If you can make it in Singapore…

Singapore has a lot of appeal for international visitors and workers. According to Expat Arrivals, there are currently 600,000 residing in Singapore. The country is centrally positioned in South East Asia, a stone’s throw from the mega-cities and holiday destinations of Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. Professional wages are among the highest in the world and English is the primary language spoken. If you’ve ever considered living and working in Singapore here is an overview of what expat life is like.

 

Housing

 

Singapore is a small island country, around twice the size of the Isle of Wight, with state-of-the-art high-rises from coast to coast. Most expats choose to live in privately-owned condos or government-owned flats. Privately-owned condos generally feature amenities such as pools, gyms, playgrounds and function rooms. Detached homes (or landed homes as they are called in Singapore) are pricey due to the scarcity of land. Rents overall in Singapore are very expensive: an 120-square metre apartment in the city centre will cost around £2,800 a month. The further away from the city centre you go, the cheaper the rent becomes.

 

Transportation

 

It is extremely easy to get around in Singapore. The road networks are extensive and public transportation is world-class. The MRT (Massive Rapid Transit) makes getting around in Singapore simple and affordable. Most expats opt for public transport or taxis instead of owning a car, with car owners required to pay for a Certificate of Entitlement plus heavy customs duties, taxes, insurance fees and exorbitant road tolls. Singapore is an international hub and there are hundreds of cheap flights to Asian destinations departing daily.

 

Safety

 

Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world with record low crime rates and a zero tolerance on drugs. The biggest danger in Singapore is vehicles. Pedestrians don’t have the right of way in Singapore and road incidents are common. There is however an extensive network of sidewalks and crosswalks which pedestrians and cyclist should use at all times.

 

Healthcare

 

Healthcare in Singapore is cheap and accessible. There is a large selection of private and public hospitals as well as speciality clinics. Those with health insurance will usually find clinics that direct bill.

 

Employment

 

Singapore is a thriving business hub with many opportunities for professionals, especially in the areas of finance, IT and marketing. English is the primary language of business in Singapore making communication easy for expats. Although Singapore was ranked the #1 most expensive place to live in 2015 by the Economist Intelligence Unit, the average expat wage is high. Nearly half of expats in Singapore make over £146,600 a year while 65 percent reported having more disposable income than they had in their country of origin. 

 

 

Visas

 

Obtaining a work visa in Singapore is straight-forward. In a bid to boost the economy Singapore has streamlined the system, offering flexible passes that fall into tiered employment categories. Many professional positions can obtain an employment pass for £1,935 a month. Again, it’s expensive, but covered by the high salaries.

 

Climate

 

Singapore is located on the equator so year-round temperatures are hot. If you like tropical climate conditions, temperatures exceeding 30°C and humidity exceeding 80percent then it could be for you. 

 

With high wages, a bustling English-speaking business community, a central Asian position and one of the safest environments in the world, Singapore is an exciting option for those ambitious enough to try their luck in a dynamic and fast-paced location. If you’ve ever considered living and working in Singapore (or anywhere else for the matter), why not call our Resource Centre today on 020 7898 0549 to discuss how to start making your dream a wonderful reality.