Welcome to my digital nomad information to residing in Singapore. If like me, you spend your life on the street, laptop computer in hand, hopping from nation to nation, I’ve received a number of nice info for you about The Lion Metropolis.
Throughout my first go to to Singapore, I spent a month home sitting and loved each second. Being primarily based in three places throughout town meant I received to discover loads and was in a position to uncover many cool spots which can be usually missed. Let’s get began!
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About Singapore
Singapore is a energetic Southeast Asian city-state, positioned simply south of Malaysia. It’s small however full of thrilling sights, making exploring simple.
Well-known for being clear and secure, Singapore has a improbable public transport system and is house to iconic spots together with the Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. You’ll discover breathtaking, towering skyscrapers, a number of greenery, and expansive parks throughout town.
This place additionally celebrates its roots, with neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little India making a cultural combine. It’s a mix of outdated and new and is regarded by many as a monetary powerhouse and gateway to Southeast Asian enterprise and finance.
Digital Nomad in Singapore: Private Expertise
I accomplished 3 back-to-back home sits while in Singapore, which helped me immensely with lodging prices. Apart from caring for some beautiful properties and pets, feeling settled allowed me to crack on with loads of distant work.
Dwelling and dealing in Singapore was a breeze as a full-time digital nomad. It’s such a contemporary and bustling metropolis that its very nature motivates you to be productive. It’s a spot the place monetary prowess is clear and infrequently flaunted.
There are ample probabilities to chill out and discover town with nice mountain climbing alternatives and lots of websites of historic and cultural significance to take pleasure in. Considered one of my favourite issues to do was to go to cool streets like Haji Lane, a preferred and energetic strip of bars, cafes, and eating places.
Try my Home Sitting Information to Singapore to learn all about my expertise residing in Singapore as a digital nomad.
Is Singapore Secure?
Singapore is likely one of the most secure locations I’ve visited thus far, with low crime charges and a welcoming ambiance towards guests and vacationers. Throughout my home sits, I felt snug strolling canine in any respect hours, because the streets are well-lit and CCTV is in all places. I had no security considerations throughout my keep.
Whereas critical crime is uncommon, it’s nonetheless a good suggestion to be cautious of minor scams. Frequent points equivalent to overcharging can happen in tourist-heavy areas, nevertheless, that is simply prevented through the use of respected providers. Singapore’s strict legal guidelines assist preserve order.
All of the neighborhoods I traveled to felt secure, however it’s clever to keep away from unfamiliar areas late at night time, simply as I’d advise in any huge metropolis. Staying conscious of your environment and following fundamental security suggestions will higher your probabilities of having a cushty and secure expertise.
Finest Areas to Reside in Singapore
Being a digital nomad in Singapore opened up alternatives for me to discover totally different areas of town. Getting round is simple and there are many thrilling methods to spend your downtime. Listed here are 5 nice areas to think about residing in Singapore:
1. Bugis
Bugis is a busy part of town heart recognized for having nice city-wide hyperlinks, quite a few stylish spots, and tons of facilities. It’s my favourite location in Singapore, and as a digital nomad, it’s an incredible place to be located due to the encircling cafes, coworking areas, and lodging choices.
It’s near every little thing, with simple MRT entry, nice purchasing choices, and the close by Bugis Road Market. There’s all the time one thing to do after work, whether or not it’s having fun with the night time market or exploring Haji Lane only a few minutes stroll away.
2. Queenstown
Queenstown is a extra laid-back space, with quite a lot of inexperienced areas and a relaxed, residential vibe. It’s very best for individuals who take pleasure in a quieter spot however nonetheless need fast entry to town heart. Public transport is dependable, environment friendly, and reasonably priced making it simple to get round.
There are many laptop-friendly cafes to arrange store from, very best for getting by way of your workload with out distractions. With locations like Alexandra Canal and the native hawker facilities close by, there’s loads to discover after shutting down the laptop computer for the day.
