect place to do it. These cookies do not store any personal information. Because of its small size, accommodation is on the high end compared to the rest of Asia. The political leaders saw the benefits of being inclusive, and uninhibitedly opened the countrys borders to foreigners. To make things easier for you, we categorise and explain these non-essential cookies (e.g., advertising, analytics, functional). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Everything you need to know about international group life insurance. Youll need to meet certain criteria to receive the pass, such as earning a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 4,500 (around 2,417 GBP / $3,309 USD). sure SG education has its own problems but parents play a part in helping the kid nurture into a society contributor; cost of living is high for sure but thats everywhere unless you are willing to move to a smaller place where your family's exposure to worldly things will be Potential downsides to using Singapores public schools may include some language barriers and curriculum differences. One of the few disadvantages of living in Singapore as an expat and becoming digital nomad is information that is broadcast via TV and media is Government censored. Do You Need To Offer Employee Benefits To Your Expat Staff? In 2001, Singaporean student, Lysher Loh made national news after committing suicide. Common complaints include a lack of kindness and politeness - 20% of people polled think that this is the biggest issue facing the city - overcrowding (19%), a lack of social integration (10%) and. The price of chicken has gone up by 50% and vegetable costs have more than doubled since January 2020, he says. 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. For more on life in Singapore and beyond, follow Sarah at sarahwithasmile.com. I had everything I needed to be comfortable, but I didnt have anything that inspired me. Like many places, todays Singapore doesnt shine brightly as it did two years ago. We are looking for contributors to help make this the ultimate guide for expats. 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. Im more concerned with being scammed on Facebook Marketplace if Im being honest! Crime rates are extremely low, and you can walk in the streets late at night and not have to worry much about getting mugged. I also miss being able to buy a great bottle of wine for a reasonable price. A: I miss family and friends as well as my clients from Perth. This rule also eliminates expats from accessing the Home Protection Scheme (HPS), so global life insurance can be a key safety net. Singapore, in its current political state, has only been around for 50 years. Every student in Singapore starts their day by vocally and harmoniously declaring their pride in their country. Daniel Tan, who owns six chicken rice stalls, has previously charged $2.20 (1.60) for a small portion. All play a big part in the cost of living. For families with a dual income and a robust expat package life here is very feasible. Daniel Tan . During off-work hours, life is centred around food. I truly appreciate these groups and the enormous amounts of people who engage in them. Entire HDB units for rent: $2500 (in far off locations) and above. Due to border closures and new employment regulations, Mr Tan has faced staff shortages and higher salaries, which all feed into rising costs for his business. In South East Asia you don't get much more of a staple food than chicken rice. The taxes we are talking about here is actually taxes for alcohol and cigarettes. The Singapore ban came into effect after a riot took place at Race Course Road due to public disorder caused by excessive drinking. Cost of Living in Singapore These latest price rises are due to higher energy costs, which affect food and fertiliser production, with global supply chain issues compounding the problem. Whatever was necessary. Welcome to /r/singapore: the reddit home of the country Singapore. I do miss the theatre, ballet and the West End shows. Of course, since the pandemic, hardly anyone comes to the office anymore, so choping has become a thing of the past. Thinking of moving to Singapore - check out some of our readers comments on the best and worst aspects of Singapore, impartial and unedited! 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. Sometimes planning a trip at the last minute can result in extremely cheap airfare. This mighty city-state is a cosmopolitan, vibrant island. A: The lifestyle, the food and the weather. When a country is founded on the idea of surviving regardless of the cost, what happens when it thrives? To work on a Dependent Pass, youll need a letter of consent from the Ministry of Manpower. Aside from this fact, the country offers train, light rail, and bus services to get you around. A: Singapores quality of life is of a very high standard. These medical bills are usually reimbursed by the insurance company, but the upfront payment can come as a shock for thoseliving on a budget. I would rate it higher than that of middle-class South Africa. Although work is being done to rectify this, there is currently limited cycling infrastructure in Singapore and most cars and trucks do not look out for bikes on the road. Did you notice a spelling, grammar or logic error in this article? If expats are looking to get away for a weekend, Singapore is an ideal jumping-off spot for travel in Southeast Asia. If you need to bring these substances, or more than a three-month