If you are planning on a long-term stay in the nation of Singapore, you will not be alone, but will be joining some two million other foreigners who have made the Lion City their home and who make up nearly 40 percent of total population. Many have gone before you and have shared pertinent advice gained through their experiences, and anyone going to live for at time in Singapore may want to consider a few basic tips.
Where to Live?
Property and rentals are not so dirt cheap in Singapore as in many Southeast Asian nations, and in the last few years prices have risen dramatically, so it will pay off to do some pre-arrival research at online Singaporean property guides, and even to communicate ahead of time with local real estate agents. If you can’t line up accommodations ahead of time, just start with a cheapo place to get by until you find what you are really looking for, but don’t be rushed into signing the wrong contract. If you have friends or acquaintances already in Singapore, definitely take advantage of their knowledge as well.
How to Get Around?
During a stay of several months or years, you will need to get around town efficiently. There is public transport available, but buses and trains can be crowded and not always take you right to the doorstep of where you want to go, and taxis get expensive after a while. Buying a car in Singapore is so expensive that even the locals often rent, and shipping a car in would be very complex legally as well as expensive and a hassle. Thus it is usually best to avail oneself of one of the many car rental establishments in town. Monthly car rental in Singapore offers substantial savings over daily or weekly rates, and you can even rent by the year if you wish. Every brand and model from the most basic to utter luxury are rent-able, full insurance and maintenance costs are often included in the price, and it is possible with some contracts to switch vehicles without penalty. Long-term car rental like this is the best way to get around town for foreign residents.
What to Do?
Singapore is filled with many incredible tourist stops, and it would be a shame to live there and have the car rented and ready and yet never visit any of these. Some examples include: The Korean Trick Eye Museum, the Chinese Haw Par Villa display, the huge botanical garden called Gardens by the Bay, the beaches of Sentosa Island, Marine Life Park (world’s largest oceanarium), and a ride over the waves on the Singapore Cable Car.
Singapore TrickEye Museum (http://www.trickeye.com/)
Singapore Marine Life Park