Welcome to my digital nomad information to dwelling in Singapore. If like me, you spend your life on the street, laptop computer in hand, hopping from nation to nation, I’ve received plenty 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 town meant I received to discover a lot and was in a position to uncover many cool spots which are usually 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 filled with thrilling sights, making exploring simple.
Well-known for being clear and protected, Singapore has a implausible 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, plenty 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. Apart from 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 obvious and infrequently flaunted.
There are ample possibilities to chill out and discover 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 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 dwelling in Singapore as a digital nomad.
Is Singapore Protected?
Singapore is likely one of the most secure locations I’ve visited thus far, with low crime charges and a welcoming ambiance 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 all over the 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 equivalent to overcharging can happen in tourist-heavy areas, nonetheless, that is simply prevented by utilizing respected providers. Singapore’s strict legal guidelines assist preserve order.
All of the neighborhoods I traveled to felt protected, 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 fundamental security ideas will higher your possibilities 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 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 middle 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 an awesome place to be located due to the encircling cafes, coworking areas, and lodging choices.
It’s near all the things, with simple MRT entry, nice procuring 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 numerous inexperienced areas and a relaxed, residential vibe. It’s preferrred for many who get pleasure from a quieter spot however nonetheless need fast entry to town middle. Public transport is dependable, environment friendly, and reasonably priced making it simple to get round.
There are many laptop-friendly cafes to arrange store from, preferrred 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 all over the world however Chinatown Singapore was a novel expertise. It’s a part of town the place historic custom meets the trendy 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 few of the greatest completely satisfied 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 impartial 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 town.
Katong has a gradual 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 (should you fancy!).
How you can 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 may select what most closely fits your wants and finances.
1. Airbnb: All the time a well-liked choice for brief to mid-term stays, use Airbnb should you’re on the lookout for 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 novel, low-cost option to keep in Singapore attempt 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 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 provide direct entry to locals and ex-pats with lodging to lease, often chopping out the intermediary.
4. Reserving.com: A trusty and dependable alternative for short-term stays, Reserving.com has an enormous number of accommodations, serviced residences, and hostels. It’s particularly helpful should you want flexibility, as many choices include free cancellation.
Price of Dwelling 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 price slightly 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 traditional 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 total scope of eating prospects; 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 may anticipate to pay round $70.
Lodging Prices
Lodging prices in Singapore could 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 price round $2500 earlier than utilities.
Quick-term stays on platforms like Airbnb provide a variety of lodging and infrequently have good offers on month-long or prolonged stays. Nevertheless, costs can fluctuate extensively relying on the situation you need and the facilities you require.
The typical value per night time of a lodge room in Singapore is $212, one thing to pay attention to should you’re planning to remain within the metropolis for some time. Take into account 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 likely one of the greatest I’ve seen all over the world thus far – 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 via 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
Choosing 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 big operators equivalent to SIMBA, the community I utilized in Singapore and extremely advocate.
You may get a great quantity of information for an affordable value and have the SIM card put in and activated proper in entrance of you, which means you may relaxation assured all the things is working earlier than you allow. I received 10GB for $15 which lasted me 30 days and it labored rather well.
In case you plan to hotspot or use an information plan for distant work, take into account 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 completely satisfied to have a chat about your wants whereas within the metropolis.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Singapore
Listed below are a couple of ideas to assist maintain prices down in Singapore;
- Use Public Transport: Singapore’s MRT and buses are environment friendly, reasonably priced, and canopy most elements of town.
- Eat on the Hawkers: For budget-friendly, genuine meals, attempt 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 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 superb choice should you 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 via Airbnb.
- Negotiate: Whether or not procuring within the markets or renting an residence, it’s at all times value haggling over a value.
- Restrict Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol is dear in Singapore, so take into account limiting nights out or consuming at house.
- Discover Glad Hours: Glad hour is a well-liked factor in Singapore with many bars providing day by day lowered 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 the planet, making it preferrred 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 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 couple of 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 via 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 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 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 advocate 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 one of the 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 out over the jetty and the enduring Marina Bay Sands – so far as places of work go, it’s nearly 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 out there.
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 filled with nice choices for us digital nomads, listed below are my prime 3 picks:
- The Ebook 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, first rate WiFi, and a calming vibe.
- Free the Robotic: From breakfast to dinner, espresso to cocktails this robot-themed cafe has a implausible 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 seems like a classic tea room. There’s a tasty all-day brunch menu filled with all the things you can need 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 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 advocate a road meals tour. It’s a good way to pattern plenty 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 some extent to go to as most of the poignant websites, of which there are a lot of, across the metropolis. Among the finest was The Battlebox hidden underneath 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 via an enormous underground command middle the place hourly excursions take you thru the historical past and tales. Donations are welcome so take into account supporting should you can.
3. Discover the Metropolis by Bike
A implausible option 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 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 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 all the things 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 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 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 may 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 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 could usually 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.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Singapore
There’s little doubt 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:
Professionals of Dwelling in Singapore
- Environment friendly Public Transport: Singapore has an intensive and dependable public transport system, making it simple to get round.
- Security: Singapore is thought for its low crime fee and strict legal guidelines, so it’s a protected atmosphere for residents and guests alike.
- Multicultural Surroundings: 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 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 may also 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 probably 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 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 could be uncomfortable if it’s not one thing you’re conversant in.
- Strict Laws: Whereas legal guidelines contribute to security, strict laws can really feel limiting and appear overbearing at occasions.
- 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 shall be much less of a problem 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 worth by 15%-20%.
- Development: My ultimate home sit in Bugis was slighted by the quantity of intensive building taking place on the skyscraper throughout the road. Constructing work is frequent throughout town.
Digital Nomad Visa for Singapore
Singapore doesn’t presently provide a selected 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. Nevertheless, all guests want to make sure their passport is legitimate for no less than six months past their date of entry.
This non permanent association is nice for month-long visits however not preferrred 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 most recent entry necessities and updates, check 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 take into account it as a distant working location. Amongst many different qualities, it’s additionally a great 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.
