6 Things You Should Know Before Moving To Singapore
Singapore has received a lot of attention ever since it became a republic in the early 1960s. This island nation has seen its economy thrive in the last number of decades, which is why so many people are taking the opportunity to move to this tropical paradise.
While the Asian country of Singapore has a lot to offer, it is a very different place from some of the places you may have visited before. That is why we have created a list of things that you may need to know before you move to Singapore. Some of the items below may seem obvious, while others may make you want to move there now. You will have to read on to find out.
There Are Only Two Seasons
Defining Singapore’s climate as seasons is a bit of a stretch; however, it is the best way to describe it to someone that has never ventured to this part of the world. Singapore does not have the four typical seasons that you may be used to. Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter aren’t a thing on the island. Instead, there are two different periods during the year, one where it is dry and humid, and another where it rains constantly.
The dry part of the year starts in March and ends in September. During this period, temperatures will rise to around thirty-two degrees Celsius, and this is a humid, oppressive type of heat. Then, from October to February, Singapore enters its monsoon season, which means that you can expect heavy downpours throughout these months.
Housing Works Differently
Due to the different climate in Singapore, housing is built using more temporary materials than they are in other parts of the world. The excessive amount of rain in this country means that places are more likely to flood. Therefore, residents need to be able to repair or rebuild their homes cheaply and briskly. This means that housing prices are a lot lower in this part of the world.
What’s more, some companies like PropertyGuru deal in build-to-order flats or BTO. This type of accommodation is worth looking into if you are planning to move to Singapore on a more permanent basis.
Language
Singapore was part of the British empire for one hundred and forty-four years. As such, you will find that many of the native people use English as part of their universal dialect. English is spoken during most commercial and business transactions, which means that English speakers will have no trouble working in this part of the world.
However, Singapore is part of southern Asia, which means that the population also speaks Mandarin. This language is mostly used in more conversational settings, but you will also find that many residents of Singapore have adopted a style of speaking known as Singlish. This is a conversational blend of the island’s two main languages that makes it easier for the two groups to converse with each other.
Law And Order
The island of Singapore bases many of its laws and ethics on western ideologies. This is a product of being under British rule for so long. While you will find that many of the laws in Singapore are quite reasonable, you will also find that they are stricter in certain areas.
Singapore prides itself on being an idyllic island nation, which is why you will receive hefty fines for exhibiting behaviors that may disturb this image. Actions like littering, drinking in public, jaywalking, and more will land you in a lot of trouble, so it is a good idea to read up on the rules of the country before you head out there permanently. A first-time litterer will be fined up to one thousand dollars for the offense, but this fine can grow to a lofty five-thousand dollars if you are caught out again so be respectful.
Tipping
Different parts of the world have varying views about tipping. In the USA, it is customary to tip serving staff fifteen percent on top of your bill as the living wage in this country is quite low. However, you will not have to worry about counting out your change at the end of your meal when you live in Singapore.
Tipping is so customary in this part of the world that an additional ten percent of your bill will include a tipping charge when you dine out in Singapore. It may seem unfair; however, it is common practice, and many diners will tip more if they feel up to it. Try not to be rude, and remember that tipping is a big part of the culture in Singapore.
Conclusion
Like every foreign nation, Singapore will have its quirks. However, there are reasons for these changes, so make sure you brush up on these ideas if you are deciding to move to Singapore.