Welcome to my digital nomad information to dwelling in Singapore. If like me, you spend your life on the highway, laptop computer in hand, hopping from nation to nation, I’ve bought numerous nice data for you about The Lion Metropolis.
Throughout my first go to to Singapore, I spent a month home sitting and loved each second. Being based mostly in three areas throughout town meant I bought to discover a lot and was capable of uncover many cool spots which are usually missed. Let’s get began!
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About Singapore
Singapore is a vigorous Southeast Asian city-state, positioned simply south of Malaysia. It’s small however filled with thrilling sights, making exploring straightforward.
Well-known for being clear and secure, Singapore has a unbelievable 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, numerous 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 previous 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. Except for taking good care of 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 possibilities to chill out and discover town with nice mountaineering alternatives and plenty of websites of historic and cultural significance to get pleasure from. One in all my favourite issues to do was to go to cool streets like Haji Lane, a well-liked and vigorous strip of bars, cafes, and eating places.
Try my Home Sitting Information to Singapore to learn all about my expertise dwelling in Singapore as a digital nomad.
Is Singapore Protected?
Singapore is without doubt one of the most secure locations I’ve visited to this point, with low crime charges and a welcoming ambiance towards guests and vacationers. Throughout my home sits, I felt comfy strolling canines in any respect hours, because the streets are well-lit and CCTV is all over the place. I had no security issues throughout my keep.
Whereas severe 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, nonetheless, that is simply averted by utilizing respected providers. Singapore’s strict legal guidelines assist preserve order.
All of the neighborhoods I traveled to felt secure, nevertheless 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 primary security ideas will higher your possibilities of having a cushty and secure expertise.
Greatest 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 straightforward and there are many thrilling methods to spend your downtime. Listed below are 5 nice areas to contemplate dwelling in Singapore:
1. Bugis
Bugis is a busy part of town heart identified for having nice city-wide hyperlinks, quite a few fashionable spots, and tons of facilities. It’s my favourite location in Singapore, and as a digital nomad, it’s a terrific place to be located due to the encompassing cafes, coworking areas, and lodging choices.
It’s near all the pieces, with straightforward MRT entry, nice buying choices, and the close by Bugis Road Market. There’s at all times one thing to do after work, whether or not it’s having fun with the night time market or exploring Haji Lane just some minutes stroll away.
2. Queenstown
Queenstown is a extra laid-back space, with lots of inexperienced areas and a relaxed, residential vibe. It’s supreme for individuals who get pleasure from a quieter spot however nonetheless need fast entry to town heart. Public transport is dependable, environment friendly, and inexpensive making it straightforward to get round.
There are many laptop-friendly cafes to arrange store from, supreme for getting by means of your workload with out distractions. With locations like Alexandra Canal and the native hawker facilities close by, there’s a lot 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 novel expertise. It’s a part of town the place historic custom meets the fashionable world with startling contrasts all over the place.
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 a number of the greatest completely satisfied hours on the town – to not point out unbelievable 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 a terrific place for unbiased bookstores and informal cafes that double up as comfy 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 previous 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 supply a stark distinction to the towering metropolis skyscrapers. It feels extra homely on this a part of town.
Katong has a sluggish 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 (for those who fancy!).
The right way to Discover Lodging in Singapore
Listed below 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 choice presents one thing distinctive, so you’ll be able to select what most accurately fits your wants and funds.
1. Airbnb: At all times a well-liked choice for brief to mid-term stays, use Airbnb for those who’re on the lookout for a totally furnished place. You will discover all the pieces from funds rooms in folks’s houses to luxurious residences, many with reductions for weekly or month-to-month stays.
2. Trusted Housesitters: In order for you a novel, low-cost technique to keep in Singapore strive Trusted Housesitters. From private expertise, home sitting is a perfect choice for animal lovers and permits you to immerse your self within the metropolis like a neighborhood 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 supply direct entry to locals and ex-pats with lodging to lease, normally slicing out the intermediary.
4. Reserving.com: A trusty and dependable alternative for short-term stays, Reserving.com has a large number of motels, serviced residences, and hostels. It’s particularly useful for those who want flexibility, as many choices include free cancellation.