3. Chinatown
I’ve visited many Chinatowns around the globe however Chinatown Singapore was a singular expertise. It’s a part of town the place historical custom meets the trendy world with startling contrasts in all places.
My prime issues to do had been to take a look at the hawker meals stalls and eat for subsequent to nothing, or discover historic temples and markets earlier than heading to bars which have among the finest blissful hours on the town – to not point out unimaginable views of the skyscrapers!
4. Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru is certainly one of Singapore’s oldest neighborhoods, well-known for its artwork deco buildings and hip, inventive scene. It’s an incredible place for unbiased bookstores and informal cafes that double up as snug spots for distant work.
It’s a quieter space with a cool, retro really feel, good for unwinding after a workday. Many digital nomads I do know love Tiong Bahru for the pleasant ambiance, relaxed vibe, and distinctive mix of outdated and new Singapore.
5. Katong
Katong is a residential neighborhood exterior of the principle metropolis limits. Right here, you’ll discover colourful shophouses and heritage colonial bungalows which provide a stark distinction to the towering metropolis skyscrapers. It feels extra homely on this a part of town.
Katong has a gradual tempo offering loads of alternatives for distant work. Foodies will love the standard eateries serving spicy laksa and different native specialties. Close by Geylang is a superb place to go to the tze char stalls and to pattern some frog porridge (in the event you fancy!).
How one can Discover Lodging in Singapore
Listed here are some tried-and-true strategies for locating lodging in Singapore, whether or not you’re planning a brief keep or an extended one. Every possibility presents one thing distinctive, so you’ll be able to select what most closely fits your wants and finances.
1. Airbnb: At all times a preferred possibility for brief to mid-term stays, use Airbnb in the event you’re searching for a completely furnished place. Yow will discover every little thing from finances rooms in folks’s properties to luxurious flats, many with reductions for weekly or month-to-month stays.
2. Trusted Housesitters: In order for you a singular, low-cost method to keep in Singapore strive Trusted Housesitters. From private expertise, home sitting is a perfect possibility for animal lovers and permits you to immerse your self within the metropolis like an area with out rental prices.
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3. Fb: Singapore has a number of energetic Fb teams together with ‘Rooms For Hire Singapore‘. These teams provide direct entry to locals and ex-pats with lodging to lease, normally chopping out the intermediary.
4. Reserving.com: A trusty and dependable selection for short-term stays, Reserving.com has a large number of motels, serviced flats, and hostels. It’s particularly useful in the event you want flexibility, as many choices include free cancellation.
Price of Dwelling in Singapore
I’ve to confess, Singapore is likely one of the costlier cities I’ve visited. Costs weren’t insane, however nearly every little thing value a bit of greater than different locations I’d been to – it didn’t assist that I arrived straight from tremendous low cost Vietnam!
Eating places and Groceries
Grocery purchasing costs are pretty aligned with what I’d count on in most main cities. Throughout the regular margin, a weekly store in Singapore doesn’t differ too a lot from my present digital nomad spot – Austin, Texas.
Dwelling in Singapore supplies the complete scope of eating potentialities; from native hawker markets and road meals stands costing a couple of dollars a meal to the very best of high-end choices. However, for a median meal out for 2 in a pleasant place, you’ll be able to count on to pay round $70.
Lodging Prices
Lodging prices in Singapore may be considerably increased than in lots of cities, with long-term leases round 30% costlier than in a serious US metropolis. Renting an condo in central Singapore will value round $2500 earlier than utilities.
Brief-term stays on platforms like Airbnb provide a variety of lodging and infrequently have good offers on month-long or prolonged stays. Nevertheless, costs can fluctuate broadly relying on the placement you need and the facilities you require.
The common worth per night time of a resort room in Singapore is $212, one thing to pay attention to in the event you’re planning to remain within the metropolis for some time. Take into account home sitting alternatives or negotiating reductions with Airbnb hosts to avoid wasting prices.
