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 bought a number of 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 places throughout the town meant I bought to discover a lot and was capable of uncover many cool spots which can be 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 full of thrilling sights, making exploring straightforward.
Well-known for being clear and protected, Singapore has a incredible 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 the 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. Other than taking good care of some beautiful properties and pets, feeling settled allowed me to crack on with loads of distant work.
Residing 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 calm down and discover the town with nice mountain climbing alternatives and lots of websites of historic and cultural significance to get pleasure from. Considered one of 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.
Try my Home Sitting Information to Singapore to learn all about my expertise residing in Singapore as a digital nomad.
Is Singapore Protected?
Singapore is likely 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 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 comparable to overcharging can happen in tourist-heavy areas, nevertheless, that is simply averted by utilizing respected providers. Singapore’s strict legal guidelines assist preserve order.
All of the neighborhoods I traveled to felt protected, however it’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 fundamental security suggestions will higher your probabilities of having a cushty and protected expertise.
Finest Areas to Stay in Singapore
Being a digital nomad in Singapore opened up alternatives for me to discover totally different areas of the town. Getting round is simple 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 the 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 awesome place to be located because of the encompassing cafes, coworking areas, and lodging choices.
It’s near all the things, with straightforward MRT entry, nice procuring 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 evening market or exploring Haji Lane only a few minutes stroll away.
2. Queenstown
Queenstown is a extra laid-back space, with plenty of inexperienced areas and a relaxed, residential vibe. It’s excellent for many who get pleasure from a quieter spot however nonetheless need fast entry to the 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, excellent for getting via 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 singular expertise. It’s a part of the town the place historic custom meets the fashionable 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 a number of the greatest comfortable 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, artistic scene. It’s an awesome 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 provide a stark distinction to the towering metropolis skyscrapers. It feels extra homely on this a part of the town.
Katong has a gradual tempo offering loads of alternatives for distant work. Foodies will love the normal eateries serving spicy laksa and different native specialties. Close by Geylang is a good place to go to the tze char stalls and to pattern some frog porridge (should you fancy!).
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 possibility affords one thing distinctive, so you’ll be able to select what most closely fits your wants and finances.
SEE ALSO: The place to Keep in Singapore (Finest Areas & Locations)
1. Airbnb: All the time a well-liked possibility for brief to mid-term stays, use Airbnb should you’re in search of a completely furnished place. You’ll find all the things from finances 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 singular, low-cost option to keep in Singapore attempt 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 lively 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 an enormous number of lodges, serviced residences, and hostels. It’s particularly useful should you want flexibility, as many choices include free cancellation.
Price of Residing in Singapore
I’ve to confess, Singapore is likely one of the costlier cities I’ve visited. Costs weren’t insane, however virtually all the things value a little 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 procuring costs are pretty aligned with what I’d anticipate in most main cities. Inside the typical margin, a weekly store in Singapore doesn’t differ too a lot from my present digital nomad spot – Austin, Texas.
Residing 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 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 may be considerably greater than in lots of cities, with long-term leases round 30% costlier than in a serious US metropolis. Renting an house in central Singapore will value round $2500 earlier than utilities.
Brief-term stays on platforms like Airbnb supply a variety of lodging and infrequently have good offers on month-long or prolonged stays. Nonetheless, costs can range broadly relying on the situation you need and the facilities you require.
The typical value per evening of a resort room in Singapore is $212, one thing to pay attention to should you’re planning to remain within the metropolis for some time. Think about taking a look at home sitting alternatives or negotiating reductions with Airbnb hosts to avoid wasting 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 Fast Transit) is likely 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 may merely scan any lively credit score or financial institution card when hopping on and off the buses or going via 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 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 shops for giant operators comparable to SIMBA, the community I utilized in Singapore and extremely advocate.
You may get a superb quantity of knowledge for an inexpensive value 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 things is working earlier than you allow. I bought 10GB for $15 which lasted me 30 days and it labored rather well.
When you plan to hotspot or use a knowledge plan for distant work, contemplate upping your month-to-month allowance. Costs are extra affordable the upper up you go. If unsure, discover a native retailer, as the bulk converse nice English and are comfortable to have a chat about your wants whereas within the metropolis.
Cash Saving Ideas for Singapore
Listed below are just a few suggestions to assist preserve prices down in Singapore;
- Use Public Transport: Singapore’s MRT and buses are environment friendly, inexpensive, and canopy most components of the town.
- Eat on the Hawkers: For budget-friendly, genuine meals, attempt 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 mountain climbing alternatives and loads of recent air to be present in Singapore’s parks and inexperienced areas.
- Safe a Home Sit: Trusted Housesitters is a good possibility should you love animals and need to save on lodging prices.
- Funds-Pleasant Lodging: Past home sitting, contemplate co-living areas or shared residences via Airbnb.
- Negotiate: Whether or not procuring within the markets or renting an house, it’s all the time price haggling over a value.
