Top 5 tips to live in Singapore

1. Come with an open mind and expect the unexpected. Be flexible and adaptable.
2. Do not judge. Complaining about your host country will not help anyone, accepting it (with all its faults) is far better.
3. if you are not happy, you have only yourself to blame (and definity not the locals)!
4. if need be, accept failure - after all, living abroad is not suitable for everyone!
These apply to anywhere. And finally (and actually less important than the above) one that only applies to Singapore:
5. Bring less things (everything is a ailable here) and more money (it's one of the most expensive places on earth)!

1. Learn and understand the MRT lines and bus lines for your travel needs. The transport system in Singapore is very organised, and quite precise in terms of timing (as long as there are no disruptions like accidents or system failure).  Tip: get the handy MRT guide from the control station in any MRT station. The MRT staff are very friendly.  I always love the aunties and uncles manning the stations.

When planning my route, I always refer to wws.gothere.sg - very accurate and detailed. If you are still unsure about the bus routes  and stops- take the MRT for now as this is more straightforward.

2. Be  prepared for the hot weather outside and super cold a/c when inside offices, malls and other indoor situations. Invest on good yet inexpensive jackets.

3. If you are saver, wait for the sale period. Don't buy items on regular price as you will be "hurt" once you see the items you purchased last time and now they are on sale.

4. Most of your earnings will go to your rental property so if you don't mind spending and you value your personal space - you can rent the entire unit from $2200 (HDB) to $4000 (if Condo) or even higher depending on location. If you don't mind room sharing, this would allow you to save more (probably spending $400 for HDB room sharing for two).

5. During my first few days in Singapore, I visited museums, interesting places like Little India/Serangoon, Chinatown, Orchard just to have a feel of the different nationalities in Singapore. Don't get shocked but Singapore is a multi cultural country - you will see Indians, Chinese, Malay, Burmese, Filipinos and other nationalities.

1. Get ready for hot weather
2. Get familiarize with MRT and Bus network. Better download some app in your smartphone.
3. Be ready to stay in small house if you are not very rich.
4. Be open towards all races.
5. Be open towards all foods

I've never really worked in Singapore. Been there on some business trips but being a Malaysian, I do have lots of relatives and friends who settled down there for work and for family too.

So here are the tips I've gathered:
1) You do not need to buy a car. Make sure you rent a place that is situated close to a convenient bus stop (with high frequency of buses) or near a MRT terminal. Besides, cars are expensive there.
2) Buy EZLink card so that you can get around easily. Not only is it easier but it is also cheaper in the long run.
3) Want to find the best place to eat, but don't know where to start? I'd say if you got your smart phone working already, be sure to download apps like Yelp. I you can then navigate your way to the gastronomic possibilities within that little island.
4) Go beyond lil' Singapore. Once you scoured Singapore over a couple of weekends and also perhaps Pulau Ubin for some green escaped, do not forget that the hinterlands of Southern Malaysia or Batam Island. Cross over the causeway or take a boat ride to the Indonesian island.
5) To save $$, although cheaper, do NOT every consider moving to JB. You'd have to wake up freaking early in the morning like 5.00 am and have to put up with the long commute.

Mrs Freeloader's Top Five Tips to life in Singapore (for other 30 year old plus mother's of three small children)...
1. Make sure you have health insurance - Life in Singapore medically is $$$, especially if you are having a baby here. If like me you manage to pop one out just after midnight and be home for lunch you'll save lot's of money off your hospital bill. Otherwise make sure the insurance man has got the tab! Routine doctors at IMC (the GP mecca for expats) are $60-$130++ for consultation alone, no drugs included!
2. Don't eat at Newton Circus, its' a complete tourist trap... the food is nasty, there have been several cases of disgusting things found in food, tourists being ripped off something regal, and there are zillions of other places serving better food.
3. You do not have to live in district 9, 10 or 11. Singapore is really small and there are plenty of nice spots a little further afield. Don't be pushed into living in the first place you find.
4. Don't shop at Cold Storage - it is rip off central. Shop at NTUC finest, Giant, Redmart, QB Trading, The Chicken Man, West Coast wholesale fruit and veg market, and local markets to name a few...
5. Schools - ignore what everyone else is doing. Check out the schools according to what you want for your children and what you (or your generous sponsoring company) can afford. If your kids are young please remember that having a space-age classroom or Olympic size swimming pool is not wholly necessary for a decent and happy primary school education. Don't be dazzled.