Moving To Singapore

Medical Insurance

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 10:11:14 GMT

You can pay for your healthcare costs through medical insurance policies. Most insurance companies offer a range of medical policies, such as hospitalisation plans and critical illness plans. You may also pay your hospitalisation expenses and medical insurance premiums from your Medisave or MediShield accounts which form part of your Central Provident Fund (CPF).
If you bought an insurance policy in your previous country of residence, they may be able to service your policy here if they have a branch in Singapore. It will be easier for you to check and settle all insurance matters before moving here.

Insurance Companies in Singapore

Company	Telephone	Website
AIA	(65) 1800 248 8000	www.aia.com.sg
Asia Life Assurance	(65) 6224 3181	www.asialife.com.sg
Aviva Ltd	(65) 6221 8686	www.icsinsurance.com.sg
AXA Insurance Singapore	(65) 1800 880 4741	www.axa.com.sg
Great Eastern Life	(65) 1800 248 2888	www.lifeisgreat.com.sg
NTUC Income	(65) 6336 3322	www.income.com.sg
OAC Insurance	(65) 6321 0013	www.lifeisgreat.com.sg
Prudential	(65) 6321 0013	www.prudential.com.sg
UOB Life Assurance	(65) 6227 8477	www.uoblife.com.sg

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Dental Care

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:55:38 GMT

There are more than 900 registered dentists in Singapore.

The Health Promotion Board provides free dental check-ups and basic dental services to students through a network of 200 static clinics located in the schools as well as 30 mobile dental clinics.

Public dental services are available in some polyclinics and hospitals, and the National Dental Centre. The fee charged on each visit depends on the treatment and procedures required. You can get a simple treatment such as filling, extraction or scaling at government dental clinics for S$15.00 to S$60.00. Subsidised rates are given to students below 18 years old and senior citizens above the age of 64.

The rates in private clinics are normally higher than government clinics.

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Hospitals

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:52:57 GMT

There are well-equipped government and private hospitals in Singapore. Every hospital has a 24-hour Accident and Emergency unit (A&E) to cater to medical emergencies. For hospital admissions, you will need to bring along identification documents, a doctor's referral letter and a guarantee of payment. In case of an emergency, you may contact any of the hospitals listed here:

Public Hospital	Contact Number
Singapore General Hospital	(65) 6222 3322
Tan Tock Seng Hospital	1800 252 9919
National University Hospital	1800 772 5555
Changi General Hospital	(65) 6788 8833
Alexandra Hospital	(65) 6472 2000
KK Women's and Children's Hospital	(65) 6293 4044
Institute of Mental Health/Woodbridge Hospital	(65) 6389 2000


Private Hospital	Contact Number
Mount Elizabeth Hospital	(65) 6737 2666
Gleneagles Hospital	(65) 6473 7222
Mount Alvernia Hospital (24-hr outpatient)	(65) 6253 4818
East Shore Hospital	(65) 6344 7588
Thomson Medical Centre (24-hr outpatient)	(65) 6256 9494

Government and Government Restructured Hospitals
The government and government restructured hospitals offer care of varying levels depending on the ward chosen. There are 6-8 ward classes, from single-bedded wards to 12-bedded and open wards. The government hospitals are Alexandra Hospital and Woodbridge Hospital. Government restructured hospitals are Singapore General Hospital (SGH), Kandang Kerbau (KK) Hospital, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, the National University Hospital (NUH) and Changi General Hospital (CGH).

The fees for X-rays, laboratory tests and surgical operations are charged separately from the ward charges. Daily ward charges depend on the type of ward and the type of hospital. Here’s a guide to the ward charges:

Ward/Class	Government Hospitals	Restructured Hospitals
A1 (Single bed)	S$240.00	S$206.00 to S$323.00
A2 (Two-bedded)	S$195.00	S$200.00 to S$215.00
B1 (Aircon four-bedded)	S$150.00	S$145.00 to S$189.00
B1 (Non-aircon four-bedded)	S$115.00	-
B2 (Six to 12 beds)	S$40.00	S$39.00 to S$50.00
C (Open ward)	S$21.00	S$20.00 to S$25.00

Foreigners and those who are on long-term social visit passes will have to pay more for treatment at the government or government-restructured hospitals. They can only stay in Class A and B1 wards. If they would like to stay in Class B2 or C wards, the charges will double. The charges are:

Type of Treatment/Ward	Fees Chargeable
Inpatient /Outpatient Treatment	At Class A rates
Ward Charges	In accordance to the rates
Surcharge	30% of the total hospital bill

Individual public hospital charging schemes are available at the eCitizen Web portal.

