foreigner in singapore Archives

Not all tourists are created equal! While Singaporeans are generally welcoming to foreigners, there are a few traits they really appreciate in visitors.

So, strive to be the kind of tourist that locals welcome with open arms.

#1: FOODIES WHO LOVE LOCAL FLAVORS

If you adore food, you’re already off to a great start. Singaporeans are passionate about their cuisine, and nothing warms their hearts more than seeing visitors enjoy iconic dishes like: Chili Crab, Char Kway Teow, Nasi Lemak, Kaya Toast, Roti Prata, Hokkien Mee, Laksa, and Chicken Rice.

Dive into a hawker center, explore the vibrant food scene, and don’t forget to snap your meal.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#2: QUIET CONVERSATIONALISTS

Singaporeans cherish their peace and quiet, especially in public spaces. If you’re chatting with your group, keep it at a considerate volume. Loud conversations in the MRT or while queuing for food can irk the locals. A little “hush hush” goes a long way in maintaining harmony.

#3: THE RESPECTFUL COMMUTERS

Meet Stand-Up Stacey, the unofficial hero of Singapore’s public transport system. What makes her special? She always gives up her seat to those who need it such as elderly passengers, pregnant women, or people with disabilities.

If you’re seated in a priority spot on the MRT or bus, take note of your surroundings. Ignoring this unspoken rule won’t just earn you a side-eye as it’ll also reflect poorly on your tourist etiquette.

#4: CULTURE & HERITAGE LOVERS

Singapore’s rich heritage is a beautiful mosaic of cultures, traditions, and history. Whether you’re exploring Chinatown, Little India, or Kampong Glam, show your respect for these heritage sites. Avoid littering, follow the rules, and appreciate the stories behind these spaces.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

After all, it’s not just sightseeing…it’s immersing yourself in Singapore’s soul.

#5: POLITE INQUIRERS

Lost in the city? Need help ordering at a hawker center? Singaporeans are generally friendly and happy to help, but they’ll appreciate it even more if you ask politely. A warm smile and a simple “Excuse me, could you help me?” will take you far.

#6: INSTAGRAM-WORTHY PHOTOGRAPHERS

Singapore is a visual feast, with landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Jewel Changi Airport offering endless photo ops. Locals love seeing visitors post stunning shots of the city. However, you have to make it tasteful. Avoid overcrowding spots just for a selfie, and always respect no-photo zones.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Being a thoughtful tourist isn’t just about following rules, it’s about embracing the local way of life. Do it right, and you’ll leave with not just amazing memories, but also the admiration of the locals!

Ring in the reality check! Singapore is a country which considers “space” as a luxury. Singaporeans do not usually keep their spare rooms open for annual guests to lounge on. More often than not, they keep these extra rooms for rental. You would be suprised to learn the amount of bedrooms that landlords can squeeze in a seemingly small condominiums.

It goes without saying that it is cheaper to rent out a single room than the entire flat. So, set a minimum bedroom requirement as well as a minimum size requirement before signing a contract. Equip yourself with rental strategies such as this.

UNDERSTAND THE DISTRICTS

What are the Singapore’s districts? Well, watching the Hunger Games series was probably the last time you have heard about a nation’s divisions. Similarly, Singapore’s districts offer distinct living experiences. You cannot get away from these categories as an expat or someone who is looking for a place to live at.

You must study the district codes initially. These codes tell you whether a rental unit is located at the core of the central region (e.g., District 10 including Tanglin Road), within the radius of the central region (e.g., District 2 including Chinatown), or outside of the central region (e.g., District 28 including Yio Chu Kang).

EMBRACE THE OUTSKIRTS

Location is one of the most important factors interplaying with the market’s property prices. Now that you have a grasp of the twenty-eight districts, you can distinguish between the “central region” and the outskirts. Rent is cheaper in areas away from the central region and the MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) stations.

The central region may not necessarily apply to your lifestyle. As Singapore is compact and accessible, odds are, you are about an hour away from the central region with public transportation. For instance, you can easily travel from the Boon Keng “heartlands” to the Orchard “central” through MRT or buses. You can even walk from one town to another (e.g., I once walked from Toa Payoh to Novena for 20 minutes).

Furthermore, the government seeks to make every town self-sustaining. Almost every neighboorhood has its own parks, shopping malls, and eateries. Ask yourself: Is a central location too overrated?

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

One cannot deny that we all have distinct personalities. If you are not a morning person and you find it difficult to allot an hour of leeway every morning for your commute then, opt for another strategy. Maximize your preparation time and lessen your transportation costs by finding an affordable place near your workplace.

As pointed above, location is an essential factor. Do a quick Google search on the possible routes you may take to get to your destination. Choosing the smartest way gets you to work on time. Being punctual is a respectable trait to have as an employee.

The humble country has a network of buses and trains. However, the vehicle interval or arrival time of buses is more unpredictable than the trains. Taking the MRT is generally a better choice.

CONSIDER THE HDB

In the recent years, more and more foreigners have warmed to the Singapore’s public housing or HDB (Housing and Development Board). Before you completely frown upon this idea, here are some of the reasons why this is a viable option:

a. There is a significant difference between private and public rentals. HDB flats with 2 rooms start at S$1,500. While, the same space costs about S$3,000 at private condominiums.

b. HDBs are usually walking distance from town facilities and public buses.

c. Food is insanely cheaper than the ones available at the condominiums as hawker centres are typically at the ground floor of the building.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If you are planning to stay in Singapore for a long period of time, staying at an HDB flat will allow you to absorb the local culture better.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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