A candidate s guide to Singapore

Transcription

1 A candidate s guide to Singapore

2 Welcome to your quick guide to Singapore We have created this short guide to help you understand the culture and what to expect when living and working in one of the world s most prosperous countries. Vibrance in the city Many people marvel at the beauty of Singapore and its progressiveness. Way before becoming the cosmopolitan city of today, Singapore was just a humble fishing village, inhabited by an indigenous settlement. Today, Singapore is a bustling cosmopolitan city of high-rise buildings, landscaped gardens and heritage-rich precincts. Home to a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture, Singapore is rich in contrast and colour. In fact, you will find that Singapore embodies aspects of both East and West in many interesting ways. Key facts at a glance: Population of slightly over five million people English is one of the main languages and is primarily used for business Has a land area of about 710 square kilometres, making it one of the smallest countries in the world Attractive income tax rate Did you know Singapore consists only of one main island and 63 other tiny islands? Most of these islands are uninhabited.

3 Essential information Accommodation The cost of housing in Singapore depends on factors such as the property s proximity to the city, relative age of the property, facilities, and quality of furniture included. You should take time to decide where you want to live and carefully consider the rental costs. Food Food is relatively cheap in Singapore. Food expenses depend on how extravagant you are! An expatriate family can save on their food budget by cooking their own meals as often as possible. Transport Singapore has one of the best, most comprehensive and least expensive public transport systems in the world. A oneway average bus or MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) will set you back around S$1.60. Did you know... The Singapore Flyer is the world's tallest observation wheel at 165 metres?

4 Essential information Money To open a local bank account, you need a work permit (this will be in progress before you travel). It normally takes about two weeks to get a bank account opened. There are plenty of normal ATMs where a UK debit card can be used (but beware of charges from UK banks). Utilities The Public Utilities Board (PUB) provides water and regulates the electricity and piped gas supply in Singapore. Tap water is well within the guidelines for drinking water quality set by the World Health Organisation and it is safe to drink from the tap. Healthcare As a general practice, health insurance benefits are not provided by majority of the employers in Singapore. If your compensation package includes medical insurance, this is a non-issue for you. Even if your employer does not provide health insurance, the cost of medical services in Singapore is reasonable.. Did you know... Singapore has the fastest walkers on the planet?

5 Cost of living - average prices Restaurants Meal, inexpensive restaurant Meal for two, mid-range restaurant, three-course Combo meal at McDonalds or similar Domestic beer (0.5 litre draught) Imported beer (0.33 litre bottle) Cappuccino (regular) Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) Water (0.33 litre bottle) Markets Milk (regular), (1 litre) Loaf of fresh white bread (500g) Rice (white), (1kg) Eggs (12) Local cheese (1kg) Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), (1kg) Apples (1kg) Oranges (1kg) Tomatoes (1kg) Potatoes (1kg) Lettuce (1 head) Water (1.5 litre bottle) Bottle of wine (mid-range) Domestic beer (0.5 litre bottle) Imported beer (0.33 litre bottle) Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) Transportation One-way ticket (local transport) Monthly pass (regular price) Taxi start (normal tariff) Taxi 1km (normal tariff) Taxi 1hour waiting (normal tariff) Petrol (1 litre) S$10.00 S$50.00 S$7.00 S$6.00 S$8.00 S$5.14 S$1.56 S$1.09 S$2.85 S$2.06 S$3.28 S$2.65 S$18.10 S$9.34 S$3.81 S$3.64 S$3.21 S$2.61 S$2.03 S$1.81 S$30.00 S$5.89 S$5.56 S$12.00 S$1.72 S$98.00 S$3.20 S$0.60 S$18.00 S$2.14 Prices given as a guide only Did you know Singaporeans can vote in the British elections (as Singapore is part of the Commonwealth)?

6 Cost of living - average prices Utilities (monthly) Basic (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment S$ min. of prepaid mobile tariff Local (no discounts or plans) S$0.18 Internet (6 Mbps, unlimited data, cable/adsl) S$41.24 Sports and leisure Fitness club, monthly fee for 1 adult Tennis court rental (1 hour on weekend) Cinema, international release, 1 seat S$ S$11.09 S$11.00 Clothing and shoes 1 pair of jeans (Levis 501 or similar) S$ summer dress in a chain store (e.g. Zara, H&M) S$ pair of Nike shoes S$ pair of men s leather shoes S$ Rent per month Apartment (1 bedroom) in city centre Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of centre Apartment (3 bedrooms) in city centre Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of centre S$3, S$2, S$6, S$3, Prices given as a guide only Did you know The world s first night zoo, The Night Safari, is located in Singapore?

7 What do our candidates think? I have to say how impressed I am with how well I was dealt with in finding me employment in such a short period of time. The team at Resourcing Solutions has made me feel very welcome and given me professional guidance throughout the whole process - they were very informative and fast in dealing with any issues. I would recommend anyone who is seeking employment overseas to Resourcing Solutions. RRV Fitter Singapore as a city is great place, very vibrant and full of culture. There is a plethora of places to eat and all tastes are catered for. Singapore is well placed and offers great links to Australia, Thailand, Malaysia and Bali to list a few so no doubt like most your passport will fill up quickly as you make the most of your leave. Project Manager To anybody considering coming to Singapore I'd say do it - definitely. It is challenging to begin with and there's a lot to learn about the way they do things and a lot to get used to. But if you stick with it, the rewards are there and the sunshine isn't bad either. RRV Operator It has been very easy for me to move out to Singapore and everyone has been helpful out here. Since moving, I have had the opportunity to go out and see Singapore with some of my co-workers. Trackwork Project Engineer

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