- Restrict Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol is pricey in Singapore, so contemplate limiting nights out or consuming at house.
- Discover Glad Hours: Glad hour is a well-liked factor in Singapore with many bars providing each day decreased 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 earth, making it excellent for digital nomads. WiFi speeds in cafes and public areas usually vary from 50 to 100 Mbps, whereas coworking areas can attain as much as 1 Gbps.
The WiFi connection is strong 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 places in Singapore and a presence in 6 nations globally, The Hive has been a helpful alliance to me via years of traversing the world. I included a Vietnam Hive in my earlier article – Digital Nomad Information to Residing in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
You may all the time be assured of a quiet desk to work from, wonderful WiFi, and all of the amenities you may 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 area in Singapore needs to be WeWork, with 12 places within the metropolis. I’m not capable of 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 wonderful skyscraper and gazes out over the town. It’s not the most affordable at $35/day however it affords 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 appears out over the jetty and the long-lasting Marina Bay Sands – so far as workplaces go, it’s nearly as good because it will get!
There’s ample area within the lovely lounge for hot-desking and devoted workplaces for many who search a extra everlasting residence or some remoted work time. Costs begin at $22/day with 24/7 entry obtainable.
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 below are my prime 3 picks:
- The E-book Cafe: Combining my love of books and occasional, this nice possibility is a refreshing however simply accessible distance from the town middle. It’s a pleasant spot near the river that has loads of spacious tables, first rate WiFi, and a calming vibe.
- Free the Robotic: From breakfast to dinner, espresso to cocktails this robot-themed cafe has a incredible menu starting from breakfast sandwiches to fish and chips. It’s a full of life however enjoyable place to arrange along with your laptop computer.
- Enchanted Cafe Rangoon Street: An enthralling 24/7 cafe that appears like a classic tea room. There’s a tasty all-day brunch menu full of all the things you may need and it has a pleasant ambiance which makes for a peaceable spot for distant work.
Actions and Issues to Do in Singapore
Residing 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 in the course of the week or preserve weekends open, listed below are some nice methods to totally get pleasure from 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 personalised tour with an area 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 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 lots of the poignant websites, of which there are lots of, across the metropolis. Among the best was The Battlebox hidden underneath Fort Canning Park.
This free-to-visit exhibit is a must-visit for historical past lovers. It affords an immersive look into Singapore’s WWII historical past via an enormous underground command middle the place hourly excursions take you thru the historical past and tales. Donations are welcome so contemplate supporting should you can.
3. Discover the Metropolis by Bike
A incredible option to uncover Singapore is on a guided half-day bike tour. 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 option 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 Method 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 one of the best drivers on the planet velocity alongside the town’s roads at 200 mph.
Though all the things returns to regular after the busy weekend of racing, a number of the major infrastructure is everlasting and open to the general public. You may head to the pit lane, the beginning grid, and even jog or cycle alongside the primary few corners of the observe. 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 gentle exhibits. Don’t miss the long-lasting Supertree Grove, the place towering, plant-covered buildings gentle 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 surprising indoor waterfall. It’s a peaceable escape proper within the coronary heart of the 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, the town experiences little seasonal variation.
Rain is frequent, particularly from November to February in the course of 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 could actually sometimes really feel hotter than the precise temperature. Many vacationers, digital nomads, and locals favor to remain indoors throughout peak noon warmth. February to April is the perfect time to go to to totally get pleasure from any outside actions.
Execs and Cons of Residing in Singapore
There’s little question that Singapore is a superb 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 Residing in Singapore
- Environment friendly Public Transport: Singapore has an in depth 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 setting for residents and guests alike.
- Multicultural Atmosphere: 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 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 may help 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 essentially the most Westernized tradition I’ve seen in Asia.
Cons of Residing in Singapore
- Excessive Price of Residing: Working remotely in Singapore may be costly, with excessive lodging and eating prices.
- Restricted Area: Many residences 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 may be uncomfortable if it’s not one thing you’re accustomed to.
- 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 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 value, mountain climbing the value by 15%-20%.
- Building: My closing home sit in Bugis was slighted by the quantity of in depth development taking place on the skyscraper throughout the road. Constructing work is frequent throughout the town.
Digital Nomad Visa for Singapore
Singapore doesn’t at the moment supply a particular digital nomad visa, which might make it difficult for distant employees seeking to stay there long-term. As an alternative, 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 at the least six months past their date of entry.
This short-term association is nice for month-long visits however not excellent for digital nomads looking 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 newest 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’s best to contemplate it as a distant working location. For my part, it’s one of many greatest cities in Asia to tick off your journey listing. Amongst many different qualities, it’s additionally a perfect base for additional exploration, particularly throughout Southeast Asia.
Town’s numerous foodie scene and infinite 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 inconceivable to not be impressed by this type of dynamic ambiance and welcoming setting.
