Welcome to my digital nomad information to residing in Singapore. If like me, you spend your life on the highway, laptop computer in hand, hopping from nation to nation, I’ve received a lot 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 based mostly in three places throughout town meant I received to discover loads and was in a position to uncover many cool spots which are typically missed. Let’s get began!
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About Singapore
Singapore is a full of life 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 protected, Singapore has a improbable public transport system and is residence to iconic spots together with the Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. You’ll discover breathtaking, towering skyscrapers, a lot 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 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 caring for some pretty 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 sometimes flaunted.
There are ample possibilities to chill out and discover town with nice climbing alternatives and lots of websites of historic and cultural significance to take pleasure in. One in all my favourite issues to do was to go to cool streets like Haji Lane, a well-liked and full of life strip of bars, cafes, and eating places.
Take a look at my Home Sitting Information to Singapore to learn all about my expertise residing in Singapore as a digital nomad.
Is Singapore Secure?
Singapore is among 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 snug strolling canines in any respect hours, because the streets are well-lit and CCTV is in every single place. 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 reminiscent of overcharging can happen in tourist-heavy areas, nevertheless, that is simply averted by utilizing respected companies. Singapore’s strict legal guidelines assist preserve order.
All of the neighborhoods I traveled to felt protected, but it surely’s clever to keep away from unfamiliar areas late at evening, simply as I’d advise in any huge metropolis. Staying conscious of your environment and following primary security suggestions will higher your probabilities of having a snug and protected expertise.
Greatest Areas to Reside in Singapore
Being a digital nomad in Singapore opened up alternatives for me to discover completely 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 residing in Singapore:
1. Bugis
Bugis is a busy part of town middle recognized 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 an ideal place to be located because of the encircling cafes, coworking areas, and lodging choices.
It’s near every part, with straightforward MRT entry, nice procuring choices, and the close by Bugis Avenue Market. There’s at all times one thing to do after work, whether or not it’s having fun with the evening market or exploring Haji Lane only a few minutes stroll away.
2. Queenstown
Queenstown is a extra laid-back space, with a number of inexperienced areas and a relaxed, residential vibe. It’s ideally suited for individuals who take pleasure in a quieter spot however nonetheless need fast entry to town middle. Public transport is dependable, environment friendly, and inexpensive making it straightforward to get round.
There are many laptop-friendly cafes to arrange store from, ideally suited for getting by means 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 all over the world however Chinatown Singapore was a singular expertise. It’s a part of town the place historic custom meets the trendy world with startling contrasts in every single place.
My high issues to do have 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 few of the finest comfortable hours on the town – to not point out unimaginable views of the skyscrapers!
4. Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru is one in every of Singapore’s oldest neighborhoods, well-known for its artwork deco buildings and hip, artistic scene. It’s an ideal 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 previous and new Singapore.
5. Katong
Katong is a residential neighborhood outdoors 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 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 (if you happen to fancy!).
Easy methods 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 possibly can select what most accurately fits your wants and funds.
1. Airbnb: All the time a well-liked choice for brief to mid-term stays, use Airbnb if you happen to’re on the lookout for a completely furnished place. Yow will discover every part from funds rooms in individuals’s properties to luxurious flats, many with reductions for weekly or month-to-month stays.
2. Trusted Housesitters: If you’d like a singular, low-cost strategy to keep in Singapore strive Trusted Housesitters. From private expertise, home sitting is a perfect choice for animal lovers and means that you can 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 hire, normally reducing out the intermediary.
4. Reserving.com: A trusty and dependable alternative for short-term stays, Reserving.com has a large number of lodges, serviced flats, and hostels. It’s particularly useful if you happen to want flexibility, as many choices include free cancellation.
Price of Dwelling in Singapore
I’ve to confess, Singapore is among the costlier cities I’ve visited. Costs weren’t insane, however virtually every part price just a little 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 procuring 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 prospects; from native hawker markets and avenue meals stands costing a couple of bucks a meal to the very best of high-end choices. However, for a median meal out for 2 in a pleasant place, you possibly can anticipate to pay round $70.
Lodging Prices
Lodging prices in Singapore could be considerably increased than in lots of cities, with long-term leases round 30% costlier than in a serious US metropolis. Renting an condominium in central Singapore will price round $2500 earlier than utilities.
Quick-term stays on platforms like Airbnb supply a variety of lodging and sometimes have good offers on month-long or prolonged stays. Nonetheless, costs can fluctuate extensively relying on the placement you need and the facilities you require.
The common value per evening of a lodge room in Singapore is $212, one thing to pay attention to if you happen to’re planning to remain within the metropolis for some time. Take into account taking a look at home sitting alternatives or negotiating reductions with Airbnb hosts to save lots of prices.
Transportation Prices in Singapore
Life in Singapore runs fairly easily because of a community of environment friendly buses, trains, and taxis. The MRT (Mass Speedy Transit) is among the finest I’ve seen all over the world to this point – a few of 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 means of the metro turnstiles. A bus journey prices round $1.50 and a brief taxi experience 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 knowledge plans. Most are official shops for giant operators reminiscent of SIMBA, the community I utilized in Singapore and extremely suggest.
