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The Question
Public Question Asked by User182895 about Singapore
Want honest views on moving from London to Singapore. What might I expect, economically/politically/socially. Cost of living? Tks
Answers (5)
The Best Answer
Answered by Cheryl S , Singapore, Singapore
The plus point about Singapore is the plethora of options available for food, especially.
With regards to costs of living - there are hawker (food) centres where prices range from as low as SGD0.80 for a large mug of soybean milk - to SGD3-5 for an average hawker dish like chicken rice. Food is extremely affordable and usually rather reasonably priced, depending on your choices. You can choose to eat out at hawker centres and soak in the true blue Singaporean culture, or dine at mid-tier to upscale restaurants. There are also local 'wet' markets, common supermarket chains as well as gourmet, organic and specialty stores.
I haven't been to London, but I believe that public transport here is more affordable, monthly concession passes are available as well - it is advisable to purchase if you intend to move around the island alot. Otherwise, taxis are also a viable mode of transport and hands-down cheaper than in London. Starting fares are at SGD2.80 onwards.
As for other costs such as mobile phone plans, Singapore has very competitive telcos so plan prices are reasonable and competitive, much like in most metropolitan cities.
Politics - Singapore prides herself as a nation of stability and harmony. Strikes and demonstrations are virtually non-existent and it is a very safe place to live in.
Foreigners (and even locals!) have often bemoaned that Singapore is culturally s lacking. However, its not too bad. There are always developments and changes. Depending on if you're moving over alone, or with your family, there's always something to do. Cycling along the fairly quiet Changi Coast, checking out the usual tourist hotspots or spending the night out at Clarke Quay, home to Singapore's happening clubs and pubs. There are many other places off the beaten path to explore as well, - it is up to one to discover his favourite supper haunts, or shopping gems.
Feel free to ask away! Better still, come here for an extended visit and truly get a feel of what its like before you make your choice! :D
Answered by Marianne Rogerson , Singapore, Singapore
As someone who has moved from the UK to Singapore I can happily say it is the best move we ever made! If you like to travel, you can't beat the location - so many places within a short flight away. The food scene is awesome, from local hawker centres (very cheap) to celebrity chef restaurants (outrageously expensive). Socially, as an expat it is very easy to make friends as it is a very transient expat society so people are used to welcoming newcomers all the time so you will be made to feel welcome. Not sure on your personal situation, but it is especially good for young couples and young families here - not so good if you are young free singel and looking to meet that special someone, as single friends often complain! If you are heavily into watching live sporting events, going to art galleries, theatre or live gigs then you might be disappointed although this is improving. Cost of living - public transport & taxis are v cheap compared to London, accommodation is very expensive, drinking is exorbitant (about 7 pound a pint average - yes really - and a 6-pack of Tiger in the supermarket will set you back about the same), buying anything in the supermarket is way more than you will be used to and so will clothes shopping etc. But you pay very low tax, so as long as you get a good salary paid in SGD you'll be fine - the other plus side is that the SGD is strong so you will feel rich when you go home on holiday! :)
For info on things to do, restaurants etc - check out the NileGuide pages:
http://www.nileguide.com/destination/singapore/
Answered by Melvin Sim , Singapore, Singapore
From a local's point of view, assuming that you've secured a job already:
economically - pay will be lower than in London, comparing like for like, but the cost of living will be lower as will be taxes (top tier of 20%). Food will also be cheaper as will be travel via public transport (if you want to buy a car, all bets are off. We have the world's most expensive cars but petrol is still cheaper).
politically - don't know what you've heard so far but politics isn't intrusive but it doesn't take kindly to foreigners putting their fingers in, ie, no foreign donations/funding allowed.
socially - Singapore is much closer to England socially compared to other Asian countries due to English influences from colonial times. English is widely spoken and is an official and working language. There is no resentment over colonialism unlike some other countries but expats are much less likely to have preferential treatment, ie, unlikely to have the expats-are-right mentality. In fact, a colleague once told me that Singapore is the only Asian country where he (an expat) was told, point blank, that he was wrong. Singapore is a fairly westernised Asian country which is usually considered a good starting point for westerners who are new to Asia. Of course, having said that, Singapore is still fundamentally Asian and there will be differences culturally but those differences will be far too many to go into here. I would suggest you pick up a Culture Shock or other book on the subject to find out more.
Answered by Edward Lim , Singapore City, Singapore
if u have a job in singapore, a change of evironment, transport is not expensive, food is good, most singaporean can speak english. only housing rental is on the high side.A variety of food, many international school in singapore. A multi nation country with chinese, indian,malay and other race which u can found in singapore. All live harmony with each other. A good and stable government.
Answered by James Tan , Singapore, Singapore
Let me elaborate to you in point form:
- Singapore is safe
- Convenient to travel even without a car
- Its a clean and comfortable city to live in
- Singaporean can be very friendly if u speak to them just like new yoker
- Sometimes it can be very boring but you can always travel to near by country and air fair is cheap.
Well if you ask me its a fine city to live in but standard of living is getting higher just like any city in the world, you will feel stress catching up.
