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 info for you about The Lion Metropolis.
Throughout my first go to to Singapore, I spent a month house sitting and loved each second. Being based mostly in three places throughout the town meant I bought to discover a lot and was in a position to 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 filled with thrilling sights, making exploring simple.
Well-known for being clear and safe, Singapore has a unbelievable 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 house sits while in Singapore, which helped me immensely with lodging prices. Apart from caring for some beautiful properties and pets, feeling settled allowed me to crack on with loads of remote 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 calm down and discover the town with nice mountaineering alternatives and plenty of websites of historic and cultural significance to take pleasure in. Considered one of my favourite things 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 House Sitting Guide to Singapore to learn all about my expertise residing in Singapore as a digital nomad.
Is Singapore Secure?
Singapore is likely one of the safest places I’ve visited to this point, with low crime rates and a welcoming ambiance towards guests and vacationers. Throughout my home sits, I felt comfy strolling canines in any respect hours, because the streets are well-lit and CCTV is in every single place. I had no security considerations throughout my keep.
Whereas serious crime is rare, it’s nonetheless a good suggestion to be cautious of minor scams. Widespread points akin to overcharging can happen in tourist-heavy areas, nevertheless, that is simply prevented by utilizing respected companies. Singapore’s strict legal guidelines assist keep order.
All of the neighborhoods I traveled to felt protected, nevertheless it’s sensible to keep away from unfamiliar areas late at evening, simply as I’d advise in any huge metropolis. Staying conscious of your environment and following fundamental security suggestions will higher your probabilities of having a cushty and protected expertise.
Greatest Areas to Reside in Singapore
Being a digital nomad in Singapore opened up alternatives for me to discover completely different areas of the town. Getting round is straightforward and there are many thrilling methods to spend your downtime. Listed here are 5 nice areas to contemplate residing in Singapore:
1. Bugis
Bugis is a busy part of the 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 an excellent place to be located due to the encompassing cafes, coworking spaces, and accommodation choices.
It’s near every part, with simple MRT entry, nice procuring choices, and the close by Bugis Street Market. There’s all the time one thing to do after work, whether or not it’s having fun with the evening market or exploring Haji Lane just some minutes stroll away.
2. Queenstown
Queenstown is a extra laid-back space, with quite a lot of inexperienced areas and a relaxed, residential vibe. It’s supreme for many who take pleasure in a quieter spot however nonetheless need fast entry to the 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, supreme for getting by 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 for the day.
3. Chinatown
I’ve visited many Chinatowns around the globe however Chinatown Singapore was a singular expertise. It’s a part of the town the place historical custom meets the trendy world with startling contrasts in every single place.
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 among the greatest pleased hours on the town – to not point out unimaginable views of the skyscrapers!
4. Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru is one in all 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 comfy spots for remote work.
It’s a quieter space with a cool, retro really feel, good for unwinding after a workday. Many digital nomads I do know love Tiong Bahru for the pleasant ambiance, relaxed vibe, and distinctive mix of previous and new Singapore.
5. Katong
Katong is a residential neighborhood exterior of the principle metropolis limits. Right here, you’ll discover colourful shophouses and heritage colonial bungalows which provide a stark distinction to the towering metropolis skyscrapers. It feels extra homely on this a part of the town.
Katong has a gradual tempo offering loads of alternatives for remote 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 (if you happen to fancy!).
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 affords one thing distinctive, so you possibly can select what most accurately fits your wants and funds.
SEE ALSO: Where to Stay in Singapore (Best Areas & Places)
1. Airbnb: All the time a well-liked choice for brief to mid-term stays, use Airbnb if you happen to’re searching for a completely furnished place. Yow will discover every part from funds rooms in individuals’s properties to luxurious flats, many with reductions for weekly or month-to-month stays.
2. Trusted Housesitters: If you need a singular, low-cost solution 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 link.
3. Fb: Singapore has a number of lively Facebook teams together with ‘Rooms For Rent Singapore‘. These teams provide direct entry to locals and ex-pats with lodging to lease, often reducing out the intermediary.
