Moving to Singapore - Any Tips?

illumination on 03/06/2018 - 15:17
Last edited 03/06/2018 - 16:07 by 1 other user

Ozbargain friends,

I posted this over on Cheapcheaplah but understandably as it's not as popular/active, I didn't get too many responses. I'll copy and paste almost exactly what I posted over there with some tweaks. Even though Ozbargain is for Australia and Cheapcheaplah is obviously a more appropriate place for this to be posted, I just get the feeling I might get some more responses here anyway!

I've recently been offered a job in Singapore and I'll be heading over next week. Do you guys have any tips for me, in general?

Here's what I'm curious about:

  • Banking - best transaction account? best high interest savings account (although I've heard interest rates are crap)? Someone did ask this earlier and there are some decent tips but things can change in a year :P
  • Credit Cards - I'm currently extremely familiar with the Australian Credit Card market (I kinda made the Credit Card Wiki? haha). Any particularly good Singapore Credit Cards to recommend? I notice that the cards there have much lower bonus points offers than here, but I've also heard pretty much all cards except the most expensive cards can have their annual fees waived with a simple phone call.
  • Accomomdation - I'm aware of the options of HDB vs Condo and that condos are generally more expensive and have a gym/pool. Personally, I don't feel a condo is a necessity. I would probably even consider getting a cheaper HDB with an additional bedroom and Airbnb-ing out a spare room? It's been brought to my attention however that Singapore can be extremely strict with Airbnb. I've also momentarily thought of living in Johor (Malaysia) and commuting but work will be in south-east Singapore (near CBD) so I don't think it'll be practical doing a 3 hour return commute.
  • Phone plans - I'm a SIM slut in Australia. I kinda feel this won't be a thing that I'll be able to continue to do in SG.
  • Keeping my number - I think the cheapest to maintain a number in Australia with roaming is Amaysim with their no monthly fee "post-paid" plan, or ALDI's $5 starter pack which lasts for a year.
  • Purchasing Electronics (TV, washing machine, microwave, etc.) - In Australia I would either look at paying on a Credit Card with extended warranty + points, or look at buying discounted 5% Woolies eGift Cards to buy JB Hi-Fi Gift Cards to then buy electronics. I would also look at price matching etc.
  • Furniture - similar to above. Or should I look for a furnished place..? Is there a gumtree equivalent? I know there's Carousell.
  • Investments - Given interest accounts have pretty low rates.. what do people normally do with their money?
  • Visa (looking ahead) - PR application, if I intend to stay long term? What should I consider?
  • Health Insurance/Medicare equivalent? - I've heard that medical care is quite expensive, but I've found out that work pays for a fair amount of medical for me.
  • Food hacks, booking portals, payment apps? I know hawkers are pretty cheap as it is.. but is there something like Dimmi, Qantas Restaurants, Liven, Groupon from Australia? I've heard of GrabPay and FavePay (FavePay is what replaced Groupon)
  • Discounts (or cashback/points earn) to top up EZLink? For example in Sydney, you can use discounted Woolies eGift Cards to top up your Opal card at a Woolworths
  • Discounts I can use from Malaysia in Singapore? I've got pretty strong ties to Malaysia and I assume I'll be flying over quite often as it's so close. Is there anything from Malaysia I might be able to use as a "money hack" in Singapore, e.g. a Malaysian SIM card, bank account, Credit Card?
  • Money transfers between Singapore/Australia? I'm aware of CurrencyFair, TransferWise, WorldFirst, OFX, WorldRemit. Any specific one (or other) you'd recommend and why?
  • Anything you think I should do/get in Australia before leaving?

Thanks in advance guys!

General Discussion

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 03/06/2018 - 15:21
    +4

    Moving to Singapore - Any Tips?

    Don't spit, don't chew gum, don't do graffiti.

    • illumination on 03/06/2018 - 15:23

      Haha, I'm across all that! Thanks :P

  • try2bhelpful on 03/06/2018 - 15:25

    Alcohol is very expensive. Humidity is very high.

