Living in Singapore

Here are the most Frequently Asked Questions that I have received about Living in Singapore.
Hopefully, they will answer some of your questions about living in, travelling to and relocating to Singapore.


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"Culture Shock?" and Adjusting to Singapore Living

Did you find the transition from Toronto to Singapore a smooth one?

Everyone in Singapore speaks and understand English. Especially the locals, and you may find to your surprise that most of the senior citizens living in Singapore are educated and fluent in English. The lack of a language barrier, I feel really helped with the transition. The biggest difference you will find when you get off the plane is: the weather (it is hot and humid all the time) and it's small.

Is Singapore very different from Toronto?

Yes and no. I will elaborate a little on the following:

Language & Expression: As I mentioned, everyone that you encounter will be able to communicate with you in English, and that makes the transition from Canada (or any English speaking country) to Singapore so much easier. Singaporeans also speak Singlish, which is a mix of Chinese (dialects), English and Malay. Singaporeans are also very open speaking about race. Not in a racist way, but as a form of identification. This might take some getting used to, but they do not use race in a negative way.

Land space: Singapore is much MUCH smaller than Toronto, and houses a population greater than the GTA. Singapore is an island roughly 40km by 60km and is home to over 4million people. Things are much more compact here. There are many high rise buildings in the city center (30-50storeys) and many housing developments are 15-20 storeys high.

Efficiency: And THAT much more efficient. Things have never gotten done so fast.

Cleanliness: Singapore is green, and it is clean. Even the places that are less travelled are not littered with litter.

Standard of Living: The standard of living is higher than that in Toronto, but tax is also much, much less. As a foreigner, the absolute maximum you will get taxed on your income is 20%, though most of the working population will not hit that salary bracket.

What is one thing that you found difficult to adjust to when you first came to Singapore?

The heat. It is hot all the time, and every day of the year. I could not survive without air-conditioning the first year that I lived in Singapore. It took me 6 months before I could wear a pair of jeans. I also think that acclimatizing differs from person too person. Some people adjust and adapt relatively quickly, whereas there are locals (born and bred Singaporeans) who just cannot take the heat of the tropicsa. I do miss the seasons, but I prefer the heat and sun much better than the winter cold (especially Toronto winters)!

Is eating out affordable in Singapore? What is the variety like?

Singapore is known for its food and there really is no better place to be if you want to have good food! Singapore is the paradise for gastronomy. You will find all sorts of cuisines in Singapore.
Having said that, prices can range depending on where you dine. You can spend as little as $3 for a full meal at a local hawker center, to well over $500 for fine dining.
Many locals and expats eat out at the local hawker center after work. Hawker centers are also located all over the island - in the city center, business districts, at the heartlands. There is almost always a foodcourt version of a hawker center at every large mall or shopping district, including Changi Airport.

What about drinking/alcohol? Is that affordable?

Alcoholic beverages in Singapore are heavily taxed, and come with a price tag in a licensed restaurant. A beer or a glass of wine can range from $10++ to $35++ depending on the restaurant or bar. These beverages are also sold (at a lower cost) at 7-11 and the local grocery stores and super markets, as well as the wine cellars and bottle shops.

On Commuting and Getting Around in Singapore

How is public transit in Singapore like in comparison to Toronto?

Everyone in Singapore speaks and understand English. Especially the locals, and you may find to your surprise that most of the senior citizens living in Singapore are educated and fluent in English. The lack of a language barrier, I feel really helped with the transition. The biggest difference you will find when you get off the plane is: the weather (it is hot and humid all the time) and it's small.

Is it easy to travel around in Singapore? Is the city accessible?

Yes and no. I will elaborate a little on the following:

Language & Expression: As I mentioned, everyone that you encounter will be able to communicate with you in English, and that makes the transition from Canada (or any English speaking country) to Singapore so much easier. Singaporeans also speak Singlish, which is a mix of Chinese (dialects), English and Malay. Singaporeans are also very open speaking about race. Not in a racist way, but as a form of identification. This might take some getting used to, but they do not use race in a negative way.

Land space: Singapore is much MUCH smaller than Toronto, and houses a population greater than the GTA. Singapore is an island roughly 40km by 60km and is home to over 4million people. Things are much more compact here. There are many high rise buildings in the city center (30-50storeys) and many housing developments are 15-20 storeys high.

Efficiency: And THAT much more efficient. Things have never gotten done so fast.

Cleanliness: Singapore is green, and it is clean. Even the places that are less travelled are not littered with litter.

Standard of Living: The standard of living is higher than that in Toronto, but tax is also much, much less. As a foreigner, the absolute maximum you will get taxed on your income is 20%, though most of the working population will not hit that salary bracket.

Is it safe to travel around alone after hours?

The heat. It is hot all the time, and every day of the year. I could not survive without air-conditioning the first year that I lived in Singapore. It took me 6 months before I could wear a pair of jeans. I also think that acclimatizing differs from person too person. Some people adjust and adapt relatively quickly, whereas there are locals (born and bred Singaporeans) who just cannot take the heat of the tropics. I do miss the seasons, but I prefer the heat and sun much better than the winter cold (especially Toronto winters)!

