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 received a lot of nice info for you about The Lion Metropolis.
Throughout my first go to to Singapore, I spent a month home sitting and loved each second. Being primarily based in three places throughout the town meant I received to discover loads 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 life-style?
Take the quiz and see if we might help.
Our Creator Kickstarter Teaching Program can be accepting a most of 10 individuals to begin constructing their dream distant life-style. Study extra & see if we might help you obtain your targets!
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 protected, Singapore has a incredible public transport system and is dwelling 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 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 sometimes flaunted.
There are ample possibilities to chill out and discover the town with nice mountain climbing alternatives and lots 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 preferred 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 date, with low crime charges and a welcoming environment 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 all over the place. I had no security considerations throughout my keep.
Whereas critical crime is uncommon, it’s nonetheless a good suggestion to be cautious of minor scams. Widespread points corresponding to overcharging can happen in tourist-heavy areas, nonetheless, that is simply averted by utilizing 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 evening, simply as I’d advise in any massive metropolis. Staying conscious of your environment and following primary security suggestions will higher your possibilities 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 simple 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 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 a fantastic place to be located because of the encircling cafes, coworking areas, and lodging choices.
It’s near every part, with simple MRT entry, nice purchasing choices, and the close by Bugis Avenue 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 plenty of inexperienced areas and a relaxed, residential vibe. It’s splendid for individuals who take pleasure in a quieter spot however nonetheless need fast entry to the town heart. Public transport is dependable, environment friendly, and inexpensive making it simple to get round.
There are many laptop-friendly cafes to arrange store from, splendid for getting by your workload with out distractions. With locations like Alexandra Canal and the native hawker facilities close by, there’s loads to discover after shutting down the laptop computer for the day.
3. Chinatown
I’ve visited many Chinatowns around the globe however Chinatown Singapore was a novel expertise. It’s a part of the town the place historic custom meets the fashionable world with startling contrasts all over the 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 a number of the greatest blissful hours on the town – to not point out unimaginable 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 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, excellent for unwinding after a workday. Many digital nomads I do know love Tiong Bahru for the pleasant environment, 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 sluggish 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!).
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 gives one thing distinctive, so you possibly can select what most closely fits your wants and finances.
SEE ALSO: The place to Keep in Singapore (Greatest Areas & Locations)
1. Airbnb: All the time a preferred choice for brief to mid-term stays, use Airbnb for those who’re searching for a completely furnished place. Yow will discover every part from finances rooms in individuals’s houses to luxurious residences, many with reductions for weekly or month-to-month stays.
2. Trusted Housesitters: In order for you a novel, low-cost technique to keep in Singapore attempt Trusted Housesitters. From private expertise, home sitting is a perfect choice for animal lovers and means that you can immerse your self within the metropolis like an area 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 energetic Fb teams together with ‘Rooms For Lease Singapore‘. These teams provide direct entry to locals and ex-pats with lodging to hire, often slicing out the intermediary.
4. Reserving.com: A trusty and dependable selection for short-term stays, Reserving.com has a large number of motels, 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 costlier cities I’ve visited. Costs weren’t insane, however virtually every part price just a little 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 normal margin, a weekly store in Singapore doesn’t differ too a lot from my present digital nomad spot – Austin, Texas.
Residing in Singapore offers the total scope of eating potentialities; from native hawker markets and road meals stands costing a couple of bucks a meal to the very best of high-end choices. However, for a median meal out for 2 in a pleasant place, you possibly can anticipate to pay round $70.
Lodging Prices
Lodging prices in Singapore could be considerably greater than in lots of cities, with long-term leases round 30% costlier than in a significant US metropolis. Renting an residence in central Singapore will price round $2500 earlier than utilities.
Brief-term stays on platforms like Airbnb provide a variety of lodging and sometimes have good offers on month-long or prolonged stays. Nonetheless, costs can differ extensively relying on the placement you need and the facilities you require.
The typical worth per evening of a lodge room in Singapore is $212, one thing to concentrate on for those who’re planning to remain within the metropolis for some time. Think about 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 Fast Transit) is likely one of the greatest I’ve seen around the globe to date – a number of the underground stations themselves are even good locations to go to!
You’ll be able to merely scan any energetic 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 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 simple to do, as even in a chaotic market you’ll see stalls providing offers on information plans. Most are official retailers for big operators corresponding to SIMBA, the community I utilized in Singapore and extremely advocate.
You will 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, that means you possibly can relaxation assured every part is working earlier than you permit. I received 10GB for $15 which lasted me 30 days and it labored rather well.
Should you plan to hotspot or use an information plan for distant work, think about 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 blissful to have a chat about your wants whereas within the metropolis.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Singapore
Listed here are a number of suggestions 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.
- Get pleasure from 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 mountain climbing alternatives and loads of recent air to be present in Singapore’s parks and inexperienced areas.
