Moving to Singapore
Expats moving to Singapore will find themselves in a city that offers one of the finest lifestyles in the world. Situated at the southern tip of the Malaysian peninsula, this city-state is a buzzing metropolis with a fascinating mix of nationalities and cultures. There are a large number of expats who live alongside a local population of Chinese, Malay and Indian descent, making this one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.
Singapore is renowned for its efficiency and has exemplary public transport, communications infrastructure and healthcare facilities, and a local culture which promotes tolerance, harmony and obedience.
Prudent measures by the government have ensured a stable economy and some of the biggest names in business have established regional headquarters in the country, so qualified expats will find plenty of professional opportunities.
Cost of Living: Singapore is home to a large percentage of high-earning expats, many of whom have much more disposable income than they did in their home country. That said, there is a high cost of living, and expats will need to make sure that they negotiate a salary which can cover the hefty housing prices.
This island-state is also an ideal place to raise a family. Expats moving to Singapore with children can take comfort in the knowledge that Singapore is crime-free, clean and safe. Various local and international schools provide a high standard of education.
Even though much of the island is occupied by dense high rises, there is a surprising amount of natural flora and fauna, with beautiful botanical gardens, water parks, beaches and a zoo to enjoy. With good flight connections, it’s also a great base from which to explore the rest of Southeast Asia.
Balmy weather, exciting nightlife and plenty of shopping opportunities combine to create an enviable lifestyle in this small island-state – and indeed, many expats find themselves staying in Singapore far longer than initially anticipated.
COST OF LIVING
The cost of living in Singapore is on the rise. The Mercer Cost of Living Survey for 2018 ranked it the fourth most expensive city in the world out of 209 cities, just after Hong Kong and Zurich, but well ahead of cities like London and New York.
The good news is that professional salaries generally match the high cost of living, and expat packages can include benefits like transport, school fees and accommodation allowances. But amidst increased competition for jobs, expats interested in working in Singapore may need to accept a salary without many additional benefits. In this case, expats will need to ensure they budget adequately for Singapore’s high cost of living.
Cost of accommodation in Singapore
Accommodation is the largest expense that expats in Singapore will have to shoulder, but they can relieve some of this burden by opting for apartments or public housing rather than lavish condominiums. It is also worth noting that expats can get more for their money and cut down on costs by living further out from the city centre.
Accommodation in Singapore is of a high standard, and is available in a number of shapes and sizes. Prices vary depending on the area or suburb and the size of the property, while proximity to schools and public transport can also affect costs.
The property market in Singapore can be divided into public and private sectors, with public housing being offered by the Housing and Development Board (HDB). Unlike many other countries, public units in Singapore aren’t associated with lower income groups and there are even luxury options. Around 80 percent of Singapore’s population lives in HDB housing. Expats are eligible to rent HDB accommodation, but there’s limited availability.
Many foreigners, especially high-earning Westerners, prefer to rent a private apartment, condominium or bungalow. But while some companies might cover rental costs, others might not. Given the increasing price of Singapore accommodation, it’s important for expats to ensure their salary is high enough to afford the type of accommodation they want.
Cost of food in Singapore
Depending on personal spending habits, shopping for groceries can be a modest or extortionate expense. Expats fond of purchasing imported products from back home may be startled at how quickly costs stack up.
Although Singapore offers many tempting choices of delicious cuisine, eating out can be an expensive exercise. However, if expats stick to hawker centres rather than restaurants, sampling the local fare can be more affordable.
Types of accommodation in Singapore
Singapore has a reputation for replacing buildings once they reach 10 years of age with newer marble and glass structures. Both furnished and unfurnished accommodation is available in Singapore, so this should be taken into account when deciding whether to ship goods from home.
Apartments: A common choice among expats, apartments are a more basic version of condominiums. Many apartments are HBD-subsidised which can save expats some money.
Condominiums: These complexes are similar to apartments but are more luxurious and will generally offer basic facilities, and some offer a full suite including a pool, gym, playground, tennis and squash courts, and 24-hour security.
Semi-detached: These are houses attached to one another on one side or more. Though they aren’t free-standing, semi-detached houses are more spacious than apartments and condominiums.
Bungalows: These are hard to come by and pricey, but most come with abundant space.
Shophouses: Stunning historical homes, some of which have received pricey renovations. Shophouses are clustered around the city. If a shophouse has not undergone renovation, though, expats shouldn’t expect modern facilities.
Cost of transportation in Singapore
Public transport in Singapore is efficient and significantly cheaper than using private vehicles, with EZ-link travel cards providing good value for money. Owning a vehicle is a luxury rather than a necessity in Singapore and, thanks to the heavy taxes cars are subject to, is a costly venture.
