Guide to Singapore

Singapore aka The Lion City

This was my first travel outside India. Moved here in February, 2016 for a long term assignment.

Government

Singapore always ranks high in HDI (Human Development Index), GDP Per Capita, Income Per Capita, etc among developed nations. Very low unemployment rates and crime rates. It is safe to roam around in Singapore at any time, unlike some developed countries. Government is very swift and organized in its initiatives. Almost everything is digitized. When you are entering Singapore, don't bring multiple copies of documents. Just one set of copies will do. No one asks to submit actual physical copy to them (except during work permit registration where they require a copy of IPA letter).

Employment Pass (EP) 

In recent times, it has become increasingly difficult to get work permit in Singapore. Your employer will have to initially post the job opening in Govt jobs website (https://www.jobsbank.gov.sg) for minimum 14 days. If the employer doesn't get suitable person (Singapore Citizen or PR) for the job, they can offer you and apply for EP. EP Approval currently takes around 1-3 weeks or sometimes even longer. Once approved, In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter will be issued with an expiry date. You will have to enter Singapore within this date. During immigration, you will have to produce this letter when asked. Once you arrive in Singapore, get an appointment date with MOM (Ministry of Manpower) for  registration. Once registration is complete, EP card will be sent to your employer and employer hands over it to you. 

• EP validity can be 1 or 2 years during issuance. Validity period is determined by MOM, based on the employer profile.
• Employer can get it renewed for up to 3 more years after EP expiry, provided MOM approves during renewal. Again, validity 

Transportation

On your first day, go to a metro station. Get a smartcard. It's a prepaid card for use in public transportation (Metro, Buses). And public transportation here is just awesome. Everything is tip-top and well-maintained. They call metro "MRT". Most of the island is connected with MRT. For last mile connectivity, LRT and buses. LRT is present for only few stations like Sengkang, Punggol, etc. Both MRT and LRT are driver-less (operated remotely). 

Bank account 

I opened mine in DBS. They will require your Passport, FIN (Employment Pass) and proof of address, not necessarily Singapore proof of address. I gave them Indian passport as proof of address. They took my Singapore address for communication only.

Umbrella/Jacket - It rains frequently here. So better to have an umbrella. Don't bring any kind of jackets. It's hot here all the time. Even though it rains, it will be uncomfortable to wear rain jacket.

Cost of Living

Rent

Singapore is no doubt an expensive place. Two types of housing - HDB and Condos. Condos are constructed by private companies. Condos are luxury homes with facilities like full-fledged Gym, Swimming pool, etc. HDB apartments are constructed by the government and sold to citizens. Most of the housing (>80%) are HDB flats. Condos are very costly compared to HDB. I would go ahead and say, Condos are out-of-range for normal working class. So, most stay in HDB. But make no mistake, HDB are very good in terms of construction quality, carpet area, facilities, cleanliness, etc. They are way better than average apartments constructed by private builders in India.

Once you get a place to rent and moved in, ask your employer to update the address with SGP government. It is kind of requirement.

Food

This is also expensive. You will either have to eat outside or make it at home. If you are going to eat outside frequently, see if there is prepaid card available at food court. I frequently eat at Lau Pa Sat (Downtown). It is maintained by Kopitiam, who offers prepaid cards. They charge $2 for the card, but it is worth it. You get 5-10% discount in all the shops in food courts maintained by Kopitiam across the island. If you eat daily lunch here for a year, your savings with this card will run into 100s of dollars.

Household Items - 

Any item in Singapore is costlier compared to outside Singapore as nothing is manufactured. If you are single person and  going to share the flat with another family and they let you use their utensils, you don't need to bring them. But you need to check with them upfront before renting the place. If you are a couple, you will rent a flat. Most of the flats you rent here comes with all kinds of household appliances, definitely utensils. So don't bring anything.

Tax

Singapore is known for low taxes. But, they have different tax structures for different people. Tax rates for residents are progressive. So, the higher the salary, the higher the tax is. But overall tax rate for a given income is very less. I will be paying tax less than what I pay in India (where total income is far less compared to Singapore).

SGD/INR conversion - http://www.xe.com/currencycharts/?from=SGD&to=INR&view=10Y

If you have any specific questions, I can try to answer them as much as I know.