Singapore Life: How We Started (#PinoyTake)

I wake up sometimes unable to believe that I now live in a different country. I have always dreamt of living in places like Afghanistan, South America, Pakistan, Laos, Myanmar but never in Singapore. Never in a comfortable and peaceful country like this.

Mt. Faber Peak- fr here you can have an overview of the city

I guess you will really never know what life will offer until it's there.

So I've been here for more than one month. I've had my few bloopers but not much. Anyhow, Singapore is close to the Philippines and almost everywhere, you can see Filipinos. Aside from the lack of traffic jam, efficient transportation and very few cigarette smokers, I can still feel the Philippines in many ways.

We went here with a few help and reminder from some people. So I guess this post is dedicated to some Filipinos and other Asians who are thinking of living here. I will also share some websites that helped us get started. I am not an expert so please feel free to add something on the comments :)

1) Visa:

Your employer must get you a working visa before you can start working here, naturally. Either you will get an S-pass or an E-pass depending on your qualifications and the job you are applying for. Check ministry of manpower website here for details.

2) Housing:

Some are blessed to be offered housing from the company but most of the time you are on your own. This is a major thing to consider for a job offer. Housing is very expensive in Singapore. So if you find an $800-$1200 for a fully furnished condo, don’t buy it. It only means it is a hoax. We were almost cheated in craigslist for that.

The house fees range from $500-$1000 for a room rental, $1000-$1200 for a master room (depending on the location) and $1400-$1600 for a studio type room. Northwestern areas like Yishun and Sembawang sometimes offer $1400-$1500 for a one-room apartment which is also good enough.

We found a good deal via propertyguru.sg for a studio type apartment. Our agent Beng Beng Tan of Houston Properties was able to assist us with our needs. For just a day, we were able to close the deal. (By the way, agent is a must in Singapore! Make sure to ask for their company and registration ID so you’ll know you are in good hands).

Sharing is common in this country but we were blessed to have a private space. Small but fully furnished, quiet and private.

Websites for Housing: Be careful and make sure the ads are legitimate!
Property Guru: http://www.propertyguru.com.sg/
Pinoy Site: pinoysg.com
Gumtree: http://singapore.gumtree.sg/
99: https://www.99.co

3) Transportation

You need an EZLink or NETS card (SGD12 each) to go around SG. You can use the top-up card in the trains and bus. We use an app called MOOVIT to help us find the best route and bus number. If you live near an MRT station, it is easier to go around. All the MRT Line (red, purple, green, yellow, blue) are linked to each other. It's easy to understand and it's unlikely that you'll be lost.

from google

5) Shops to Note for

If you live in the Eastern and Northeastern area, then I have good news for you. There is a place in Tampines (Bus Station BEF TPE) that has these three stores that I love! (Click the name of the store for the link).

IKEA (they also have a smaller branch in Alexandria- Western part)

The furniture here are perfect for small places like ours. The price isn't so bad too. 

COURTS

Electronics and appliances hub

GIANTS

I love giants because they always have cheaper prices for groceries.

If you’re far from this area, most likely there is a nearby HBD Market or in the MRT Station, there’s always a mall with Cold Storage and FairPrice. 

MUSTAFA (near Farrer Park Station-NE Line)

Mustafa is the craziest place in Singapore. The stuff there are really cheap (sometimes, even cheaper than the Philippine prices!) From shampoo, perfumes, electronic appliances, decorations, clothes, even food from different countries —name it, it’s there!

FUNNAN (near City Hall Station-EW and NS Lines)

This is an electronic hub and a favourite of many computer savvy people.

EXPO (near Changi Airport, Expo Station- EW Line)

Sale of different electronics—from cellphones, to televisions, computers. People go here and they go crazy from all the sales available.

ANCHORPOINT (near Queenstown Station-EW Line; then take #33 or #64 bus)

Anchorpoint is a hidden gem for people who like to shop.  The Cotton On, G2000, Pedro, Charles and Keith, Typo, Giordano outlets are inside this gem-nasium!!! I was able to buy a pants in Cotton On (which costs P1999 in the Philippines) for only $20 (P700) and a shirt for $5 (less than P200)!!! I love this mall (but it’s a little bit far from my place so it is an effort to visit).
(Just in front of it is the IKEA Alexandria Branch so it is a treat to go)

As I said, I am no expert on this but I hope this will be a helpful post for some. Please feel free to add or correct this post. Thank you!

Some helpful websites:

www.singaporeexpat.com

http://www.expatliving.sg/