What's it really like to live in Singapore?

[synthia]

Singapore has been bringing in immigrants at a rate that makes some citizens fear that the character of the country is being changed, that it will no longer even look as if it is predominantly Chinese, or so I've been reading.

[DesertStranded]

Originally Posted by Havoline

ok, here the rental range as of Nov'08 is approximately (using 1USD = 1.5 SGD)
Studio apt : US$1,200 (500sqft to 700 sqft)


Transport via trains costs about US$2.70 a day, 2 meals eating out costs US$7 (hawker food), US$20 (restaurants).

So what's Dubai's expenses for above like?

Rent/property prices are a bit more in Dubai.

1USD=3.65AED
I'm renting in the most affordable area of Dubai (way out in the desert).
The plumbing is shoddy, the appliances are of a cheap Indian make and it's situated directly across from a sewage treatment plant that smells awful.

I pay approximately $1600 USD for this substandard quality studio.

Dubai does not yet have any efficient public transport. There are buses you can take but you will have to transfer so many times and wait for the buses that get stuck in the traffic that it will take 3 hours to get from one side of Dubai to the other.

The main mode of transport are taxis. If you rent a car it will cost you about $550 USD/month.

Groceries and goods cost the same here as in the States even though the wages are lower here.

The average salary for the average position in Admin./IT/Secretarial is UNDER $2700 USD. It is only worth it to come to Dubai if you are in upper management or RE.

I'm currently looking for work so we depend on my fiance's meager salary alone and after rent and transport we have under $500 USD/month to pay for groceries, health care products, entertainment and other expenses.

[Havoline]

Yes you are right, Dubai and Singapore seems almost having similar living expenses, in Singapore, most families get by with both couples working, otherwise you cannot have that city lifestyle you wish for. Singapore must well revert to being a fishing village. Is either this or that. And most choose that, bright lights big city. So these comes with its costs, nobody voted to reverting to a fishing village nowadays.

[Havoline]

Originally Posted by synthia

Singapore has been bringing in immigrants at a rate that makes some citizens fear that the character of the country is being changed, that it will no longer even look as if it is predominantly Chinese, or so I've been reading.

I like reading your travel blog, truly freedom.

Every city is working hard at that, its the city that attracts middle income people that gains more from taxes and consumption spending. Its a financial strategy for the government. Singapore works extra hard at achieving that because of the low birth rate despite having a well funded education population.

[DesertStranded]

How is Singapore weathering this world financial crisis?

The economic bust finally hit Dubai last month and companies are downsizing and placing hiring freezes left and right now. Property sale prices are falling as well but rent is not dropping yet.

Are people in Singapore starting to panic?

[Kayden Vince]

Ya i am thinking of coming to singapore too to study. ANy advice?

[astuteman]

Originally Posted by DesertStranded

My fiance and I are a bit sick of the situation we're in here in Dubai and would like to relocate somewhere else. He's a Senior Web Developer/Web Master so we'd need to go someplace good for IT where he could find a decent paying position.


So how is the working/living situation in Singapore? Don't just give the positive PC answer I really want to know the pros and cons. What are the work culture, working hours, salary, vacation time, crime, corruption, bureaucracy, commute time, daily hassles, etc.

I'd really appreciate any advice anyone could give so we could decide if a move is advisable.

work culture: definitely competitive. then again its the same for most cities.

salary: it depends on your experience can education level. but it shouldnt be too bad.

vacation time: if you looking at the sch holidays is usually in June and December as well as a week in March and another week in september.

crime: definitely low. but that doesnt mean there is no crime..

commute time: at most takes abt 1hr. with public transport available everywhere it shouldnt be that diff to get form one place to another.

[ecureilx]

Originally Posted by astuteman

work culture: definitely competitive. then again its the same for most cities.

salary: it depends on your experience can education level. but it shouldnt be too bad.

vacation time: if you looking at the sch holidays is usually in June and December as well as a week in March and another week in september.

crime: definitely low. but that doesnt mean there is no crime..

commute time: at most takes abt 1hr. with public transport available everywhere it shouldnt be that diff to get form one place to another.

My Maiden post here, and hope I dont step on anybody's ties

I am considered one of the mid level expats here ..

Honestly, my 2 cents advice: In Singapore, you can find public housing apartments from 800 US$ for a two bedroom apartment, like about 30 minutes or so from the city, upto a grand throw away price of like 8,000 US$ or more for a fancy apartment or bungalow house. Land being scarce here, bungalow houses cost a small fortune ..

it all depends upon how fancy life you wanna live or want to save. I know a guy working for a air cargo company, whose rent was over 12,000 S$, for a large 5 bedroom apartment, with swimming pool and gym and what not. It was a highly paid job.

I also have a few expat colleagues with me, who are more than happy living in Housing board apartments.

In Singapore, you can live a decent life, with a decent japanese car, and can survive for less than 3000 US$ per month, and save a lot, or live for 10 times the cost. It all depends on how much you want to save or how much you get paid, and what benefits are included.

The choice is yours.

Nowadays, most expats are without the expat benefits as before, and have had their housing and transport allowances cut.

Cheers

[83.giggles]

Originally Posted by DesertStranded

Oh, sorry for the confusion. We haven't married yet. Dating is illegal in Dubai so we are just used to already introducing ourselves as married.

Are marriages in Singapore civil or religious?

I guess we would have to marry and have jobs lined up before thinking of a move.

marriages in singapore have both civil and religious.

the religious marriage is the ROMM which is for the muslim couples whereas the ROM is civil marriage.

[ecureilx]

Originally Posted by 83.giggles

marriages in singapore have both civil and religious.

the religious marriage is the ROMM which is for the muslim couples whereas the ROM is civil marriage.

ROM Homepage has details on getting married.

There are some requirements, such as period of stay prior to applying for license, and a cooling-off period (sort of announcement period) and then you get a license to get married.

In Singapore, it is common for couples to get legally married, and then after some time to host a wedding program.