Transportation Prices in Singapore
Life in Singapore runs fairly easily due to a community of environment friendly buses, trains, and taxis. The MRT (Mass Speedy Transit) is likely one of the finest I’ve seen around the globe thus far – among the underground stations themselves are even good locations to go to!
You possibly can merely scan any energetic credit score or financial institution card when hopping on and off the buses or going by way of the metro turnstiles. A bus journey prices round $1.50 and a brief taxi journey utilizing a ride-share app like Seize will run you round $10-$15.
SIM Playing cards and Information
Selecting up a SIM card is simple to do, as even in a chaotic market you’ll see stalls providing offers on information plans. Most are official retailers for big operators equivalent to SIMBA, the community I utilized in Singapore and extremely advocate.
You will get a great quantity of knowledge for an inexpensive worth and have the SIM card put in and activated proper in entrance of you, which means you’ll be able to relaxation assured every little thing is working earlier than you permit. I received 10GB for $15 which lasted me 30 days and it labored very well.
In case you plan to hotspot or use a knowledge plan for distant work, contemplate upping your month-to-month allowance. Costs are extra cheap the upper up you go. If unsure, discover a native retailer, as the bulk communicate nice English and are blissful to have a chat about your wants whereas within the metropolis.
Cash Saving Ideas for Singapore
Listed here are a couple of suggestions to assist hold prices down in Singapore;
- Use Public Transport: Singapore’s MRT and buses are environment friendly, reasonably priced, and canopy most elements of town.
- Eat on the Hawkers: For budget-friendly, genuine meals, strive Singapore’s well-known hawker stalls like Maxwell or Lau Pa Sat.
- Take pleasure in Free Points of interest: Extra on this later, however relaxation assured there are many free points of interest to take pleasure in.
- Get Again to Nature: There are some fabulous mountain climbing alternatives and loads of contemporary air to be present in Singapore’s parks and inexperienced areas.
- Safe a Home Sit: Trusted Housesitters is a superb possibility in the event you love animals and wish to save on lodging prices.
- Funds-Pleasant Lodging: Past home sitting, contemplate co-living areas or shared flats by way of Airbnb.
- Negotiate: Whether or not purchasing within the markets or renting an condo, it’s all the time price haggling over a worth.
- Restrict Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol is pricey in Singapore, so contemplate limiting nights out or consuming at house.
- Discover Completely satisfied Hours: Completely satisfied hour is a well-liked factor in Singapore with many bars providing every day lowered costs on drinks.
- Store Good: Keep away from premium supermarkets and store at native markets or locations like FairPrice.
Coworking Areas in Singapore and WiFi Velocity
Singapore has among the quickest and most dependable web speeds on this planet, making it very best for digital nomads. WiFi speeds in cafes and public areas typically vary from 50 to 100 Mbps, whereas coworking areas can attain as much as 1 Gbps.
The WiFi connection is stable and infrequently has outages. Easy video calls, uploads, and different on-line work with out interruptions create dream situations for digital nomads. There are additionally many wonderful coworking areas, right here’s a couple of choices for distant working:
1. The Hive
With 5 places in Singapore and a presence in 6 nations globally, The Hive has been a helpful alliance to me by way of years of traversing the world. I included a Vietnam Hive in my earlier article – Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
You possibly can all the time be assured of a quiet desk to work from, wonderful WiFi, and all of the amenities you might require. Costs begin at $22/day with entry from 8 am – 6 pm. There are nice reductions and extra advantages for longer stays.
2. WeWork
Essentially the most distinguished coworking house in Singapore must be WeWork, with 12 places within the metropolis. I’m not in a position to touch upon all of them however my experiences with this well-established worldwide chain have all the time been constructive.
I can extremely advocate the Suntec Tower 5 location which is perched in a superb skyscraper and gazes out over town. It’s not the most cost effective at $35/day however it presents state-of-the-art amenities and is an excellent cool place to work from.
