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. The Singapore expat population stood at 1.64 million as of June 2020 a figure that represents almost 29% of the nations 5.69 million-strong population according to the Population in Brief 2020 report. Singapore is very safe. Q: What do you enjoy most about your host city, hows the quality of life? These include shots for: The vaccinations recommended may vary by age and might change as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses. It seemed fitting to include a photo of optimized nature with this post. Heres all you need to know about expat health insurance in Botswana. 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. Another major plus for living in Singapore is safety. While I do not employ anyone myself, I understand that on top of fees, employers would be expected to pay for annual flights to their home country. Extra-curricular activities (soccer & violin) for an 8 year old in Barcelona, What are the best British International Schools in Athens. 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. Our insurance products can also help expats in Singapore find out more about who we cover and our plans. Ive brought in gum and I am spank and fine free! Now, many can work from home or a nearby cafe. Its a spectacle of many dishes. Bye SG! Top 5 worst things about living in Singapore December 14, 2014 Uncategorized 1. She cited stress at school as the reason for taking her life. The 10 best and worst things about life in the city-state. 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. Public housing, or HDBs are clean and well built. Get in touch if you can provide useful info on your city or answer forum questions from new expats. 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. Another difference is weddings. That said, with so much global talent flowing into this region, competition for the top jobs can be fierce. And thats if youre allowed back into the country (you have to apply for entry to Singapore). Always speak to a qualified professional when making any related decisions. Similarly, they start each class by verbally acknowledging their teachers. Thank you for supporting the posts that make this blog possible. Three others advanced their careers and were promoted. But the downside of that would be the limitations of space. 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. There's no need to bring jumpers or coats when you move here. Again, pride is the outcome. 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. We live in a one-bedroom in the CBD and utilities average $100 (GBP $55, US $74) per month and groceries can be $450 (GBP $247, US $333). Several budget airlines offer affordable fares to neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia. Expat life in Singapore comes at a cost, so making calculations can be an important step when travelling with family. Cigna is currently giving away a free health and wellbeing module with their Silver, Gold, and Platinum policies. Trivia time. The music scene pretty much died currently music is not allowed at restaurants and bars, and last call is 10:30pm. In the West, people love a sun kissed tan. Some expats invest in global income protection insurance for added security. Its worth knowing that the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway system is efficient in Singapore, so you wont necessarily need a car but if you decide for wheels is best for your family, youll need to convert your licence after 12 months. The good, the bad and the in-between! Also, lunchtime can be quite a sight at food courts and hawker centres. Yes it was living, and they were making progress, but it wasnt holistic and people openly admitted to me that it wasnt fulfilling. New arrivals often taketwo or three showers a day, just to cool down. Are the education systems the same in Singapore and UK? Expats will typically need an Employment Pass (EP) before entering Singapore. William Russell Europe SRL is a mandated underwriter for AWP Health & Life SA. If so, let us know in the comments below! 5 worst things about driving in Singapore. 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. If you have already been vaccinated for COVID-19, do you have evidence of your evidence such as the batch number of your vaccine? 2. The political leaders saw the benefits of being inclusive, and uninhibitedly opened the countrys borders to foreigners. So, for those expats who are still hovering on the fence and weighing up the positives and negativesofrelocating to the Lion City, here's a helpful list of some of the pros and cons of moving to Singapore. I would rate it higher than that of middle-class South Africa. 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). This site uses cookies to give you the best possible web experience. Weve been so blessed with such a fantastic community that has filled our hearts to no end. 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. Daily life was convenient, but it was only the bare minimum of living. I have now updated that and my sources. The most popular industries for expats in Singapore are Information Technology (IT) Services, Banking, and Education.. 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. Building connections can make all the difference to your experience of expat life in Singapore. The type of things that you learn on the job. I wish we would stop the emphasis that light skin color is more beautiful than others. We update this article regularly to keep it useful as possible, but if you want to know more - please seek independent advice. Marketing and partnership work, such as our. It is not just the poorest 10% of the population who now need help, she says: "It has slowly crept to maybe 20% of the population including middle income families that might not even know where to get help in the first place.". However Singapore is located a few degrees from the equator and receives direct sunlight, and high levels of UV radiation. One answer is pride. Posted by Danny Dover | Nov 5, 2013 | 792 |. High School Scholarship in Singapore / Living alone in Singapore as a teenager? In this short time, it has defied all odds, and become one of the worlds most outstanding countries. (Can exceed far beyond $2000 in prime locations) In short supply. 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. Alcohol is very expensive. It is also one of the safest countries in the world for expats. Expat Guide To Moving And Living In Singapore In 2023. How much money youll need will depend on where you live, school fees and the cost of your commute, as well as healthcare and lifestyle factors. But the education is first class, for sure. No related content found. 