Evaluation after two months ...
And say I wanted to keep my blog dedicated to my expatriation to Singapore ... and this is the second post only after two months of expat!
short, what to say ... except that I have not really had time to get bored from arrival at Singap 'looking for an apartment, my new taf, the phone package to manage Internet, the paperwork (although easier than in France), the bank, the return to source for a trip to the U.S. for 15 days, etc ... and so on (bcp ...). Finally
good, to summarize my two months here and for "newbies" that would land soon, and history to start a small lexicon - Here is a first modest feedback:
- Visa : The administration here is rather effective - Everything passes MOM (Ministry of Manpower). Remaining 2 years, I had to apply for the Employment Pass, and also pass a battery of medical tests including a chest X-ray and an HIV test! (Outrageous in my opinion) ... but hey, what do you ... you have to spend to get the "holy grail". Compulsory visa for a period exceeding six months.
- Singlish : The local language. the must of Singap '... a kind of English grammatical structures a bit wobbly and a mixture with Malay, Tamil and Chinese. Above all, end all sentences with lah! "You get it lah? . You'll see, but it gives ca dépayse its charm Singap '.
- Currency: Simple. One Singapore dollar (sin doll ', or S $) = 0.5euros.
- Rent: Holy C @ # $ ... they have a serious housing here. The prices are just unrealistic. After a 15th to aparts visited via my agent, I finally found a place fairly close to my work (Suntec City). ... but what's that expensive! To give you an idea ... my budget rent represents 40% of my total budget. That said, I preferred the luxury of living alone rather than flatmate, which allows for more affordable Loyes bcp (Count between S $ 1000-1600) for a flatmate in aprt not far from the center). To find an apartment, I suggest you contact an agent directly when you are on site (List here). Otherwise there's always Craigslist or Singapore Expats (Very convenient for watching the Candos in photos).
- Cost of life : Rather reasonable ... I'd say maybe 10-20% cheaper than in France. But make no mistake ... this is not the Third World here, it costs relatively expensive compared to the rest of Asia. Alcohol and tobacco are extremely expensive. It will cost you S $ 18 (9euros) for a pack of 6 beers in Carrefour (If so, Has it even two to Singap '!), S $ 20 for a drink at Clark Quay or S $ 11 for a Clopper package. Otherwise the local food is very cheap. The 'western' products are themselves very expensive (no surprise here). Hairdresser: It will cost you between $ 20 and S 30.
- Food Court: Or how to eat local for S $ 3-5. And besides, it's super good. There are around and that's where everybody eats.
- Durians : Fruit locker smell horrible! (Really, no other words). Favorite fruit of Singaporeans. It should taste good as a local specialty ... just once!
- Singaporeans : Shopping and food. ... The two favorite pastimes, and my tour guide was not lying! Otherwise, Singaporeans are very cute and closely follow Western fashion obviously (well I'm not an expert mode either ... for me, the week suit, flip flops and shorts on weekends, it's pretty simple).
- Taxi / Bus : Singap is the country that has the most taxis per capita in the world ... Therefore, it is also the cheapest (some sin 'dollars each way). Do not even think about buying a car, the plates are auctioned, you ca simply double the price of a car. Buses are also effective, very inexpensive, and almost all are air conditioned and is integrated TV lol).
- Bank: A piece of advice, take a bank with NETS. It a kind of Moneo, but almost mandatory here, otherwise you'll spend your time writing checks to pay bills (and me, I hate checks!). Needless to say that e-commerce, they know not here. Not possible to pay bills online. Faithful to HSBC or another, go your way and prefer a local bank).
- Clark Quay : Species HQ for expats and GSP (see below). Bars and clubs to go out on weekends. Quite nice after a week of taf charged.
- GSP : Sarong Party Girl. Understand here promiscuous local girl and particularly attracted to Caucasian (white) and 5C (Cach, Credit Card, Car, Condo, Career). I am not a drawing, eh.
- Climate: Warm and humid ... nothing new here except that the whole time the same temperature, with a few showers from time to time but not last long. The good news: Clim everywhere!
- Internet / Phone / TV : Somewhat similar to triple-play offers in France, 3 operators sharing the market. Singtel, M1 and Sarthub. Possibility to have Internet only for S $ 40. TV5 is available through Starhub. Finally the phone is cheap locally, but you leave the island ... the bill hits like the sun!
If you arrive soon Singap ', do not hesitate to contact me ... it is with pleasure that I will try to answer your questions.
As for me, as it is to see the rehearsal of the National Day Parade ... Singaporean National Day to be held next week.
soon, Clement
