First of all, Welcome to Singapore!
2015 is Singapore's 50th Anniversary! |
I am an Australian expat, living and working in-between Melbourne and Singapore.
Singapore is the Lion City of Asia and is located in Southeast Asia, next to Malaysia and Indonesia.
Singapore is by and large a safe and clean city, as it's reputation holds it strongly for. It even has it's own Restroom Association (http://www.toilet.org.sg), so why wouldn't it be clean? The public transport system is also one of the best in the world and it is something that will keep improving as their building and infrastructure plans continue.
There are approximately 5 million+ people living in Singapore (~70% Chinese, 13-15% Malay, 9% Indian). Living here you'll find that there is no major natural disasters such as earthquakes or tsunamis. Being so close to Indonesia though, both Singapore and Malaysia can sometimes experience haze from their close neighbour in Sumatra, Indonesia. The weather is also generally quite consistent with the same temperature (heat and humidity) all year around. Normally it is around 30-32 degrees Celsius. So the key difference that I find is really how wet or dry the weather will be.
Now that I have a good overview of Singapore, what is it that I need to know to get settled here?
Well, here is a list of some quick mini guides that I have written to help you understand your new surroundings. Some of these are quite straightforward, while others give you insight into some processes that you need to go through.
Basics and Getting around
SIM Card
Tip - Payphones in the airport are free to use. So you can call your local contact/ friends or family for free using these payphones
Public transport
In fact, some banks already have an automated system that calculates how much you have used their credit cards, etc. and clear your credit card annual fee for another year for free. I have seen some even offer bonus rewards if you paid for the annual fee, so it's up to you if you're looking to buy these points each year. From what I have heard, only American Express (Amex) is the exception.
Japanese Supermarket, "Meidi-Ya" in Singapore (located near Clarke Quay) |
Food/ Shopping supermarkets (online shopping available)
How to find a rental property in Singapore
Depending on whether you are looking for a room or an entire place in Singapore for your self or your family. Locally, most people in Singapore use:
F1 Event - September 2014 |
Things to do in and places to see in Singapore
Outdoors
Networking/ Socialising
Events
Places to see (outside but near Singapore)