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. [Source: http://thehearttruths.com/2013/10/25/26-of-singaporeans-live-below-poverty-line-in-singapore/] This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If profuse sweating bothers you, it can feel soul crushing to go outdoors. Of course, it isnt just the expat who gets to experience an entirely new place. 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. The wars of foreign countries are studied in school so that the mistakes of others will not be repeated by Singaporeans. Its no wonder umbrellas are a standard carry-around. And some of those tourists get inspired to come here for work. Before living on this mighty and tiny island called Singapore, my husband and I were in the Bay Area of San Francisco, California. Singapore has a lot of expatriates, who are eager to meet, and are your biggest welcome wagon. Recent changes such as the influx of expats from Hong Kong may drive these figures up further. For anyone who has left their native country and moved to a new one. Personally, I feel zero threat about being verbally harassed or assaulted. So if you are working in the CBD area and want to stay near work, expect to pay a sizeable sum in rent. Singapore is an incredibly popular expat destination because of its diverse mix of cultures. 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. Yes! Singapores Changi airport is an efficient hub, with easy access to Southeast Asia and Oceania. Others are for statistical or marketing purposes. and our I dont want to waste my limited time and resources in places that doesnt make me better. Probably 80% of Singapore's professional foreign workforce lives in HDB common rooms. Singapore was founded with an extreme sense of the necessity of survival. At such a young age, they are already discussing with their friends where they are from, and getting a geographical sense of the world. Certain drugs, such as strong painkillers, some sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medications, are illegal in Singapore. Expats can also consider taking a class, volunteering, or starting a blog about life in Singapore. Many hosted house gatherings, barbeque cook outs, pool parties, boat parties, and dinner parties. 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. What I miss the most about South Africa - samosas, koeksisters, Table Mountain, and of course, my family. Crime rates are extremely low, and you can walk in the streets late at night and not have to worry much about getting mugged. 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. . A dormitory located on the outskirts of Singapore. Because space on the island isat a premium, rent in Singapore can be exorbitant. I most miss my family and friends. Sending money to Europe, InstaReM or TransferWise? I was visiting a friend one day, and their six-year old daughter was telling me about her school mates. 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. Like all current global citizens, modern Singaporeans are living in a time of change. Its been challenging not being able to visit family for over two years. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. She cited stress at school as the reason for taking her life. 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. Copyright 2016 Globe Media Ltd. All rights reserved. By filling in a form, youll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. Q: What do you enjoy most about your host city? Crime rates are extremely low, and you can walk in the streets late at night and not have to worry much about getting mugged. Singapore (officially the Republic of Singapore) is an island and city-state and the smallest country in Southeast Asia in terms of area. "The question is, after the whole thing is over how many smaller players are left?" Most of the fast food outlets in Singapore are Halaal despite the city state being built on Christian ideals. Do I Need Income Protection in the Cost Of Living Crisis? Asian nations also produce a lot of their own food, which has been sold in domestic markets rather than being exported. In the Philippines, for example, liberalisation of rice imports has allowed the supply of rice to improve which has kept prices low. Everything is very expensive, from groceries and bills, to Western luxuries like alcohol and certain foods. Mostly, because of the obvious reason for space and reasonably priced housing. 2. Even forthose without access to the city-state's subsidised system, healthcare in Singapore is still reasonably priced as long as expats are insured. Is Singapore or Kuala Lumpur a better expat destination for me? What to expect from life in Singapore in 2023? 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. Sometimes planning a trip at the last minute can result in extremely cheap airfare. 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. Cost of Living in Singapore Your handy "moving to Singapore" checklist, best places in the world to live for expats, Economist Intelligence Unit Worldwide Cost of Living 2021 report, how to get a COVID-19 vaccine as an expat, Find out how this is impacting their healthcare system. 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. The biggest downer (of everyones lives) is Covid. I have been reading all of your feedback and comments. Located in South East Asia, Changis airport stands out as a major travel hub. What do you miss most about home? This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. William Russell Ltd is authorised & regulated in the UK by the FCA, reference number 309314, and is registered in England & Wales at William Russell House, The Square, Lightwater, Surrey, GU18 5SS. If you're planning on living in Singapore for a long time, you've probably got a ton of things to bring over. This is so lovely. Since we do not have a car, we take full advantage of public transportation and shared car services (Grab, Tada, etc). Alongside our highly thriving "Global Business Center", people living in Singapore can barely afford rising housing prices & living expenses. Yes, life is good in Singapore. Yearly international school fees in Singapore range from about SGD 10,000 ($7,354 USD / 5,300 GBP)to 50,000 ($36,771 USD / 26,502 GBP) per child. But for those on the ground, like Mr Tan and Ms Ng, the issue feels more acute. Employment pass rejection and status tracking in Singapore. They provide extra hands in terms of household needs, chores, children assistance and some help with pet care too. All posts are for informational purposes only, and do not constitute legal, financial or medical advice. Our site uses cookies to improve your experience and help us make the site easier to use. Fantastic Transportation System. A few other negatives to consider: (1) It is tiny. Singapore, in its current political state, has only been around for 50 years. We love the weather and dont miss the cold one bit! A: Sometimes the humidity can be too much to take! It is also on our list of best countries for