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 obtained numerous 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 primarily based in three places throughout the town meant I obtained to discover a lot and was capable of uncover many cool spots which might be typically missed. Let’s get began!
Are you able to stay a distant way of life?
Take the quiz and see if we might help.
Our Creator Kickstarter Teaching Program will probably be accepting a most of 10 individuals to start out constructing their dream distant way of life. Be taught extra & see if we might help you obtain your targets!
About Singapore
Singapore is a full of life Southeast Asian city-state, situated simply south of Malaysia. It’s small however full of thrilling sights, making exploring straightforward.
Well-known for being clear and secure, Singapore has a incredible 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, numerous greenery, and expansive parks throughout the town.
This place additionally celebrates its roots, with neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little India making a cultural combine. It’s a mix of outdated and new and is regarded by many as a monetary powerhouse and gateway to Southeast Asian enterprise and finance.
Digital Nomad in Singapore: Private Expertise
I accomplished 3 back-to-back home sits while in Singapore, which helped me immensely with lodging prices. Apart from caring for some beautiful properties and pets, feeling settled allowed me to crack on with loads of distant work.
Dwelling and dealing in Singapore was a breeze as a full-time digital nomad. It’s such a contemporary and bustling metropolis that its very nature motivates you to be productive. It’s a spot the place monetary prowess is obvious and infrequently flaunted.
There are ample probabilities to loosen up and discover the town with nice climbing alternatives and plenty of websites of historic and cultural significance to take pleasure in. Certainly one 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 dwelling in Singapore as a digital nomad.
Is Singapore Secure?
Singapore is likely one of the most secure locations I’ve visited up to now, with low crime charges and a welcoming environment 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 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 by utilizing respected companies. Singapore’s strict legal guidelines assist keep order.
All of the neighborhoods I traveled to felt secure, nevertheless it’s smart to keep away from unfamiliar areas late at evening, simply as I’d advise in any large metropolis. Staying conscious of your environment and following primary security ideas will higher your possibilities of having a snug and secure expertise.
Finest 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 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 middle 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 a fantastic place to be located because of the encompassing cafes, coworking areas, and lodging choices.
It’s near all the pieces, with straightforward MRT entry, nice procuring choices, and the close by Bugis Avenue 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 a variety of inexperienced areas and a relaxed, residential vibe. It’s perfect for many who take pleasure in a quieter spot however nonetheless need fast entry to the town middle. Public transport is dependable, environment friendly, and inexpensive making it straightforward to get round.
There are many laptop-friendly cafes to arrange store from, perfect 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 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 among the finest blissful hours on the town – to not point out unbelievable views of the skyscrapers!
4. Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru is considered one of Singapore’s oldest neighborhoods, well-known for its artwork deco buildings and hip, inventive scene. It’s a fantastic 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 environment, relaxed vibe, and distinctive mix of outdated 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 supply 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 superb place to go to the tze char stalls and to pattern some frog porridge (in case you fancy!).
Tips on 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 affords one thing distinctive, so you may select what most closely fits your wants and price range.
1. Airbnb: All the time a well-liked possibility for brief to mid-term stays, use Airbnb in case you’re searching for a totally furnished place. You’ll find all the pieces from price range rooms in individuals’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 technique 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 an area 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 lively 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 a large number of inns, serviced residences, and hostels. It’s particularly useful in case you want flexibility, as many choices include free cancellation.
Value of Dwelling in Singapore
I’ve to confess, Singapore is likely one of the costlier cities I’ve visited. Costs weren’t insane, however nearly all the pieces 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 procuring costs are pretty aligned with what I’d anticipate in most main cities. Inside the normal margin, a weekly store in Singapore doesn’t differ too a lot from my present digital nomad spot – Austin, Texas.
Dwelling in Singapore offers the complete scope of eating potentialities; from native hawker markets and road meals stands costing a couple of bucks a meal to the 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 might be considerably larger 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 spread of lodging and infrequently have good offers on month-long or prolonged stays. Nevertheless, costs can fluctuate broadly relying on the situation you need and the facilities you require.
The typical worth per evening of a resort room in Singapore is $212, one thing to pay attention to in case you’re planning to remain within the metropolis for some time. Take into account taking a look at home sitting alternatives or negotiating reductions with Airbnb hosts to save lots of 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 world wide up to now – among 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 journey utilizing a ride-share app like Seize will run you round $10-$15.
SIM Playing cards and Information
Choosing up a SIM card is simple to do, as even in a chaotic market you’ll see stalls providing offers on knowledge plans. Most are official retailers for big operators reminiscent of SIMBA, the community I utilized in Singapore and extremely advocate.
You may get a great quantity of knowledge for an inexpensive worth and have the SIM card put in and activated proper in entrance of you, that means you may relaxation assured all the pieces is working earlier than you permit. I obtained 10GB for $15 which lasted me 30 days and it labored rather 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 cheap the upper up you go. If doubtful, discover a native retailer, as the bulk converse nice English and are blissful to have a chat about your wants whereas within the metropolis.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Singapore
Listed here are a couple of ideas to assist hold 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 points of interest to take pleasure in.
- Get Again to Nature: There are some fabulous 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 in case you 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 condo, it’s all the time value haggling over a worth.