    • illumination on 03/06/2018 - 15:29

      Alcohol is very expensive.

      Yea I'm cool with this. I don't drink alcohol!

      Humidity is very high

      Yea I'll miss the more moderate weather here, but I think I'll be ok with the general weather over there. I just won't like the frequent and random rain.

      • try2bhelpful on 03/06/2018 - 15:32
        +1

        Have only been on a holiday but there was a lot of shopping places where you could wander underground. I like to walk when I travel but I just ended up one big chaffe when I wandered aroung Singapore due to the humidity. Have fun with your new job.

  • Donaldhump on 03/06/2018 - 16:27
    +1

    Australia will still want you to pay extra tax if you have strong ties to here and deemed resident

    Have a good time, I found it ultra boring, but not sayings it's bad

    • illumination on 03/06/2018 - 16:38

      I've received a little bit of advice on this. I'm not sure if I'll be in this situation as I am actually not an Australian Permanent Resident or Australian Citizen (I'm actually a New Zealand citizen who's lived here for ages).

      I found it ultra boring, but not sayings it's bad

      You lived there, or just for a visit?

      • [Deactivated] on 03/06/2018 - 16:42
        +1

        I'm an NZ citizen living in KL after spending over a decade in Australia.

        Singapore was an option but it really is a boring place, damn expensive too (rent and cars).

        I spend about a week every month in Singapore. There is more to do in Hamilton than Singapore once you do all the touristy stuff.

        Do you know what HDB is?
        It's public housing.
        You need to be a Singapore citizen or have PR to qualify.

        I dare say, if you're moving to another country and can only afford to live in government subsidized public housing when you get there, you may need to reconsider some things.

        • illumination on 03/06/2018 - 17:06

          Interesting. Yes, many people do indeed say Singapore is boring, but I'm a pretty easily satisfied person so I think I'll find it ok. Who knows - I guess I'll find out soon!

          I'm aware HDB is government-subsidised housing. As far as I am aware, the SG Citizen/PR qualification is only if you wish to buy. I think a foreigner can rent an HDB though? I'm considering it purely because it's cheaper - not because it's all I'll be able to afford. As above, I'm pretty easily satisfied and don't need "the best of the best" to live and honestly think I'd feel ok in a HDB.

          As a Kiwi overseas who's previously lived in Australia, do you have any significant tax considerations you could share with me that have come up?

        • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2018 - 00:36
          +1

          @illumination:
          There is a quota for the block and neighborhood for non-citizens.
          So if more than x% is already rented out to foreigners, you're out of luck.

          I'm still employed and pay tax in Australia.

        • BudgetAce on 04/06/2018 - 08:52

          @illumination:
          Aussies will love Tax in Singapore. Max tax bracket is about 22% and you have to hit like 250k to pay that kind of tax so most people pay less than 22%. Tax is paid at the end of Tax year which goes by calendar year. So do put aside some money for your tax.

          Do think hard if you want to get a permanent residency there. As PR, you have to sacrifice another 20% monthly for CPF otherwise known as Super here. Difference is you cannot touch your CPF until you retire or leave the country signing a you will never go back to work there document.

        • illumination on 13/06/2018 - 11:29

          @tanfree:

          Do think hard if you want to get a permanent residency there. As PR, you have to sacrifice another 20% monthly for CPF otherwise known as Super here.

          I have heard about this, but I've also been told that the 20% you sacrifice is "matched" in CPF contributions by your employer, and this is not an option you have. If you, for whatever reason, wished to increase this to 25% in contributions, your employer would similarly have to match that.

          So it is actually in a company's best interests to not have their foreign employees become PRs as this becomes a direct additional cost to the company.

          Difference is you cannot touch your CPF until you retire or leave the country signing a you will never go back to work there document.

          This sounds no different to most countries (including Australia)?

      • Donaldhump on 03/06/2018 - 16:59

        Never lived there but back and forth for work for multiple months.