supply of any drug, youll need to get approval. Other types of Singapore work permits may be granted to professionals with certain skills. This is despite the fact that food price increases in Asia have been more muted than in the US or Europe, where inflation has soared to levels not seen in decades. So if these form a big part of your lifestyle, be prepared to allocate more budget to it. Recent changes such as the influx of expats from Hong Kong may drive these figures up further. Update: Wow the response to this has been tremendous! She cited stress at school as the reason for taking her life. If youre starting out on your expat journey, Singapore is a great starting point. William Russell Europe SRL is a mandated underwriter for AWP Health & Life SA. Not since Lee's impassioned campaigns of the late 1960s has the topic of cleanliness felt as pertinent as it does in . In this short time, it has defied all odds, and become one of the worlds most outstanding countries. What do you miss most about home? I called the hospital once as I had been bitten by a monkey in. Read below to find out how to make a move and what it is like to be living in Singapore in 2023. This means we store them on your browser to facilitate the proper functioning of the site. Once youve arranged your accommodation, job and taxes, its time to finalise your application by applying for a visa. How would you rate the quality of life compared to South Africa? Making sure your outgoings match up with your salary and expat relocation package is therefore often a key step. A decent expat package is crucial when it comes to schools for children. Elsewhere in the region the impact of higher prices is even more severe. Asian in general are known for their appetite in technology and gaming. The people are also very friendly. The nation is very family friendly, and many families like the condos. Many women remark on how safe they feel and are walking around the city (even late at night) on their own. If your spouse will be working too, have you applied for one work visa that will apply to both of you? The finale is the wedding banquet. Because of numerous global companies, its not uncommon to see workers step away during evening (late) hours to take work calls. Ive never seen the extreme amounts of eateries, cafes, hawker centers, and restaurants all piled up on one another. 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. Last month, the government declared that all workers living in dormitories had recovered or were tested to be Covid-19 free. It is also one of the safest countries in the world for expats. If you continue to use this site I assume that you're happy with this. After graduating, every male citizen is required to do active service in the military. We also use non-essential, third-party cookies, which help us to analyse how you arrived at and how you use our site. The quality of life is truly great. Teams are spread around the world. Bye SG! The conversation is spreading, and fueled by the Internet, the voices are getting louder. Securing a place in time will be key, however, competition can be fierce and preference may be given to local children. Much of the housing in Singapore comes in the form of high-rise condos or apartments. Except for serviced apartments, most rental accommodation is unfurnished, but often includes appliances. There is much to do and people to meet. Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Singapore. Pretty much linked to cleanliness, being organised is what Singapore is famous for. Typically, expats are already employed when they arrive in Singapore, but theres a chance your situation may change or you may be travelling with a partner who would like to find employment. A: The space! Sign up to get the latest insights delivered to your inbox 2x a week. They serve a dual purpose protection from the sun and rain. (idea from /r/london). 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. To add, taxis are relatively cheap compared to other global cities so transport, in general, is fantastic." Best way to get your foot in the door and show your worth in a Singapore working environment? Singapore is very safe. Both public and private schools in Singapore tend to be oversubscribed, so expat parents should start the application process well in advance of their move. If you'd like more room and can afford it, rent a black and white heritage house or move into a landed property in some of Singapore's coolest neighbourhoods. As you know, Singapore is not a big country at all. The Bad. They actually follow the golden rule. 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. Some ethnic groups may wish to avoid shaking hands with the opposite gender, for instance, and older Singaporeans may use both hands for this greeting. This site uses cookies to give you the best possible web experience. What do you miss most about home? Behind the curtains of the hawker stands and the brand new five billion dollar casino, there is a struggle in Singapore. Top 5 worst things about living in Singapore December 14, 2014 Uncategorized 1. All this requires a lot of admin, time, and money. Its right up there with the best I have used and itsaffordable. I routinely watched people work 15 hours days and stress over strict deadlines. If youre thinking of joining them, there are a few key things to know about the cost of living, visas and vaccines. For over a year Singapore has pursued a Covid-zero strategy that quashed the spread of the coronavirus by strict border controls, a mask mandate, enforced social distancing and aggressive contact tracing. Rent and food prices are comparable to New York City and London, UK. But it didnt get here without rules. But I have discovered these groups to be very helpful in ways that Google isnt. The suicide rate in Singapore is rising at an unprecedented 29% a year. These are often short, sharp and sudden, but can also last all day. Everything that Ive already chatted about are huge pros. An employer or appointed employment agent will apply for this document on behalf of those wishing to live and work as expats in Singapore. We need to show that all skin colors are beautiful. 