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 acquired 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 places throughout the town meant I acquired to discover lots and was in a position to uncover many cool spots which can be typically missed. Let’s get began!
Are you able to reside a distant way of life?
Take the quiz and see if we will help.
Our Creator Kickstarter Teaching Program will probably be accepting a most of 10 folks to start out constructing their dream distant way of life. Study extra & see if we will help you obtain your targets!
About Singapore
Singapore is a vigorous Southeast Asian city-state, positioned simply south of Malaysia. It’s small however filled with 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 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 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 pretty 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 possibilities to loosen up and discover the town with nice mountain climbing alternatives and plenty 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 vigorous 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 without doubt 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 canine in any respect hours, because the streets are well-lit and CCTV is in every single 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. Widespread points resembling overcharging can happen in tourist-heavy areas, nevertheless, that is simply prevented through the use of respected companies. Singapore’s strict legal guidelines assist keep order.
All of the neighborhoods I traveled to felt protected, however it’s clever to keep away from unfamiliar areas late at night time, simply as I’d advise in any massive metropolis. Staying conscious of your environment and following fundamental security ideas will higher your probabilities of having a snug and protected expertise.
Greatest Areas to Reside 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 here are 5 nice areas to contemplate dwelling in Singapore:
1. Bugis
Bugis is a busy part of the town heart 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 excellent place to be located because of the encircling cafes, coworking areas, and lodging choices.
It’s near every thing, with straightforward MRT entry, nice purchasing 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 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 individuals who get pleasure from a quieter spot however nonetheless need fast entry to the town heart. 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 by 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 world wide however Chinatown Singapore was a singular expertise. It’s a part of the town the place historical custom meets the trendy world with startling contrasts in every single place.
My high 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, inventive scene. It’s an excellent place for unbiased bookstores and informal cafes that double up as snug 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 outdoors of the primary 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 (when you fancy!).
The best way 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 choice provides one thing distinctive, so you’ll be able to select what most closely fits your wants and price range.
1. Airbnb: At all times a preferred choice for brief to mid-term stays, use Airbnb when you’re in search of a totally furnished place. You will discover every thing from price range rooms in folks’s houses to luxurious residences, many with reductions for weekly or month-to-month stays.
2. Trusted Housesitters: If you would like a singular, low-cost approach to keep in Singapore attempt Trusted Housesitters. From private expertise, home sitting is a perfect choice for animal lovers and lets you immerse your self within the metropolis like a neighborhood with out rental prices.
Goats On The Highway readers get a particular 25% low cost by clicking this hyperlink.
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, normally slicing out the intermediary.
4. Reserving.com: A trusty and dependable selection for short-term stays, Reserving.com has an enormous number of resorts, serviced residences, and hostels. It’s particularly helpful when you want flexibility, as many choices include free cancellation.
Value of Residing in Singapore
I’ve to confess, Singapore is without doubt one of the costlier cities I’ve visited. Costs weren’t insane, however nearly every thing 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 purchasing costs are pretty aligned with what I’d anticipate in most main cities. Throughout the common 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 potentialities; from native hawker markets and avenue meals stands costing a couple of bucks a meal to the best of high-end choices. However, for a median 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 increased than in lots of cities, with long-term leases round 30% costlier than in a serious US metropolis. Renting an condo in central Singapore will value round $2500 earlier than utilities.
Quick-term stays on platforms like Airbnb supply a variety of lodging and infrequently have good offers on month-long or prolonged stays. Nevertheless, costs can range extensively relying on the situation you need and the facilities you require.
The typical value per night time of a resort room in Singapore is $212, one thing to pay attention to when 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 because of a community of environment friendly buses, trains, and taxis. The MRT (Mass Speedy Transit) is without doubt one of the greatest I’ve seen world wide to this point – a number of the underground stations themselves are even good locations to go to!
You’ll be able to merely scan any lively credit score or financial institution card when hopping on and off the buses or going by 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 shops for giant operators resembling SIMBA, the community I utilized in Singapore and extremely suggest.
You will get a superb quantity of information for an affordable value and have the SIM card put in and activated proper in entrance of you, that means you’ll be able to relaxation assured every thing is working earlier than you permit. I acquired 10GB for $15 which lasted me 30 days and it labored rather well.