        Maybe I am just boring, I guess I love sport, and it was not exactly prevelant in Singapore unless you love ping pong

        • illumination on 03/06/2018 - 17:08

          I play soccer and I have a friend who's over there who actually has some sessions that I have previously participated in during stopovers to Singapore over the years so I intend to continue that.

          Other than that, yea, I guess I didn't get too strong a "sport" feel from Singapore. As above (in my response to Drew22), I'm pretty easily satisfied though and am aware that Singapore has a reputation for being "boring", but because of how I am I think I'll find it ok.

          If anything, I'm a little concerned I might not find the people too friendly as my impression is they're a lot more closed, conservative, and can be a bit stand off-ish. They won't be as friendly and willing to talk as the random Australian, which is something I've quite enjoyed about Australia.

        • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2018 - 00:37
          +1

          @illumination:

          I tend to think of them as stressed out and very tense. That's my impression. A lot of shit talkers too.

          Either way it's cheap and easy to have an exotic island weekend.

  • Randxyz123 on 03/06/2018 - 17:32

    Errr isn't HDB public housing? Do you qualify for that? I'd be questioning whether you can afford to live there.

    Why isn't your new job helping you out with a few of these things? Surely they'd put you up in an apartment for a couple of months so you can get settled.

    • illumination on 03/06/2018 - 17:41

      As above - I think I can rent it but I can't buy HDB (and don't plan to buy property in Singapore regardless).

      Work is giving me about a month of temp accommodation which is cool, but beyond that I'll have to find something myself. I've realised basically the expats/foreigners all tend to live in condos but I don't feel the need especially if the value in renting a HDB is that much better.

      I've just had a look at this link which I googled, and it seems to suggest that there are no restrictions on foreigners being able to rent a HDB.

  • awkwardmon on 03/06/2018 - 19:58

    You're not allowed to drink mineral water while within any public transport or you'll get a fine!

    edit: a word

    • illumination on 03/06/2018 - 21:19

      Whoa really? Good to know. Actually, now that I think about it I think I knew that eating and drinking wasn't allowed, but I would've thought water would be a "socially acceptable" drink to consume on public transport as opposed to other potentially messier drinks such as coke that might cause stickiness if spilt.

      Thanks.

      • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2018 - 00:39
        +1

        Jesus no!

        It's more socially acceptable to push someone's grandmother under a bus!

  • quop on 03/06/2018 - 20:31
    +1

    Hey, never lived in Sg but have been there a number of times in the last decade+ / have family there.

    Renting a HDB (as a tenant) should be fine. There are some eligibility requirements (see section “persons who wish to rent HDB flats) but I assume you’d meet them: http://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/residential/renting-out-a-f…

    Plenty of people commute from Malaysia each day. I personally wouldn’t do it unless I was super strapped for cash(flow) - Singapore is not as work/life friendly as Aus and to spend even more time each day in traffic / causeway jams is not at all appealing.

    Public transport is pretty convenient so I’d recommend trying to stay somewhere walking distance of MRT or bus stop that gets you to/from work easily. MRTs seem to get more and more crowded so if bus is an option you may be more likely to get a seat for some/all of your commute, compared to MRT. The EZ-link card can be used for payment at a bunch of other (non-transport) places: http://www.ezlink.com.sg/use-your-ez-link-card/where-to-use

    Eating and queueing is a national pastime. There are various resources for recommendations but one that I’ve used in the past is http://ieatishootipost.sg/ (I’ve actually met the guy who runs it). Definitely take your time to check out some of the better/more popular ones. Or just head to your local hawker centre and see where people are queueing :)

    I’d recommend is trying to get familiar with Singlish, or at least the way people sound when speaking English. It’ll take a bit to get used to… though if you’re familiar with English in Malaysia it’d be similar. Learn some terms from resources like this dictionary: http://72.5.72.93/html/lexec.php

    If you’re of Chinese/Asian appearance expect people to speak to you in Chinese, so if you don’t speak it, it’d be helpful to learn some phrases like “I am not Chinese / I don’t speak Mandarin”.

    Most Singaporeans I know find Australia boring.

