Despite ranking top 20 in the list of the world’s smallest nations, there are so many reasons why anyone would want to live in Singapore. For starters, the Southeast Asian island nation is home to one of the freest economies on the planet. It boasts an open, corruption-free business environment that gives many nations a run for their money. Its rapid development after independence from a low-income nation to a high-income country has commanded respect for the country from all corners of the earth over the years.

But have you ever wondered what it’s like to live in Singapore? If so, you’re looking at the right page. Here are a few tips you may need to know about the Singaporean lifestyle, perhaps before you travel or relocate there. Let’s get started.

1. It’s Pretty Hot in Singapore 

If you’re taking a vacation to Singapore these holidays, packing some heat-friendly clothing will do you good. The southeastern Asia Island nation can get pretty hot, considering that it is located just a degree north of the equator. Apart from fairly high humidity, you can expect to deal with temperatures of consistently higher than 30 degrees Celsius.

This is one of the reasons air conditioning is among the most important aspect of indoor comfort to most Singaporeans. Being a tropical country, having a reliable aircon company in Singapore on speed dial is paramount. The best companies offer a wide range of services, including air-conditioning installation, repair, maintenance, and everything in between. If you’re visiting Singapore for a short stay, make sure to bring several shorts, flip-flops, vests, and light-colored clothing for daytime maneuvers.

2. Singapore Can Be Quite Affordable 

Singapore might be one of the most popular Asian countries to live a good life, but it is not necessarily as expensive as many would think. As a matter of fact, it was ironically named by the Economist as the most expensive city on the globe for a good four years consecutively. But if you know where to spend your money, when, and how, Singapore can be quite inexpensive. 

Food can specifically be costly, so you’ll want to avoid things like imported cheese and high-end dinners. Skip three-course meals and things like filet mignon while at it. Other ways to spare some cash each day when living in Singapore may include:

• Utilize public transport (to be discussed below)
• Dine at local food outlets
• Choose your shopping destinations wisely

3. Embrace Public Transport 

As earlier mentioned, Singapore has a really tiny landmass for a nation. The island city-state in Southeastern Asia, nonetheless, has invested heavily in public transport infrastructure, which is perhaps one of the reasons for its rapid development over the years. There are many public transportation options here, with trains, buses, and taxis being among the most popular. If you want to live cheaply in Singapore, you might want to incorporate train travel into your daily routine. They are cheaper, faster, and quite reliable, such that a 20-minute delay could make it to the breaking news of the day.

If you would rather stick to personal transport, you might have to reconsider. A personal car in Singapore doesn’t come cheap. A recent publication on CNN actually discussed why a car is an extravagant expense in this nation. Sometimes you could shell more than you would in Europe to get a new hatchback in Singapore. The Certificate of Entitlement, which is paid to the government, is specifically among the reasons most Singaporeans shy away from personal car ownership. But if you can afford the upfront costs comfortably, why not go for it?

4. Property Prices Can Be Steep 

Considering Singapore’s tiny size, anyone would expect properties to sell like gold. It’s more to do with the supply and demand curve! Moreover, finding the right residence or accommodation can be a buzzkill. Properties near bus stops and MRT stations are specifically in high demand, but more convenient if you work or do business in the city CBD.

If you’ve considered settling in Singapore, you may want to consider renting temporary accommodation as you hunt for a property that best suits your needs and preferences. All across the island, you will find tons of serviced apartments to choose from depending on the amenities and features of your interest. The right pick will buy you enough time to actually find a property you can own on the island city-state and live your desired lifestyle.

5. A Clean and Decluttered Country 

Finally, don’t forget that literally everything is clean everywhere in Singapore. It is extremely hard to spot mess and clutter anywhere in the island city, thanks to the country’s strong foundation and harsh penalties against public littering. Most visitors from America and Europe are actually wowed at how almost all spaces in Singapore are sparkling clean, including the pavements.

Whenever taking a trip or moving to a specific place, it is essential to know what to expect. Singapore is not an exception. Luckily, the few tips above can help get you informed and prepared for the Singapore lifestyle based on your needs, preferences, and budget.