Value of Dwelling in Singapore
I’ve to confess, Singapore is without doubt one of the costlier cities I’ve visited. Costs weren’t insane, however nearly all the pieces value a bit 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 buying costs are pretty aligned with what I’d anticipate in most main cities. Inside the ordinary margin, a weekly store in Singapore doesn’t differ too a lot from my present digital nomad spot – Austin, Texas.
Dwelling in Singapore gives the total 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 mean meal out for 2 in a pleasant place, you’ll be able to anticipate to pay round $70.
Lodging Prices
Lodging prices in Singapore will be considerably larger than in lots of cities, with long-term leases round 30% costlier than in a serious US metropolis. Renting an residence in central Singapore will value round $2500 earlier than utilities.
Quick-term stays on platforms like Airbnb supply a spread of lodging and infrequently have good offers on month-long or prolonged stays. Nonetheless, costs can range extensively relying on the placement you need and the facilities you require.
The typical worth per night time of a lodge room in Singapore is $212, one thing to concentrate on for those who’re planning to remain within the metropolis for some time. Contemplate 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 Fast Transit) is without doubt one of the greatest I’ve seen around the globe to this point – a number of the underground stations themselves are even good locations to go to!
You’ll be able to merely scan any energetic credit score or financial institution card when hopping on and off the buses or going by means of the metro turnstiles. A bus journey prices round $1.50 and a brief taxi trip utilizing a ride-share app like Seize will run you round $10-$15.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
Selecting up a SIM card is straightforward to do, as even in a chaotic market you’ll see stalls providing offers on information plans. Most are official shops for giant operators equivalent to SIMBA, the community I utilized in Singapore and extremely suggest.
You will get an excellent quantity of knowledge for an affordable worth and have the SIM card put in and activated proper in entrance of you, that means you’ll be able to relaxation assured all the pieces is working earlier than you allow. I bought 10GB for $15 which lasted me 30 days and it labored very well.
If you happen to plan to hotspot or use an information plan for distant work, take into account upping your month-to-month allowance. Costs are extra cheap the upper up you go. If doubtful, discover a native retailer, as the bulk converse nice English and are completely satisfied to have a chat about your wants whereas within the metropolis.
Cash Saving Ideas for Singapore
Listed below are just a few ideas to assist preserve prices down in Singapore;
- Use Public Transport: Singapore’s MRT and buses are environment friendly, inexpensive, 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 get pleasure from.
- Get Again to Nature: There are some fabulous mountaineering 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 choice for those who love animals and wish to save on lodging prices.
- Price range-Pleasant Lodging: Past home sitting, take into account co-living areas or shared residences by means of Airbnb.
- Negotiate: Whether or not buying within the markets or renting an residence, it’s at all times price haggling over a worth.
- Restrict Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol is pricey in Singapore, so take into account limiting nights out or ingesting at house.
- Discover Comfortable Hours: Comfortable hour is a well-liked factor in Singapore with many bars providing each 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 a number of the quickest and most dependable web speeds on the planet, making it supreme 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 barely has outages. Easy video calls, uploads, and different on-line work with out interruptions create dream circumstances for digital nomads. There are additionally many wonderful coworking areas, right here’s just a few choices for distant working:
1. The Hive
With 5 areas in Singapore and a presence in 6 nations globally, The Hive has been a helpful alliance to me by means 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’ll be able to at all times be assured of a quiet desk to work from, wonderful WiFi, and all of the amenities you possibly can 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 outstanding coworking area in Singapore needs to be WeWork, with 12 areas within the metropolis. I’m not capable of touch upon all of them however my experiences with this well-established worldwide chain have at all times been optimistic.
I can extremely suggest the Suntec Tower 5 location which is perched in a wonderful skyscraper and gazes out over town. It’s not the most cost effective at $35/day nevertheless it presents state-of-the-art amenities and is a brilliant cool place to work from.
3. The Work Boulevard
For the most effective working view in Singapore, head to The Work Boulevard at Collyer Quay. They’ve 3 areas within the metropolis however this explicit department seems out over the jetty and the long-lasting Marina Bay Sands – so far as places of work go, it’s pretty much as good because it will get!
There’s ample area within the lovely lounge for hot-desking and devoted places of work for individuals who search a extra everlasting residence or some remoted work time. Costs begin at $22/day with 24/7 entry accessible.
