Singapore has an excellent reputation among expats – a place that’s easy to live in, has great food and a diverse culture. Expats also appreciate the country’s central location in Southeast Asia and its world-class healthcare system that’s backed by public statutory insurance and government subsidies.
English is the official language, and many people speak Singlish (the local dialect), Malay, Chinese (Mandarin) or Tamil. Language barriers are minimal and most expats can find their way around without much difficulty.
1. The People
The people of Singapore, or “Singaporeans,” are a multicultural and multi-religious group, perfect for a expat living in Singapore. The city-state’s rich heritage is reflected in the vibrant cuisine, festivals and traditions, creating a harmonious environment where different cultures coexist.
Singaporeans are renowned for their world-class healthcare and education systems, as well as its safe and efficient public transportation system. It is also home to a high-tech industry with many leading international companies and universities.
The population of Singapore has a diverse background, with citizens and permanent residents of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab, Eurasian, European, and American descent making up the majority of the population. There is an extensive choice of educational institutions, as well as a wide range of international cuisines available throughout the city.
As a result, Singaporeans are generally very accepting and welcoming towards newcomers. The racial categorization used by the colonial past still permeates through societal structures and policies, including housing quotas based on ethnicity and education policy pertaining to second language instruction.
In terms of religion, about two-thirds of Singaporeans identify as Confucian, Buddhist, or Taoist, with the remainder practicing Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, or no religion at all. Moreover, the practice of hybrid religions is also common, with Taoism and Buddhism practices being integrated into Confucianism and Hinduism respectively.
In general, Singaporeans have a healthy and active lifestyle. They are incredibly image conscious, with the “5 Cs” (condo, car, cash, and credit cards) being key indicators of success. They also have a love for food and spend a lot of time eating. It has been said that a Singaporean’s favorite pastime isn’t shopping or watching movies, but rather enjoying a hearty bowl of noodles or a spicy plate of laksa.
2. The Food
The food scene in Singapore is one of the highlights of this sunny city-state. It is a thriving culinary melting pot that celebrates Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western cuisines. It’s no surprise that the city-state is a popular choice for expats looking for an exciting work-life balance. Singapore’s pristine streets, efficient public transportation, and high standards of living make it an ideal location for those seeking a well-rounded life.
The country’s ethnic maelstrom of people from all over the world makes it easy for food to become a unifying cultural thread. In fact, Singaporean literature declares that “eating is a national pastime and a national obsession.” While religious dietary restrictions exist (Muslims do not eat pork and Hindus do not eat beef), it is common to see families from different religions sharing a meal together.
A dish that exemplifies Singapore’s fusion of food cultures is rojak, which translates to “eclectic mix” in Malay. This popular salad combines various vegetables, fruits and dough fritters in a bowl and is garnished with black sauce, ginger shreds and chopped peanuts. It’s a great way to try a bit of the city-state’s multiculturalism without breaking your budget.
Another classic is hainanese chicken rice. While steamed chicken with rice is a familiar sight in restaurants across the globe, this version is uniquely Singaporean. The recipe is a straight import from its Hokkien and Teochew home, but has been tweaked to suit the island’s availability of ingredients.
Then there is chai tow kway, which is a variation of the chao gao guo dish from China’s Chaoshan province. This salty-savory snack consists of stir-fried squares of soft white radish with eggs and spring onions, served with sweet black sauce.
3. The Weather
Singapore is a tropical country with a warm and humid climate. Its equatorial monsoon climate means it has a consistent amount of rainfall throughout the year. Temperatures are high all year round but are cooler in the winter months from December to February.
The city is known for its high standards of living with some of the world’s strongest GDP, social support and health indicators. This has made it a popular choice for expats who are looking to improve their quality of life and find the best place to live in Asia. Many of the countries in Southeast Asia are within a few hours’ flight from Singapore so this makes it a great base for exploring neighbouring regions.
Despite having 5.6 million people crammed into an area the size of Lake Taupo, Ashley says the city doesn’t feel too crowded. He cites its transport system and clean streets as examples of this. He also says that while the cost of living can be high, it is cheaper than in his native New Zealand. The average meal in one of the city’s famous hawker centres costs less than $4 and electricity is very cheap.
He adds that he feels happy with the quality of his work and his personal life in Singapore, but stresses that it’s not for everyone. Many expats come to the country for work-related reasons but want to return home when their contract ends.
Other expats find the country too strict and regimented, but some love it. They praise its policies that eradicate crime and poverty, keep the streets free of rubbish and chewing gum, and make it easy to buy a house. They also enjoy being able to take the train or bus anywhere in the city for only 90 cents per trip, and the fact that they can visit a dozen incredibly diverse countries within a few hours’ flight.
4. The Nightlife
Despite being among the most expensive cities in the world, Singapore offers a comfortable lifestyle for expats. It has a safe environment, and the police enforce laws strictly to prevent crime and theft. The city is also home to one of the best public transportation systems, which makes getting around the island easy and convenient. In addition, the majority of taxi drivers are fluent in English, making it easier for foreign travelers to communicate. Moreover, most taxis now accept EZ-Link payments, ensuring seamless integration with the city’s public transportation system.
The vibrant nightlife scene in Singapore is a draw for party-lovers looking to get their groove on. The pulsing hub of Clarke Quay, for instance, is the place to be for all things hip, happening and electric. From boozy drinks and live music to a wide range of restaurants and clubs, the area is sure to satisfy every kind of night owl.
Another hotspot for a wild night out is the iconic Zouk Club. The swanky space is known for attracting celebrities and Asia’s A-listers. Its massive dancefloor is perfect for dancing the night away to electrifying DJ beats! If you’re craving a more laidback vibe, head to its sister club Phuture. Here you’ll find a more jazzy and R&B-inspired vibe.
Those who prefer to take it low-key can go bar hopping along the quay. The fun bars lined up on the waterfront offer refreshing drinks and a breezy alfresco setting. For a night out with a difference, try 1927, which is set on the roof of the six-story Sofitel Singapore City Centre. With its swanky decor and signature tiki bar-themed cocktails, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy a drink with a view!
5. The Culture
As one of the world’s most multicultural and highly urbanized countries, Singapore embraces a fusion of traditional and modern culture. The city-state has a rich heritage of Chinese, Malay, and Indian cultures and a multitude of languages are spoken here. The country has a global reputation for its high-quality healthcare and education, and expats can enjoy the wide range of activities and experiences on offer here.
In terms of social norms, Singaporeans value etiquette and respect for authority figures, including teachers and government officials. The hierarchical culture places a strong emphasis on deference and obedience, and children are taught to address their elders with honorific titles from an early age. In addition, the country has strict rules against hate speech and upholds cleanliness and orderliness standards through enforcing laws against littering, jaywalking, and drug trafficking.
Singapore is also known as a cultural melting pot, which is evident in the city’s diverse culinary scene. Ethnic dishes can be found everywhere from hawker centers to Michelin-starred restaurants. Many of the food traditions have been passed down from generation to generation, but the city has also adapted them to meet modern tastes and needs.
The city-state is home to five million people from four major communities: Chinese (majority), Malay, Indian and Eurasian. Most Singaporeans follow Chinese Buddhism or Hinduism, but Christianity is increasingly popular among young people. Almost all faiths are represented in the city, and you can find many temples, mosques, and churches of different denominations throughout the island. There are also several synagogues for Jews and Sikhs, as well as a few gurdwaras for Jains.