Private Hospitals
The rates in private hospitals are determined by each individual hospital, and they are generally higher than that of government hospitals. Medication, tests and doctor's fees are charged separately. Here’s a guide to daily ward charges in private hospitals in Singapore:

Ward / Class	Daily Ward Fee
A1 (Single bed)	S$280.00 onwards
A2 (Two-bedded)	S$220.00 onwards
B1 (Aircon four-bedded)	S$80.00 onwards

Individual private hospital charging schemes are available at the eCitizen Web portal.

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Specialist Care

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:52:35 GMT

Various national centres for specialist treatment have been set up in Singapore, such as:

Singapore National Eye Centre
www.snec.com.sg
National Heart Centre
www.nhc.com.sg
National Skin Centre
www.nsc.gov.sg
Woodbridge Hospital/Institute of Mental Health
www.imh.com.sg
National Cancer Centre
www.nccs.com.sg
National Neuroscience Institute
www.nni.com.sg

Many private clinics in Singapore also provide specialist services to meet the specialised healthcare needs of individuals.

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Community Hospitals

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:50:01 GMT

The Government has also introduced community hospitals for intermediate healthcare for the convalescent sick and aged who do not require the care of the general hospitals.

The Ministry of Health has more information about residential and community-based Intermediate and Long-Term Care.

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Medical Care for the Elderly

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:47:37 GMT

Many older people prefer to live in a familiar environment with their family members and friends. However, in the event that the older person and/or the family cannot manage to care or support the needs of the older person, community healthcare services may be required to help the older person to remain at home. These community healthcare services may be provided at home or in a centre.

Senior Citizens’ Healthcare Centres

Some polyclinics have Senior Citizens’ Healthcare Centres which have been set up to serve the elderly, making it possible for them to avoid hospital stays and be cared for at home. The charges are nominal, ranging from S$5.00 to S$20.00 a day.

Parents of permanent residents who are here on long-term social visit passes are eligible for these services:

Rehabilitation such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy
Periodic health screening
Health education for the family members of the elderly patient

Home-Based Services

Healthcare services can be provided within the homes of the older persons. The healthcare services would be medical, nursing or palliative care.

Home Medical and Home Nursing
Home Hospice Care Services

Centre-Based Services

Healthcare services may also be provided within a centre. The older person will attend these centres during the day, usually on a regular basis, but will go back to their own homes for the night.

Day Rehabilitation Centres for the Elderly
Dementia Day Care Centres
Psychiatric Day Care Centres and Rehabilitation Homes

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Polyclinics

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:45:30 GMT

Polyclinics are owned by the government and they are one-stop medical centres that provide a wide range of services for outpatient care. You can find them in all major Housing Development Board estates and town centres. Their services include:

Outpatient medical care for acute and chronic illnesses
Immunisation and screening for commonly occurring diseases
Laboratory, X-ray and pharmacy services
Family planning
Maternal and child healthcare
Medical attention for the elderly
Screening for communicable diseases, such as Hepatitis B and AIDS
Psychiatric services
Dental treatment
Health education

On your first visit, bring along your identity card or passport, if you are a foreigner, for registration. If the patient is a child under the age of 12, you will have to bring his/her birth certificate. Upon registration, you will receive your appointment card and must bring this card with you on future visits.

The operating hours for government polyclinics is 8.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm from Mondays to Fridays, and 8.00 am to 12.30 pm on Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays.
The fees charged at the polyclinics depend on the type of illness you have, the tests and the treatment required. As a guide, the fees are:

Type of Consultation	Fees Chargeable
Consultation for adults	S$8.00
Consultation for children up to age 18 and all school children	S$4.00
Consultation for Singapore citizens above 65 years of age	S$4.00
Medication for adults (a week's supply)	S$1.20 - S$6.00
Medication for school children and senior citizens (a week's supply)	S$0.60 - S$3.00

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Private Clinics - The Family Doctor

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:32:25 GMT

A family doctor is registered as a General Practitioner (GP) in your neighbourhood. He/She is someone who can treat you with an understanding of your medical history. You would need to bring along the relevant documents to prove your status or residence in Singapore for registration. An appointment card will be issued to you. For visits, you will only need to bring the appointment card.