On Housing and Accommodation in Singapore

Renting a Property: Please click here for a brief description of what to expect when looking for housing in Singapore.

What are the different types of housing available in Singapore?

There are 2 broad categories of housing in Singapore:
1. Private housing: these are a little more expensive, but also tend to have more and better facilities

• Condominiums/Apartments
• Townhouses (known as terrace houses)
• Houses (known as Landed Property) 

2. Public Housing: funded/subsized by the government, these are typically more affordable. More than 80% of the Singapore population live in public housing. Even though it is subsidized, it is not cheap

• HDB Flats
• 3 room unit means 1 common room, 1 master and 1 living room/hall
• Shophouses

Click here to find out more about public housing in Singapore.

How much does housing and/or accommodation cost in Singapore?

to be updated

What are the different types of room rentals available?

to be updated

I've heard that some tenants do not have access to kitchens, as many people eat out, is this true?

to be updated.

What kind of housing will teachers be able to afford?

to be updated

How do I go about finding housing in Singapore?

to be updated

In what areas should I look to rent?  And how far or close from my workplace should I be??

to be updated

2. How much does housing and/or accommodation cost in Singapore?
Housing IS expensive in Singapore. Most people who come and work in Singapore rent rooms. And depending on the room, Master bedroom (with attached bathroom) or Common Room (typically shared bathroom) as well as the type of housing, room rentals typically range from 600SGD/month to 1600SGD/month.

Here are some figures for room rentals*:
Typical HDB common room: 650SGD/month
Typical HDB Master bedroom: 850-1000SGD/month
Typical Condo common room: 1100SGD/month
Typical Condo Master bedroom: 1300-1500/month

Here are some figures for renting entire flats/suites*:
Typical Condo bachelor unit in the city center: 4,000SGD/month (400-500sqf)
Typical Condo unit outside of the city center (2 rooms + master): 3,700SGD/month
Typical HDB flat (entire unit) outside of the city center (1 room + master): 2,500SGD/month
Typical Condo studio apartment near the city center: 2,300SGD/month

*please note: that the above figures are only approximates, and this information is solely for the purpose of providing you a ball-park idea of what to expect. I am not responsible for actual rental prices for any unit. 

Of course, property is all about location, location, location! If your room/unit is near East Coast, near a big Shopping Mall or the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) line, or in the City Center, that will be reflected in the rental cost.


3. What are the different types of room rentals available?  
When renting a room, there are so many variations. You could be: 

-renting a room from a landlord who lives there with you

-rending a room with other tenants and the landlord

-renting a room with other tenants and no landlord. 

Sometimes they post details about this online, but most times, you may not know these details until you contact the landlord or agent directly. Other times, you won't know until you see the unit. Again, this is entirely up to you and it comes down to personal preference.  It would probably help to go down and meet the landlord/tenants living there. This goes for using the kitchen (also address below), having a house keeper, Internet, electricity, etc. It can vary from landlord to landlord, unit to unit. 

4. I've heard that some tenants do not have access to kitchens, as many people eat out, is this true? 

Regarding the use of kitchens and being able to cook in your place (if you rent a room and will be sharing), access to the kitchen and cooking facilities really depends on the agreement/contract that you have with the landlord or party that you are renting from.

Eating out is very cheap in Singapore - in the local eating centers (a 5$ meal will fill you). If you want "western food", then that would be a little more expensive (~20-25SGD a meal). Most Singaporeans typically work 12-13hours a day and choose to eat out after work. 

5. What kind of housing will teachers be able to afford?
This really depends on you and how much you are willing to pay! (Or how much of your salary you are willing to spend on your accommodation).


6. How do I go about finding housing in Singapore?
The best way to go about finding housing is to do a search near your future school and look for housing on the Internet. You can also choose to look for a real estate agent to help you out. Here are a few resources that you may find useful:

Property Guru - One of Singapore's most comprehensive (and to my knowledge, most reliable) source of properties available for rent (and sale)
Singapore Expat Guide to House Hunting!
RoomsDB
Easy Roommate
GumTree (the Singapore version of Craigslist)
Craigslist Singapore - Room rentals

Good Hunting!

7. In what areas should I look to rent?  And how far or close from my workplace should I be? 
I personally would recommend that you keep to a 30min commute (one way), but most people I know prefer to rent within a 2km (5-10min walk) radius from their workplace. I would also recommend that you rent a place that is either near a shopping or food complex, or within 30mins from the city center or large shopping mall.

Having said that, large shopping malls are located ALL OVER the island. And I am by no means exaggerating. 

Areas:
CBD (Central Business District): heart of the city center
Central: immeadiate area around the CBD

If you need help with this, please feel free to contact me and I'd be happy to help you out.

Please leave a comment if you have any questions that I haven't addressed here. 

Thank you for visiting!