Welcome to my digital nomad information to residing in Singapore. If like me, you spend your life on the street, laptop computer in hand, hopping from nation to nation, I’ve bought a lot 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 primarily based in three areas throughout town meant I bought to discover lots and was in a position to uncover many cool spots which are typically missed. Let’s get began!
Are you able to stay a distant life-style?
Take the quiz and see if we can assist.
Our Creator Kickstarter Teaching Program shall be accepting a most of 10 individuals to begin constructing their dream distant life-style. Study extra & see if we can assist you obtain your objectives!
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 simple.
Well-known for being clear and secure, Singapore has a unbelievable 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 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 obvious and infrequently flaunted.
There are ample probabilities to calm down and discover town with nice mountain climbing alternatives and lots of websites of historic and cultural significance to get pleasure from. One in every 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.
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 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 snug strolling canines in any respect hours, because the streets are well-lit and CCTV is in every single place. I had no security issues throughout my keep.
Whereas severe crime is uncommon, it’s nonetheless a good suggestion to be cautious of minor scams. Widespread points reminiscent of overcharging can happen in tourist-heavy areas, nonetheless, that is simply prevented through the use of respected providers. Singapore’s strict legal guidelines assist keep order.
All of the neighborhoods I traveled to felt secure, 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 ideas will higher your possibilities of having a cushty and secure expertise.
Finest Areas to Dwell 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 here are 5 nice areas to think about residing in Singapore:
1. Bugis
Bugis is a busy part of town heart 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 a terrific place to be located because of the encircling cafes, coworking areas, and lodging choices.
It’s near every thing, 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 evening market or exploring Haji Lane just some minutes stroll away.
2. Queenstown
Queenstown is a extra laid-back space, with a whole lot of inexperienced areas and a relaxed, residential vibe. It’s best for individuals who get pleasure from a quieter spot however nonetheless need fast entry to town heart. 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, best for getting via 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 all over the world however Chinatown Singapore was a singular expertise. It’s a part of town the place historical custom meets the fashionable world with startling contrasts in every single place.
My prime 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 among the finest glad 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 a terrific place for impartial bookstores and informal cafes that double up as snug spots for distant work.
It’s a quieter space with a cool, retro really feel, excellent 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 primary 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 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 superb place to go to the tze char stalls and to pattern some frog porridge (for those who fancy!).
Find out how to Discover Lodging in Singapore
Listed here 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 gives one thing distinctive, so you possibly can select what most closely fits your wants and funds.
1. Airbnb: At all times a well-liked possibility for brief to mid-term stays, use Airbnb for those who’re on the lookout for a totally furnished place. You’ll find every thing from funds rooms in individuals’s properties to luxurious residences, many with reductions for weekly or month-to-month stays.
2. Trusted Housesitters: If you need 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 lets you immerse your self within the metropolis like a neighborhood with out rental prices.
Goats On The Street readers get a particular 25% low cost by clicking this hyperlink.
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 chopping out the intermediary.
4. Reserving.com: A trusty and dependable alternative for short-term stays, Reserving.com has an enormous number of resorts, serviced residences, and hostels. It’s particularly helpful for those who want flexibility, as many choices include free cancellation.
Value of Residing in Singapore
I’ve to confess, Singapore is likely one of the dearer cities I’ve visited. Costs weren’t insane, however nearly every thing price a bit of 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. Throughout 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 total scope of eating prospects; from native hawker markets and avenue 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 possibly can anticipate to pay round $70.
Lodging Prices
Lodging prices in Singapore may be considerably increased than in lots of cities, with long-term leases round 30% dearer than in a significant US metropolis. Renting an condominium in central Singapore will price round $2500 earlier than utilities.
Brief-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 fluctuate extensively relying on the placement 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 for those who’re planning to remain within the metropolis for some time. Think about 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 Speedy Transit) is likely one of the finest I’ve seen all over the world to this point – among the underground stations themselves are even good locations to go to!
You may merely scan any energetic 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 Information
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 reminiscent of SIMBA, the community I utilized in Singapore and extremely suggest.
You will get quantity of information for an inexpensive value and have the SIM card put in and activated proper in entrance of you, that means you possibly can relaxation assured every thing is working earlier than you permit. I bought 10GB for $15 which lasted me 30 days and it labored very well.
In case 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 communicate nice English and are glad to have a chat about your wants whereas within the metropolis.