Some private doctors make house calls. You can page or call them should you need medical attention at night.
Most housing estates have private clinics and you can check it out in the telephone directory or the directory of clinics at the Ministry of Health website.

Some clinics operate 24 hours daily whereas most clinics' opening hours are 9.00 am to 5.00 pm from Mondays to Fridays, with some continuing from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm. Most clinics operate from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm on Saturdays. They are usually closed on Sundays.

The fees charged by the GP vary depending on the type of illness you have and the cost of the treatment. In general, family doctors charge fees according to the following fee structure:

Service	Fees
In-office Short Consultation	S$18 - S$26
In-office Long Consultation	S$25 - S$55
Extended Consultation (per 15-minute block)	S$20 - S$25
Non-Emergency House Call	S$100 - S$150
Emergency House Call	S$150 - S$200
Hospital Inpatient Consultation (per day)	S$50 - S$100

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Useful Numbers

Wed, 16 May 2007 07:08:45 GMT

Emergency
Police	999 (toll-free)
Emergencies/Ambulance/Fire Brigade	995 (toll-free)
Important Public Services
Police Hotline	1800 225 0000 (toll-free)
Traffic Police Hotline	1800 547 1818
AAS Emergency Road Service	6748 9911
Non-Emergency Ambulance Service	1777
Information
Flight Information (24-hour)	1800-542 4422 (toll-free)
STB Touristline (24-hour automated tourist information system)	1800-736 2000 (toll-free in Singapore only)
CitySearch (operator-assisted Yellow Pages)	1900 777 7777
Time of Day	1711
Weather	(65) 6542 7788
International Calls	104
Trunk Calls to Malaysia	Dial 109 for operator assistance, or 02 for direct dial.
Dial-A-Cab
Comfort CabLink	6552 1111/6552 2222
CitiCab	6552 4525
Premier Taxis/Silver Cab	6476 8880
SMRT Taxis	6555 8888
Smart Automobile	6485 7777
Trans-Cab Services	6555 3333

National Service

Wed, 16 May 2007 07:08:07 GMT

Under the Enlistment Act, all male Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents are liable for National Service (NS). Since its introduction in 1967, NS has been providing defence for our nation and helping our people bond.

By bringing Singaporeans from diverse backgrounds together, NS has helped foster greater cohesiveness and understanding across the different ethnic groups. It has become a way of life and the common experience binding male Singaporeans.

The acquisition of foreign citizenship (dual citizenship) does not exempt a Singapore citizen from his NS obligations.

Like all other male Singapore citizens, dual citizens are required to register for full-time National Service (NSF) upon reaching 16 ½ years of age, and to enlist for Full-time NS (NSF) upon reaching 18 years of age.

It is an offence to evade NS (Section 32 of the Enlistment Act). Anyone attempting to do so shall be liable, on conviction, for imprisonment of a term of up to three years, or a maximum fine of S$5,000, or both.

For more information, visit these websites:

Registration for National Service

All male Singaporeans and Permanent Residents must register for National Service (NS) upon reaching the age of 16½ years.

Registration for Male Singaporeans and Permanent Residents who have been living and/or studying overseas

You will be sent registration notices to register for NS overseas.

e-Registration for Male Singaporeans and Permanent Residents studying/living in Singapore

You will receive a Registration Notice from the Central Manpower Base (CMPB) regarding the date of online registration. The mass media in Singapore will also carry announcements to inform NS-liable persons to register. The Registration Notice will be sent about one week in advance to prepare you for e-Registration.

If you are studying in Singapore in a local government school/institution, you can also apply for deferment from Full-Time NS pending completion of studies.

Pre-Enlistment Documentation and Booking of Medical Appointment Dates

Students nearing completion of their present courses of study and/or cannot be further deferred from NS will be asked to complete the pre-enlistment documentation online, as well as book their medical appointment.

They will be required to update the following:

Personal Particulars
Particulars of Family Members

Educational Background
Co-Curricular Activities (CCA)
Awards
Language Proficiency
Bank and Bank Account Number
Medical Appointment Date

When you report to CMPB for your medical examination, you will go through:

Image capturing
Medical examination
Aptitude assessment

Deferment of Full-Time National Service (NSF)

Registrants who wish to apply for deferment of Full-Time National Service (NSF) to continue their studies may do so online at the MINDEF website. If you meet the deferment guidelines, your application to defer NS will be approved.

