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Singapore


Singapore


Planning on living in Singapore? Find all the practical information you need to know in our expat city guide.

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  • Edition: 3d
  • Last updated: 5th September 2010
  • Author: Schuyler House and Sarah Moore

Living in Singapore

Living in Singapore offers a unique experience living in one of Asia's most cosmopolitan countries, amid a fascinating mix of Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Western cultures. Lauded for its security and order, rich culture, vibrant entertainment and dining scenes, and broad travel opportunities, it has become a prime relocation choice for expatriates.

The conveniences and social opportunities associated with expat life in Singapore are plentiful. English is the language of commerce and education, and most of the products and conveniences found in the West are commonly available, though sometimes in unexpected places. Many multinational companies have offices in Singapore, giving rise to a large expatriate population. Thus, relocating expats enjoy numerous and varying social opportunities. Singapore is also an excellent place for expatriates with partners and / or children, as it is safe and child-friendly, boasts highly reputable international schools, and offers employment and social opportunities for accompanying partners.

Living in Singapore: Guide Contents

The Expat Info Desk guide to living in Singapore contains the follow information-

1) Living legally in Singapore

Despite Westernization, Singapore's customs and laws may surprise newly arrived expatriates. This international relocation guide serves to provide expats and their families with the practical information necessary to relocate and stay within the legal requirements of your host country while you live in Hong Kong.

2) Setting up home in Singapore

Wondering whether to live in the central business district or in the outlying suburbs? Are you currently negotiating a tenancy contract or trying to establish the cost of living in Singapore? The Singapore expatriate guide will help you to find practical answers to these questions and many more.

3) Navigating the infrastructure

The Expat Info Desk guide to living in Singapore contains everything you need to know to establish and manage a productive and enjoyable work, family, and social life in Singapore. Details include child-care, education and schools; methods of traveling around the city, including details of costs, reliability and driving regulations; how to arrange utility providers; shopping and banking hours and fitness and beauty providers and facilities.

4) Having fun in Singapore

The expat guide to living in Singapore contains full details of tourist attractions, amazing architecture and historical buildings, theatre, concerts and arts as well parks and public areas. For those who are seeking nightlife there are comprehensive listings for all bars, clubs and restaurants as well as opinions on which places are worth a visit.

5) Staying safe and healthy in Singapore

Although Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world, expatriates who relocate here should, nevertheless, ensure that they protect themselves and their family. The Expat Info Desk guide to living in Singapore contains practical tips on staying safe, secure and healthy, together with insider information about how to avoid problem situations.

6) Blending in

Making yourself truly at home in Singapore means understanding and fitting in with the locals. We provide an in-depth view of languages, traditions and cultural customs of the varied people of Singapore. Let us help you to prepare for life and avoid any cultural traps that may offend.

7) Reality bites

Daily life in Singapore is very different from life in Western countries. If nothing else, the humidity and tropical storms are unlike anything experienced in Europe, Australia, and much of the US. Differences in routine, weather, food, and culture can be overwhelming, so it is helpful to know as much as possible about living and work practicalities and the Singapore culture before and during your relocation. Our guide to living in Singapore is packed full of information compiled by a Singaporean expat on how to transition your life here in a manner that is as stress free as possible.

Your only expat guide to living in Singapore; Feel at home abroad – Fast!

Price of this guide:£19.00 / €22.00 / $29.00
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About the guide authors

Schuyler House

Schuyler House Schuyler House is an avid world traveler, mother of three, and multi-faceted professional with a varied background in business and academia. Her work experiences span the United States, Japan, and Southeast Asia, and her love of travel, culture, and adventure fuels her great fondness of expatriate life. Born and raised in Singapore to an American expatriate family, Schuyler grew up in the ever-shifting world of overseas living and has cultivated a keen understanding of both the joys and trials facing expatriate families. After secondary school and university in the United States, Schuyler returned to living in Asia, eventually settling again in Singapore, where she currently resides with her family.

Sarah Moore

Sarah Moore Sarah Moore was born in a small town in the North West of England, near Manchester. In August 2007, after a successful career spanning seven years across major blue chip companies, she resigned in order to throw caution to the wind and follow her dreams of living in Asia— she hasn't looked back since.

After living in Hong Kong for two and a half years she relocated to Singapore where she is now facing the daunting, yet exciting, task of making the city her own.

She is the proud founder of Global Art Limited— a Hong Kong registered publication agency— which owns a professional writing services site (vappingo.com); an SEO optimization services blog (searchengineswebsite.com) and a boutique publication house that provides more personalized editing and writing services.

In her spare time she likes to spend time with her dog, Spongebob, and loves nothing more than a cold drink in any bar that is willing to permit her entry.


Features

  • Relocating as a American citizen
  • Relocating as a British citizen
  • Expat Guides from HSBC
  • Relocating as a Canadian citizen

Aerial view Ministry of Information Communication and the Arts Skyline Painted buildings Haw Par Villa Park Chinese God Chinese temple Chinatown Singapore
Singapore
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five top tips

  • 01A service of SingPost, vPost, allows users to set up overseas mailing addresses in the US, Europe, and Japan so that buyers can purchase from there.
  • 02When searching for rental properties find listings that are not co-broked. You will be charged commission on co-broked properties.
  • 03When searching for property look for any nearby spaces that may be built on. There is a lot of development taking place and building work is noisy.
  • 04Despite what many websites say, quarantine is no longer required for the majority of domestic animals arriving in Singapore.
  • 05If take Permanent Residency in Singapore and have, or are considering having, children. Be aware that male children may have to do national service.

Interesting fact

Singapore has more than 3,000 kilometers of roads. Stretched end to end, they can cover the distance from Singapore to Hong Kong.

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