Living in Singapore
Singapore is an island republic situated between Malaysia and Indonesia. Singapore is approximately 137 km north of the equator, or about one degree north of the equator with a land area of 685.4 sq km, or approximately 3.5 times the size of Washington DC.
Singapore's multi-cultural society of over 4 million is reflected in its major ethnic groups: the Chinese (76%), Malays (13.7%), Indians (8.4%), and Eurasians and minority groups (1.8%). Each community has its unique practices, religions and festivals.
English is the language of administration, business, and technology. The official languages are English, Chinese (Mandarin), Malay and Tamil.
The tropical climate makes Singapore warm and wet most of the year. Temperatures range from 25.2°C to 32° C.
Singaporeans are passionate about food and eating. In this cosmopolitan and multicultural city, you can expect a wide selection of international cuisines.
Public Transport
Singapore has one of the most extensive and efficient public transportation systems in the world. Travelling in the city and suburbs is typically a quick and affordable affair.
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) operates an extensive network of trains across the country. Trains operate from 5.30am -12.30am daily, every three to eight minutes. A ride on the MRT from Singapore Changi Airport to the city takes less than half an hour. A copy of A Quick Guide to MRT Travel can be obtained from the Station Control Rooms at all MRT stations.
Public buses run daily from 5.30am - midnight. Extended night services cost slightly more.
Useful Telephone Numbers
Police
999 (toll-free)
Emergencies/Ambulance/Fire Brigade
995 (toll-free)
Ministry of Education
(65) 6872 2220 [Operating Hours: Mon to Fri, 8:00am-6:00pm; Sat, 8:00am-1:00pm]
Council for Private Education
(65) 6592 2108 [Operation Hours: Mon to Fri, 9:30am-6:00pm]
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
(65) 6391 6100 [Operation Hours: Mon to Fri, 8:00am-5:00pm; Sat, 8:00am-1:00pm]
Ministry of Manpower
(65) 6438 5122 [Operation Hours: Mon to Fri, 8:30am-5:30pm; Sat, 8:30am-1:00pm]
Living Expenses
|
Item |
Cost per month |
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Accommodation |
$200 - $1,500 |
|
Utilities |
$50 - $80 |
|
Food |
$300 - $450 |
|
Public Transport |
$100 |
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Telecommunications |
$50 |
|
Books & Stationery |
$30 - $100 |
|
Medical Hospitalization Insurance |
$20 - $300 |
|
Personal expenses |
$200 - $300 |
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Please note that the average estimates serve as a reference only. |
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General Health Care in Singapore
Singapore's medical standards, being one of the highest in Asia, have made it the regional centre for medical excellence.
Growth into the future will be based on a total approach as Singapore is further developed as the regional hub for medical and healthcare services, with a strong R&D base, while aiming to become a strategic global manufacturing centre. Singapore’s well-established healthcare system comprises a total of 13 private hospitals, 10 public (government) hospitals and several specialist clinics, each specializing in and catering to different patient needs, at varying costs.
Patients are free to choose the providers within the government or private healthcare delivery system and can walk in for a consultation at any private clinic or any government polyclinic. For emergency services, patients can go at any time to the 24-hour Accident & Emergency Departments located in the government hospitals.
Singapore's medical facilities are among the finest in the world, with well qualified doctors and dentists, many trained overseas.
Pharmaceuticals are available from numerous outlets including supermarkets, department stores, hotels and shopping centres. Registered pharmacists work from 9am till 6pm, with some shops open until 10pm.
Most hotels have their own doctor on 24-hour call. Contact the Front Office or Room Service for assistance. For an ambulance, dial 995.
Laws & Regulations
Work / Employment
Foreign students are not allowed to engage in any form of employment in Singapore, whether during term time or vacation time, unless they are granted Work Pass exemption under the Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Pass Exemptions) Notification. The details of the exemption notification, which includes foreign students on vacation and part time employment of foreign students, are shown below.
Drug Abuse
Drug abuse is viewed seriously in Singapore. Illicit traffic of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is strictly prohibited.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in public service vehicles, museums, libraries, lifts, theatres, cinemas, air-conditioned restaurants, shopping malls, food shops, night entertainment spots, hair salons, supermarkets, department stores and government offices. Offenders can be fined up to SGD 1,000.
Spitting
Spitting in public places is an offence.
Embassy/Consulate
There are Embassies and High Commissions here to lend assistance to their citizens in Singapore. Please contact them directly for their operating hours.
For a complete list of Embassies and High Commissions in Singapore, please visit http://www.embassiesabroad.com/embassies-in/Singapore
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