When applying for deferment, please provide:

Documentary proof of your study status
Parents’ income tax return

For more details, you can visit these websites:

Operational Ready National Servicemen

Upon completion of your Full-Time National Service (NSF), you will proceed to serve as operationally ready national servicemen (NSmen).

NSmen are liable to be called up for a maximum of 40 days of national service every year until the age of 50 years (for officers) or 40 years (for others).

NSmen going overseas for more than 24 hours and less than six months need to notify the MINDEF Notification Centre. Only those who go overseas for more than six months need to apply for an exit permit.

More information is available at these websites:

Healthcare

Wed, 16 May 2007 07:07:45 GMT

Singapore has a world-class healthcare system, which is well respected throughout Southeast Asia. Most doctors speak good English and many have had training overseas.

All private and government hospitals in Singapore are equipped with the most up-to-date diagnostic technology.

Dental care, optometry and paramedical services, as well as speech, occupational, and physical therapy are widely available across the island-state.

Most housing estates are serviced by government polyclinics as well as private clinics.

The government has also introduced community hospitals for intermediate healthcare for the convalescent sick and aged who do not require the care of the general hospitals. The Ministry of Health is a good place to start for all healthcare enquiries.

Domestic Help

Wed, 16 May 2007 07:07:19 GMT

You can bring in foreign domestic workers either on your own or by going through an agency. All applications have to be submitted to the Work Pass Division (WPD) under the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

In general, employers cannot apply for a Work Permit (WP) for a foreigner who is on a social visit such as on holiday or short term visit to Singapore. If you are applying for a WP for a foreign domestic worker who has never worked in Singapore before, she must be 23 years of age or above and below 50 years old at the time of the application. Also, she must have received a minimum of 8 years of formal education.

Please click on the following links for guidelines and requirements that you should note when employing foreign domestic workers:

See entry requirements for first-time FDWs.

Schooling

Wed, 16 May 2007 07:05:06 GMT

There is a strong focus on education in Singapore. Teachers are well-qualified while schooling facilities are amongst the best in the world.

Please visit the Ministry of Education website for more information on the education system and the directory of schools in Singapore.

Enrolment Procedure

As a foreign student, your child may submit his or her application directly to the schools at all levels. Approach the schools for admission to kindergartens, private schools, universities or polytechnics. To study in Singapore, you are required to either apply for a Student Pass or a Dependant’s Pass.

Please click on the following links for more information on:

Care Services

Wed, 16 May 2007 07:04:39 GMT

Child Care

Child Care Centres (CCCs) generally provide half day and full day care programmes for toddlers from 18 months to children below 7 years of age. Infant Care services for younger babies may also be available for some of these centres.

Besides providing working parents with reliable care services, these centres also aim to provide an enriching and up-to-date preschool curriculum in a conducive environment.

The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) licenses CCCs which meet acceptable standards under the Child Care Centres Act and Regulation.

If your child is a Singapore Citizen or a Permanent Resident (PR) infant or child below 7 years of age attending a licenced CCC, you are eligible for a monthly childcare subsidy of up to $150. Visit the MCYS website to find out more details, or to search through a comprehensive directory of child care services available in Singapore.

Student Care

Student Care Centres (SCCs) provide day care services for school children between the ages of seven (Primary 1) to fourteen (Secondary 2). Besides a safe environment, such centres do often provide tuition, homework supervision, enrichment and other recreational activities to ensure that a balanced social, emotional and intellectual development is achieved.

A fee subsidy Student Care Fee Assistance (SCFA) is provided for families whose household income is below $2,500 per month. Visit the MCYS website to find out more details, or to search through a comprehensive directory of student care services available in Singapore.

Care for Senior Citizens

The elderly, who are over 55 years of age, may want to join one of the senior citizens’ or retirees’ clubs run by the People’s Association. Some of the events organised range from social activities to sports and fitness programmes. Please visit the People’s Association website for more details.

Specialised elderly care services are also available, search through a comprehensive directory of eldercare centres on the MCYS website to locate the right one. Counselling and befriending services, day care and home care services are generally provided by such centres.

Getting Around

Wed, 16 May 2007 07:03:44 GMT

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) & Light Rail Transit (LRT)

The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) operates a network of trains, which serves 51 stations, covering most business, shopping and residential areas in Singapore. These trains are highly reliable, arriving every three to eight minutes from 5.30 am to 12.30 am daily. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) is a 7.8km feeder rail service of 14 stations, covering only Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang estates currently. Click here to find out more details on train routes, fares and travel times.