3. The Work Boulevard
For the very best working view in Singapore, head to The Work Boulevard at Collyer Quay. They’ve 3 places within the metropolis however this explicit department appears to be like out over the marina and the enduring Marina Bay Sands – so far as workplaces go, it’s pretty much as good because it will get!
There’s ample house within the lovely lounge for hot-desking and devoted workplaces for individuals who search a extra everlasting residence or some remoted work time. Costs begin at $22/day with 24/7 entry out there.
Finest Cafes to Work From in Singapore
As a digital nomad residing in Singapore, it’s useful to know the place the laptop-friendly cafes are. Fortunately, Singapore is full of nice choices for us digital nomads, listed here are my prime 3 picks:
- The E-book Cafe: Combining my love of books and low, this nice possibility is a refreshing however simply accessible distance from town heart. It’s a pleasant spot near the river that has loads of spacious tables, first rate WiFi, and a relaxing vibe.
- Free the Robotic: From breakfast to dinner, espresso to cocktails this robot-themed cafe has a improbable menu starting from breakfast sandwiches to fish and chips. It’s a energetic however enjoyable place to arrange along with your laptop computer.
- Enchanted Cafe Rangoon Highway: A captivating 24/7 cafe that seems like a classic tea room. There’s a tasty all-day brunch menu full of every little thing you might need and it has a pleasant ambiance which makes for a peaceable spot for distant work.
Actions and Issues to Do in Singapore
Dwelling in Singapore as a digital nomad means there are many methods to unwind after work or take advantage of versatile hours. Whether or not you’re free to discover through the week or hold weekends open, listed here are some nice methods to completely take pleasure in Singapore:
1. Take a Customized Meals Tour
If you wish to dive headfirst into the native meals scene I extremely advocate a road meals tour. It’s an effective way to pattern a number of native delicacies in locations off-the-beaten-track that many vacationers merely wouldn’t in any other case uncover.
This customized tour with an area host tailors the expertise to your tastes and explores well-known spots together with the Chinatown Meals Complicated. You’ll style as many as 8 totally different road meals and get to go to a standard working moist market. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Go to The Battlebox
My husband’s Grandfather was taken prisoner in Singapore throughout WWII so we made a degree to go to as most of the poignant websites, of which there are various, across the metropolis. Among the best was The Battlebox hidden below Fort Canning Park.
This free-to-visit exhibit is a must-visit for historical past fans. It presents an immersive look into Singapore’s WWII historical past by way of an enormous underground command heart the place hourly excursions take you thru the historical past and tales. Donations are welcome so contemplate supporting in the event you can.
3. Discover the Metropolis by Bike
A improbable method to uncover Singapore is on a guided half-day bike tour. The town streets are bicycle-friendly and it’s a cool place to discover on two wheels.
This guided tour takes you thru historic areas together with Chinatown, Little India, and Marina Bay plus many hidden treasures – what higher method to get to know Singapore? Click on right here for extra details about this wonderful small-group tour.
4. Stand in Pole Place
Yearly one of many largest System 1 races of the season descends on the streets of Singapore. The Singapore Grand Prix is a big occasion that pulls guests from around the globe as the very best drivers on the planet pace alongside town’s roads at 200 mph.
Though every little thing returns to regular after the busy weekend of racing, among the predominant infrastructure is everlasting and open to the general public. You possibly can head to the pit lane, the beginning grid, and even jog or cycle alongside the primary few corners of the monitor. Discover it right here.
5. See the Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is an awe-inspiring spot to unwind after a busy day, with a number of free out of doors areas, distinctive shows, and nightly mild exhibits. Don’t miss the enduring Supertree Grove, the place towering, plant-covered constructions mild as much as music every night – it’s really spectacular.
For extra immersive experiences, discover the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in loads of unique crops and even a shocking indoor waterfall. It’s a peaceable escape proper within the coronary heart of town. Click on right here for instructions.
Climate in Singapore
Singapore’s climate is heat and humid year-round, with temperatures averaging 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F) and humidity usually above 80%. Being near the equator, town experiences little seasonal variation.