600K subscribers in the singapore community. I dont know how the statement, you will get caned for chewing gum in Singapore became such a repeated and misconstrued remark! Read our full guide on how to get a COVID-19 vaccine as an expat. Otherwise, be on the lookout for organisations that hostsocial events, as these are great places to meet likeminded individuals. Beautiful skyline view in Singapore / GETTY IMAGES, According to the expats who have chosen to set up a new life in this Asian Dragon, Singapore is in its prime / GETTY IMAGES. Q: Any negatives? Singapore is CLEAN. In the first year of living here, I travelled to 14 countries. Singapore (officially the Republic of Singapore) is an island and city-state and the smallest country in Southeast Asia in terms of area. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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. Visually, the architecture is like no other. Further away from the city center the range can be around $3,300 - $5,000. "Due to Covid, everybody's self-awareness about looking after themselves in terms of hygiene has increased," says Ms Ng. So what are some of the living in Singapore pros and cons? In Singapore, even petty theft is uncommon. There is a huge variance in the prices of condos. Sarah Emery is a Filipina British American living in Singapore. Since we do not have a car, we take full advantage of public transportation and shared car services (Grab, Tada, etc). How would you rate the quality of life compared to Australia? Speaking of phones, Ive noticed some people leave them on a restaurant table while they go outside to have a cigarette. "They act like a central bank to the rest of the grocery players in Singapore. Again, pride is the outcome. For the first time, open letters to the heads of education are going viral on Facebook, and political critiques are spreading on YouTube. Another major plus for living in Singapore is safety. You will still need to know a little in order to communicate with people outside of work. No related content found. In the case of Singapore, it meant that more serious questions had to be asked. We are currently limited to fraternizing with no more than max two people a day. It's a bit cooler in the evenings, around 77F (25C), and most properties have air con. VideoOn board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry, I didnt think make-up was made for black girls, Why there is serious money in kitchen fumes. Thanks to each of you that took the time to leave your thoughts. Its hot and humid every day, all day. Heres a general lowdown of what to expect from life in Singapore. 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. 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. Its no wonder that so many expats move to Singapore: it is a place with some of the worlds strongest happiness indicators, including for GDP, social support and health. Single expats and couples sometimes prefer Tanjong Pagar, a place just outside the central business district known for its lively dining scene. Thank you for signing up to my newsletter! Singapore has earned a reputation as "The Fine City" for the number of fines given to people for things that might go completely unnoticed in other countries. It seemed fitting to include a photo of optimized nature with this post. The Lion City. I have been reading all of your feedback and comments. Crime rates are extremely low, and you can walk in the streets late at night and not have to worry much about getting mugged. Time and time again, citizens laughed and said what heritage?. Singapore has a lot of expatriates, who are eager to meet, and are your biggest welcome wagon. Found in almost every food court and hawker centre, it is considered one of Singapore's national dishes. On a girls night out, the topic of dating is at the forefront (and the stories are entertaining!). Its no wonder Anthony Bourdain loved coming here! A lot of my questions about how things work, or where to find things have been answered on Facebook expat groups. The quality of life is superb and the only downside to live in Singapore compared to Perth is the humidity. Expats will find that good quality healthcare is readily available inSingapore, regardless of health insurance. For an overview of life on the Little Red Dot, see Moving to Singapore. The good thing about it is that inflation doesn't spike up as much during a crisis but the bad side effect is that entrepreneurship is stifled and only semi-government players can survive," he says. It leads the world in education, banking, and shipping, and has created an everyday existence of unrivaled cleanliness, safety and stability. There are surface differences between the USA and the UK, and Singapore. The only challenge was juggling your diary!
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