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accommodation

Finding A Place To Live

There's a vast amount of accommodation to rent and buy in Singapore in every price range and area. Before choosing where to live, it's advisable to check the present and planned public transport services, especially if you're commuting to a job from the suburbs.

Serviced apartments

If you need temporary accommodation, serviced apartments are a good option. Those situated in the prime areas of Orchard and Newton Roads charge between S$700 and S$1.9k a week for a service apartment, and from S$1.3k to S$2.1k a week for a two-bedroom apartment. Many of them are fully-furnished and provide basic home conveniences such as cooking appliances, laundry and maid services. You can negotiate for special corporate, family or long-term lease terms. Renting an HDB (housing and development board) flat under SHiFT Scheme for Housing of Foreign Talent (SHiFT) is designed to meet the housing needs of foreign professionals living in Singapore. The scheme is administered by the Jurong Town Corporation (JTC).

For more information visit: www.jtc.gov.sg or email: hdg@jtc.gov.sg

Tel: +65 6560 0056

Fax: +65 6565 5301

The average price of a three-room flat (2-bedrooms/880sq.ft) under the SHiFT scheme is S$700 per month.

Condominiums

The majority of expatriates reside in rented accommodation. Condominiums often include gyms, swimming pool, golf driving range, squash courts and tennis courts. You will see these condominiums advertised in the local press, and Estate Agents will escort you around Singapore to show you a selection of apartments. Average prices are listed below:

1 bedroom/studio condo - $3k per month

2 bedroom - $4k + per month

3 bedroom - $5k + per month

Houses are also available at $4.5k - $10k per month depending on the age of the property.

The following websites are recommended to find information on renting properties in Singapore, whether you want to rent with a friend, share or buy:

www.1800-singapore-property.com/
www.rentinsingapore.com
http://singapore.roomsdb.net
www.propertyzone.sg
www.singaporeexpat.com

Doctors and health

Singapore has a comprehensive network of outpatient polyclinics and private medical clinics that provide medical treatment, preventive healthcare and health education.

There are seven public hospitals comprising five general hospitals, a women's and children's hospital, and a psychiatry hospital. General hospitals provide multi-disciplinary inpatient and specialist outpatient services, and 24-hour emergency departments. Six national specialty centres provide cancer, cardiac, eye, skin, neuroscience and dental care.

Most companies provide medical benefits. To supplement this coverage, you may also want to explore private health insurance schemes with insurance companies.

Useful websites

www.nuh.com.sg
www.ttsh.com.sg
www.sgh.com.sg
www.kkh.com.sg
www.thomsonmedical.com

Opening a bank account

Banking hours: Usually from 9.30am - 3pm weekdays, and 9.30am - 11.30am Saturdays. But some banks have branches that close later. To open a bank account, you'll usually need copies of your passport, employer's letter or a letter from Robert Walters, and a statement from a bank in your home country. But requirements differ from bank to bank.

The major banks of the world are mostly represented here. Singapore has an extensive network of ATMs and a cashless payment system called NETS for your convenience. Most Singaporeans use this service, and if you plan to stay in Singapore for an extended period, you should too.

Mobile phones

• Ensure that you obtain a Singapore mobile number as soon as you arrive in Singapore - this is the best way to keep in touch with your consultant and for us to keep you updated with job opportunities
• The main mobile phone providers in Singapore are SingTel, StarHub and MobileOne

Work Holiday Programme

The Ministry of Manpower introduced a Work Holiday Programme (WHP) in December 2007 allowing undergraduates and graduates from overseas to experience living and working in Singapore for a short period. There is a growing trend of well qualified young people travelling abroad to gain exposure and experience foreign cultures. A positive experience of living and working in Singapore under the programme encourages many of them to work here when they graduate, or at a later stage in their careers. This programme helps to enhance Singapore's reputation as a talent destination, valued for its working and living experiences.

The Work Holiday Programme (WHP) criteria:

• Open to graduates and undergraduates age 17-30 from universities in the following eight countries: Australia, France, Germany, HK, Japan, New Zealand, UK, US
• Six months work permit
• Initially open to 2000 applicants
• No pay or job type restrictions

Details can be found at the Manpower Ministry website:

Tax

Foreigners on employment passes or work permits who are physically present or working in Singapore for 183 days or more per year are required to pay income tax. Taxes are imposed on all income derived in Singapore and any overseas income remitted, transmitted or brought into Singapore. Exceptions are for those on short-term employment under 60 days and those whose home countries have tax treaties with Singapore entitling them to tax exemptions. Singapore currently has tax treaties with 56 countries.

The consumption tax in Singapore (known as Goods + Services Tax - GST) is currently at 7%.

Visit www.iras.gov.sg for further information.

Insurance

You should obtain adequate travel insurance before arriving in Singapore. Ensure that it covers loss of passport, baggage and money.

Useful telephone numbers

Useful contacts

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