To travel on both the MRT and LRT, you can either buy tickets at any train station, or pay using an EZ-Link cash card purchased at any station or bus terminal. You can use the same EZ-Link card to travel on public buses in Singapore.

Buses

Public buses run daily from 5.30am to midnight, and their pick-up routes are extremely comprehensive throughout the island at regular intervals (less than 30 minutes between buses). There are also extended night services which cost slightly more. You can either pay via cash, or an EZ-Link cash card you can buy or top up value at any bus interchange or MRT station.

The two main bus operators in Singapore are SBS Transit Ltd and SMRT Buses Ltd. Visit their websites for more information on respective bus routes and fares.

Taxis

Over 19,000 taxis ply the streets of Singapore round the clock. You may flag down a taxi from the street, queue for one at a taxi stand, or make a booking through the taxi company’s hotline or website. Taxis carry a maximum of four passengers by regulation in Singapore. Other than the travel fare, surcharges may include Electronic Road Pricing (ERP), peak hour and public holiday charges. A surcharge is also imposed by taxis for picking up passengers from the Changi International Airport.

To find out more details or to book a taxi, please contact the respective taxi companies:

Citycab Pte Ltd	6552 2222
Comfort Transportation Pte Ltd	6552 1111 / 6552 2222
Premier Taxis Pte Ltd	6476 8880
Smart Automobile Pte Ltd	6299 1551
SMRT Taxis Pte Ltd	6555 8888
Trans-Cab Services Pte Ltd	6287 6666
Yellow-Top Cab Pte Ltd	6552 1111 / 6552 2222

Driving in Singapore

Cars in Singapore are on right-hand drive, driven on the left side of the road. If you find it too expensive to own a car, leasing a car from major companies like Avis and Hertz is another option.

If you are here on a Social Visit Pass, all you need is an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by the Automobile Association of Singapore (AAS). This Permit is valid for a year. Visit the AAS website for more details on how to apply.

However, if you are a Permanent Resident or have been in Singapore for more than twelve months, a Singapore driving licence is required by the Traffic Police. You need to obtain a Class 3 licence for cars and a Class 2 licence for motorcycles. To convert your foreign driving licence, please contact any of the following driving centres:

While driving in Singapore, it is of utmost importance that you adhere to local traffic rules, such as putting on your safety belt, avoiding the bus lane during certain hours, or using your mobile phone without the hands-free device. Visit the Singapore Police Force website for a complete guide to local traffic regulations and penalties.

Buying a Car

The number of vehicles on Singapore roads is carefully controlled by the Vehicle Quota System. The Land Transport Authority determines the number of new vehicles allowed for registration every year, and administers this quota through the release of Certificates of Entitlement (COEs) every month. A prospective owner is required to go through a tender process to bid for one, in order to register his new car.

Visit the Land Transport Authority One Motoring website for more details on how to:

Bid for a COE
Bid for a Vehicle Number
Calculate Car Cost including Road Tax
Calculate your Monthly Fuel Consumption
Self-import and Register your Vehicle
Install your Vehicle License Plate

Please visit the Land Transport Authority website for more details on vehicle ownership, policies and schemes

Communication

Wed, 16 May 2007 07:02:58 GMT

Telephone and Mobile Phones

There are three main telecommunication providers in Singapore, namely Singtel, Starhub and M1. All three are offering competitive subscription plans for mobile phones. Currently, only Singtel offers fixed line services to homes and offices.

If you are in Singapore for the short term, you can either use your existing roaming-enabled mobile and SIM card, or opt to purchase a pay-per-use SIM card with a local number. The latter offers the obvious advantage of being much cheaper since you are effectively paying local rates. Click here to find out more about other interim mobile service plans for visitors to Singapore.

Public Payphone Services

Public payphones are operated by credit card or stored-value phonecards. They can be used to make both local and international calls. Public payphones can be found in most shopping complexes and MRT stations, and local calls are charged at 10 cents per 3 minutes.

Stored value phonecards are available in denominations of Singapore dollars 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 at post offices and convenience stores. Click here to find out the locations of these post offices.

Internet

Broadband or wireless services are widely and easily accessed through three main Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Singapore, namely Singnet, Starhub, and Pacific Internet.

