Singapore's well-developed infrastructure and modern amenities offer expats an exceptional lifestyle. However, this comes at a price, as it is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Despite the relatively high cost of living, many expats say they have more disposable income than at home. If expats are looking to get away for a weekend, Singapore is an ideal starting point for traveling in Southeast Asia.
A number of budget airlines offer affordable fares to neighboring countries, such as Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia. Sometimes planning a trip at the last minute can result in extremely cheap airfare. There's no doubt that Singapore is one of the best places to live. This small island nation systematically leads surveys that classify economic status, transport efficiency, technology, education and quality of life.
With its many advantages, it's no surprise that this country remains a favorite among expats. If moving to Singapore is on your radar, then find out what you need to know about this place that will be your next home. Singapore maintains universal healthcare system through mandatory savings and government subsidies. Employment Pass or S-Pass holders are eligible to bring certain family members when moving to Singapore by applying for a Dependent Pass.
There are currently 5.6 million people in Singapore, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Under the IRAS, a tax resident is a citizen or permanent resident of Singapore who lives in Singapore, except for temporary absences; and any alien who has lived and worked in Singapore for 183 days or more in the previous assessment year. This has resulted in an increasing number of international visitors seeking medical services at many of Singapore's internationally accredited hospitals. There is also the EntrePass for foreign entrepreneurs who want to open a new business in Singapore, and the Personalized Employment Pass for current Employment Pass holders or foreign professionals earning more than the minimum income required by the Employment Pass.
Foreign undergraduate or graduate students between the ages of 18 and 25 who wish to enjoy a working holiday in Singapore can apply for the working holiday pass under the Working Holiday Program of the Ministry of Labour of Singapore. While almost all native Singaporeans can speak several languages in a market, I heard my Indian tour guide speak with a Chinese merchant in a mix of Tamil, Malay and Mandarin Chinese English is the lingua franca of the island. Usually, expats already have a job when they arrive in Singapore, but there is a possibility that your situation will change, or you may be traveling with a partner who would like to find employment. Many companies choose to send their key people to Singapore because of its excellent reputation for business transparency, low corruption and technological innovation.
There are many good public schools in Singapore that are affordable and offer high-quality education. Certain medications, such as strong pain relievers, some sleeping pills and anxiolytics, are illegal in Singapore. Those who wish to do so can apply for the EntrePass, which is valid for one year at the beginning and allows you to easily leave and re-enter Singapore. When it comes to public transport, Singapore's impressive Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system is praised as one of the best and most efficient in the world.
Singapore has universal health care that is funded through a system of compulsory public insurance and government subsidies; however, temporary residents, such as expatriates, do not enter this system. .
