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Digital Nomad Guide to Singapore | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Marina Bay, Singapore

Digital Nomad Life in Singapore

By Betsy Burlingame

Summary: Singapore is a popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Singapore are Singapore City, Sentosa, and Changi. Digital nomads like living in Singapore because of its excellent infrastructure, low taxes, and high quality of life. A digital nomad can live on a monthly budget of around $2,000 in Singapore. The culture of Singapore is a mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences. Popular foods in Singapore include Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, laksa, and satay.

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How do I meet people in Singapore?

When we asked people living in Singapore about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Singapore Hash House Harriers, Any of the rugby clubs (Singapore Cricket Club, Bucks, etc)," said one expat in Singapore.

"Expats in Singapore often join clubs and activities such as sports teams, language classes, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people through networking events, online forums, and social media groups. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join local churches, volunteer organizations, and professional associations. These activities provide a great way to meet people and build relationships with other expats and locals," remarked one member in Singapore.

What is life like in Singapore?

When we asked people living in Singapore what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Local's lives revolve around family, expats mix family and socialising. Sports are not very high on anyone's list here due to the weather and unless you like soccer you won't find great variety on cable," remarked one member in Singapore.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Singapore is generally quite pleasant. The city is known for its excellent infrastructure, efficient public transportation, and modern amenities. Singapore is also a great place to live for those who enjoy a vibrant nightlife, diverse cultural attractions, and plenty of outdoor activities. The cost of living is relatively high, but the city offers a wide range of housing options to suit different budgets. Expats and digital nomads can also benefit from Singapore's excellent healthcare system and world-class educational institutions. Overall, Singapore is an attractive destination for those looking for a safe and comfortable place to live and work," explained one expat living in Singapore.

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Where should I live in Singapore?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Singapore is to use online resources such as property portals, classifieds websites, and real estate agents. Property portals such as PropertyGuru, 99.co, and SRX Property provide comprehensive listings of available properties in Singapore. Classifieds websites such as Gumtree and Craigslist also offer listings of available properties. Additionally, real estate agents can provide assistance in finding a suitable property. They can provide advice on the best areas to live in, the types of properties available, and the rental rates," said one person in Singapore.

"I selected my house on its proximity by the sea. I called a property agent; he turned out to be a great help in getting me the unit I'd set my eyes on," said one expat who made the move to Singapore.

What do I need to know before moving to Singapore?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Singapore, they said:

"Before retiring in Singapore, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is generally higher than in many other countries. They should also research the different types of visas available and the requirements for obtaining them. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the language, to ensure a smooth transition. It is also important to understand the healthcare system and the availability of medical services in Singapore. Finally, expats should research the different types of retirement options available, such as private retirement accounts, to ensure they are making the most of their retirement," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Singapore.

"Enjoy! Singapore may have a reputation of being very stiff but I have had a great time here and would do it again in a heart beat. Make sure you negotiate any contracts so that you are on local taxes as they are amongst the lowest in the world," explained one person living in Singapore, Singapore.

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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Singapore?

"I loved the people, the lifestyle, the safety and the food. Most everything was healthy and wholesome--not much food with preservatives or boxed food. They had many fresh vegetables and fruits which I loved and a variety of food including Chinese and Indian, which I liked," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Singapore.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Singapore?

"Expats in Singapore often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. Many find the pace of life to be quite fast and the expectations of punctuality to be quite high. Additionally, the local culture is quite hierarchical, which can be difficult for expats to navigate. Furthermore, the local language, Singlish, can be difficult to understand and the local cuisine can be quite spicy for those not used to it," explained one person living in Singapore.

"When I lived in Singapore, the most challenging aspects were leaving behind the lessons learned while in Singapore. Applying lessons learned in my daily life tended to isolate me from my core friends. They did not like the changes seen in me," said one expat in Singapore.

"The heat and lack of air conditioning, the humidity, and not having a car so we had to take public transportation," remarked one member in Singapore.

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What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Singapore for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Singapore for a while, you will need to apply for a Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP). This document is issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and allows you to stay in Singapore for a period of up to one year. You will need to provide supporting documents such as your passport, proof of employment, and proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay. Depending on your nationality, you may also need to apply for a visa before entering Singapore," said one expat in Singapore.

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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Singapore?

We asked people in Singapore if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting Singapore. It is considered rude to point with your index finger, so it is best to use your thumb or an open hand when gesturing. It is also important to dress modestly, as Singapore is a conservative society. Avoid public displays of affection, as this is considered inappropriate. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of religious beliefs and practices, as Singapore is a multi-religious society. Finally, it is important to be mindful of the local language, as English is not the primary language in Singapore," said one expat who made the move to Singapore.

"I tried to say words in Chinese at times which came out as different words due to the tonal aspects of the language," explained one foreigner living in Singapore, Singapore.

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What are healthcare services like in Singapore?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Singapore, they replied:

"Singapore offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, ranging from primary care to specialist services. The public healthcare system in Singapore is highly regarded for its quality and affordability. It is funded by the government and provides a wide range of services, including preventive care, primary care, specialist care, and hospital services. Foreign residents in Singapore have access to the public healthcare system, and can use it for both inpatient and outpatient services. Expats in Singapore can use the public healthcare system by registering with a public healthcare provider and paying the relevant fees. They can also purchase private health insurance to cover any additional costs," wrote one digital nomad living in Singapore.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Singapore?

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate Singapore's high quality of life, excellent infrastructure, and low crime rate. They also enjoy the city's diverse culture, vibrant nightlife, and wide range of international cuisines. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find Singapore's high cost of living and strict laws and regulations to be a challenge. Additionally, the city's hot and humid climate can be a deterrent for some," explained one expat living in Singapore.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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Marina Bay, Singapore

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AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
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AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
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Contribute to Singapore Network Contribute
Help others in Singapore by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Singapore.

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