Other than ISPs, the other option is to log on to Wireless@SG. This is a nationwide programme where users can enjoy free indoor and outdoor seamless wireless broadband access with speeds of up to 512kbps at most public places. Click here to register or find out more details about coverage areas.

Postal Services

SingPost operates a network of more than 60 postal outlets and 200 Self Automated Machines (SAMs) conveniently located throughout the island. Fax and air-parcel postage services are available at all outlets. Visit the SingPost website for more information.

Banking

Wed, 16 May 2007 07:02:32 GMT

Each bank has different requirements for opening an account.

The minimum balance and account charges may differ from bank to bank.

Apart from filling an account application form, you have to present your passport and Employment Pass for identification.

Each bank has different requirements for opening an account. The minimum balance and account charges may differ from bank to bank.

Before opening an account, it is advisable to check for the bank’s specific services and associated fees. Services usually include:

Savings accounts
Fixed deposits
Mutual funds or trusts
NETS (cash withdrawal) cards that allow for electronic payment for goods and services
Credit card facilities
Crediting foreign checks

Leading consumer banks in Singapore include ABN AMRO, Citibank, DBS, HSBC, OCBC, Standard Chartered and UOB.

An online currency converter service is available at Asia One.

Settling-In

Wed, 16 May 2007 07:02:30 GMT

After spending some time in Singapore, you may decide that you love it here and wish to make Singapore your home.

Becoming a Permanent Resident (PR)
For information on PR application procedures, please visit the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website.

Obtaining PR for a Family
Spouse and children, who are of foreign nationalities, can apply to be a PR under the Family Ties Scheme or under the Economic Schemes.
In general, a spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years old) of a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident are eligible to apply for PR. Application forms can be downloaded from the ICA website.

If you wish to make an application while overseas, you can do so via Singapore Overseas Missions.

Becoming a Singapore Citizen
For information on Citizenship application procedures, please visit the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website .

Obtaining Citizenship for Spouse and Children
The spouse and/or child of a Singapore citizen who has been a PR for at least two years may apply to become a Singapore citizen. All applications are subject to approval from ICA. It generally takes between three to six months to process an application. More information is available on the ICA website.

For assessment of your eligibility for Permanent Residence or Citizenship, click here.

Overseas Singaporeans
Moving back to Singapore ? Click here.

Accommodation

Wed, 16 May 2007 07:01:53 GMT

For those who plan to stay in Singapore for a while, finding their own place is a top priority.

Singapore offers a host of accommodation options, both for short term and long term needs, and apartment hunting can be quite fun.

Those with families might prefer to rent a service apartment in the downtown area. Singapore offers four key types of housing:

Short-Term Housing
Long-Term Housing
Public Housing
Private Housing

Short-Term Housing

There is a wide variety of short-term accommodation available in Singapore to suit all budgets and personal preferences, ranging from budget hostels, service apartments to world class five-star hotels.

Please visit the Singapore Tourism Board website to access a comprehensive directory of places to stay and their estimated price range.

Long Term Housing

If you are looking to stay in Singapore for a significant period of time, long-term public and private housing for rental, and limited sale of certain private properties are available for foreigners.

If you are looking to rent, public housing apartments built by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) located all over the island is a good option. These government-subsidized flats are located in convenient, self-contained neighbourhoods with basic amenities such as supermarkets, food centres, clinics, schools, malls, libraries as well as access to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system. Click here (link to below) to find out how you can rent one of these flats.

Private apartments, condominiums and houses are also available for rental. Rental rates depend on the location, such as proximity to the MRT station and amenities, size and condition of the flat or house, the facilities provided and whether the place is furnished, unfurnished or partially furnished. Click here (link to below) to find out how you can rent or buy a private property under Singapore regulation.

Public Housing

Most Singaporeans live in apartments built by the Housing and Development Board (HDB). These government-subsidized flats are located in housing estates all over the island. Each estate is a self-contained neighbourhood with basic amenities such as supermarkets, food centres, clinics, schools, malls, libraries as well as access to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system.

A major advantage of the HDB accommodation is the reasonable rental. The flats range from one-room to five-room and executive models. Please click here to find out the latest rental estimates in each neighbourhood.

By regulation, to rent a HDB flat, you must be either a:

Singapore Citizen or
Singapore Permanent Resident or
Non-citizen legally residing in Singapore (holder of Singapore blue Identity Card, Employment Pass, Work Permit or Student Pass).

