Singapore, Singapore Report of what it's like to live there - 07/21/24
Personal Experiences from Singapore, Singapore
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No. I have also lived in: Chiayi, Taiwan; Bangkok, Thailand; and Thessaloniki, Greece.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Canada. 16-18 hours to get to Vancouver. Getting here is easy, but a very long flight.
3. What years did you live here?
2023- present.
4. How long have you lived here?
One year.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Teaching
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
It is a mix. We went for an older building with much more space. Newer places tend to be very small. Rents are expensive, but my school pays for 3/4 of our rent. Most people live in apartments, but renting a house is possible. Our commute is about 20 minutes via bus/train combo, door to door.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Very available and easy. Online grocery ordering is the best. Some stores are expensive, but we do a combo of RedMart and local markets for fruit and veg. It is very easy to get most "western" style food and ingredients.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing, really.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Huge range. We eat at hawker stalls often enough. Lots of US Fast food brands are here. Lots of nice local restaurants. Food Panda, Deliveroo, Grab Food.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
The usual for the tropics. A couple of different kinds of roaches. Cleanliness doesn't matter. They just exist here. Teeny tiny ants, but the ant baits work really well for those.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Local post - easy.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
We don't have a helper. Some people have a full-time helper if they have kids. Many just employ someone to come in 2-3 times per month to do a thorough clean. If you want full-time, probably S$1000. Having someone come in occasionally is generally S$60 per visit. There are many agencies available, or word of mouth from your colleagues.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Extremely safe. It's just hot. There are lots of parks, walking trails, biking trails, etc.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Many are available. I don't know the cost b/c there are free facilities at my school.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Cards of all types are widely accepted and safe. ATMs are everywhere. Our local mall has about 4-5. Cash is often used at hawker centers, but more are using PayNow where you pay with an app on your phone. Our local bakery is cash only.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Everyone speaks English. You can take classes if you want to learn Mandarin.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Not really. The city is designed to be very accessible. People in wheelchairs have no problem with the busses and trains.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Very safe, very affordable, very convenient.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
No need to bring any vehicle. The fees for owning a car are very high. They also drive on the left, opposite to the US/Canada.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. Ours was installed the day we moved in.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Local provider. Much cheaper than Canada.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Yes, vets are everywhere. People love their pets here. Our cat did not have to be quarantined, but it was a lot of work and expense to get her ready for Singapore. Likewise for my friend who brought 2 large dogs.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Working at schools, telecommuting. Salaries vary. Lots of volunteer opportunities.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Helping migrant workers, animals, church groups, etc.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
More casual than I was expecting. Rarely do I see anyone very dressed up.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Quality and availability are excellent.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Mostly good. AQI is rarely high. When it is bad quality air, you can see it. In one year here, they have never cancelled any school or sports due to it.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Same cautions as home - tell staff of your allergies.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
No, but it takes awhile to adjust to the heat.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot and humid. Temps stay pretty steady throughout the year.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Extremely available. I work at one. Great school. The tuitions at all of them are high.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Depends on the school. One of the other major American schools doesn't make any, really. Ours is more accepting and kids with a diagnosis get various supports in school.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
They are very available but I do not know the cost.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, particularly through the schools. In my neighborhood, I see posters all the time for soccer, basketball, taekwondo, etc. All the kids speak English, so you could have your kids join local clubs if you wanted.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Thousands! Overall morale is good. This is an easy place to live.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Work groups. Locals have been very friendly to us. We have often shared tables with locals at hawker centers and have good chats. Lots of online ways to find stuff to do.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for anyone. I have a few single friends who have had varying degrees of success with the various dating apps.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Locals are friendly. Singapore is not "racism free", but it is a lot better than many other places.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes. Many people that I work with are in the LGBT community and thus far have not encountered any issues.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not really. There is a general 'dislike' of dark-skinned migrant workers, but they keep everything working. They tend not to be paid well, hence the various charities to support them. Gender equality is very good.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Just enjoying how well-put together the whole place is.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Lots of tourist stuff on the coast. Beaches for picnics. Arab street is fun. The old Peranakan part of the city is nice to visit.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Somewhat. The Peranakan stuff is nice. Mostly it is just very Western stuff here.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Very easy to commute. Very smooth and easy to live here.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Nothing; I visited many times before living here.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes!
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
warm clothing, boots, etc. It's hot here. I brought 2-3 pair of dress boots and I do not need them at all.
4. But don't forget your:
nothing, really. Everything is easily available here.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Crazy Rich Asians!
6. Do you have any other comments?
Great place to live and we are happy here.