You will get a superb quantity of information for an affordable value and have the SIM card put in and activated proper in entrance of you, that means you possibly can relaxation assured every part 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 an information plan for distant work, contemplate upping your month-to-month allowance. Costs are extra affordable the upper up you go. If doubtful, discover a native retailer, as the bulk communicate nice English and are comfortable to have a chat about your wants whereas within the metropolis.
Cash Saving Ideas for Singapore
Listed below are a number of suggestions to assist maintain prices down in Singapore;
- Use Public Transport: Singapore’s MRT and buses are environment friendly, inexpensive, and canopy most components of town.
- Eat on the Hawkers: For budget-friendly, genuine meals, strive Singapore’s well-known hawker stalls like Maxwell or Lau Pa Sat.
- Get pleasure from 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 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 choice if you happen to love animals and need to save on lodging prices.
- Finances-Pleasant Lodging: Past home sitting, contemplate co-living areas or shared flats by means of Airbnb.
- Negotiate: Whether or not procuring within the markets or renting an condominium, it’s at all times value haggling over a value.
- Restrict Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol is pricey in Singapore, so contemplate limiting nights out or ingesting at residence.
- Discover Joyful Hours: Joyful hour is a well-liked factor in Singapore with many bars providing day by day decreased costs on drinks.
- Store Sensible: Keep away from premium supermarkets and store at native markets or locations like FairPrice.
Coworking Areas in Singapore and WiFi Pace
Singapore has a few of the quickest and most dependable web speeds on this planet, making it ideally suited 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 number of choices for distant working:
1. The Hive
With 5 places in Singapore and a presence in 6 international locations 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 possibly can at all times be assured of a quiet desk to work from, wonderful WiFi, and all of the amenities you would 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
Probably the most distinguished coworking area 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 at all times been constructive.
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 affordable at $35/day but it surely presents state-of-the-art amenities and is a brilliant cool place to work from.
3. The Work Boulevard
For one of the best working view in Singapore, head to The Work Boulevard at Collyer Quay. They’ve 3 places within the metropolis however this specific department seems to be out over the jetty and the enduring 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 stunning 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 residing 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 here are my high 3 picks:
- The Guide Cafe: Combining my love of books and occasional, this nice choice is a refreshing however simply accessible distance from town middle. 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 improbable menu starting from breakfast sandwiches to fish and chips. It’s a full of life however enjoyable place to arrange together with your laptop computer.
- Enchanted Cafe Rangoon Highway: An enthralling 24/7 cafe that appears like a classic tea room. There’s a tasty all-day brunch menu filled with every part you would 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 benefit from versatile hours. Whether or not you’re free to discover throughout the week or maintain weekends open, listed here are some nice methods to totally take pleasure in Singapore:
1. Take a Customized Meals Tour
If you wish to dive headfirst into the native meals scene I extremely suggest a avenue meals tour. It’s a good way to pattern a lot of 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 Advanced. You’ll style as many as 8 completely different avenue 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 some extent to go to as lots of the poignant websites, of which there are various, across the metropolis. Probably the greatest was The Battlebox hidden underneath 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 means of an enormous underground command middle the place hourly excursions take you thru the historical past and tales. Donations are welcome so contemplate supporting if you happen to can.
3. Discover the Metropolis by Bike
A improbable strategy 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 strategy 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 Components 1 races of the season descends on the streets of Singapore. The Singapore Grand Prix is a large occasion that draws guests from all over the world as one of the best drivers on the planet velocity alongside town’s roads at 200 mph.
Though every part returns to regular after the busy weekend of racing, a few of the major 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 outside 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 possibly can 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 typically above 80%. Being near the equator, town experiences little seasonal variation.
Rain is frequent, particularly from November to February throughout 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 will possibly sometimes 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 totally take pleasure in any outside actions.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Singapore
There’s little doubt that Singapore is an excellent metropolis, however there are each execs 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 protected surroundings for residents and guests alike.
- Multicultural Surroundings: The town is a melting pot of cultures, providing numerous meals, festivals, and experiences.
- Excessive High quality of Life: With wonderful healthcare, schooling, and infrastructure, Singapore gives a excessive lifestyle.
- Enterprise Focussed: As a monetary powerhouse, enterprise is flourishing 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 residence.
- 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 essentially the most Westernized tradition I’ve seen in Asia.
Cons of Dwelling in Singapore
- Excessive Price of Dwelling: Working remotely in Singapore could be costly, with excessive lodging and eating prices.
- Restricted Area: Many flats and residing areas are compact, which can really feel cramped for some.
- Humidity and Warmth: The tropical local weather typically results in intense humidity and warmth, which could be uncomfortable if it’s not one thing you’re aware of.
- Strict Laws: 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 could 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 might 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 value, climbing the value by 15%-20%.
- Building: My last home sit in Bugis was slighted by the quantity of in depth building taking place on the skyscraper throughout the road. Constructing work is frequent throughout town.
Digital Nomad Visa for Singapore
Singapore doesn’t at present supply a particular digital nomad visa, which may make it difficult for distant staff seeking to dwell 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. Nonetheless, all guests want to make sure their passport is legitimate for at the very least six months past their date of entry.
This non permanent association is nice for month-long visits however not ideally suited 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, consult with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore.
In Conclusion
I hope my digital nomad information to Singapore has highlighted why it is best to contemplate it as a distant working location. Amongst many different qualities, it’s additionally a perfect 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 unimaginable to not be impressed by this type of dynamic ambiance and welcoming surroundings.