Greatest Cafes to Work From in Singapore
As a digital nomad dwelling in Singapore, it’s useful to know the place the laptop-friendly cafes are. Fortunately, Singapore is filled with nice choices for us digital nomads, listed below are my prime 3 picks:
- The Guide Cafe: Combining my love of books and occasional, this nice choice is a refreshing however simply accessible distance from town heart. It’s a pleasant spot near the river that has loads of spacious tables, respectable WiFi, and a relaxing vibe.
- Free the Robotic: From breakfast to dinner, espresso to cocktails this robot-themed cafe has a unbelievable menu starting from breakfast sandwiches to fish and chips. It’s a vigorous however enjoyable place to arrange together with your laptop computer.
- Enchanted Cafe Rangoon Street: An enthralling 24/7 cafe that seems like a classic tea room. There’s a tasty all-day brunch menu filled with all the pieces you possibly can want 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 profit from versatile hours. Whether or not you’re free to discover through the week or preserve weekends open, listed below are some nice methods to completely get pleasure from Singapore:
1. Take a Customized Meals Tour
If you wish to dive headfirst into the native meals scene I extremely suggest a road meals tour. It’s a good way to pattern numerous native delicacies in locations off-the-beaten-track that many vacationers merely wouldn’t in any other case uncover.
This customized tour with a neighborhood 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 conventional 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 lots of, across the metropolis. Among the best was The Battlebox hidden beneath Fort Canning Park.
This free-to-visit exhibit is a must-visit for historical past fanatics. It presents an immersive look into Singapore’s WWII historical past by means of an enormous underground command heart the place hourly excursions take you thru the historical past and tales. Donations are welcome so take into account supporting for those who can.
3. Discover the Metropolis by Bike
A unbelievable technique 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 technique 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 greatest Components 1 races of the season descends on the streets of Singapore. The Singapore Grand Prix is a large occasion that draws guests from around the globe as the most effective drivers on the planet velocity alongside town’s roads at 200 mph.
Though all the pieces returns to regular after the busy weekend of racing, a number of the primary infrastructure is everlasting and open to the general public. You’ll be able to 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 reveals. Don’t miss the long-lasting Supertree Grove, the place towering, plant-covered constructions mild as much as music every night – it’s actually spectacular.
For extra immersive experiences, discover the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from loads of unique vegetation 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 might probably usually really feel hotter than the precise temperature. Many vacationers, digital nomads, and locals want to remain indoors throughout peak noon warmth. February to April is the perfect time to go to to completely get pleasure from any out of doors actions.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Singapore
There’s little question that Singapore is an excellent metropolis, however there are each professionals and cons to contemplate 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 straightforward to get round.
- Security: Singapore is thought for its low crime price and strict legal guidelines, so it’s a secure atmosphere for residents and guests alike.
- Multicultural Atmosphere: The town is a melting pot of cultures, providing various meals, festivals, and experiences.
- Excessive High quality of Life: With wonderful healthcare, training, and infrastructure, Singapore gives a excessive lifestyle.
- Enterprise Focussed: As a monetary powerhouse, enterprise is prospering in Singapore – it’s completely arrange for digital nomads.
- Ex-Pat Group: There’s a big ex-pat group which may also help it really feel like a house from house.
- Proximity to Nature: Regardless of its city setting, Singapore has many fantastic 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 Value of Dwelling: Working remotely in Singapore will be costly, with excessive lodging and eating prices.
- Restricted Area: Many residences and dwelling 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 will 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 Way of life: The fast-paced metropolis life will 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, mountaineering the worth by 15%-20%.
- Building: My remaining home sit in Bugis was slighted by the quantity of in depth building occurring on the skyscraper throughout the road. Constructing work is widespread throughout town.
Digital Nomad Visa for Singapore
Singapore doesn’t presently supply a particular digital nomad visa, which might make it difficult for distant employees seeking to reside there long-term. As a substitute, most digital nomads are capable of 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. Nonetheless, all guests want to make sure their passport is legitimate for no less than six months past their date of entry.
This momentary association is nice for month-long visits however not supreme for digital nomads searching for 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, confer with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore.
In Conclusion
I hope my digital nomad information to Singapore has highlighted why you must take into account 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 various foodie scene and limitless thrilling actions will guarantee that you’ve got a lot to deal with your self to when you’ve served your time on the laptop computer! As a digital nomad in Singapore, it’s unimaginable to not be impressed by this sort of dynamic ambiance and welcoming atmosphere.