If you happen to 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 doubtful, discover a native retailer, as the bulk communicate nice English and are comfortable to have a chat about your wants whereas within the metropolis.
Cash Saving Ideas for Singapore
Listed here are a couple of ideas 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 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 good choice when you love animals and wish to save on lodging prices.
- Finances-Pleasant Lodging: Past home sitting, contemplate co-living areas or shared residences by Airbnb.
- Negotiate: Whether or not purchasing within the markets or renting an condo, it’s at all times value 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 every day diminished 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 number of the quickest and most dependable web speeds on this planet, making it excellent 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 strong and barely has outages. Clean video calls, uploads, and different on-line work with out interruptions create dream situations for digital nomads. There are additionally many glorious coworking areas, right here’s a couple of choices for distant working:
1. The Hive
With 5 places in Singapore and a presence in 6 international locations globally, The Hive has been a helpful alliance to me by 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’ll be able to at all times be assured of a quiet desk to work from, glorious 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 distinguished coworking area in Singapore must be WeWork, with 12 places 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 optimistic.
I can extremely suggest the Suntec Tower 5 location which is perched in a wonderful skyscraper and gazes out over the town. It’s not the most cost effective at $35/day however it provides 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 explicit department appears to be like out over the marina and the long-lasting 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 obtainable.
Greatest 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 high 3 picks:
- The E book Cafe: Combining my love of books and occasional, this nice choice is a refreshing however simply accessible distance from the town heart. It’s a pleasant spot near the river that has loads of spacious tables, respectable 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 vigorous however enjoyable place to arrange together with your laptop computer.
- Enchanted Cafe Rangoon Highway: A captivating 24/7 cafe that seems like a classic tea room. There’s a tasty all-day brunch menu filled with every thing you possibly 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 throughout the week or preserve weekends open, listed below are some nice methods to completely get pleasure from Singapore:
1. Take a Customized 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 customized 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 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 some extent to go to as most of the poignant websites, of which there are lots of, across the metropolis. Probably the greatest was The Battlebox hidden below Fort Canning Park.
This free-to-visit exhibit is a must-visit for historical past lovers. It provides an immersive look into Singapore’s WWII historical past by an enormous underground command heart the place hourly excursions take you thru the historical past and tales. Donations are welcome so contemplate supporting when you 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 glorious 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 big occasion that pulls guests from world wide as one of the best drivers on the planet pace alongside the town’s roads at 200 mph.
Though every thing returns to regular after the busy weekend of racing, a number of the fundamental infrastructure is everlasting and open to the general public. You’ll be able to head to the pit lane, the beginning grid, and even jog or cycle alongside the primary few corners of the monitor. 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 long-lasting 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’ll be able to get pleasure from loads of unique crops 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 throughout 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 actually usually really feel hotter than the precise temperature. Many vacationers, digital nomads, and locals desire to remain indoors throughout peak noon warmth. February to April is the perfect 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 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 Residing in Singapore
- Environment friendly Public Transport: Singapore has an intensive and dependable public transport system, making it straightforward to get round.
- Security: Singapore is thought for its low crime charge and strict legal guidelines, so it’s a protected surroundings for residents and guests alike.
- Multicultural Setting: Town is a melting pot of cultures, providing various meals, festivals, and experiences.
- Excessive High quality of Life: With glorious 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 neighborhood which will help it really feel like a house from house.
- Proximity to Nature: Regardless of its city setting, Singapore has many fantastic 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 Residing in Singapore
- Excessive Value of Residing: Working remotely in Singapore will 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 typically results in intense humidity and warmth, which will be uncomfortable if it’s not one thing you’re aware of.
- Strict Laws: Whereas legal guidelines contribute to security, strict rules can really feel limiting and appear overbearing at instances.
- Quick-Paced Life-style: 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 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 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 the town.
Digital Nomad Visa for Singapore
Singapore doesn’t at the moment supply a selected digital nomad visa, which may make it difficult for distant staff seeking to reside there long-term. As a substitute, 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 a minimum of six months past their date of entry.
This momentary 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 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 various foodie scene and infinite thrilling actions will guarantee that you’ve got 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 not possible to not be impressed by this sort of dynamic ambiance and welcoming surroundings.