Please visit the HDB website for further details on rental eligibility.

Private Housing

If you prefer private housing, take your pick of private apartments, condominium units or houses listed in the classified advertisements of the Straits Times, or approach a housing agent for the rental and purchase rates of private property.

Rental rates depend on the location, such as proximity to the MRT station and amenities, size and condition of the flat or house, the facilities provided and whether the place is furnished, unfurnished or partially furnished.

If you are interested in renting an apartment, you need to:

Sign a lease with the owner. This is a legal contract between you and the owner, which sets out the duties and responsibilities of both parties;
Sign an inventory, listing all the items provided by the owner, including their condition;
Pay rent in advance;
Put down a deposit or “security bond” equivalent to one month’s rent if your lease is for one-year period, which will be returned when you leave unless there are rental charges or other costs outstanding.

Under the Residential Property Act (RPA), foreigners can buy restricted properties only with approval. Restricted properties are landed properties as well as apartments in non-condominium developments of less than 6 levels. Please visit the Urban Redevelopment Authority website for more details on foreign ownership of residential properties under the RPA.

Customs

Wed, 16 May 2007 07:01:17 GMT

There is no limit to the amount of money you may bring into Singapore. However, customs/immigration may question you on the purpose of the money that is being brought in. To ensure hassle-free clearing of customs, you are advised to declare it to the immigration and customs officers on duty.

Travellers who require customs services or to pay duty and/or GST on their goods may proceed directly to the Customs Duty Office at the Checkpoint.

Dutiable Goods

There are 4 types of dutiable goods in Singapore in general. For a full list of dutiable goods, please refer to the Singapore Customs website.

Intoxicating liquors, including spirits, wine, beer, ale and stout;
Tobacco, including cigarettes and cigars;
Motor spirit; and
Motor cars and motorcycles/motor scooters.

For more information with regards to clearing the Singapore Customs, please click on any of the following:

Useful Contacts

Animal, Meat and Seafood Regulatory Branch Food and Veterinary Administration Department Agri-food And Veterinary Authority 5 Maxwell Road #02-00 Tower Block MND Complex Singapore 069110 Tel : +65 6227 0670 Fax : +65 6227 6305 Website : www.ava.gov.sg	Centre for Animal Welfare and Control Animal and Plant Health Inspection Division Agri-food And Veterinary Authority 75 Pasir Panjang Road Singapore 118507 Tel : +65 1800 476 1600 / +65 6471 9987 Fax : +65 6472 6157 E-mail : ava_cawc@ava.gov.sg Website : www.ava.gov.sg
Petmovers (S) Pte Ltd No. 4 Pasir Ris Farmway II Singapore 519318 Tel : +65 6581 3688 Fax : +65 6581 3735 Email : lee@petmovers.com.sg	Agri-food And Veterinary Authority 5 Maxwell Road #03-00 Tower Block MND Complex Singapore 069110 Tel : +65 6227 0670 Fax : +65 6220 6068 Website : www.ava.gov.sg
Films & Publication Department 45 Maxwell Road #07-11/12 URA Centre East Wing Singapore 069118 Tel : +65 6372 2800 Fax : +65 6221 0340	Singapore Customs Director-General of Singapore Customs #10-01, 55 Newton Road Revenue House Singapore 307987 Tel : +65 63552000 Fax : +65 6250 8663 E-Mail : customs_feedback@customs.gov.sg Website : www.customs.gov.sg
Airports Customs Duty Office Terminal 1 Tel : +65 6545 8784 Duty Office Terminal 2 Tel: +65 6545 7159 Email : customs_airports@customs.gov.sg	Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore 8 Temasek Boulevard, #14-00 Suntec Tower Three Singapore 038988 Tel : +65 6211 0888 Fax : +65 6538 0402 Email : info@ida.gov.sg Website : www.ida.gov.sg
Singapore Police Force Arms & Explosives Branch Block J, 3 Ladyhill Road Singapore 258672 Tel : +65 6838 1764/5 Fax : +65 6734 0531 Website : www.spinet.gov.sg	Health Sciences Authority 11 Outram Road Singapore 169078 Tel : +65 1800 - 223 1816
Division of Manufacturing and Quality Audit Centre For Pharmaceutical Administration Health Sciences Authority No. 2 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 169547 Fax: +65 63255594, Tel: +65 63255650 Email : hsa_info@hsa.gov.sg