Rain is widespread, particularly from November to February through the Northeast Monsoon, when downpours are frequent and intense. Throughout my keep, I skilled a number of sudden, heavy rainstorms, so it’s clever to maintain an umbrella useful.
With excessive humidity and frequent rain, it may usually really feel hotter than the precise temperature. Many vacationers, digital nomads, and locals desire to remain indoors throughout peak noon warmth. February to April is the perfect time to go to to completely take pleasure in any out of doors actions.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Singapore
There’s little doubt that Singapore is an excellent metropolis, however there are each professionals and cons to think about as a digital nomad, earlier than selecting it as a base. Right here’s what I discovered from my expertise:
Execs of Dwelling in Singapore
- Environment friendly Public Transport: Singapore has an intensive and dependable public transport system, making it simple to get round.
- Security: Singapore is understood for its low crime fee and strict legal guidelines, so it’s a secure surroundings for residents and guests alike.
- Multicultural Setting: The town is a melting pot of cultures, providing numerous meals, festivals, and experiences.
- Excessive High quality of Life: With wonderful healthcare, training, and infrastructure, Singapore supplies a excessive lifestyle.
- Enterprise Focussed: As a monetary powerhouse, enterprise is prospering in Singapore – it’s completely arrange for digital nomads.
- Ex-Pat Neighborhood: There’s a big ex-pat group which can assist it really feel like a house from house.
- Proximity to Nature: Regardless of its city setting, Singapore has many great parks, gardens, and nature reserves.
- Westernized Facilities: Lastly, as a former British colony, Singapore has probably the most Westernized tradition I’ve seen in Asia.
Cons of Dwelling in Singapore
- Excessive Price of Dwelling: Working remotely in Singapore may be costly, with excessive lodging and eating prices.
- Restricted House: Many flats and residing areas are compact, which can really feel cramped for some.
- Humidity and Warmth: The tropical local weather usually results in intense humidity and warmth, which may be uncomfortable if it’s not one thing you’re acquainted with.
- Strict Rules: Whereas legal guidelines contribute to security, strict rules can really feel limiting and appear overbearing at instances.
- Quick-Paced Life-style: The fast-paced metropolis life may be overwhelming, particularly for newcomers or these with rural roots.
- Restricted Visa Size: I’ll cowl this in additional depth within the subsequent part however there isn’t a digital nomad visa for Singapore at current.
- The Hidden Prices: This can be much less of a difficulty for US residents who’re used to including tax and tip however most locations in Singapore add tax and tip to the marketed worth, mountain climbing the value by 15%-20%.
- Building: My remaining home sit in Bugis was slighted by the quantity of intensive development taking place on the skyscraper throughout the road. Constructing work is widespread throughout town.
Digital Nomad Visa for Singapore
Singapore doesn’t at present provide a particular digital nomad visa, which may make it difficult for distant employees trying to reside there long-term. As an alternative, most digital nomads are in a position to enter Singapore on a vacationer visa, which permits stays of as much as 30 days.
For American, Canadian, and Australian residents, no visa is required for visits of as much as 90 days. Nevertheless, all guests want to make sure their passport is legitimate for not less than six months past their date of entry.
This momentary association is nice for month-long visits however not very best for digital nomads in search of a extra everlasting base. All vacationers are additionally required to fill in an SG Arrival Card 3 days earlier than arriving in Singapore.
For the most recent entry necessities and updates, discuss with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore.
In Conclusion
I hope my digital nomad information to Singapore has highlighted why you need to contemplate it as a distant working location. Amongst many different qualities, it’s additionally a super base for additional exploration, particularly throughout Southeast Asia.
The town’s numerous foodie scene and countless thrilling actions will guarantee that you’ve got loads to deal with your self to when you’ve served your time on the laptop computer! As a digital nomad in Singapore, it’s unattainable to not be impressed by this type of dynamic ambiance and welcoming surroundings.