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 obtained 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 areas throughout the town meant I obtained to discover lots and was capable of 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, situated 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 dwelling 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 the 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 It’s a mix of outdated and new and is regarded by many as a monetary powerhouse and gateway to Southeast Asian enterprise and finance.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. Except for 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 obvious 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. One among my favourite issues to do was to go to cool streets like Haji Lane, a preferred and full of life 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 Secure?
Singapore is among the most secure locations I’ve visited to date, with low crime charges and a welcoming environment towards guests and vacationers. Throughout my home sits, I felt comfy strolling canine in any respect hours, because the streets are well-lit and CCTV is in all places. I had no security issues 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, nonetheless, 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 fundamental security ideas will higher your possibilities of having a cushty and protected expertise.
Finest Areas to Dwell 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 dwelling in Singapore:
1. Bugis
Bugis is a busy part of the town middle identified 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 a terrific 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 buying 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 variety of inexperienced areas and a relaxed, residential vibe. It’s best 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 reasonably priced making it straightforward to get round.
There are many laptop-friendly cafes to arrange store from, 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 lots 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 the town the place historic custom meets the fashionable world with startling contrasts in all places.
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 glad hours on the town – to not point out unimaginable views of the skyscrapers!
4. Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru is considered 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 environment, relaxed vibe, and distinctive mix of outdated 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 supply a stark distinction to the towering metropolis skyscrapers. It feels extra homely on this a part of the 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 good place to go to the tze char stalls and to pattern some frog porridge (if you happen to fancy!).
Tips on how 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 gives one thing distinctive, so you’ll be able to select what most accurately fits your wants and finances.
1. Airbnb: At all times a preferred choice for brief to mid-term stays, use Airbnb if you happen to’re in search of a completely furnished place. You could find all the things from finances rooms in individuals’s houses to luxurious flats, many with reductions for weekly or month-to-month stays.
2. Trusted Housesitters: If you need a novel, low-cost approach 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 an area with out rental prices.
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3. Fb: Singapore has a number of lively Fb teams together with ‘Rooms For Lease Singapore‘. These teams supply direct entry to locals and ex-pats with lodging to lease, often reducing out the intermediary.
4. Reserving.com: A trusty and dependable alternative for short-term stays, Reserving.com has a large number of accommodations, serviced flats, and hostels. It’s particularly helpful if you happen to want flexibility, as many choices include free cancellation.
Value of Dwelling in Singapore
I’ve to confess, Singapore is among the dearer cities I’ve visited. Costs weren’t insane, however virtually all the things 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. Throughout the standard 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 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 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 greater than in lots of cities, with long-term leases round 30% dearer than in a serious US metropolis. Renting an house 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 differ broadly relying on the situation you need and the facilities you require.
The common worth per evening of a resort room in Singapore is $212, one thing to concentrate on if you happen to’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 among the finest I’ve seen around the globe to date – a few of the underground stations themselves are even good locations to go to!
You possibly can merely scan any lively 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 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 knowledge plans. Most are official retailers for big operators reminiscent of SIMBA, the community I utilized in Singapore and extremely suggest.
You will get 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 all the things is working earlier than you allow. I obtained 10GB for $15 which lasted me 30 days and it labored very well.
In the event 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 doubtful, discover a native retailer, as the bulk communicate nice English and are glad 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 maintain prices down in Singapore;
- Use Public Transport: Singapore’s MRT and buses are environment friendly, reasonably priced, and canopy most components of the 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 Sights: 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 contemporary air to be present in Singapore’s parks and inexperienced areas.
- Safe a Home Sit: Trusted Housesitters is a good choice if you happen to love animals and need to save on lodging prices.
- Price range-Pleasant Lodging: Past home sitting, contemplate co-living areas or shared flats by way of Airbnb.
- Negotiate: Whether or not buying within the markets or renting an house, it’s at all times value haggling over a worth.
- Restrict Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol is dear in Singapore, so contemplate limiting nights out or ingesting at dwelling.
- Discover Blissful Hours: Blissful hour is a well-liked factor in Singapore with many bars providing every 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 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. Clean 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 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 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
Probably the most outstanding coworking house 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 constructive.
I can extremely suggest the Suntec Tower 5 location which is perched in a superb skyscraper and gazes out over the town. It’s not the most cost effective at $35/day but it surely gives state-of-the-art amenities and is a brilliant 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 areas within the metropolis however this explicit department seems to be 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 house within the stunning lounge for hot-desking and devoted places of work 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 dwelling in Singapore, it’s helpful to know the place the laptop-friendly cafes are. Fortunately, Singapore is full of nice choices for us digital nomads, listed below are my high 3 picks:
- The Guide Cafe: Combining my love of books and low, this nice choice 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, respectable WiFi, and a relaxing 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 together 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 possibly can need and it has a pleasant environment 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 in the course of the week or maintain weekends open, listed below are some nice methods to totally get pleasure from Singapore:
1. Take a Personalised 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 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 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 a degree to go to as lots of the poignant websites, of which there are various, 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 fans. It gives an immersive look into Singapore’s WWII historical past by way 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 incredible approach 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 approach 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 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 the very best drivers on the planet pace alongside the town’s roads at 200 mph.
Though all the things returns to regular after the busy weekend of racing, a few of the foremost 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 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 shocking 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 helpful.
With excessive humidity and frequent rain, it will probably usually really feel hotter than the precise temperature. Many vacationers, digital nomads, and locals choose 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 Dwelling in Singapore
There’s little doubt 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 Dwelling 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 understood for its low crime charge and strict legal guidelines, so it’s a protected setting for residents and guests alike.
- Multicultural Surroundings: 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 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 dwelling.
- 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 Value of Dwelling: Working remotely in Singapore will be costly, with excessive lodging and eating prices.
- Restricted Area: Many flats and dwelling 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 will 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 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 will probably 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 worth by 15%-20%.
- Building: My last home sit in Bugis was slighted by the quantity of intensive building occurring on the skyscraper throughout the road. Constructing work is frequent throughout the 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 reside 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 a minimum of six months past their date of entry.
This momentary association is nice for month-long visits however not best 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, 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 great base for additional exploration, particularly throughout Southeast Asia.
Town’s numerous foodie scene and limitless thrilling actions will guarantee that you’ve lots 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 sort of dynamic environment and welcoming setting.
