Singapore Expats – Pros & Cons of Moving Here
Advantages and Disadvantages of relocating to Singapore
When thinking of moving overseas, it is often easy to think life the grass is always greener on the other side. But, successive foreigners can verify that every country has its good and bad sides.
For those foreigners who are yet to decide whether to move to Singapore, the following list will guide you on the advantages and disadvantages of relocating to Singapore.
Singapore’s housing and accommodation for Singapore Expats
Majority of the housing arrangement in the country are in the form of high-rise apartment or condominiums. Even the people who stay in freestanding homes will discover that there are barely backyards. However, the island has lots of parks and green spaces scattered all around to compensate for this void.
Advantage: Numerous Alternatives
Whether foreigners are looking to rent the HDB (owned by the government) flat or the condo which is owned privately, they have numerous alternatives. There are numerous high-rise buildings been built all over the Country. Majority of the apartments and condos which are owned by private individuals particularly the recently built ones, come with several amenities like gyms, playgrounds, pools and the site’s function room. Landed homes (same as US homes for single families) are available within the suburbs.
Disadvantage: Rent is costly
Due to the scarcity of space and land within the Island, the nominal rent in the country is costly. You should be looking to pay higher for locations nearer to the centre of the city. Holland Village, Orchard Road, plus any other favourable neighbourhoods. Foreigners looking to move towards the outskirts of the town could just be lucky enough to get decent buildings for decent prices.
The Singaporean transportation scene for Singapore Expats
Singapore could be generally a little country, but the road connection and system of transportation are large and wide. Whether anybody decides to go by car, take the train or ride on the bus, getting around the pretty island is typically easy.
Advantage: Great public transportation.
Moving around Singapore through a bus or the MRT is practically easy. Public transportation can be cheap, also. The country is looking to built additional train lines within the oncoming decades, thereby ensuring that the most remote part of the islands are accessed easily. Cabs, which come highly affordable, are a different option for transportation.
Disadvantages: Cars can be expensive
Getting a personal car in Singapore can be extremely expensive. From high custom charges, insurance and taxing fees, in addition to toll prices and parking charges, the convenience which comes with being a car owner is expensive.
Travelling within Singapore for Singapore Expats
Travelling down to Singapore could be a lengthy and arduous journey for a majority of the foreigners, but as soon as they are settled in the country, the vacation hot spots within the region are typically proximate, highly affordable, and can be reached by plane.
Advantage: Cheap, easily affordable travel
If foreigners are planning a weekend getaway, Singapore is the perfect jumping-off location to travel to around the South eastern part of Asia Majority of affordable airline companies have inexpensive travel fares towards neighbouring regions like Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. At times a last minute trip could mean that you get to pay extremely low prices for the journey.
Safety in the country for Singapore Expats
Road safety is an issue in the Country, however, generally, Singapore is very safe to live in.
Advantage: Low rate of crime
Singapore is an extremely safe country that has reduced level of crime and a zero tolerance drug policy.
Disadvantage: Poor safety for cyclist and pedestrian
Pedestrians are really not allowed to freely use the road in Singapore, therefore it is really a smart thing to do if you regularly make use of crosswalks each time this is possible. At times pedestrians and bikes use similar sidewalks, however, these sidewalks have a tendency to be smaller in size making this dangerous. There are limited numbers of infrastructure for cycling in Singapore and majority of cars and trucks do not keep an eye out for bikes when using the road. Anyone riding the bike should have on a helmet and make predictable movements as possible when using the road. Make use of the pathways of the Park connector whenever possible to stay away from the extremely unsafe roads.
The Social Circles in Singapore for Singapore Expats
Getting friends in Singapore is often easy, either local friends or foreign friends are easily made in the country; getting to meet people is typically exciting and simple.
Advantage: Making friends can be easy
There are numerous Facebook groups and online forums which give foreigners and locals the opportunity to come in together in groups over a common interest.
Otherwise, you should watch out for organizations which organize social activities, because these activities are the ideal opportunities to meet with other people as well. Joining a society or a club for expatriates, like the British Club or the American Association, is the perfect way to know about latest events.
Foreigners can also decide to take lectures, volunteer or get a blog started about living in Singapore. These are most of the perfect ways in which you can meet other people.
In Singapore, there is an extreme embargo on beverages containing alcohols, due to this development, alcoholic drinks are rather expensive in the country. The more luxurious bars and clubs sell alcoholic drinks at premium prices
The healthcare scene in Singapore for Singapore Expats
Typically, people can afford a decent quality of healthcare in the country, whether you have a health insurance or not. Also for those who don’t have an access to the subsidised system of healthcare of the city-state’s financed healthcare system, Singapore’s healthcare system is still affordable as long as the expats involved are properly insured.
Advantage: Numerous facilities and doctors to select from for Singapore Expats
There are several of public hospitals, private hospitals as well as outpatient clinics that are scattered around the island which can be selected. People with insurance should get in touch with their health providers to get the names of approved clinics and doctors.
Disadvantage: Possible forthright costs
A surprise visit to the hospital could be a little costly. If the doctors do not take the direct bill of settlement obtained from an insurance company. This means that the patient will have to pay up the cost of treatment right there with cash. In the case that the doctor does not take the direct bill of settlement, then it is expected that the patient will have to pay for the services of consultation as well as every other service provided during that visit, which includes medications and prescriptions. These treatment bills are typically paid back in full by the insurance firms however that unexpected treatment bill can be shocking for people who are living within a budget.
The Singaporean education scene for Singapore Expats
Whether expats are looking to get their kids enrolled in a school meant for the public or a privately-owned international school, then you have several alternatives for enrolling your kid in any Singaporean school.
Advantage: Superior school alternatives to select from
There are numerous great public schools around Singapore that come affordable and provide a premium education. Privately-owned international schools still are the perfect alternative, particularly for expatriates that are looking to have their kids to keep on studying based on their home country’s curriculum.
Disadvantage: Costly school tuition, difficult to be admitted into
Though, the public education is relatively cheap in the country, majority of expatriates are needed to pay a higher tuition than the locals. Privately-owned international schools come relatively more expensive. Both private and public schools in the country are typically oversubscribed, therefore expatriate parents need to commence the process of application in advance prior to the move.
The Singaporean Climate for Singapore Expats
A majority of the people that are thinking of staying in the country are curious about the weather.
Advantage: naturally, the weather is warm and pleasant throughout the year.
The temperature naturally oscillates between 30 degree and 33 degree centigrade from the first month of January all the way to the last month of December. This makes it the ideal weather for swimming on a daily basis. It can be slightly cool during the evenings at a temperature of 25 degrees centigrade and majority of building structures have their air conditioning units. You have no reason to bring your coats and jumpers to Singapore.
Disadvantage: Singapore has no seasons, and there is lots of rain
The level of humidity in Singapore is around 70% or further and needs some time to get accustomed to. Typically, people who had only just reached the country take about three or two showers on a daily basis, as a way of cooling off. Then there is lots of rain. Not a drizzle, but typical extreme tropical downpours. The downpours are typically sudden, sharp and short, however, it could rain for the whole day. Seasoned expatriates are always with their umbrellas (which can be used in the sun too).
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