4. Reserving.com: A trusty and dependable selection for short-term stays, Booking.com has an enormous number of inns, serviced flats, and hostels. It’s particularly helpful if you happen to 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 every part value somewhat 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 shopping prices are pretty aligned with what I’d count on 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 complete scope of eating potentialities; from native hawker markets and road meals stands costing a couple of dollars a meal to the best of high-end choices. However, for a mean meal out for 2 in a pleasant place, you possibly can count on to pay around $70.
Lodging Prices
Lodging prices in Singapore may be considerably greater than in lots of cities, with long-term leases round 30% costlier than in a serious US metropolis. Renting an house in central Singapore will value round $2500 before utilities.
Brief-term stays on platforms like Airbnb provide a variety 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 typical worth per evening of a hotel room in Singapore is $212, one thing to pay attention to if you happen to’re planning to remain within the metropolis for some time. Contemplate house sitting opportunities or negotiating reductions with Airbnb hosts to save lots of 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 Speedy Transit) is likely one of the greatest I’ve seen around the globe to this point – among the underground stations themselves are even good locations to go to!
You may merely scan any lively credit score or financial institution card when hopping on and off the buses or going by the metro turnstiles. A bus journey costs around $1.50 and a brief taxi trip utilizing a ride-share app like Grab will run you round $10-$15.
SIM Playing cards and Information
Selecting up a SIM card is straightforward to do, as even in a chaotic market you’ll see stalls providing offers on knowledge plans. Most are official retailers for big operators akin to SIMBA, the community I utilized in Singapore and extremely suggest.
You may get a very good quantity of information for an inexpensive worth and have the SIM card put in and activated proper in entrance of you, which means you possibly can relaxation assured every part is working earlier than you allow. I bought 10GB for $15 which lasted me 30 days and it labored very well.
For those who plan to hotspot or use an information plan for remote work, take into account upping your month-to-month allowance. Prices are more reasonable the upper up you go. If unsure, discover a native retailer, as the bulk converse nice English and are pleased to have a chat about your wants whereas within the metropolis.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Singapore
Listed here are just a few suggestions 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 the 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 sights to take pleasure in.
- Get Again to Nature: There are some fabulous mountaineering alternatives and loads of recent air to be present in Singapore’s parks and inexperienced areas.
- Safe a Home Sit: Trusted Housesitters is a good choice if you happen to love animals and wish to save on lodging prices.
- Finances-Pleasant Lodging: Past home sitting, take into account co-living areas or shared flats by Airbnb.
- Negotiate: Whether or not procuring within the markets or renting an house, it’s all the time value haggling over a worth.
- Restrict Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol is expensive in Singapore, so take into account limiting nights out or ingesting at house.
- Discover Completely satisfied Hours: Completely satisfied hour is a well-liked factor in Singapore with many bars providing each 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 among the fastest and most reliable internet speeds in the world, making it supreme 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. Easy video calls, uploads, and different on-line work with out interruptions create dream circumstances for digital nomads. There are additionally many glorious coworking areas, right here’s just a few choices for distant working:
1. The Hive
With 5 places in Singapore and a presence in 6 countries 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 Guide to Living in Ho Chi Minh City.
You may all the time be assured of a quiet desk to work from, glorious WiFi, and all of the services you might 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 needs to be WeWork, with 12 locations 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 all the time been optimistic.
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 affordable at $35/day nevertheless it affords state-of-the-art services 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 locations within the metropolis however this explicit department seems out over the jetty and the long-lasting Marina Bay Sands – so far as places of work go, it’s nearly as good because it will get!
There’s ample area within the lovely 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 accessible.
Greatest 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 filled with nice choices for us digital nomads, listed here are my high 3 picks:
- The 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 Robot: 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 along with your laptop computer.