    Lastly, expect to feel crowded… not sure what you’re used to from your time in NZ/Aus, but over there it feels like there’s people everywhere all the time.

    PS. AFAIK there’s a lot more CC-linked promos/discounts in Sg… it’s common(?) to have multiple CCs and eg when dining out ask what offers there are and then paying by the relevant CC that gives the better deal/discount.

    • illumination on 03/06/2018 - 21:17

      Thanks for your advice!

      Yep I think I'm generally thinking along the lines of everything you've said.

      I personally will probably avoid queues. I'm not really the type that will see a queue and think, "oh, that looks awesome! I'm going to queue as well because it must be awesome!"

      Yea I can actually speak and understand Singlish (well, more Manglish) at a pretty decent level so I think I'll be fine with Singlish for the most part. I can also speak a reasonable level of Mandarin so wont have an issue speaking Mandarin in Sinapore, and in fact have done so in the times I have been there already. I think the main one I'll be lacking is Hokkien.

      In terms of feeling crowded, I think I'm fine with that. I live in Sydney and the CBD has felt very crowded for at least the last 2-3 years and I used to live right next to Mong Kok (supposedly the world's most densely populated suburb), Hong Kong as a child. Don't think you can beat that in terms of crowdedness!

      AFAIK there’s a lot more CC-linked promos/discounts in Sg… it’s common(?) to have multiple CCs and eg when dining out ask what offers there are and then paying by the relevant CC that gives the better deal/discount.

      Yep I've heard about this too. I kinda already do this (myself) in Australia anyway without asking the staff so I don't think I'll mind taking this habit over with me. Sounds like it's a lot more common in Singapore to do this than Australia anyway!

      • quop on 18/06/2018 - 02:30

        Ahh ok if you're fine with HK, Sg will be a breeze :) And sounds like you'll be fine language wise too… don't think you need (to be conversational in) Hokkien per se, though you'll no doubt pick up (more) Hokkien terms just as part of speaking to the locals.

        Food wise with so many sellers there are lots that are just (or below) average, so sometimes it's worth at least knowing which are the better ones to spend your $ and your calories on!

    • Chickenleg on 13/06/2018 - 19:05
      +1

      If you’re of Chinese/Asian appearance expect people to speak to you in Chinese

      Lol I’m first gen Chinese Australian and can’t speak Chinese and that was me when I visited last year. FML.

  • BudgetAce on 03/06/2018 - 22:35
    +3

    Will try to answer your questions. But you have to remember this golden rule. EVERYTHING is different in Singapore.

    Banking - People generally use their savings account as their day to day transaction account. This is different from AUS where you have a transaction account + separate savings account. All accounts charge you fees but are generally minimal between $2 - $10 per month. There is also another fall below fee if you fail to maintain your min balance above $500 - $5000 depending on the bank.

    Credit Cards - People generally use their credit cards and pay off in full every month. interest rate on carry over credit is 24% across all credit cards. credit card fees are generally waived if you ask provided you are a frequent user of the card.

    Phone Plans - Unlike AU. it is more expensive to maintain a pre-paid SIM compared to a post-paid SIM. You are only locked into a Telco if you get a phone with the SIM. If you get a SIM only plan, you can switch Telco anytime. There are only 3 Telco in Singapore, M1, Starhub and Singtel. Given the small size of the country, coverage is pretty much the same.

    Shopping and Bargain - There is no such thing as price matching in Singapore. You can try to ask for a discount in major electronics stores but they won't price match with anyone. Their answer is simple, if you want that price, go buy from that seller. There is also no such thing as Woolies eGift cards that you can get on discounts. If you need groceries. You have to go out and get them from the stores and pay cash, debit or credit card. Do expect most things to be more expensive than AU, as you need to remember NOTHING Is grown or made in Singapore, everything is imported.

