Digital Nomad Life in Holland Village
Summary: Digital nomads and expats talk about what it is like to live in Holland Village, Singapore. Get tips from others living in Holland Village about where to live, how to find a place to live, pros and cons of living in Holland Village and more.
Where should I live in Holland Village?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"Finding a place to live in Holland Village involves several steps. First, you need to determine your budget. The cost of living in Holland Village can be quite high, so it's important to know what you can afford before you start looking. Next, decide on the type of accommodation you want. Holland Village offers a range of options, from high-rise condominiums to low-rise apartments and landed houses. Once you have a clear idea of what you're looking for, you can start your search. There are several online property portals that list available properties in Holland Village, such as PropertyGuru, 99.co, and SRX Property. These websites allow you to filter your search based on your preferences, such as the type of property, number of bedrooms, and price range. You can also engage a real estate agent to help you in your search. They can provide you with expert advice and access to properties that may not be listed online. When you find a property that you're interested in, arrange a viewing. This will give you a chance to inspect the property and the surrounding area. If you're satisfied with the property, you can make an offer. In Singapore, this usually involves paying a deposit and signing a Letter of Intent. Once your offer is accepted, you'll need to sign a Tenancy Agreement and pay the remaining deposit. The Tenancy Agreement will outline the terms and conditions of your lease, including the rental period and monthly rent. Finally, once all the paperwork is completed, you can move into your new home in Holland Village," said one expat in Holland Village.
What do people appreciate most about the culture in Holland Village?
"Expats in Holland Village often appreciate the local food culture, which offers a wide variety of cuisines from traditional Singaporean dishes to international fare. They also value the safety and cleanliness of the city, which makes it a comfortable place to live. The local culture's emphasis on family and community is also appreciated, as it creates a warm and welcoming environment. Expats also enjoy the vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, performances, and festivals to explore. The efficient public transportation system is another aspect that expats appreciate, making it easy to navigate the city. Lastly, the blend of modernity and tradition in Singapore's culture is something that expats in Holland Village find particularly appealing," explained one expat living in Holland Village, Singapore.
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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in Holland Village?
"Expats in Holland Village often find the language barrier to be a significant challenge, as while English is widely spoken, the local Singlish dialect can be difficult to understand. The high cost of living can also be a shock, particularly when it comes to housing and car ownership. Some expats may struggle with the local food, which is heavily influenced by Chinese, Malay, and Indian cuisines and can be quite spicy. The hot and humid climate can also be difficult to adjust to, particularly for those from cooler countries. Additionally, Singapore has strict laws and regulations, and expats may find it challenging to understand and adhere to all of them. Lastly, while Singaporeans are generally friendly and welcoming, some expats may find it difficult to fully integrate into the local culture due to differences in social norms and practices," said one person in Holland Village.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Holland Village for a while?
"If you are planning to stay in Holland Village for an extended period, you will need to secure the appropriate visa or residency documents. The type of visa or permit you need depends on the purpose of your stay. If you are visiting for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days, you may not need a visa depending on your nationality. Citizens of certain countries can enter Singapore visa-free for short stays. If you are planning to work in Singapore, you will need to apply for a work visa. The most common types of work visas are the Employment Pass, the Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass), and the S Pass. The Employment Pass is for foreign professionals, managers and executives, while the S Pass is for mid-level skilled staff. The EntrePass is for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start and operate a new business in Singapore. If you are planning to study in Singapore, you will need a Student's Pass. To be eligible for this pass, you must have been accepted into a full-time course in an approved educational institution in Singapore. If you are planning to stay in Singapore for a long-term basis (more than 90 days) without working or studying, you may apply for a Long Term Visit Pass. This is usually for foreigners who are parents, spouses, or children of a Singapore citizen or a permanent resident. In all cases, you should apply for the necessary visa or permit before you travel to Singapore. You can do this through the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website. You should also ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Singapore," said one person in Holland Village.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Holland Village?
We asked people in Holland Village if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"In Holland Village, it's important to avoid littering as it's considered disrespectful and can also result in heavy fines. It's also considered rude to chew gum in public, as it's actually banned in Singapore. When using public transportation, always give up your seat to the elderly, pregnant women, or those with disabilities. Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics and religion, as Singapore is a multicultural society with diverse beliefs. When dining, don't start eating until the eldest person at the table has begun. Also, tipping is not customary in Singapore, so there's no need to leave extra money at restaurants. Lastly, always respect the local customs and traditions to avoid offending anyone," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Holland Village.
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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
About the Author
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.
SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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Digital nomads and expats talk about what it's like living in Holland Village.
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