American expats. Last month, the government declared that all workers living in dormitories had recovered or were tested to be Covid-19 free. Have you arranged to get a mobile phone with a. By the way, can I quickly address the chewing gum myth?! If you are already there, please share your experience of living in Singapore as an expat. We all know the importance of being healthy, but where are the healthiest countries in the world? Stay healthy, immerse yourself in the culture and take language lessons. Of course, since the pandemic, hardly anyone comes to the office anymore, so choping has become a thing of the past. Speaking of marriage, its perfectly normal for young adults to live with their parents until they are married. After graduating, every male citizen is required to do active service in the military. Imagine not having to clear snow off your car or waiting for the car to heat up on winter mornings. Get in touch if you can provide useful info on your city or answer forum questions from new expats. Any personal experience with British schools in Singapore? Not drizzle, but proper heavy tropical downpours, particularly during monsoon season. Even in a wealthy nation like Singapore, it means that the number of families seeking help has increased. Cookie Notice 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. The high number of expats in Singapore gives life a fast pace and there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people. We will be visiting for the first time in a couple of months, but I'd like to know what are some of the less obvious cons or the worst things about living in Singapore. These medical bills are usually reimbursed by the insurance company, but the upfront payment can come as a shock for thoseliving on a budget. In western tradition a wedding ceremony is over within hours and the whole reception within a single day. In Singapore on a 100k salary you take home 94.5k versus 75k in NZ, on a. For many many workers here, their boss might not live here in Singapore, but in another country. Read our full guide on how to get a COVID-19 vaccine as an expat. Ive also witnessed young children without their parents or any adult supervision taking public transport to and from schools. Also, because of the proximity to and ease of visiting other countries, Ive had many friends and family come to visit. 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. We're past those now, but for 2+ years, life in Singapore sucked. The suicide rate in Singapore is rising at an unprecedented 29% a year. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says global food prices rose 28% in 2021. Because of the pandemic, current restrictions continue to impede our return to normalcy. Of course I am thankful that we are very safe, and low risk. These latest price rises are due to higher energy costs, which affect food and fertiliser production, with global supply chain issues compounding the problem. While maize prices rose 44% last year and wheat by 31% , rice prices dropped 4% . Singapore is renowned for being one of the safest cities in the world. On top of that, leisure travel is ridden with quarantines, multiple Covid testing, vaccinations, and health declarations certifications. In his free time, he enjoys photography and coffee tasting. This adds more to the already established multicultural nation. (2) Hot and humid all the time. Group social distancing is in place too, so you cant meet up in groups like before. Some local private schools charge fees as low as SGD 2,000 per year thats about $1,500 USD / 1,060 GBP. A: The space! I called the hospital once as I had been bitten by a monkey in. Most things run here like clockwork, and you can expect a certain level of reliability in public services. 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. Welcome to /r/singapore: the reddit home of the country Singapore. One friend was even promoted during the hiring process itself! medical treatment can cost away from home? It is possible to go on tropical island weekend breaks without breaking the bank. Then there are others differences that I like to call the unwritten rules. Singapores leaders set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to grade their governments performance, and within 50 short years surpassed them all. As you know, Singapore is not a big country at all. If youre starting out on your expat journey, I believe Singapore is a great starting point. If your property is unfurnished, have you found a company that can supply your home with essential furniture ahead of your arrival? Moving abroad can be a difficult process, and if you have done so before, youd know that every country has its pros and cons. A: The lifestyle, the food and the weather. Before the pandemic, office workers would make their way to their headquarters on a regular Monday Friday schedule. Some friends pass through during a layover. 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. Entire HDB units for rent: $2500 (in far off locations) and above. Everything that I've already chatted about are huge pros. The country's population has a make-up of around 74% ethnic Chinese, 13% ethnic Malay, and 9% ethnic Indian. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. How do you want to remember your experience of the pandemic? So these these type of classes are a way to socialise. In general, yes. Plus marketing really pushes for pale skin. I feel that while the rest of the world seems to be opening up, here in Singapore we are experiencing huge FOMO. A: I miss family and friends as well as my clients from Perth. A monthly dose of Expater wellbeing into your inbox. Here comes the end of our living in Singapore pros and cons list, are there any major ones that we have missed out? We miss the gorgeous beaches of Sydney! This results in a wide range of South and East Asian cultures and religions being represented at a national level. 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. The tax is tiered based on salary earned that averages 5%. Singapores expat community is strong in numbers and community. The Expater occasionally contains paid-for content, gifted products and affiliate links (where I receive a commission on sales of the products concerned). 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 Use the Park Connector pathways when possible to avoid the dangerous roads. There are also international schools closely aligned with certain national education systems. She would say, my best friend so and so she is from Italy, and my other best friend- so and so from Taiwan. Q: What do you enjoy most about Singapore? For an overview of life on the Little Red Dot, see Moving to Singapore. 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. 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. 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.