    Health Insurance or Medicare - There is no universal healthcare in Singapore. If your employer helps out, basically they will be helping your purchase a private health insurance which will cover you if you need any hospital type operations, admissions, etc. Some companies participate in General Practitioner programs where they will also pay for your visit to the GP. Else if you are not covered, then you have to pay for that out of your own pocket. Consultation is $50 - $180 depending on the duration and Medication is NOT SUBSIDISED. For example if you get Anti-Biotics in AU for $5. it will cost you $40 for the very same Anti-Biotics on-top of your consultation.

    Travel - Unlike AU where most people go around in cars. Cars are a luxury in Singapore. So most people use buses or trains to get around. So be prepared to squeeze, especially during peak-hours. If you can't squeeze onto the bus or train, be prepared to wait for the next 2 more. On the flip side, public transport is cheap. Generally doesn't cost you more than $4 to get from one end of the island to the other end on the buses or trains. Taxis are cheaper than AU, flag down is $3.80 and jumps $0.10 per km.

    Weather - it's generally HOT 30 deg avg, the killer is the HUMIDITY, but if you work, you will be in an air-conditioned office most of the time which is okay. But once you are out. Be prepared to sweat. Just something you have to get used to if you plan on staying long. I have quite a number of friends who gave up after a few months and moved back with their families as they couldn't take the HUMIDITY.

    Just some pointers for your queries….

    • illumination on 13/06/2018 - 13:46

      Banking - People generally use their savings account as their day to day transaction account. This is different from AUS where you have a transaction account + separate savings account. All accounts charge you fees but are generally minimal between $2 - $10 per month. There is also another fall below fee if you fail to maintain your min balance above $500 - $5000 depending on the bank.

      I think I've found one that I intend to use. DBS Multiplier! In addition, there are no fees on this one or minimum balance on this account. But yes, as you've pointed out, it seems that Savings accounts here = Transaction accounts.

      Credit Cards - People generally use their credit cards and pay off in full every month. interest rate on carry over credit is 24% across all credit cards. credit card fees are generally waived if you ask provided you are a frequent user of the card.

      Sounds much like how Ozbargainers should be using their Credit Card - but yes have also heard you just need to ring up and ask for an annual fee waiver, and it'll be done for all cards except the most expensive cards.

      Phone Plans - Unlike AU. it is more expensive to maintain a pre-paid SIM compared to a post-paid SIM. You are only locked into a Telco if you get a phone with the SIM. If you get a SIM only plan, you can switch Telco anytime. There are only 3 Telco in Singapore, M1, Starhub and Singtel. Given the small size of the country, coverage is pretty much the same.

      Actually, what you're saying about prepaid costing more than postpaid seems true for the most part. However, I've come to realise that if you were actually able to continually activate a Tourist SIM, it would be cheaper than any of the post paid or prepaid options. As an example, you're able to get tourist SIMs for $15 (currently $12) for 7 days with 100GB of data, 500 mins of calls. Postpaids seem to focus mostly on data, and for context, you'd pay about $60ish for about 15GB, or 26GB for the month. You'd get about 100-200 minutes of calls for that. Unlimited calls/text is not common here, and in fact, incoming calls are amazingly charged! This is why in some cases you'll see plans that explicitly state "unlimited incoming calls".

      If you were able to activate multiple tourist prepaids, you'd end up paying $60 ($48 with the current promotion) for 28 days worth of 100GB/data per 7 days, 500 mins of calls, etc. which is a lot more than what the postpaids get you. The issues are:

      • You can only concurrently hold 3 prepaid services with all telcos - and it appears that cancelling these prepaids requires a physical visit to the branch
      • The SIMs get activated immediately when purchased - not as much of an issue, but reduces flexibility
      • The tourist SIMs cannot be topped up. This means you're changing phone numbers every 7 days
      • The tourist SIMs cannot be ported (as far as I know)

      Do expect most things to be more expensive than AU, as you need to remember NOTHING Is grown or made in Singapore, everything is imported.

      From a grocery store point of view, this definitely seems to be the case, with the exception of Asian stuff (tofu, local fruits) which makes sense

      Health Insurance or Medicare

      Yep work is giving me something here

      Travel

      Yep, and I'm aware that a CoE (a "licence" for you to be able to buy a car) is something like $80k for 10 years? But I have no issue with not having a car and just taking public transport everywhere.