Cost of living in Singapore chart
Prices may vary depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for October 2018.
Accommodation (monthly) |
|
One-bedroom apartment in city centre |
SGD 2,900 |
One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
SGD 2,000 |
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre |
SGD 4,000 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
SGD 3,000 |
Food and drink |
|
Eggs (dozen) |
SGD 3 |
Milk (1 litre) |
SGD 3 |
Rice (1 kg) |
SGD 3 |
Loaf of white bread |
SGD 2 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
SGD 8 |
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) |
SGD 14 |
Eating out |
|
Big Mac Meal |
SGD 8 |
Coca Cola (330 ml) |
SGD 1.50 |
Cappuccino |
SGD 5 |
Bottle of local beer |
SGD 9 |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant |
SGD 50 |
Utilities |
|
Mobile-to-mobile call rate (per minute) |
SGD 0.15 |
Internet (uncapped ADSL – average per month) |
SGD 45 |
Basic utilities (per month for small apartment) |
SGD 145 |
Public transportation |
|
Taxi (rate per km) |
SGD 0.60 |
City centre bus/train fare |
SGD 1.80 |
Petrol/gasoline per litre |
SGD 2.30 |
DOING BUSINESS IN SINGAPORE
Boasting an advanced economy driven by transparency and cooperation, doing business in Singapore is surprisingly easy. The country is considerably Westernised and boasts high living standards. But with a diverse population, expats will need to familiarise themselves with local business culture and etiquette if they want to be successful in Singapore.
Singapore has an impressive rank of second out of 190 countries in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Survey for 2018, coming second for enforcing contracts and fourth for protecting minority investors. Its lowest ranking is for trading across borders, at 42nd.
Business hours
Business hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, sometimes with a half-day on Saturday.
Business language
English is the main language of business in Singapore.
Business culture in Singapore
Business culture in Singapore is based on relationships rather than transactions. Initial meetings may move slowly as a relationship is established, and expats should remain patient as connections are cemented.
In general, the business culture in Singapore is quite formal. Punctuality and presentation are critical to creating the right impression and developing a positive rapport. Respect for elders and status should also be carefully observed.
Greetings
A handshake is appropriate when greeting business associates. Business cards should be offered formally with both hands. Address colleagues as Mr or Ms until told otherwise. Always address senior associates and older colleagues with respect.
Business structure
While Singapore may claim to have an egalitarian business world, large corporate companies tend to have a hierarchical structure and it’s uncommon for junior employees and management to socialise together. This may seem strange if one is from a more egalitarian society.
Communication
Expats need to be aware of the way they speak as well as their body language and facial expressions. They should also pay close attention to that of their business associates. Flattery or boasting is treated with suspicion and prolonged eye contact can seem aggressive. Most Singaporeans are soft-spoken and prefer a calm demeanour over a more aggressive manner.
Multiculturalism
Singapore is incredibly diverse, with the majority of its population being of Chinese, Malay and Indian descent. The island’s business culture can vary greatly depending on whom one is dealing with, and this can have an impact on appropriate greetings, titles and general conduct. Therefore, it is wise to educate oneself about the various ethnicities and cultures present in Singapore before attempting to do business there.
Attitude towards foreigners
As a modern and multicultural society, business culture in Singapore is welcoming to foreign businesses and tolerant of other cultures. The government encourages qualified expat businesspeople to move to Singapore.
Dos and don’ts of business in Singapore
Do be punctual
Do show respect, particularly to elders, and avoid confrontation
Don’t speak in a raised voice as this may be seen as aggressive
Don’t write on business cards you receiveDo ensure that any business cards given to Singaporean associates are in good condition and are not tattered or worn-looking
LIFESTYLE IN SINGAPORE
It’s certainly possible to live a luxurious lifestyle in Singapore, especially for those lured in with a cushy expat package, but many foreigners do not. The day-to-day cost of living in the Little Red Dot can get expensive, but the lack of a top-tier salary doesn’t mean expats can’t enjoy themselves or attain a high quality of life in Singapore.
There’s something for everyone (and every budget) when it comes to having a good time, and expats moving to the city-state should have no problem filling their schedules with things to do in their spare time.
Conspicuous consumption in the form of shopping and eating is a Singapore norm, and firmly features in both local and expat lifestyles – prepare to engage in both popular pastimes. With plenty of places to partake in either activity, new arrivals won’t fret for lack of choice.