- Enchanted Cafe Rangoon Road: An enthralling 24/7 cafe that looks like a classic tea room. There’s a tasty all-day brunch menu filled with every part you might want 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 take advantage of versatile hours. Whether or not you’re free to discover through the week or maintain weekends open, listed here are some nice methods to totally take pleasure in Singapore:
1. Take a Customized Meals Tour
If you wish to dive headfirst into the native meals scene I extremely suggest a road 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 personalized tour with a neighborhood host tailors the expertise to your tastes and explores well-known spots together with the Chinatown Food Complex. You’ll style as many as 8 completely different road meals and get to go to a standard working moist market. Click here for details.
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 a lot of, across the metropolis. Top-of-the-line was The Battlebox hidden underneath Fort Canning Park.
This free-to-visit exhibit is a must-visit for historical past fans. It affords 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 take into account supporting if you happen to can.
3. Discover the Metropolis by Bike
A unbelievable solution 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 excursion takes you thru historic areas together with Chinatown, Little India, and Marina Bay plus many hidden treasures – what higher solution to get to know Singapore? Click here for extra details about this glorious small-group tour.
4. Stand in Pole Place
Yearly one of many greatest Formula 1 races of the season descends on the streets of Singapore. The Singapore Grand Prix is a big occasion that pulls guests from around the globe as one of the best drivers on the planet velocity alongside the town’s roads at 200 mph.
Though every part returns to regular after the busy weekend of racing, among the foremost 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 monitor. Find it 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 out of doors 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 really spectacular.
For extra immersive experiences, discover the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories the place you possibly can take pleasure in loads of unique vegetation and even a shocking indoor waterfall. It’s a peaceable escape proper within the coronary heart of the town. Click here for directions.
Climate in Singapore
Singapore’s climate is warm and humid year-round, with temperatures averaging 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F) and humidity often above 80%. Being near the equator, the town experiences little seasonal variation.
Rain is common, 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 sensible 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 choose to remain indoors throughout peak noon warmth. February to April is the best time to go to to totally take pleasure in any out of doors actions.
Execs 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:
Execs of Dwelling in Singapore
- Environment friendly Public Transport: Singapore has an in depth and dependable public transport system, making it simple to get round.
- Security: Singapore is thought for its low crime rate 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 glorious healthcare, schooling, and infrastructure, Singapore supplies a excessive lifestyle.
- Enterprise Focussed: As a monetary powerhouse, enterprise is prospering in Singapore – it’s completely arrange for digital nomads.
- Ex-Pat Group: There’s a big ex-pat neighborhood which may 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 Dwelling in Singapore
- Excessive Price of Dwelling: Working remotely in Singapore can be expensive, with excessive lodging and eating prices.
- Restricted Area: Many flats and residing areas are compact, which can really feel cramped for some.
- Humidity and Warmth: The tropical climate typically results in intense humidity and warmth, which may be uncomfortable if it’s not one thing you’re accustomed to.
- Strict Laws: Whereas legal guidelines contribute to security, strict laws can really feel limiting and appear overbearing at instances.
- Quick-Paced Way of life: The fast-paced metropolis life may be overwhelming, particularly for newcomers or these with rural roots.
- Restricted Visa Size: I’ll cowl this in additional depth within the subsequent part however there isn’t a digital nomad visa for Singapore at current.
- The Hidden Prices: This might 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 worth, mountaineering the value by 15%-20%.
- Development: My ultimate home sit in Bugis was slighted by the quantity of intensive development occurring on the skyscraper throughout the road. Constructing work is widespread throughout the town.
Digital Nomad Visa for Singapore
Singapore doesn’t at present provide 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. 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 supreme for digital nomads in search of a extra permanent 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, confer with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore.
In Conclusion
I hope my digital nomad information to Singapore has highlighted why you must take into account it as a distant working location. In my view, it’s one of many best cities in Asia to tick off your journey record. Amongst many different qualities, it’s additionally an excellent base for additional exploration, particularly throughout Southeast Asia.
The town’s various foodie scene and countless thrilling actions will guarantee that you’ve got a lot to deal with your self to when you’ve served your time on the laptop computer! As a digital nomad in Singapore, it’s inconceivable to not be impressed by this type of dynamic ambiance and welcoming atmosphere.
