Living in Singapore – Interview With an Expat

What is expat life in Singapore like?

Singapore is a popular expat city. I remember thinking I could see myself living in Singapore, when I visited this island city-state a few years ago.

To find out more about what life in Singapore is like, I am interviewing Karin, a Dutch expat currently living in Singapore.

This interview is part of the Ask an Expat series. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of life abroad, share tips about moving to the place the expat now calls home, and information about what to see and do here.

Expat Life in Singapore

Name: Karin
Age: 30
Hometown: Helmond, The Netherlands

Her Story:

“I have always loved traveling. My parents took me to different countries in Europe, Northern Africa, and North America from a very young age.

During a family trip through Mexico in 2012, I met my husband (well, boyfriend back then).

Soon after we got home, he went to Australia. He studied there for a few months before I flew over to travel around the country together.

My husband mentioned during our travels that he wanted to continue his studies abroad, preferably in the USA as education is very good there. I always wanted to move to another country, so just a few months after we returned from traveling Down Under, we started the process of moving to the USA.

About a year later, we moved to Durham, North Carolina, where my husband studied for four years at Duke University. I worked as a veterinary technician in a local shelter and we submerged ourselves fully into the American culture.

After 4 life-changing years, we decided to leave the USA and move to Singapore.”

Why Did You Move to Singapore?

“We simply wanted to explore and experience another part of our planet.

About two years after we moved to the USA, we started talking about new options, just to explore. We couldn’t stay in the USA indefinitely due to visa regulations, and we both didn’t want to go back home.

We started looking for an English-speaking country with decent weather. Singapore came up for the first time back then, but initially I didn’t like the idea of living in Singapore.

One year later, I started reading more about Singapore and I was pleasantly surprised. We had never been there but heard great stories. We were just like, let’s give it a go!”

Also Read: Who Moving Abroad is a Great Experience

What Do You Like About Life in Singapore?

“The fact that it is a huge melting pot of cultures.

You have all the Western comforts from infrastructure and cleanliness, but on the other hand, there are many local traditions from India, Malaysia, and China.

Every religion or race has its own celebrations and events which you can participate in. I’ve learned so many new things since I moved to Singapore.”

What Do You Dislike About Life in Singapore?

“Living in Singapore is expensive.

I mean, there are some cheap eateries and cheap ways to get around, as the locals do, and you will also adapt to this, but most of the things are expensive.

Rent is by far the biggest expense, especially if you want to live somewhere central or in a condo with facilities.

Groceries, alcohol, and eating at Western restaurants also add up quickly. It’s easy to spend way more than you planned without really noticing.”

Is Singapore Safe as a Place to Live?

“Yes, life in Singapore is very safe. In fact, it’s often listed as one of the safest countries in the world.

Of course that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. Use common sense and watch your belongings when you are out in the city since the most common type of crime is petty theft.”

What is Your Favorite Thing to Do in Singapore?

“Eat!

Singapore is a culinary capital. I love to try new dishes and cuisines. I mean, have you ever had a SG$4 meal in a Michelin Star restaurant?!”

Also Read: A Local’s Guide to What to Do & What to Eat in Singapore

What is Your Favorite Place to Hang Out in Singapore?

“I like to hang out in more local places like the hawker center (a market at which individual vendors sell ready-to-eat food from small booths) in our neighborhood for a few drinks or good food.

In the neighborhood called Tiong Bahru there is a nice hawker center above the daily wet market. I love going to 33 Café there. The owners are so appreciative that you come to their stall for kopi or teh (coffee or tea). I like creating a relationship with them.

You will hardly see any tourists or other Western people at this center, which does attract more attention to you. People will wave or come over to have a small chat.”

What is the Expat / International Community Like in Singapore?

“The expat community in Singapore is huge.

Singapore is one of the best expat countries in the world.

It is so easy to get connected with other people from either your home country or international people.

There are tons of events and get-togethers, and you’ll meet expats from all over the world living in Singapore.”

Any Tips for Moving to / Living in Singapore?

“If you are (like us) not moving to Singapore on a luxurious expat package and you need to make your own arrangements, I highly recommend getting in contact with a rental agent to view homes when you arrive. It just takes so much stress away. It’s worth the money!

Bring an umbrella for the rain or for the sun haha.

And even though it might not feel that way in the beginning, you will get used to the humidity. Even your hair! I promise.”

Also Read: Things to Think About Before Moving Abroad

Any Resources You Found Useful During the Process of Moving to and Building a New Life in Singapore?

“Facebook has tons of expat groups. Groups with people from your home country, groups for people who like to explore the city, groups for people who like to have coffee during the day, you name it!

I just added myself to different Facebook groups for people living in Singapore and joined their events and get-togethers.

It’s an easy way to make friends in Singapore and also to gain information. Everyone is happy to help you out with any questions you may have about life in Singapore.”

Tip: Make sure you get a VPN to be able to access websites and apps freely and securely.

Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You Are in Singapore?

“The internet is full of the obvious things people have to do, like visit the Marina Bay Sands or Gardens by the Bay.

I would say leave that behind for a day and explore Singapore’s nature parks. They are beautiful with lush trees and many species of animals you can spot. You’ll have no idea you are in the middle of the city!”

About Karin – Expat in Singapore

Karin is a Dutch blogger enjoying expat life in Singapore with her husband.

On her blog Kaat Keeps Going she writes about living in Singapore and about expat life in general.

She also writes about her travels sharing tips, travel reviews, and itineraries.

About Singapore

Singapore is a highly developed island city-state in Southeast Asia with a population of nearly 6 million people. It is a global financial center with a tropical climate and a multicultural population.

Singapore combines the skyscrapers and subways of a modern, affluent city with a medley of Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences.

The city is compact, exceptionally clean, and known for its efficient infrastructure, safety, and strong economy. English is one of the official languages (alongside Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil), which makes daily life relatively easy for many expats.

Add to this tasty food, numerous shopping malls, and a vibrant nightlife scene, and you have found yourself a city that is popular with both travelers and expats.

Public transport is excellent. The MRT system is reliable, affordable, and covers most of the island, and therefore many residents don’t need a car (which is just as well, as car ownership is extremely expensive).

Healthcare is world-class, but mandatory health insurance is typically tied to your visa or employer, so do look into your coverage before relocating.

Housing is the biggest cost factor. Most expats rent private condominiums, while citizens and permanent residents often live in HDB flats (public housing). Rental prices vary significantly depending on proximity to the Central Business District and MRT access.

Singapore is a regional business hub with strong job markets in finance, tech, logistics, and biotech, but employment passes are tightly regulated, so securing a job offer before moving is essential.

Singapore is a very crowded city, second only to Monaco as the world’s most densely populated country. However, unlike many other densely populated countries, Singapore, with over 50% of its area covered by greenery and with more than 50 major parks and 4 nature reserves, is a very livable city.

Singapore’s climate is tropical year-round: hot, humid, and rainy, with no real seasons.

Overall, Singapore offers a very high quality of life, particularly for professionals seeking stability, safety, and global connectivity.

Also Read:

• A Local’s Guide to What to See & Do in Singapore
• Moving Overseas – 12 Practical Relocation Tips
• Things to Do Before Moving Abroad – A Checklist
• 5 Great Reasons to Move Abroad

 

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