Otherwise, much time is devoted to the pursuit of life outdoors, despite the heat; parks and trails are packed on weekends and afternoons with people riding bikes, jogging and enjoying the weather.
Keep in mind though that Singapore has a ‘work hard, play hard’ culture, in every sense of the expression. So, while the lifestyle can feel indulgent at times, it’s likely to be hard-earned.
Shopping in Singapore
From luxury boutiques and modern malls to streetside flea markets, expats will find that the options for shopping in Singapore are almost endless – whatever their budget.
Both locals and expats in Singapore love to shop, and there is no shortage of aisles to cruise in the city-state. Orchard Road and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands are known for having high-end designer stores, like Chanel and Prada.
Nightlife in Singapore
Even with the high price of alcohol in Singapore, the bar and club scene is impressive and is often a standard part of the expat lifestyle. People sometimes start their night as early as directly after work, a prime time to take advantage of happy hour prices. Watering holes along Clarke Quay are often loud and are popular with tourists, while bars in the city centre cater to the after-work crowd. Some of these bars have live music for entertainment. For a more scenic night out, head to one of the rooftop bars or any of the bars sprinkled around the Marina.
Eating out in Singapore
Food is a big part of Singaporean culture, and there are numerous restaurants and food stalls to choose from. From a bowl of noodles at a hawker centre to the tasting menu at a celebrity restaurant, diners can find just about every type of cuisine and eatery in Singapore.
Restaurant reviews and recommendations are easy to come by and magazines are good places to start when looking for the latest hotspots and trends in the culinary scene. Local food bloggers can be helpful resources too.
Regional travel from Singapore
Escaping Singapore for some rest can be a quick and affordable lifestyle feature that most expats aren’t used to integrating into their schedule so easily.
Opportunities to visit other destinations can become especially important in light of the ‘The Singapore Squeeze’, a phenomenon where life on the small island can start to feel somewhat claustrophobic.
One way to find out about last-minute travel deals is by subscribing to local discount deal sites. Singapore also hosts a few travel fairs each year which provide ideas for planning a trip. However, planning a weekend getaway just on recommendations from fellow expats and locals is easy too.
Family life in Singapore
Expat families living in Singapore will likely have a different lifestyle to carefree singles or career-driven couples. That said, there is no shortage of family-friendly activities in Singapore to keep everyone occupied, and the overwhelming amount of greenery, such as playgrounds and parks, makes for affordable entertainment.
There’s the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park for starters. Universal Studios Singapore is another great place to take the kids for the day, and the Singapore Botanic Gardens is perfect for a picnic. For some social interaction, sign the kids up with a playgroup or a sports team, or check the neighbourhood’s community centre for activities in the local area.
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS IN SINGAPORE
Expats moving with family will understandably be concerned about making arrangements for their children’s education and schooling in Singapore.
There are options for public, private and international schools in the city-state, but parents should carefully weigh the pros and cons of each before deciding on where to enrol their children.
It’s important to note that locals place a high premium on education, and expectations for achievement can be high.
Public and private schools in Singapore
The primary medium of instruction in Singapore is English, and this applies throughout the city-state’s public and private schools. However, most schools are oversubscribed. The best schools have long waiting lists and preference is given to citizens – even permanent residents will find that spots are given to Singaporeans before they are granted to foreigners.
On the upside, local schools are far more affordable than international schools. Parents who anticipate living in Singapore for the long-term may prefer the immersion of this option, but should prepare themselves and their children for the nuances of the local curriculum.
Local students are highly competitive and shoulder immense pressure to succeed. Some parents also feel that the local curriculum places too much emphasis on rote learning and does not teach students to think critically.
Foreign children can end up feeling isolated as they struggle to assimilate culturally, and even teachers who use English as their primary teaching language might, in some cases, be far from fluent.
Corporal punishment is legal and encouraged by the government for disciplinary purposes, though it may only be used on boys. Nevertheless, many Westerners have trouble adapting to this system of discipline.
International schools in Singapore
There is a large expat population in Singapore, and it follows that plenty of international schools have sprung up to service the foreign community. Overall, international schools in Singapore have a good reputation, though some are generally regarded as having higher standards and more challenging curricula than others.
Many of Singapore’s international schools follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, while others offer the curriculum of their country of origin. Some expats choose to enrol their children in the latter simply because it means that the school holidays align with home-country holidays.
Another factor that greatly affects school choice is availability, as popular schools often have extensive waiting lists. Others might not have waiting lists at all and are a good option for enrolment while waiting for a spot to open up at a more prestigious institution. Although these intermediary schools are accepted as offering a good standard of education, the high turnover can unsettle students and disrupt the learning environment.
