Living in Singapore as an expat can be a costly ordeal. The standard of living here goes from strength to strength, almost by the day. Knowing what costs and how you can save will make a significant difference to the cost of your daily life.

The Cost of Renting

Rental prices in Singapore for expats are as high as the world’s top global hubs. Before we discuss rental costs in Singapore, it is important to note that the standard of accommodation for the average expat in Singapore is significantly higher than many other cities. Most expat accommodation comes with full condominium facilities, including a pool and a gym.

A condo within a 15-minute MRT ride to the CBD will cost around $4000 in Singapore. If you move closer to the more novel expatriate hubs like around Orchard Road and River Valley, the price for a similar facility will climb 25% or more.

A landed property (with e.g. four bedrooms) will cost you S$10,000+. For more on the various areas to live and costs, check out our accommodation section.

Many expatriates begin their life in Singapore living in short term accommodation. The cost of this is significantly higher – expect to pay $5,000 to $7,000 for a studio apartment from providers like Global Residences. If you’re looking for immediate accommodation in Singapore at reduced cost while looking, check out Hotels Combined to get the cheapest rates going.

To save on rental costs it is common for expats to move slightly further out. Living in the likes of Clementi, Toa Payoh or Bedok (a couple of stops further out on the MRT: 20-25 minutes to the CBD) can be significantly cheaper – think 20% cheaper. Remember that Singapore is incredibly safe, no matter where you decide to live. Also, living in HDB (Housing Development Board) flats will reduce costs significantly.

High Cost of Living in Singapore, but Very Low Tax

Note: One thing to consider is that the tax rate in Singapore is one of the lowest in the world, so you will have a significantly larger monthly sum at your disposal than you might think. So remember to consider the cost of living in Singapore relative to your NET income each month of work. For a more detailed look, please visit our income tax page.

Cost of Transport

Singapore transportation infrastructure is great value, even with recent price increases. Buy an EZ links card at any MRT station and you’ll save hugely on bus and MRT travel. Five stops will cost around $1.50.

Taxis are also extremely good value- a 10 minute trip will set you back around $6. Getting to work has never been so straight-forward. For more on transport in Singapore please visit our guide.

The cost of driving in Singapore can be extremely expensive, costing as much as $100,000 for the license to put a car on the road. Many expats opt for car leasing as this can avoid the large lump sum payment. Visit Avis’ useful driving guide to learn more about driving in Singapore.

The Cost of Your Social Life in Singapore

One and great things about Singapore is the social life and the variety of social living. Socialising can be as expensive, or cheap as you like.

Going out for a drink in Singapore can be very expensive. A reasonable bar will set you back $12 for a pint of lager or beer and $14 for a glass of wine. Watch out for ‘One for One’ offers: this actually means ‘Two for the price of One’! Knowing happy hours can save you a lot. Check out our nightlife section for more.

Dining in Singapore can be extremely good value, especially if you go for the local food. Check out our dining guide for eating ideas to suit all budgets.

Cost of Healthcare

Healthcare in Singapore can be prohibitively expensive so you need to make sure that you are well-covered when you arrive here. Check out our Healthcare section for more.

Cost of Utilities

Electricity & Water costs are relatively expensive. For a two-bed apartment you should expect to pay around S$150-200 per month on electricity and water depending on usage of course. Don’t forget to switch off the air-con when you don’t need it- it’ll save you a lot!

Cost of Education

The cost of living in Singapore can be relatively high when it comes to your children’s education. International schools’ tuition fees can range from $6,000 to $20,000 per year. Visit our education section for more.

Cost of Groceries

Grocery Shopping in Singapore is expensive as almost everything is imported. Here is a list of prices to give you an idea (estimated): Bag of Ground Coffee: $8 Minced meat (250g): $7 Butter (250g): S$4.70 Fresh Milk (1L): $2.50 Loaf of Sliced Bread: $2. Cold storage is more costly but has the widest selection of western goods.

The post The Cost of Living in Singapore in 2013 appeared first on Gateway Singapore.

Driving in Singapore can be challenging in terms of many things. This ranges all the way from buying a car to changing lanes when driving the kids to school. For many moving to Singapore to live and work, driving is a very different experience to home.

Buying a Car in Singapore

Let’s start with the acquisition of a vehicle. This may well be the most prohibitive part of the driving experience. And if you think that it’s prohibitive in Germany, the USA, Thailand or wherever you’re from then Singapore is about to change your perspective. In order to put a car on the road in Singapore, one  needs to pay for the COE (Certificate of Entitlement). This currently stands at just over S$70,000 for a car of 1600cc or below, or just over S$85,000 for a vehicle that is over 1600cc. The certificate lasts for ten years.