      Weather

      Yep, have felt this already! I think I'll be ok with it for the most part though

      • shift6 on 22/08/2018 - 19:58

        How have you been finding the DBS Multiplier? Similar situation to you (a few months behind) and your thread here has been extremely helpful!

        Mulling over a DBS Multiplier + DBS Live Fresh / POSB Everyday combination, though checking out Citibank options well to see if there are any worthwhile synergies (Citibank Global Transfer) with with the Citibank AUS, given the ever popular Citibank Plus + Citibank CC Fee Free for life combination here.

        • illumination on 22/08/2018 - 20:09
          +1

          How have you been finding the DBS Multiplier?

          Good. But I don't have anything to compare to (yet). I haven't fully immersed myself with bank slutting over here yet so I don't have any other banks to really compare to. However, there aren't a huge number of options over here with no monthly fees (they tend to call them "fall below fees", conditional on not having a certain balance), so the fact that I have no monthly fees "for life" (because it's my first DBS account and opened online) is great.

          DBS is basically CBA in the sense that it's the most widespread. I've also found that certain deals I've stumbled upon require you to have a DBS account, so that's been good.

          I think CIMB has a couple of accounts with no fall below fees, and there might be a "prestigious" HSBC Advance account that I think I also saw with no fees.

          Mulling over a DBS Multiplier + DBS Live Fresh / POSB Everyday combination, though checking out Citibank options well to see if there are any worthwhile synergies (Citibank Global Transfer) with with the Citibank AUS, given the ever popular Citibank Plus + Citibank CC Fee Free for life combination here.

          Ok, I've got the POSB Everyday but I still haven't decided if it was a good idea to get it.

          Ah yes the Citibank Global Transfer thing is pretty cool. I haven't looked into it much yet. However, keep in mind the DBS Multiplier is actually a multi-currency account (including AUD), although I haven't started using it as one yet. The Citibank Global Transfer service, I'd imagine, would be good for transferring money from your Citibank Plus to a Citibank Singapore account.

          I've also stumbled upon Instarem, which is like CurrencyFair/OFX/Transferwise. Also found monito.com mentioned in a random Ozbargain comment here somewhere which has been pretty cool too.

          Similar situation to you (a few months behind) and your thread here has been extremely helpful!

          Haha sweet! I've been here for a couple of months now so I've pretty much got everything I need now and I know the market reasonably well now. Everything else I'm doing now is just refining and optimising. Let me know if you have any other questions

        • shift6 on 01/09/2018 - 23:39
          +1

          Thought I'd share some additional notes so far. And for posterity if anyone else is reading or searches in the future

          • Seedly seems to be an interesting resource which shares concepts with the Australian concepts of FIRE & The Barefoot Investor which people in Australia might be more familiar with (https://blog.seedly.sg/). Hardwarezone also has some decent activity (https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/money-mind-210/). Moneysmart SG another good one with example post here (https://blog.moneysmart.sg/savings-accounts/best-savings-acc…)
          • On Citibank - they require a minimum balance of SGD15,000 which is much higher than other Asian banks. The FX rate is a little higher when using Citibank Global Transfer (CGT), about 1.3-1.9% higher than the XE.com rate when compared with a walk-in inquiry with a Citibank branch at the same time. So unless someone needs the convenience of consolidating international accounts with Citibank and instant transfers, it's a tough proposition. Unless you're specifically after the Citibank service, UOB at time of writing seems to offer a pretty compelling 'UOB One' product for people looking for a HISA.

          Adding on a POSB Everyday credit card to the DBS Multiplier seems almost a requirement to get the bump in interest rate (even if just for the token monthly transaction). Other banks like OCBC and UOB seems to offer slightly better rates depending on products bundled and hitting minimum spending, which is a little bothersome to keep track of.

