Best Areas and Suburbs in Singapore part 1 – that will be the topic of today’s article.
Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here.
The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.
Introduction
Living in Singapore is a great experience for most people, no matter your reasons. But it can be hard to settle into a new city all the same, even if it is one of the most accessible places on earth to get around. Now, how do you get from deciding where to live or what should you look out for?
Before you go, it’s essential to do your research on Singapore. This small city-state has a lot to offer expats, but there are some things that are different from what you might be used to. The cost of living can be high, for example, and the humidity can take some getting used to.
More so, the government here offers a great deal of support for expats who need to find work, but the process can be complicated. If you want to find a job before you arrive, make sure you understand what you’ll need to do and how it will affect your visa. You may even want to look into getting some work experience in Singapore before you arrive.
However, once you’ve arrived, settle into your new home and get used to the local customs. Time zones can be confusing when you first arrive. So, it’s essential to know when your family and friends are back at home. Most expats find that they make new friends quickly, especially if they’re staying with a family or in a shared flat.
Before we proceed, it would be better to understand that we have crafted this article to meet your requirements. Are you in search of the best areas and suburbs in Singapore? Or maybe you’ve been wondering why Singapore is so unique? Well, look no further as we’ve got you covered here today.
Top 10 Fun Facts about Living in Singapore
Are you ready for some fun (and informative) facts about living in Singapore? Not many people know this, but monkeys are ubiquitous around Singapore! And while they might look cute and cuddly, it’s actually illegal to keep them as pets.
I bet you didn’t know that one! You’ll also find that the local people love celebrating their birthdays with huge parties. During December, it’s common to see Christmas decorations displayed around the city. Without further ado, below are the ten fun facts about living in Singapore as an expat.
1. Malls and Movie Theatres
There’s a mall or movie theatre within 5 minutes from just about every residential area! No matter where you live if it takes less than 20 minutes to get there, that’s considered close enough to count. In fact, you might want to consider yourself lucky if you have a [larger/smaller] supermarket within walking distance from your house.
In all seriousness, it’s worth walking around at least one mall once in a while to really get a feel for the variety of shops and consumer choices available here.
2. No Tipping
If someone is nice and goes out and beyond and deserves a tip, we give them one. Not the case in Singapore. This is why you will see all of their service staff with a smile on their face. And this is because they are paid up to $2000/month with benefits.
Can you imagine what it would be like if your Uber driver were unhappy? Not that Singapore is perfect, but the people who work in customer-facing roles are happy because they really don’t have to worry about living paycheck to paycheck.
3. The Singapore President’s Tube Times
Everyone loves it when the president comes on TV to give them time off for good weather! Everyone knows that the first day of the long weekend is always a Monday, so you can plan and know precisely how much time you have off work.
Will it be eight days? Ten days? Unfortunately, it’s not really that simple. The president can actually choose any weekday to give the nation a break, so you might have to take that day off work even if the weather is looking a bit dicey.
4. The Singaporean Work Culture
Singaporeans are known for being hard workers. In fact, one of their politicians said that the country couldn’t have nice things because there are not enough people willing to work hard. They remember this every hour of every day!
So you better believe they show up on time and do whatever is expected of them. If you’re thinking about applying for a job here, just expect them to ask if you can start immediately or within 3 days.
5. The National Service
This is probably the most well-known fun fact about Singapore. Most males have to serve 2 years in the military, and it’s a time that we all look forward to (not really). It’s a great way to make new friends from all over the country, learn new skills, and become a more valuable member of society.
6. It’s one of the Cleanest Cities in the World
Singapore is known for its impeccable level of cleanliness. In fact, it’s so clean that the city itself has been ranked as one of the cleaner cities in the world. This is largely thanks to the strict laws and regulations that are in place regarding littering and pollution. So, as an expat living in Singapore, you’ll be able to enjoy a clean and safe environment.
7. Home to One of the Safest Cities in the World
Have you ever heard about the saying ‘safe as Singapore’? Well, it turns out that this saying is actually true! In 2017, Singapore was ranked as the second safest city in the world. This is thanks to the city’s low crime rate and efficient law enforcement. So if you’re looking for a safe place to call home, Singapore is definitely a great option. Therefore, rest assured that as an expat living in Singapore, you can feel safe and secure.
8. It’s A Great Place to Raise Kids
There’s nothing more important than family, and as such, many parents may be concerned about raising their children in a foreign country. Luckily, as an expat living in Singapore, you won’t need to worry about such things. In fact, Singapore has been ranked as one of the best places in the world to raise kids. So, if you’re looking to start a family, Singapore is definitely a great place to do it.
9. It’s Home to a Diverse Mix of Cultures
Singapore is known for its diversity and multiculturalism. In fact, the city is home to people from worldwide, including China, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This makes for a wonderfully diverse and vibrant city, perfect for expats looking to experience new cultures.
On the flip side, you’ll also get to learn more about their cultures too. Also, there are plenty of cultural festivals held throughout the year, so you’ll be able to experience their cultures in a fun and engaging way too.
10. There Are Plenty of Options for Dining Out
As an expat living in Singapore, it can get pretty boring eating bland Western food all of the time. Luckily, there are plenty of Asian restaurants to choose from, which will give you a taste of real Singaporean cuisine.
In addition, there are also plenty of international restaurants to choose from, so you’ll never get bored with your dining options. So go ahead and try out some of the delicious food that Singapore offers.