International schools in Singapore are expensive – however, many expats are lucky enough to have their employers supplement their school fees. Those moving to pursue an assignment abroad should try to negotiate an allowance into their contract if one isn’t initially included.
Nursery schools in Singapore
Expat parents with children too young to start primary school will find plenty of options for nursery schools in Singapore, including Montessori pre-schools. Some popular nurseries cost almost as much as regular school and can have long waiting lists, so be sure to enquire early.
Most schools allow parents to choose how many days of the week their child will attend school, allow early drop-offs, provide lunches, or have optional afternoon programmes for working parents. Always check these specifics with individual schools.
Here are some recommended nursery schools in Singapore.
Rain Trees Kindergarten
Gender: Co-educational
Ages: 2 to 6
Website: www.raintreeskindergarten.com
Rosemount Kindergarten
Gender: Co-educational
Ages: 2 to 7
Website: www.ris.edu.sg
Blue House International Preschool
Gender: Co-educational
Ages: 1.5 to 6 years
Website: www.bluehouseinternational.com
Chatsworth Kindergarten
Gender: Co-educational
Ages: 2 to 6
Website: www.chatsworth.com.sg
Claymore Preschool
Gender: Co-educational
Ages: 1.5 to 6 years
Website: www.etonhouse.com.sg/school/claymore
International schools in Singapore
Canadian International School
CIS opened its doors in 1990 and has since grown to be a respected, state-of-the-art Canadian-curriculum school for 3,000 pupils, spread over two campuses. While the primary language of instruction is English, Canadian International School also has Chinese/English and French/English bilingual programmes available.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate, Canadian
Ages: 2 to 18
Chatsworth International School
Chatsworth International School is a diverse, internationally minded school that caters to students from Kindergarten to Year 13. Established in 1995, the Chatsworth mission to inspire, educate and enlighten forms the core pillars and education philosophy.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Ages: 2 to 18
Fairview International School
Fairview International School has operations in Malaysia, close to the Singapore border. It is a proudly IB-curriculum school, offering the Primary Years Programme, the Middle Years Programme and the IB Diploma Programme.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18
GEMS World Academy (Singapore)
GEMS World Academy (Singapore) provides outstanding learning opportunities to the international student community, strengthened by more than 50 years’ experience from the global network of leading GEMS Education Schools. The school’s students, representing more than 60 nationalities, are taught in an environment of mutual respect, transparency and engagement across academics, arts and sports.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and Cambridge IGCSE
Age: 2 to 18
Lycée Français de Singapour
This popular school was established in 1967. The school follows two streams – French with English as a second language, and a French and English bilingual programme – and is supervised by the French Foreign Ministry. Sports facilities are good and there is a range of extra-curricular sports and cultural activities on offer.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: French
Ages: 2 to 18
Nexus International School Singapore
Nexus International School Singapore opened its doors in 2007 with a capacity for 1,200 students. The excellent co-curricular programmes and field trips throughout the year, as well as the school’s international student exchange programme, enhance the atmosphere of mutual cultural respect.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and Cambridge IGCSE
Ages: 3 to 18
One World International School
One World International School offers high-quality international education in a nurturing multi-cultural environment at a moderate fee point. One World International School’s brand new campus in Nanyang is well equipped with excellent facilities.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and Cambridge IGCSE
Ages: 3 to 16
Singapore American School
The Singapore American School was established by expat parents in 1956 to meet the needs of the growing expat community. Today the school is an excellent non-profit American-curriculum school from pre-Kindergarten up to Grade 12.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American
Ages: 3 to 18
German European School Singapore
Founded in 1971, German European School Singapore has grown from being a modest German school to an international school serving students of over 65 nationalities. Students have the option of pursuing either the English-language International Baccalaureate or the German Abitur.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and German
Ages: 1.5 to 18
Global Indian International School
Global Indian International School is a complete international school that offers the choice of various international curricula from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The school has three campuses in Singapore, including their high-tech SMART Campus.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Montessori, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE, and CBSE
Ages: 2.5 to 18
Integrated International School
Nestled in the west of Singapore, Integrated International School provides its students the personalised attention and support they need while challenging them academically with an Australian-based curriculum. The school offers both a Mainstream and Support approach in an inclusive setting.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Australian
Ages: 1.5 to 18
ISS International School
This dedicated IB World School in central Singapore has over 50 nationalities represented in its student body of 600 pupils and is spread across two campuses. ISS is the only school in Singapore to completely specialise in and follow the entire International Baccalaureate curriculum from the Early Years to Grade 12.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Ages: 4 to 18