        • illumination on 03/09/2018 - 17:17

          @shift6:

          • Yep there are a few blogs like Seedly but yes I have noticed them.
          • UOB One is UOB's answer to the DBS Multiplier. Haven't looked at it in detail - but I also get the feeling the products/rates here seem to fluctuate quite often. Last I checked, DBS Mutiplier > UOB One
          • POSB Everyday Credit Card - true - I can tell you an additional advantage of having it beyond having that Credit Card expenditure to get your higher rate. The card itself (and other cards too, for that matter) also doubles up as a EZ-Link card. This saves you from having to buy one - although I'd assume you would've bought one by now - but it's also just handy as a spare for when/if you have family/friends visiting. You can now let them use your standalone EZ-Link and you just use the Credit Card as your EZ-Link.

          Also the EZ-Link specifically on the POSB Everyday Credit Card can also be linked to the EZ-Link app to earn Rewards points. The "CAN" number (back of the card) starts with 100 - whereas the one on my standard DBS Visa Debit starts with 111 and cannot be linked to the EZ-Link app.

          Have you moved over already? Wanna turn on your PMs? Haha

        • shift6 on 03/09/2018 - 20:56

          @illumination: Yeah I've been taking a good hard look at the UOB One. A big deterrent for me is having to think about clearing the minimum monthly spend, even though it's easy to hit. I'm still figuring out my expenditure patterns here (dollar value, transaction type, acceptance of VC/MC/AMEX/cash etc.).

          Even though cashback CCs offer lower returns, Standard Chartered also offer an Unlimited Cashback Credit Card which seems to be a great daily card. 1.5% isn't too bad a return. It also has EZ-Link if you value freeing up a card slot haha. I'm used to carrying around an Opal so not fussed if there isn't integration - though it's always a plus!

          PMs turned on :)

  • crabcancer on 04/06/2018 - 16:29

    Am a Singaporean but have left the country 15 years ago due to various ideologies that I am at odds with. Still visit on annual basis so am keeping in touch. Will help you to best of ability.

    Banking - The best high interest savings is in fixed deposit from my memory. Basically you drop a bundle of money (there is a minimum) and let it sit there for a term (6 months being the avg) and get paid like 1-2% interest.

    Credit Card - Just walk around one of the shopping malls and the credit card employees will start asking you to sign up. Being a non-Singaporean, I think you need your work visa and passport, not sure as never did sign up. I used my DBS bank and ask for a debit card. Simpler. The credit cards companies are the same all over. Tricky and devious. Wife signed up for a loyalty card (or so we thought) but in the application card, there was a checkbox which had a double negative, that if you left box unticked, it meant that you are signing up for the credit card aspect to be assigned.

    Accomomdation - Hit up for your company for offers. They should be able to offer you something. Definitely do not look at living in Johor. Rent and cost of living is cheaper but are you will to put up with 2-3 hours of commute? AirBnb is very frowned upon in public housing.

    Purchasing Electronics (TV, washing machine, microwave, etc.) - Check for various expos etc. Generally held in Tampines. Approx 25-50% off.

    Food hacks, booking portals, payment apps? Nestia is a good app for the iOS. Cover public transport, news etc.

    Money transfers between Singapore/Australia? Transferwise provides the best rate so far for me.

    General Shopping - There is no return policies or change of mind refunds/store credits. Although CASE (Singapore version of customer protection) says there is, there are a toothless kitty. No power what so ever.

    Travel - Public transport is the usual mode. Very packed and the MRT have had several breakdown issues recently. Grab is a good app to get when you do not want to squeeze with the masses. But be aware sometimes with the traffic issues, the MRT is actually faster.

    Medicine - GP are all in ones. They do the consult, dispense the meds etc. No taking of scripts to a pharmacy to dispense. Pharmacies in Singapore are more like Priceline types with the simple medications (paracetamol). They do have a pharmacist behind the counter if you need some medication advice.

    Mobile - Biggest catch if that you are slugged for incoming and outgoing. So look at all the plans and choose wisely.

    • illumination on 13/06/2018 - 13:55

      due to various ideologies that I am at odds with

      Sounds like you didn't feel you were quite aligned with the thoughts/attitudes of the rest of the general population?

