Singapore is one of the world’s most developed countries. This small island nation has both an efficient public transportation system (Singapore MRT) and a wonderful network of roads, making it easy to get around. The people are very friendly and speak English fluently, which makes it easy to get help when you need it. Life in Singapore is made easy by the fact that there is little crime, the city is clean and beautiful (HDB flats), and the banks are extremely safe and efficient.
Singapore boasts one of the freest economies in the world and has some of the most stable and safe banks. It is a city that boasts safe, clean streets and very friendly people.
Here are some quick facts about living in Singapore:
- Languages include English, Tamil, Malay, and Mandarin Chinese.
- Singapore Dollar is the currency (SGD)
- Singapore has a low crime rate.
- Singapore’s cost of living: High
- Singapore has a high standard of living.
Singapore’s Cost of Living
It is widely accepted that the average cost of living in Singapore is high. A single person in Singapore’s average monthly expenses (excluding rent) is around 800 SGD (575 USD). This is significantly higher for a four-person family: around 4,400 SGD (3,200 USD) per month.
Though the daily cost of living does not differ significantly from district to district, rental prices vary across neighborhoods. Rent will be less expensive if you live on the outskirts of the city. Many districts in the country’s north, in particular, are considered affordable.
On living on a budget in Singapore
There are ways to save money, such as living in HDBs (Singaporean public housing), eating only at hawker centers (which are often cheaper than cooking at home), and taking public transportation, but you’ll still likely spend more than you would anywhere else in Southeast Asia.
Singapore Food
Eating is a national pastime in Singapore and for good reason. The cuisine is a delectable blend of Malay, Indonesian, and Chinese influences with a Singaporean twist.
Char kway teow, which consists of stir-fried flat rice noodles, bean sprouts, fish cake, Chinese sausage, prawns, and squid, is my absolute favorite. Although less exotic, Hainanese chicken rice, Singapore’s most popular dish, is another of my favorites.
On chili crab: If you’re visiting Singapore for the first time, you must try the chili crab. Eating chili crab, which is more sweet than spicy, is as much about the food as it is about the experience, as most people prefer to eat it with their bare hands.
Singapore Transportation
Singapore’s MRT (subway) and bus systems are both excellent, so if I need to go a little further, I’ll take one of those.
Taxis, Grab, and Gojek are also popular modes of transportation that are significantly less expensive than in many other places. However, I still prefer public transportation.
If you’re planning a trip to Singapore, I recommend downloading the gothere.sg app to your phone – it makes navigating the city on your own a breeze!
Singapore Weather
Singapore is hot all year, so I usually wear a light cotton sundress or shorts and a tank top, and I’ll be sweating within seconds of walking outside.
The only places in Singapore that require you to cover up are the temples, but if I’m going to be indoors, I always bring a light sweater or wrap with me.
On the prevalence of air conditioning: Singapore likes to make everyone forget how hot it is outside by making all shopping malls, restaurants, and movie theaters feel like they are in the Arctic Circle.
Singapore Languages
Because Singapore is made up of so many different nationalities, I usually hear at least five different languages in a single trip to the grocery store. Singapore’s official language, in addition to English, in Mandarin. The majority of Chinese Singaporeans are fluent in both languages.
Singlish
And then there’s Singlish, Singapore’s unofficial language! Singlish is a colloquial language that combines English with various Chinese and Malay dialects to create a one-of-a-kind language that’s actually quite enjoyable to use.
Singapore Law
Most people are aware that Singapore is strict when it comes to laws and the penalties for breaking them.
And you’ve probably heard about Singapore’s chewing gum ban, but there is a slew of other laws in place that most of us from outside Singapore would never consider.
For example, if you fail to flush a public toilet, you may be fined. Or if you are discovered naked in your own home. While breaking these kinds of rules would be amusing in most places, it’s not something you’d want to do in Singapore!
All in all, Singapore is a great place to live for those who want the convenience of first-world living with the excitement and flavor of Asia. I would recommend giving it a try if you haven’t already – but be warned, it may be hard to leave once you get used to the easy lifestyle here! Have you lived in Singapore? If so, what were your favorite things about it? Let us know in the comments below.
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