Car Leasing in Singapore

Luckily, there is an alternative which makes putting a car on the road a lot more straight-forward: car leasing. “Leasing a car takes away all the lump sums, payment headaches and long-term commitment that buying a car oneself brings”, according to Charyna Francisco from Avis Singapore. Regulation around loan-giving has recently tightened in Singapore, making it more difficult than ever to buy a car on credit.

Driving in Singapore can be an expensive activity if approached the wrong way.

Those who move to Singapore are faced with huge lifestyle and surroundings changes, and being free to drive around is an attribute that many expats and foreign nationals will not want to surrender upon arrival in Singapore.

In many cases, a car leasing agency in Singapore can have everything set up for you once you arrive in Singapore – the ideal thing is to make contact before you arrive here. Servicing & maintenance, Insurance & Road Tax and breakdown assistance are often included in the price. It is possible to choose car leasing of an economy-class car or premium-class car with varying price levels. In some cases it may be possible to arrange corporate car-leasing packages.

Driving in Singapore, according to the Rules

People who intend to reside in Singapore for longer than 12 months must convert their driving license to a Singapore driving license in order to drive in Singapore. Conversion to a Singapore licence is often possible by passing only the Basic Theory Test if the foreign issued licence has not expired. Now that you’re on the road, the challenge continues as drivers in Singapore can be tricky, despite the enormous fines threatened.

Speeding carries similar fines as many countries in Europe. The Driver Improvement Points System (DIPs) applies to anyone breaking the rules of the road, and the rules are strict. A driver may not accumulate 24 or more demerit points within 24 months before he becomes liable for suspension. If a driver has been suspended before, he may not accumulate 12 or more demerit points within 12 months from the date of his last offence.

When using the roads in the inner city area and expressways during peak hour, you will be expected to pay a toll. Singapore has outfitted every car with an In-Vehicle Unit (IU) which when a prepaid Cashcard is inserted, automatically deducts the cost of the toll when you pass through one of the gantries that stand at the start of the roads affected.

For more information on driving in Singapore and adhering to the rules, visit Avis’ driving guide.

Driving to Malaysia from Singapore

If you wish to drive into Malaysia you may cross at the Causeway at Woodlands, and at the “2nd Link” at Tuas. At both entry points a toll must be paid using the Singapore cash card. Tolls in Malaysia are paid separately using a Touch ‘n Go contactless smartcard which can be purchased at counters on many Malaysian highways and petrol stations.

Ask Avis about Driving in Singapore

The post Driving in Singapore: Car Leasing, Buying and Rules of the Road appeared first on Gateway Singapore.

Singapore plays host to some of the top MBA schools in the world

Studying in Singapore is becoming increasingly popular, with universities in Singapore having world-class reputations and state-of-the-art facilities.

Several of the MBA programs on offer in Singapore are world-renowned. Three Business Schools in Singapore make it into the Top 40 (FT.com) for their MBA programs. Two of Singapore’s universities featured in the Top 200 Universities in the World (Times Higher Education), with National University of Singapore making it into the top 40.

Many wider-known universities from Europe and the US have strong ties to universities in Singapore, giving them global recognition. There is a tough work ethic in Singapore and you can expect to study harder than you have done before while here. The reward at the end is a highly demanded qualification.

MBA programs in Singapore

There is a wide range of MBA courses in Singapore. The MBAs on offer from Singapore’s institutions are world-class. A number of top universities from around the world also have a Singapore campus and offer MBA programs. MBA courses are usually taken full time over one or two years. Many of the MBA courses require significant high-level work experience from the applicant.

Masters Degrees in Singapore

Postgraduate taught and research masters usually take between one and three years to obtain. PhD programmes should be completed within two to five years.

Courses and studying in Singapore is usually conducted in English, with the exception of language classes.

Applying

Those looking at studying in Singapore will generally need to have a 2:1 degree or above for most postgraduate courses. Check with individual institutions for full details.

Application deadlines vary for each university but are usually at the beginning of November for the semester 1 intake and at the beginning of May for the semester 2 intake.

Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the university, usually by post or online. Foreign candidates may have to provide proof that they can financially support themselves during the course of study,  which could be in the form of a bank statement.

