• About Singapore
• Immigration
• Living Environment
• Other Useful Information

Living Environment

Housing

Short-Term Housing There is a wide variety of short-term accommodation available in Singapore to suit all budgets and personal preferences, ranging from budget hostels, serviced apartments to world class five-star hotels. Please visit the Singapore Tourism Board website to access a comprehensive directory of places to stay and their estimated price range Long-Term Housing For long term stay in Singapore, foreigners may consider leasing public or private housing.

Public housing apartments built by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) located all over the island is a good option. These government-subsidized flats are located in convenient, self-contained neighbourhoods with basic amenities such as supermarkets, food centres, clinics, schools, malls, libraries as well as access to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system.

Private apartments, condominiums and houses are also available for rental. Rental rates depend on the location, such as proximity to the MRT station and amenities, size and condition of the flat or house, the facilities provided and whether the place is furnished, unfurnished or partially furnished.

Transportation

Driving in Singapore
Right-hand drive on the left side of the road is the rule.  If you are residing in Singapore for less than 12 months, you may drive in Singapore if you possess a valid International Driving Permit.  Employment/Dependent Pass holders who are residing in Singapore for more than 12 months are required to convert their foreign driving licence to a Singapore driving licence in order to drive here.  To do that, you will need to pass the Basic Theory Test which familiarizes you with Singapore's Highway Code.  Please check the Traffic Police Department to find out the procedures and other requirements. The cost of buying and maintaining cars in Singapore is very high.  Much of what you need to know on owning and operating a motor vehicle in Singapore can be obtained at the website of the Land Transport Authority.

Public Transportation
Singapore has an efficient public transportation network that offers:

• Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system, with stations covering all four corners of Singapore.


• Light Rail Transit (LRT). It is a fully automated system that connects certain housing estates to the nearest MRT stations and respective town centres.


• Public buses. Run daily from 5.30am to midnight, with comprehensive pick-up routes throughout the island.


• Taxis. Round the clock, you may flag down a taxi from the street, queue for one at a taxi stand, or make a booking through the taxi company’s hotline or website.

Schooling & Childcare

Schooling Singapore has a strong education system, with good schools that are amongst the best in the world. Information on the Education System in Singapore can be found at the Ministry of Education website Private schools conduct their own admission/enrolment exercises. A student pass is required for any foreigner who intends to study in a Singapore private school. Schools that are registered with MOE will have a Registration Certificate. Prospective students could request to view the registration certificate. For a complete listing of foreign system schools, please click here.

Child Care Centre
Conveniently located Centres provide full day and half-day care programmes to children aged 18 months to below 7 years. Some centres provide infant care services to children aged 2 months to 18 months.

Operating Hours
Monday - Friday : no later than 7 am to no earlier than 7.00 pm
Saturday : no later than 7 am to no earlier than 2.00 pm

For a list of childcare centres, please visit Ministry of Social and Family Development website.

Healthcare

Singapore has a world-class healthcare system, which is well respected throughout Southeast Asia. All private and government hospitals in Singapore are equipped with the most up-to-date diagnostic technology. Dental care, optometry and paramedical services, as well as speech, occupational, and physical therapy are widely available across the island-state. Most housing estates are serviced by government polyclinics as well as private clinics. The Ministry of Health website is a good place to start for all healthcare enquiries.

Banking

There is a wide choice of banks in Singapore, most of which provide a diverse range of commercial, international and personal banking services through their networks of domestic and overseas branches. The requirements for each bank to opening an account are different. The minimum balance and account charges may be different from bank to bank. Leading consumer banks in Singapore include ABN AMRO, Citibank, DBS, HSBC, OCBC, Standard Chartered and UOB.

Tax

All foreigners residing in Singapore are liable for Singapore personal income tax.  This is assessed, on a sliding scale, on income derived in or remitted to Singapore from outside sources.

Certain benefits-in-kind provided by the employer are also taxable. This includes the subsidy given by the University to staff members towards accommodation, allowances such as relocation allowance and education allowance.

Taxes are paid to the Comptroller of Income Tax.  Information on the different tax rates, tax relief schemes, and payment modes can be found at the website of the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore.

Mass Media & Communication

Newspapers/Magazines Local newspapers are available in the four official languages - English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil.  There are also international editions of leading foreign newspapers and magazines.  These are available at news-stands or by subscription.  You can have free access to many of these publications through news and media websites.

Radio and Television
Local television uses the Phase Alteration Line (PAL) system.  Viewers have a wide choice of free-to-air local TV channels as well as cable or subscription-based TV programmes.  You can also tune in to a host of radio broadcasts in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. 

For more information, please visit the Media Development Authority website.

Broadband services are easily accessed through Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or Wireless@SG, a nationwide program where users can enjoy free seamless wireless broadband access at most public places.