Cash Saving Ideas for Singapore
Listed here are a number of ideas to assist hold prices down in Singapore;
- Use Public Transport: Singapore’s MRT and buses are environment friendly, reasonably priced, and canopy most components 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 Sights: Extra on this later, however relaxation assured there are many free sights 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 superb possibility for those who love animals and need to save on lodging prices.
- Price range-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 condominium, it’s at all times price haggling over a value.
- Restrict Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol is pricey in Singapore, so contemplate limiting nights out or consuming at residence.
- Discover Completely happy Hours: Completely happy hour is a well-liked factor in Singapore with many bars providing each day diminished 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 among the quickest and most dependable web speeds on this planet, making it best 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. 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 a number of choices for distant working:
1. The Hive
With 5 areas in Singapore and a presence in 6 international locations 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 at all times be assured of a quiet desk to work from, wonderful WiFi, and all of the services 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
Essentially the most outstanding coworking area in Singapore must 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 suggest 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 however it gives state-of-the-art services and is a brilliant cool place to work from.
3. The Work Boulevard
For the most effective working view in Singapore, head to The Work Boulevard at Collyer Quay. They’ve 3 areas within the metropolis however this explicit department appears out over the marina and the enduring Marina Bay Sands – so far as workplaces go, it’s pretty much as good because it will get!
There’s ample area within the lovely lounge for hot-desking and devoted workplaces for individuals 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 residing 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 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 town heart. 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 unbelievable 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: A captivating 24/7 cafe that seems like a classic tea room. There’s a tasty all-day brunch menu full of every thing you can want 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 benefit from versatile hours. Whether or not you’re free to discover through the week or hold weekends open, listed below are some nice methods to completely 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 an effective 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 a neighborhood host tailors the expertise to your tastes and explores well-known spots together with the Chinatown Meals Complicated. You’ll style as many as 8 completely different avenue meals and get to go to a conventional 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 most of the poignant websites, of which there are lots of, across the metropolis. Top-of-the-line was The Battlebox hidden below Fort Canning Park.
This free-to-visit exhibit is a must-visit for historical past lovers. It gives an immersive look into Singapore’s WWII historical past via an enormous underground command heart the place hourly excursions take you thru the historical past and tales. Donations are welcome so contemplate supporting for those who can.
3. Discover the Metropolis by Bike
A unbelievable 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 largest Method 1 races of the season descends on the streets of Singapore. The Singapore Grand Prix is a big occasion that draws guests from all over the world as the most effective drivers on the planet velocity alongside town’s roads at 200 mph.
Though every thing returns to regular after the busy weekend of racing, among the predominant 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 mild reveals. Don’t miss the enduring Supertree Grove, the place towering, plant-covered constructions mild 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 possibly can get pleasure from loads of unique crops and even a surprising 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 through 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 possibly 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 best time to go to to completely get pleasure from any outside actions.
Professionals and Cons of Residing in Singapore
There’s little doubt that Singapore is an excellent metropolis, however there are each execs and cons to think about as a digital nomad, earlier than selecting it as a base. Right here’s what I discovered from my expertise:
Professionals of Residing 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 charge and strict legal guidelines, so it’s a secure setting 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 supplies a excessive lifestyle.
- Enterprise Focussed: As a monetary powerhouse, enterprise is flourishing in Singapore – it’s completely arrange for digital nomads.
- Ex-Pat Group: There’s a big ex-pat neighborhood which can assist it really feel like a house from residence.
- 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 Value of Residing: Working remotely in Singapore may be costly, with excessive lodging and eating prices.
- Restricted House: 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 Rules: Whereas legal guidelines contribute to security, strict rules can really feel limiting and appear overbearing at occasions.
- Quick-Paced Life-style: 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 shall 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%.
- Development: My closing 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 supply a particular digital nomad visa, which might make it difficult for distant staff seeking to stay 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 least six months past their date of entry.
This non permanent association is nice for month-long visits however not best for digital nomads in search of 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, seek advice from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore.
In Conclusion
I hope my digital nomad information to Singapore has highlighted why you must contemplate 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 numerous foodie scene and infinite 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 ambiance and welcoming setting.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/life-changing-travel-items-im-grabbing-for-cyber-monday-SERP-5fb1c76722694181a8bcf58e4411528e.jpg?w=350&resize=350,250&ssl=1 "Finest Amazon Cyber Monday Offers From a Flight Attendant")