- Restrict Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol is dear in Singapore, so contemplate limiting nights out or ingesting at residence.
- Discover Joyful Hours: Joyful 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 among the quickest and most dependable web speeds on the earth, making it perfect 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 stable and barely has outages. Clean 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 a couple of choices for distant working:
1. The Hive
With 5 places 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 all the time be assured of a quiet desk to work from, glorious WiFi, and all of the amenities 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
Essentially the most outstanding coworking area in Singapore needs to be WeWork, with 12 places within the metropolis. I’m not capable of touch upon all of them however my experiences with this well-established worldwide chain have all the time been optimistic.
I can extremely advocate the Suntec Tower 5 location which is perched in a wonderful skyscraper and gazes out over the town. It’s not the most affordable at $35/day nevertheless it affords state-of-the-art amenities and is a brilliant cool place to work from.
3. The Work Boulevard
For the very best working view in Singapore, head to The Work Boulevard at Collyer Quay. They’ve 3 places within the metropolis however this specific department appears out over the marina and the enduring Marina Bay Sands – so far as workplaces go, it’s nearly as good because it will get!
There’s ample area within the lovely lounge for hot-desking and devoted workplaces for many who search a extra everlasting residence or some remoted work time. Costs begin at $22/day with 24/7 entry accessible.
Finest Cafes to Work From in Singapore
As a digital nomad dwelling in Singapore, it’s useful to know the place the laptop-friendly cafes are. Fortunately, Singapore is full of nice choices for us digital nomads, listed here are my high 3 picks:
- The Guide Cafe: Combining my love of books and occasional, this nice possibility is a refreshing however simply accessible distance from the town middle. It’s a pleasant spot near the river that has loads of spacious tables, first rate 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 full of life however enjoyable place to arrange together with your laptop computer.
- Enchanted Cafe Rangoon Street: A captivating 24/7 cafe that appears like a classic tea room. There’s a tasty all-day brunch menu full of all the pieces you might need and it has a pleasant environment which makes for a peaceable spot for distant work.
Actions and Issues to Do in Singapore
Dwelling in Singapore as a digital nomad means there are many methods to unwind after work or benefit from versatile hours. Whether or not you’re free to discover throughout the week or hold 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 advocate a road meals tour. It’s an effective way to pattern numerous native delicacies in locations off-the-beaten-track that many vacationers merely wouldn’t in any other case uncover.
This customized 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 completely different road 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 some extent to go to as lots of the poignant websites, of which there are a lot of, across the metropolis. Among the best was The Battlebox hidden below Fort Canning Park.
This free-to-visit exhibit is a must-visit for historical past lovers. It affords 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 contemplate supporting in case you can.
3. Discover the Metropolis by Bike
A incredible technique 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 technique 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 Formulation 1 races of the season descends on the streets of Singapore. The Singapore Grand Prix is a large occasion that draws guests from world wide as the very best drivers on the planet velocity alongside the town’s roads at 200 mph.
Though all the pieces returns to regular after the busy weekend of racing, among the fundamental 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 out of doors 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 may 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 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 widespread, 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 smart to maintain an umbrella useful.
With excessive humidity and frequent rain, it will possibly sometimes 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 take pleasure in any out of doors actions.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Singapore
There’s little question that Singapore is a superb metropolis, however there are each professionals and cons to contemplate as a digital nomad, earlier than selecting it as a base. Right here’s what I discovered from my expertise:
Professionals of Dwelling in Singapore
- Environment friendly Public Transport: Singapore has an intensive and dependable public transport system, making it straightforward to get round.
- Security: Singapore is understood for its low crime charge and strict legal guidelines, so it’s a secure 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 offers a excessive way of life.
- 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 might help it really feel like a house from residence.
- 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 essentially the most Westernized tradition I’ve seen in Asia.
Cons of Dwelling in Singapore
- Excessive Value of Dwelling: Working remotely in Singapore might 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 might 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 instances.
- Quick-Paced Life-style: The fast-paced metropolis life might be overwhelming, particularly for newcomers or these with rural roots.
- Restricted Visa Size: I’ll cowl this in additional depth within the subsequent part however there isn’t a digital nomad visa for Singapore at current.
- The Hidden Prices: This will probably be much less of a difficulty for US residents who’re used to including tax and tip however most locations in Singapore add tax and tip to the marketed worth, climbing the value by 15%-20%.
- Building: My closing home sit in Bugis was slighted by the quantity of in depth building taking place on the skyscraper throughout the road. Constructing work is widespread throughout the town.
Digital Nomad Visa for Singapore
Singapore doesn’t presently supply a particular digital nomad visa, which might make it difficult for distant staff trying to stay there long-term. As a substitute, most digital nomads are capable of enter Singapore on a vacationer visa, which permits stays of as much as 30 days.
For American, Canadian, and Australian residents, no visa is required for visits of as much as 90 days. Nevertheless, all guests want to make sure their passport is legitimate for at the very least six months past their date of entry.
This non permanent association is nice for month-long visits however not perfect for digital nomads searching 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 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 unattainable to not be impressed by this sort of dynamic environment and welcoming atmosphere.
