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. 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. I wish we would stop the emphasis that light skin color is more beautiful than others. Its right up there with the best I have used and itsaffordable. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says global food prices rose 28% in 2021. We are looking for contributors to help make this the ultimate guide for expats. The UK branch is authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), reference no. Additionally, its wise to factor-in an upfront deposit of two to three months rent. My advice to anyone attending a Singaporean wedding is to arrive famished and expect 10+ dishes. How savings on international school tuition can benefit your family during the Covid-19 pandemic, Interview with Scott a South African expat living in Singapore, Singapore International School Fees 2020/2021, Interview with Danielle B - a New Yorker in love with Singapore, How Global Indian International School is using technology to change the face of teaching, Interview with JH - A British expat living in Singapore, One World International School: A thoughtfully priced education, a lifelong impact, Expat life in Singapore: the benefits of raising children in the city, Routine adult physical examinations Access to a full suite of physical examinations including BMI, cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure tests, Cancer screenings Including bowel, prostate, breast, lung, skin, and cervical cancer, Telephonic Wellness Coaching Access to a personal coach to support your nutrition, fitness, sleep, stress, weight management, or tobacco cessation goals, Life Management Assistance Programme access 24/7 client service access to Life Coaching and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Thats not to say there is no need to learn Malay if you are moving to Singapore. A decent expat package is crucial when it comes to schools for children. In my experience, people were polite but conversations rarely moved past surface-level niceties. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This is a huge benefit for those who come to work here. Most of the fast food outlets in Singapore are Halaal despite the city state being built on Christian ideals. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. In South East Asia you don't get much more of a staple food than chicken rice. You no longer have to store your winter clothing every summer, it is just one constant temperature throughout the year in Singapore. And it is also not just higher food prices that are affecting those in need. Update: Wow the response to this has been tremendous! Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? And some of those tourists get inspired to come here for work. I had everything I needed to be comfortable, but I didnt have anything that inspired me. Public housing, or HDBs are clean and well built. Bye SG! Expats will find that good quality healthcare is readily available inSingapore, regardless of health insurance. Moving to another country can be challenging, but you can ensure peace of mind by making sure you have the rightinternational health insurance. 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. Employment pass rejection and status tracking in Singapore. Several are essential for the site's proper functioning. Restaurants, clubs, karaoke, and bars were all very lively. On a girls night out, the topic of dating is at the forefront (and the stories are entertaining!). From my couch I have a sea view with both Singaporean and Indonesian islands spreading across the horizon. Similarly, they start each class by verbally acknowledging their teachers. 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. This means we store them on your browser to facilitate the proper functioning of the site. Being here means I can travel around extensively. The rest were foreigners. 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. This site uses cookies to give you the best possible web experience. You will certainly not be canned for chewing gum or bringing it in for your own personal use. Singapore is very clean, organised and safe! Speak to us todayto find out more about how international health insurance could benefit you and your family andgood luck moving to Singapore! Sometimes bikes share the sidewalks with pedestrians, but sidewalks tend to be narrow so this can be dangerous. Yes, life is good in Singapore. 1. Ive brought in gum and I am spank and fine free! Securing a place in time will be key, however, competition can be fierce and preference may be given to local children. Things are now vastly different. The combination of the futuristic skyscrapers serves as a backdrop against the early colonial shophouses and 19th century temples. Every student in Singapore starts their day by vocally and harmoniously declaring their pride in their country. At such a young age, they are already discussing with their friends where they are from, and getting a geographical sense of the world. For families with a dual income and a robust expat package life here is very feasible. Have you asked your landlord or property manager to set up your, Have you calculated a budget that takes into account. Its no wonder umbrellas are a standard carry-around. I have been reading all of your feedback and comments. In the original version of this article I incorrectly stated the year of Lysher Lohs suicide as well as the scope of mandatory military service. Fantastic Transportation System. Thank you for signing up to my newsletter! Have you also applied for a visa for your spouse and/or family? 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. In a school system built to produce scientists, bankers and mathematicians, an artsy student was deemed a failure. This may sound ridiculous, but I believe it takes more effort not to form friendships here. This mighty city-state is a cosmopolitan, vibrant island. If you continue to use this site I assume that you're happy with this. You can find inexpensive ($5-$10) Michelin Star and Bib Gourmand meals. 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. These ladies are usually from neighbouring countries who live with their families (employer). A: No silence, roads are constantly busy, I miss the countryside and quiet roads. I also miss being able to buy a great bottle of wine for a reasonable price. This means youll likely need international health insurance to access Singapores excellent healthcare. You will still need to know a little in order to communicate with people outside of work. Singapore might be a small country, but its road network and transportation system are extensive. Even though weve had to say a few farewells (a part of expat life), we appreciate the strong bonds formed in global friendships. A: Quality of life in Singapore would be hard to beat anywhere else in the world. The road planning and transportation is well organised, and you would not get much of the chaos and mess that you might encounter in Thailand or Vietnam. 