Singapore, A Guide to Living in a Tropical Metropolis
Singapore is one of the most unique and exciting places in the world, an island paradise that also happens to be a thriving metropolis! Singapore is an island nation sitting just 85 kilometres north of the equator, so it has a balmy tropical climate year round. Although the island has the third highest population density in the world, it doesn’t feel crowded because of the city-state’s careful urban planning, wide boulevards and capacious green spaces that supply plenty of room for the denizens to stretch out in. Singapore is very multicultural with four major ethnic groups and four official languages, English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. It’s an easy country to travel and live in if you can speak English, it’s the common language that all Singaporeans share, and the one used in public services and transportation. There is great interest among people in other countries about studying or doing business in Singapore, which adds to its international flair. If you are considering making Singapore your temporary, or even permanent home, here are some of the benefits you will enjoy when living here!
High Standard Of Living – Every year Singapore achieves a high ranking in the global indexes that measure quality of life. The government is very stable and for the people, the crime rates are astonishingly low, and public services are efficient and reliable. Thanks to wise government programs there is ample housing considering the large population, and it’s fairly easy for someone on a modest budget like a college student to find a room for rent $400 a month in Singapore. The island nation boasts a robust economy, with exceptionally low unemployment rates and well-paying salaries when compared to the surrounding region. Singapore also has no shortage of glitz and glamour, it’s famed for its luxury goods and services and shopping opportunities. The bottom line is that expats who reside in Singapore can enjoy a very high standard of living!
Quality Healthcare And Education – Singapore’s healthcare system is world-class, featuring modern, state-of-the-art hospitals full of highly qualified medical professionals. The universal healthcare system is accessible to all of Singapore’s citizens as well as permanent residents, and there are also private healthcare options available. The island nation’s education system and universities are world-class and well-respected, with a strong emphasis on science and maths. Singapore’s literacy rate is one of the highest in the world, and expats have a plethora of excellent international schools they can choose to send their children to.
Lucrative Business Opportunities – Singapore is world-renowned as being one of the best and easiest places to do business, making it a very attractive destination for international entrepreneurs. The government maintains very pro-business policies, and the legal system is efficient, fair, and transparent. Another major perk is that Singapore supports strong intellectual property protections. The country’s bureaucracy overall is highly efficient, which makes it very attractive to foreign investment.
Terrific Career Opportunities – Because Singapore is a regional hub for multinational corporations, job-seeking professionals flock to the country in search of work opportunities. Singapore’s economic strength, business-friendly policies, and strategic location between Asia and the Pacific make it a highly attractive destination for those interested in advancing their careers in a prosperous, competitive, and success-minded environment. High salaries and low taxes are a recipe that’s hard to beat, helping to make Singapore a very attractive place to live and pursue a career.
Superb Public Transportation – Singapore’s public transportation system is one of the world’s best, it’s affordable, fast, and efficient, making getting around the city-state a breeze. The comprehensive and interconnected system includes well-regulated taxis, convenient buses, multiple train lines, and extensive ferry routes, all of which work together to make it easy for expats and locals to navigate the island nation. Going from Point A to Point B? No problem in Singapore!
Excellent Public Safety – Strict laws and regulations, a strong police presence, and severe penalties for criminal offences result in one of the world’s lowest crime rates. Singapore has strict laws against vandalism, drug trafficking, and other crimes, and the penalties for these offences are stiff, which deters most potential criminals. An excellent public safety record and amazingly low crime rates are yet another aspect that makes Singapore such an attractive destination for expats. Few countries can offer the kind of peace of mind and deep sense of security that those living and working in the city-state enjoy. Singapore is universally regarded as one of the safest places in Asia, making it a wonderful place to raise a family.
Engaging Outdoor Recreation and Attractions: Despite Singapore’s relatively small size, it has a wide range of engaging outdoor activities and attractions on offer for expats to enjoy. The lush and beautiful Gardens by the Bay and the scenic Southern Ridges walk are perfect for nature lovers. There is also the famed Universal Studios theme park that features rides, shows, and adventures based on some of the world’s best-loved movies. Exotic Sentosa Island just off the southern coast is a wonderland of entertainment, explore its fascinating history in immersive museums, enjoy lunch on the beach at one of the many friendly bars and restaurants, or go for a dip in the crystal-clear waters and soak up some rays on the paradisical sandy beaches! Singaporeans love to be outdoors and there are too many beaches and parks to list them all, but don’t miss Marina Barrage and East Coast Park, the perfect places for picnics, day hiking, water sports and a wealth of other fun outdoor activities!
World Class Cuisines – If you love food, you will be in the right place, Singapore is a gastronomist’s paradise, featuring a dizzying range of local and international cuisines at very affordable prices. You can find some of the world’s best street food, and the hawker centres have a wide variety of choices on hand to delight your taste buds, from Malay, Chinese, Western, to Indian cuisine, they have all of those and more! You can splurge on sophisticated international fine dining options, or fill up at inexpensive casual eateries, there is something for every taste and budget.
Simply put, Singapore is a sensational place to live!