      Banking - The best high interest savings is in fixed deposit from my memory. Basically you drop a bundle of money (there is a minimum) and let it sit there for a term (6 months being the avg) and get paid like 1-2% interest.

      I think I've found options now, like the DBS Multiplier that isn't a fixed-term deposit that would probably work for me. It looks like it's a pretty popular and it's quite widely recommended.

      Credit Card - Just walk around one of the shopping malls and the credit card employees will start asking you to sign up. Being a non-Singaporean, I think you need your work visa and passport, not sure as never did sign up. I used my DBS bank and ask for a debit card. Simpler. The credit cards companies are the same all over. Tricky and devious. Wife signed up for a loyalty card (or so we thought) but in the application card, there was a checkbox which had a double negative, that if you left box unticked, it meant that you are signing up for the credit card aspect to be assigned.

      That's cool - thanks for the heads up!

      Accomomdation - Hit up for your company for offers. They should be able to offer you something.

      Nope, only a bit of temp accommodation but nothing ongoing.

      Definitely do not look at living in Johor. Rent and cost of living is cheaper but are you will to put up with 2-3 hours of commute?

      Nah. If I was working around Woodlands I'd possibly consider it lol but not if I'm working near town, which I am…

      AirBnb is very frowned upon in public housing.

      Yea I've heard. In fact I've heard you can get fined big time.

      Purchasing Electronics (TV, washing machine, microwave, etc.) - Check for various expos etc. Generally held in Tampines. Approx 25-50% off.

      Cool - will look out for it. However, I've also found that furnished apartments here are a lot more common than in Sydney, and arguably more are furnished (at least partially with the big stuff like sofa, TV, bed, fridge, washing machine) than unfurnished. So I don't know if I'll have to look into this too much.

      Food hacks, booking portals, payment apps? Nestia is a good app for the iOS. Cover public transport, news etc.

      I've just searched on Android and it looks like it exists!

      Money transfers between Singapore/Australia? Transferwise provides the best rate so far for me.

      Actually, I stumbled upon an old comment linking to an extremely useful site/service, Monito. Think I'll definitely be using this.

      General Shopping - There is no return policies or change of mind refunds/store credits. Although CASE (Singapore version of customer protection) says there is, there are a toothless kitty. No power what so ever.

      Good to know!

      Travel - Public transport is the usual mode. Very packed and the MRT have had several breakdown issues recently. Grab is a good app to get when you do not want to squeeze with the masses. But be aware sometimes with the traffic issues, the MRT is actually faster.

      Thanks. But nothing like Woolies eGift Cards to top up Opal cards equivalent hey?

      Medicine - GP are all in ones. They do the consult, dispense the meds etc. No taking of scripts to a pharmacy to dispense. Pharmacies in Singapore are more like Priceline types with the simple medications (paracetamol). They do have a pharmacist behind the counter if you need some medication advice.

      Thanks.

      Mobile - Biggest catch if that you are slugged for incoming and outgoing. So look at all the plans and choose wisely.

      Yep I discovered this recently. Pretty ridiculous actually.. haha. But I've done a fair amount of research now and have a pretty good idea of which way I'll be going.

  • susannetsv on 06/06/2018 - 15:41

    This is a great website for information on many of the things you want to know about http://milelion.com/

    • illumination on 13/06/2018 - 13:55

      Yep that site's been shared with me! Thanks!

  • potm on 20/08/2018 - 14:54

    Congratulations on the new job and move!
    Care to share the industry and how you obtained the job? PM if you want.

  • 2ndeffort on 21/08/2018 - 12:38
    +1

    My tip: Dont trust that the British guns on Sentosa and the Royal Navy can defend you. The causeway is still vulnerable and the Japanese Army is tougher than everyone gives them credit for.

    • yyhazy on 21/08/2018 - 19:15
      +1

      Good tip but slightly too late

  • try2bhelpful on 21/08/2018 - 20:23
    +1

    You could watch "Crazy Rich Asians" :). Actually it is a fun movie; but take it with a pinch of salt.

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