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. Of course I am thankful that we are very safe, and low risk. High costs of car ownership. The average monthly salary ranges around S $600-$1000+. Singapore is renowned for being one of the safest cities in the world. Life Listed is a blog and community that freely shares strategies and actionable guides on how to complete a Life List, a self-composed list of personal goals with a self-imposed deadline. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The best and worst things about living in Singapore My pro list triumphantly outweighs my con list. Thanks to each of you that took the time to leave your thoughts. And thats if youre allowed back into the country (you have to apply for entry to Singapore). 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. One answer is pride. So then, what happens when everything goes right? In his free time, he enjoys photography and coffee tasting. 1 The number of Olympic gold medals that Singapore has won in its history - Joseph Schooling won gold in the 100m butterfly at the 2016 Rio Olympics, beating a field that included Michael Phelps.. 4 The number of Singapore dishes that appeared in CNN's 2017 list of the world's best foods. If youre starting out on your expat journey, I believe Singapore is a great starting point. 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. Expat life can be refreshing, exciting and enriching few places capture this formula better than the jungle-framed city-state of Singapore. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Everything is so convenient being in a city. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Lysher was a 10-year-old girl. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. So if these form a big part of your lifestyle, be prepared to allocate more budget to it. Sending money to Europe, InstaReM or TransferWise? Do I Need Income Protection in the Cost Of Living Crisis? Singapore is CLEAN. Singapore has universal healthcare which is financed via a public statutory insurance system and government subsidies however, temporary residents such as expats dont fall into this system. medical treatment can cost away from home? We are looking for contributors to help make this the ultimate guide for expats. In 2001, Singaporean student, Lysher Loh made national news after committing suicide. Everything you need to know about international group life insurance. High School Scholarship in Singapore / Living alone in Singapore as a teenager? Here is our take on it. Add to this safety and the quality of education, and Singapore is very attractive for families. Another difference is weddings. They spend most of their time on the roads and should be . Q: What do you enjoy most about your host city? But just weeks later . Sometimes planning a trip at the last minute can result in extremely cheap airfare. A two-bedroom condominium in the heart of the CBD, averages S$5,600 (GBP $3,068, US $4,141) per month for 1100-1200 square feet. We compare six well known insurance companies for working abroad. Best way to get your foot in the door and show your worth in a Singapore working environment? 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. Best way to get your foot in the door and show your worth in a Singapore working environment? However it is illegal to import gum to sell. Group social distancing is in place too, so you cant meet up in groups like before. Others are for statistical or marketing purposes. Please try again later. . Use the Park Connector pathways when possible to avoid the dangerous roads. I would rate it higher than that of middle-class South Africa. Building connections can make all the difference to your experience of expat life in Singapore. Aside from this fact, the country offers train, light rail, and bus services to get you around. Everything is very expensive, from groceries and bills, to Western luxuries like alcohol and certain foods. They provide extra hands in terms of household needs, chores, children assistance and some help with pet care too. 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. The quality of life is what you make it as the city caters to all tastes and price levels. The Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) allows entrepreneurs to enter Singapore, while the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) allows high-earning candidates to apply directly. The leaders of Singapores educational system saw the importance of math and science, and built a system almost exclusively around those two areas. Scan this QR code to download the app now. The city-state is relying on high-speed testing and vaccinations as it prepares to live with the coronavirus. 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. Expats can also consider taking a class, volunteering, or starting a blog about life in Singapore. 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. The beaches are not very scenic here. Please share your experience in Singapore with us. Expat life in Singapore: the benefits of raising children in the city, Parenting tips for expat families moving to Singapore, One World International School: A thoughtfully priced education, a lifelong impact, Interview with JH - A British expat living in Singapore, Interview with Ellinor - a Swede in Singapore, A week in the life of an expat in Singapore, Interview with Bry - a real estate expert in Singapore, Tips on keeping traditions alive for expat children, Routine adult physical examinations Access to a full suite of physical examinations including BMI, cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure tests, Cancer screenings Including bowel, prostate, breast, lung, skin, and cervical cancer, Telephonic Wellness Coaching Access to a personal coach to support your nutrition, fitness, sleep, stress, weight management, or tobacco cessation goals, Life Management Assistance Programme access 24/7 client service access to Life Coaching and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Also because of high car prices in Singapore, and the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP), traffic during peak hours (although heavy) is nowhere like the traffic congestion in Bangkok or Jakarta. One of the biggest downsides to moving to Singapore is the cost. What to expect from life in Singapore in 2023? I have now updated that and my sources. Although public education is the mostaffordable option in Singapore, most expats are required to pay more than the locals for school fees. In comparison to the States and UK, Singapore is extremely safe. This adds more to the already established multicultural nation. But making the best of your experience requires some know-how. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. From understanding Singapore business culture to finding out what expats do for fun, here are some tips to make your experience as an expat in Singapore the best it can be. I find them to be a wealth of information and the insight is worth their weight in gold. Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Singapore. Singapore is consistently among the world's most expensive cities to live in, so this needs to be considered before moving. The average expat salary for a middle manager working in Singapore was SGD 119,927(63,574 GBP/$88,045 USD) in 2020, according to a study by ECA International. Its no wonder Anthony Bourdain loved coming here! 5. See our guide on getting a vaccine as an expat and COVID passports for expats for further details. No related content found. There is a huge variance in the prices of condos. Im not going to lie I love our current view. Have you checked the COVID-19 situation and made preparations to undergo regular testing? Ive never paid more than S $2 for a bus or metro ride, and Grab can be S $6-$30. Its been challenging not being able to visit family for over two years. We love the weather and dont miss the cold one bit! Singapore is a great country with great people, and it certainly has many pros - the low income tax rate is the biggie. Thats why its always best to agree a contract for a job before moving to Singapore. There are a number of private hospitals, public hospitals and outpatient clinics throughout the island to choose from. To make things easier for you, we categorise and explain these non-essential cookies (e.g., advertising, analytics, functional). The Changi Airport in Singapore has been named several times as the world's best airport for seven consecutive years. While many places have their challenges, I hear the dating pool is one of them. Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): http://www.samaritans.org.sg/ For those who are just embarking on their real estate journey, Join our Telegram group for instant notifications, 3 reasons youd want to be living in Tiong Bahru, Ikigai Condo Review: A Boutique Freehold Japanese-Inspired Condo In Novena, I Regret Buying An Old Condo: 6 Homeowners Share Their Biggest Regrets, 35 Completed Or Nearly-TOP New Launch Condos In 2023 If You Cant Wait. Moving in and setting up. Cookie Notice If you cant find the answer to your particular situation, theres always someone who has already experienced it and can help guide you through. We are currently limited to fraternizing with no more than max two people a day. The music scene pretty much died currently music is not allowed at restaurants and bars, and last call is 10:30pm. Dont get me wrong, Im a lowkey sun worshipper. Mostly, because of the obvious reason for space and reasonably priced housing. And this changes again if its a Hindu Singaporean wedding. A few other negatives to consider: (1) It is tiny. "The question is, after the whole thing is over how many smaller players are left?" Youll need a different type of pass a Long Term Visit Pass if you and your spouse are not married, and the same rule applies for stepchildren. Speaking of families, its very common to hire a domestic helper. Before living on this mighty and tiny island called Singapore, my husband and I were in the Bay Area of San Francisco, California. For the first time, open letters to the heads of education are going viral on Facebook, and political critiques are spreading on YouTube. A: Singapores quality of life is of a very high standard. The price of chicken has gone up by 50% and vegetable costs have more than doubled since January 2020, he says. Expect to pay more for a place closer to the city centre, Orchard Road, Holland Village, and other desirable neighbourhoods. Potential downsides to using Singapores public schools may include some language barriers and curriculum differences. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which theyre relying with the relevant authorities. Getting around Singapore by bus or MRT is a piece of cake. Singaporeans are the most well-off and can afford the latest smartphones and other socially-isolating gadgets. With more than a quarter of its workforce hailing from overseas, Singapore is very much a city of expats, so its perhaps no surprise that the COVID-19 pandemic coincided with Singapores first population drop in a decade. Certain drugs, such as strong painkillers, some sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medications, are illegal in Singapore. Read our full guide on how to get a COVID-19 vaccine as an expat. 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. 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. Alongside our highly thriving "Global Business Center", people living in Singapore can barely afford rising housing prices & living expenses. Cabs, which are also extremely affordable, are an alternative mode of transportation, and so are thebevy of easy-to-useride-hailing apps. Most of the privately-owned condos and apartments, especially the new ones, have amenities such as pools, playgrounds, gyms and function rooms included on site. These fines, and the culture that they help to produce, comprise a large portion of the reason why the city remains so clean and welcoming. Found in almost every food court and hawker centre, it is considered one of Singapore's national dishes. How fantastic is that?! 2. Meanwhile, a Singaporean wedding has a list of customs and traditions that are done over a period of time. Escaping a Cruise Ship During The Outbreak of COVID-19, On Turning 1 Billion Seconds Old: The Learnable Skills That Proved To Be The Most Valuable, A New Monthly Life List (December 2018): Fun, Free and Local. Another difference that I will never wrap my head around is whitening creams. Landed homes (similar to single family homes in the US) can be found in the suburbs. Entire HDB units for rent: $2500 (in far off locations) and above. If you are not covered by your employer, there are private insurance plans that average S $3,500 a year (GBP $1,918 , US $2,589). This is so lovely. On top of that, leisure travel is ridden with quarantines, multiple Covid testing, vaccinations, and health declarations certifications. For more on life in Singapore and beyond, follow Sarah at sarahwithasmile.com. The solo female friends I have here are all thriving. The so-called Lion City is one of the . However, the downside is that the costs of renting and buying a property in Singapore is higher. When a country is founded on the idea of surviving regardless of the cost, what happens when it thrives? The big homes and gardens we enjoyed back home. (2) Hot and humid all the time. Read about our approach to external linking. 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. "A thousand dollar electrical bill for a chicken rice store really is not sustainable," he says. In an effort to stand out, some of them even have karaoke rooms and putting greens! If you have not been vaccinated, have you made arrangements to get a vaccine once you arrive in Singapore? I was visiting a friend one day, and their six-year old daughter was telling me about her school mates. 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.