11 Expats Share Their ESSENTIAL Tips For Living Well In Singapore

“Public transport is super easy, cheap and clean! After coming from Paris, taxis are also cheaper here. And I love that there are ‘five-foot-ways’ and covered walkways to keep you sheltered from the elements!”

– Theresa Evanoff, Founder & CEO, Gift-It-Forward

“What I dislike most about living in Singapore? Driving! There are unusually high numbers of traffic lights everywhere, and these can be relatively frustrating for impatient people like myself.”

– Jerry “Judge” Hinds, President, Association of Comic Artists (Singapore)

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NEXT: Finding Your New Home →

“Watch out for shady property agents. I had quite colourful experiences in renting here before settling into my current place. Now, being five minutes from Fort Canning Park or to energetic Clarke Quay can’t be beaten.”

– Anggi Permatasari, Resort Marketer, Resorts World Sentosa

“Our family has always lived in the East Coast, which was recommended by friends as more ‘relaxed’. It has a mix of local culture, amenities, amazing restaurants and access to an outdoor lifestyle.”

– Daniel von Burg, Commercial Director, Worldwide Business Research

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NEXT: Making Friends →

“What we noticed on visits before we moved to Singapore was how kind Singaporeans are to children and how people from different backgrounds live in harmony. It is the main reason we wanted to live here.”

– Junko Addicks, Director, MamaRazzi

“The best thing was finding Friends of the Museums – to make friends and explore Asia and beyond. Where else can you be in a room with an American belly dancer and Indian cake designer?”

– Dobrina Boneva, Advertising Manager, PASSAGE

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NEXT: Eating Well →

“There is a tremendous diversity of food choices from all over the world. I prepare a lot of Japanese food at home and have absolutely no problems finding the right ingredients.”

– Junko Addicks, Director, MamaRazzi

“Singapore is an expensive place to live, but you can still survive on a budget! Hawker centre chicken rice at $2, or waiting till 9 p.m. to get discounted sushi at supermarkets – these are some ways to save money on eating.”

– Anggi Permatasari, Resort Marketer, Resorts World Sentosa

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NEXT: Sorting Out Your Money →

“My best advice? Live ‘local’. Don’t be sucked into the ‘expat’ lifestyle and spend three times more on a tiny condo, when you can afford a palace in the heartland. The standard of housing in Singapore is exceptional and every place is easily accessible. There’s nowhere that’s too far – even taking a cab is cheaper than buying a car!”

– Steve Douglas, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Australasian Taxation Services and Chairman of SMATS Group

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NEXT: Picking the Right School →

“I was a little nervous about the long bus ride to school, since our daughter was only 4 when she started. But, it has never been a problem for her, and we have loved living centrally in Singapore.”

– Rohita Rajkumar, President, American Women’s Association

“Both our kids are pretty young, with only one of them in preschool. For this stage, we really wanted him to go to a Montessori school, which had a low student-to-teacher ratio and was in walking distance to our house.”

– Daniel von Burg, Commercial Director, Worldwide Business Research

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NEXT: Staying Healthy →

“Get out and exercise early when it’s still dark – it’s the only way to feel comfortable when running! Ensure you drink water. So many health niggles result from dehydration.”

– Charlotte Wilkinson, Founder, Hello Sister

“Ever since my professional football career finished, I’ve stayed pretty healthy – I enjoy being active. During my cancer treatment in Singapore, the level of care was exceptional. The experience helped me embrace a balanced lifestyle.”

– PJ Roberts, President, Australian and New Zealand Association

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NEXT: Prioritising Prevention →

“In Singapore, there are approximately 190 new cases of cervical cancer a year. And a pap smear is a simple procedure to test a woman’s cervix for precancerous cells. At IMC, we can also test for HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), a common virus affecting both men and women – and closely linked to cervical cancer.”

– Dr. Nav Uppal, doctor with a special interest in children’s and women’s health, International Medical Clinic

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NEXT: Hiring a Helper →

“Empathy goes a long way: Remember, most helpers didn’t grow up using washing machines, dishwashers and Nespresso machines, so getting upset over small things needs to be put into context!”

– Charlotte Wilkinson, Founder, Hello Sister

“There are many agencies here with good helpers on their books. Beware of under-aged girls who have added a few years to their age. It’s best to hire someone who has been on the island some time and can provide references.”

– Jerry “Judge” Hinds, President, Association of Comic Artists (Singapore)

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NEXT: Thriving! →

“Whether or not you work outside the home, Singapore has so much to offer for your free time. Experience all of the different neighbourhoods and cultural festivals found here.”

– Rohita Rajkumar, President, American Women’s Association

“I have lived through the whole gamut of lifecycles in Singapore – from arriving as a grad student and single, to now married with kids! In the beginning, I made the most of regional travel. I travelled a lot with my job, and would often stay where I was stationed to explore.”

– Theresa Evanoff, Founder & CEO, Gift-It-Forward

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NEXT: Getting Around →