MBA courses usually require a bachelor’s degree and at least five years’ work experience.

Here is a list of some of Singapore’s Higher Education Institutes.

Public Universities in Singapore

• Nanyang Technological University
• National University of Singapore (NUS)
• Singapore Management University (SMU)

Private Institutes

• Singapore Institute of Management (SIM)
• Raffles College of Higher Education

Private Business Schools in Singapore

• INSEAD Asia Campus
• SP Jain Center of Management
• University of Chicago Booth School of Business (Singapore Campus)
• UNLV Singapore
• London School of Business & Finance

The post Studying in Singapore: MBA Programs and Masters Degree appeared first on Gateway Singapore.

The single most important thing when moving to Singapore is to find a great place to call home for a while, and specifically those looking at renting in Singapore. We want to help you find that as this was so important to those of us who have already made the big move. If you already know the terminology then you might want to know where to live.

Renting in Singapore: Decoded

Singapore has its own local language when it comes to property and renting. To avoid confusion when looking for an apartment, we have laid it out plain and simple for you.

Condominiums are what a substantial proportion of the foreign professional population will end up renting in Singapore. Condominiums often come with facilities such as swimming pools, barbecue pits, gyms, tennis and/or others. A two-bed condominium in a popular area will cost between $4,000 and $5,000 per month.

HDB (Housing Development Board) flats are government-built flats that cover much of the Singapore cityscape, and 80% of Singaporeans live in one. Don’t be scared off by the name: there are some very plush HDB options out there with some flats going for over S$1m (€575k) near Chinatown. Renting a HDB flat in Singapore will greatly reduce yours rental costs and may present the option of living closer to where you work, or where you desire to live.

Landed property refers to any property where the ground on which the property stands is owned by the landlord (not the state). Bungalows are usually a type landed property, and here bungalows refer to any detached or semi-detached property.

Taking care when finding a place to live in Singapore

When using an agent to find a place to rent in Singapore, be sure to be prudent when it comes to the pricing. Remember that no matter what the agent says, the house in front of you is NOT the last in Singapore at that price, or in that area. In rare cases, agents have been known to use these arguments to push newcomers to take accommodation in awkward situations and on the wrong side of Singapore.

The post Renting in Singapore: An Introduction appeared first on Gateway Singapore.

With English as the primary language of business, teaching English in Singapore is suitably popular. The TEFL market is quite big here and the demands of ESL teachers are quite high. The English teachers in Singapore are paid quite well, and with the salary, the teachers are usually provided with return airfare, medical insurance and help in finding accommodation.

Types of teaching jobs available in Singapore

There are numerous language schools located all around Singapore. There are opportunities to teach general English in schools, Corporate English and English for Young Learners. English teaching jobs are also available with the Singapore Ministry of Education- please refer to our guide. For more information on teaching english in Singapore visit the English Language Institute of Singapore’s website.

Requirements for Teaching English in Singapore

A respected third-level qualification is often required when teaching English in Singapore. On top of this, ESL teachers will also require a certificate from TEFL, TESOL or CELTA. The teachers require official job contracts and the necessary visa documentation in order to become an English teacher in Singapore.

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Singapore is Asia’s job hub for oil & gas and has the world’s largest oil refinery. Almost 5% of Singapore’s gross domestic product has come from Oil & Gas.  The oil industry has been central to Singapore’s economic mantra, since 1891 when trading in oil began here.

The clean technology job sector is of growing importance in Singapore

In November 2007, the Singapore Government launched the National Energy Policy Report. Titled “Energy for Growth”, the report outlined a holistic national energy policy framework that balances the four policy objectives of economic competitiveness, energy security, environmental sustainability, and industry development. The strong focus on Energy within public policy bodes well for future job prospects in Oil  & Gas, as well as jobs in renewable energy.

The clean energy sector in Singapore is growing in significance, as highlighted in the above report issued by the Government of Singapore.  Singapore’s experience and capabilities in the semiconductor, industrial equipment and chemicals sectors place the country in good stead to capture opportunities in the solar, fuel cells and biofuels markets.

Hence, job opportunities in Energy R&D are also strong. Singapore is also channeling its R&D capabilities towards developing high-value products such as lubricants. In its efforts to extract more value from refineries, Singapore has achieved headway in key R&D areas such as process optimization and catalyst development which maximise the use of existing refinery assets.

Oil & Gas companies with job opportunities include Chevron, Shell, BP, Statoil and ExxonMobil.

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