Daily Living
Efficiency is Singapore’s nickname.
You can get access to everyday amenities easily, which makes living here that much more convenient.
Basic Utilities
SP Services Ltd, part of the Singapore Power Group provides a convenient, one-stop service for electricity, water and piped gas supplies in Singapore. It also offers billing and payment collection services on behalf of other utility providers for services such as water and gas, and refuse collection.
The water from the taps in Singapore is safe for drinking.
To open a utilities account with SP Services, click here or call 1800 222 2333. You will need to open a bank account with a local bank to pay your monthly utility bills.
Telephones
Fixed line services is only offered by SingTel, one of three major telecommunication providers in Singapore. Free digital voice lines for home are often offered as part of a package by SingTel and Starhub, another telecommunication provider. For more information, click here.
Cable TV
Cable TV is offered by Starhub and SingTel. For more information, click here.
Newspapers
The main local newspapers are The Straits Times and The Business Times, both in English. Local newspapers in the three other official languages are Lianhe Zaobao (Chinese), Berita Harian (Malay) and Tamil Murasu (Tamil). All these newspapers are published by Singapore Press Holdings. You may buy them at newsstands, have them delivered to you home or subscribe to online editions.
Major international newspapers are also available, including the Financial Times, the International Herald Tribune, the Asian Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. To subscribe to these and other international newspapers, click here.
You can find magazines galore at most newsstands. Many international titles, such as National Geographic, Newsweek, topical magazines such as Asian Diver, Top Gear and the ever popular women’s magazines, are sold here. Check out Time Out Singapore and I-S Magazine which tells you what’s happening in Singapore, what’s in and what’s out. Useful for being kept in the loop!
Groceries
The largest supermarket chain in Singapore is NTUC FairPrice which can be found in most major malls in the Housing Development Board (HDB) estates. Their selection is wide and their prices among the lowest anywhere.
Other competitively priced supermarkets are Shop N Save with 48 outlets around Singapore, Giant, Carrefour, and Sheng Siong.
If you wish to shop like the locals do, check out the neighbourhood wet markets. Usually located in major HDB estates, these markets often operate from the wee hours of the morning to noon, closing on Mondays. Be prepared to experience a blast of colours and smells of fresh fish, meat, seafood, fruit, vegetables and flowers. Dress casually and be careful of slippery floors!