- Safe a Home Sit: Trusted Housesitters is a superb choice for those who love animals and need to save on lodging prices.
- Funds-Pleasant Lodging: Past home sitting, think about co-living areas or shared residences by Airbnb.
- Negotiate: Whether or not purchasing within the markets or renting an residence, it’s at all times price haggling over a worth.
- Restrict Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol is pricey in Singapore, so think about limiting nights out or ingesting at dwelling.
- Discover Completely satisfied Hours: Completely satisfied hour is a well-liked factor in Singapore with many bars providing day by 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 Pace
Singapore has a number of the quickest and most dependable web speeds on the planet, making it splendid 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 barely has outages. Easy video calls, uploads, and different on-line work with out interruptions create dream situations for digital nomads. There are additionally many wonderful coworking areas, right here’s a number 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 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, wonderful 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 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 constructive.
I can extremely advocate 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 however it gives state-of-the-art amenities and is an excellent cool place to work from.
3. The Work Boulevard
For the perfect working view in Singapore, head to The Work Boulevard at Collyer Quay. They’ve 3 places within the metropolis however this explicit department seems to be out over the marina and the long-lasting Marina Bay Sands – so far as workplaces go, it’s nearly as good because it will get!
There’s ample area within the stunning 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.
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 full of nice choices for us digital nomads, listed here are my prime 3 picks:
- The Ebook Cafe: Combining my love of books and low, 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, 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 along with your laptop computer.
- Enchanted Cafe Rangoon Highway: An enthralling 24/7 cafe that appears like a classic tea room. There’s a tasty all-day brunch menu full of every part you might want and it has a pleasant environment 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 take advantage of versatile hours. Whether or not you’re free to discover in the course of the week or preserve weekends open, listed here are some nice methods to totally take pleasure in Singapore:
1. Take a Personalised Meals Tour
If you wish to dive headfirst into the native meals scene I extremely advocate a road meals tour. It’s a good way to pattern 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 an area 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 road meals and get to go to a standard working moist market. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Go to The Battlebox
My husband’s Grandfather was taken prisoner in Singapore throughout WWII so we made some extent to go to as 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 fanatics. It gives 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 think about supporting for those who can.
3. Discover the Metropolis by Bike
A incredible technique 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 technique 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 Components 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 the perfect drivers on the planet pace alongside the town’s roads at 200 mph.
Though every part returns to regular after the busy weekend of racing, a number of the foremost 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 out of doors areas, distinctive shows, and nightly gentle reveals. Don’t miss the long-lasting Supertree Grove, the place towering, plant-covered buildings gentle 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 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 frequent, particularly from November to February in the course of the Northeast Monsoon, when downpours are frequent and intense. Throughout my keep, I skilled a number of sudden, heavy rainstorms, so it’s clever to maintain an umbrella helpful.
With excessive humidity and frequent rain, it could actually sometimes 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 Residing in Singapore
There’s little question that Singapore is an excellent metropolis, however there are each professionals 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:
Execs 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 understood for its low crime fee and strict legal guidelines, so it’s a protected atmosphere 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 wonderful healthcare, training, and infrastructure, Singapore offers a excessive lifestyle.
- Enterprise Focussed: As a monetary powerhouse, enterprise is prospering in Singapore – it’s completely arrange for digital nomads.
- Ex-Pat Neighborhood: There’s a big ex-pat group which might help it really feel like a house from dwelling.
- 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 Residing in Singapore
- Excessive Value of Residing: Working remotely in Singapore could 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 could be uncomfortable if it’s not one thing you’re accustomed to.
- Strict Rules: 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 could be overwhelming, particularly for newcomers or these with rural roots.
- Restricted Visa Size: I’ll cowl this in additional depth within the subsequent part however there isn’t a digital nomad visa for Singapore at current.
- The Hidden Prices: This can 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, mountain climbing the worth by 15%-20%.
- Building: My closing home sit in Bugis was slighted by the quantity of in depth development taking place on the skyscraper throughout the road. Constructing work is frequent throughout the town.
Digital Nomad Visa for Singapore
Singapore doesn’t at present provide a particular digital nomad visa, which may make it difficult for distant staff seeking to reside 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 no less than six months past their date of entry.
This short-term association is nice for month-long visits however not splendid for digital nomads looking for a extra everlasting base. All vacationers are additionally required to fill in an SG Arrival Card 3 days earlier than arriving in Singapore.
For the most recent entry necessities and updates, confer with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore.
In Conclusion
I hope my digital nomad information to Singapore has highlighted why you need to think about it as a distant working location. In my view, it’s one of many greatest cities in Asia to tick off your journey listing. Amongst many different qualities, it’s additionally a super base for additional exploration, particularly throughout Southeast Asia.
Town’s various foodie scene and limitless thrilling actions will guarantee that you’ve loads 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.
