I am considering a job in Singapore. I am a westerner. I hear Singapore is fabulous. Great food, great multicultural country, etc. So I am wondering what are the pros and cons of living in Singapore? How will it change my life?
Singapore - 11 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
people from singapore tend to have less freedoms as well as there are many strict rules for things such as littering. also 25% of your pay check is taken in taxes
2 :
there are a lot of annoying birds
3 :
Singapore is not much different from Malaysia since we are neighbours. But the Island State is very much developed. It's has no rural area like other neighbouring countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Philliphine. The most highest cost of living amongst other countries that I mentioned to u. It's all true as u has describes earlier. U are very lucky because other neighbouring countries when u hare free time since it s much cheaper.
4 :
Here is the 10 point answer. Cons - You will find in warm and humid - There is a cultural difference if you have not work with / in asia before. - Housing is considered expensive. - Long school queue to enter your children into a international school Pros - It is modern / clean and safe - food is cheap and plenty of choice - large western community here. - Public schools are of high standards and your child should fit well in it. - health care is cheap and of highest standards. - Transportation is fairly cheap and efficient. Score card verdict : you will love it here.
5 :
I myself is a foreign student here. In my opinion, the pros living here is the safety, choices of public transport (train, bus), and the government's responsiveness (from what I heard, though I never experienced it myself). I used to visit Singapore when I was small. At that time no rubbish can be found. Now, a small amout can be seen at roadside, at the temple I used to visit, etc. The cons is high cost of living (transport, house/room rent, and even food). Since my country is just beside Singapore, I think the choices of food here is just OK unlike my home country. Another cons is boredom staying here if you have nothing to do. I have visited almost every place of interest here. If you have nothing to do then good luck. Even the most famous shopping area here (hint: start with O) is boring for me. I have experienced some interaction with Singaporeans. Most (95 %) of them is nice. However, some bad experience will also exist! Good luck to you. Overall, I find that staying in Singapore not really different from staying in my home country.
6 :
The best thing about Singapore is the food, the worst thing is the high standard of living
7 :
No cons unless you have been offered alternative country in Asia. Expat housing, expat pay, party girls, easy short trips to exotic asian cities, bragging rights etc
8 :
Well now that i have been here for over a month i can perhaps share my experiences. Pros: Cleanliness, Public Transport, Food, Shopping, Huge Expat community, Education, Nothing is too far Cons: Weather, Property Rentals If you are used to cold or mild weather then better be prepared as you'll start sweating while walking towards your office in the morning itself. You cant rent a good apartment for less than 2000 SGD. If you move towards central location of the town you might end up paying 3000 to 3500 for a nice apartment. If you are single consider sharing an apartment with people from your workplace. Singapore being a small place its much easier to reach out to every corner of the island.. nothing is far :) i hope it helps. Write to me if you have specific questions. Added: Also you have a lot of places near by to spend quality weekends with your loved ones.
9 :
A westerner is bound to feel and needs adjustment into Singaporeans life style.In general,it is clean and efficient-friendly country. Things are set by rules and play dutifully where possible or forced into habits. You can change your life style,adapted and it changes your life.No one suffers badly due to such changes. The law is made and to be followed or a fine is imposed. Freedom is enough and adequate for everyone, lest it shall cause disturbances to others. Safety is clearly noticed,as you are free to roam right into the night alone without any fear of danger. Harmony is true as restrain is practised with close intention of racial interactions.This is Singapore and we are both behind and infront it,time to time.
10 :
Hi Joe....here are some of the Pros & Cons for U to add on S'pore. Pros: 1) Chances to witness the Best Airline in the World (SIA), the 1st Commercial flight of A380 (biggest airplane under SIA) and the No.1 Airport in the world for last 20 years. 2) The only known city that ladies at night can walk the open roads in city without any harm. Top in security control in general environment & also for world or international conferences (MICE). 3) The Model City of the World as selected by UN in 2008. 4) The only Govt with govt built (HDB) flats to house 85% of the population under their purchase scheme of instalment payment. 5) The country with real harmony of racial & religion matters for the four official races, Malay, Indian, Chinese & Eurasian/European. 6) If not wrong, the only country in the world that officially celebrate 4 new years for the 4 races. CONS: 1) The only country that ban chewing gum & starter of death penalty for drug trafficking. 2) Known as the FINE CITY for as you need to pay fine for littering, jay-walking, smoking in wrong area . 3) The only country & starter of having ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) satellite system for using of certain roads for certain price at certain time. 4) A country that pay great attention & care with rules & restriction of a) not getting marriage by youngsters b) bonus & subsidy for babies & students c) Bonus payment annually for Sr Citizen d) Health Care Wellness Programme by Govt for Citizen over 50 years. It is a country for others to follow & also for exchange of learning.
11 :
I would definitively do it - it would be a great experience for you (and for your family if you have that). Cons: Be patient. Singaporeans don't work "outside the box" in the same way that westerners do. There is a job description, and they stick to that. So always remember to inform your colleagues 100% what you mean - especially if it is a management job. It is very humid, but you will get used to it in no time. Housing is expensive. Traffic is terrible You will work more hours, than you are used to (probably) Pros: Singapore is great, wonderfull and full of life Love the weather - warm but not to warm Lots of things to see and do, when you are not working Singaporeans are (most of them) very friendly and open Love the different kinds of food Compared to Scandinavia (where i am from), most things are cheaper You will learn a lot, about different cultures, because there are so many of them in Singapore I have always lived by the rule "be to others, how you want them to be to you". In other words "smile and the world smiles back", really works. Singapore is the best place we have ever lived, and we are ready to go back.
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