It’s my second time living in Singapore as an ex-pat. I told my husband that if he ever got an opportunity to live here again, he needed to sign on the dotted line; my approval was a given. I did not expect to be back here again, but I love living on the little red dot. If you’ve ever thought about living in Singapore, here are a few reasons why you might find it appealing.
Singapore
Singapore is a city/state and an island, also known as the little red dot. Oddly the name was coined as an insult during the 1997 Asian financial crisis but has since been embraced by Singaporeans. The island is about 50km or just over 31 miles from end to end. It has a population of just over 5 million, with over 1 million non-residents or ex-pats. It has been ranked as one of the most expensive places in the world to live. Most people in Singapore speak English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. Not speaking another language is not a deterrent to living in Singapore, as English is widely spoken here. Additionally, Singlish, an English-based creole, is also a standard dialect and very easy to understand after a while.
Singapore and travel
The location of Singapore is great for traveling. You can get to Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, or Vietnam within two hours. Many flights to other parts of Asia, Australia, and Europe are also available. It is a great place to explore all the beautiful destinations of Asia, and it has one of the best airports in the world. Traveling to and from Singapore can be challenging with the ever-changing travel restrictions due to Covid. Currently, travel to Singapore requires a travel pass application, and transit through Singapore is only by approved airlines. Therefore, please do your research if you plan to travel to Singapore.
Singapore is safe
If you ask anyone about living in Singapore, safety will be one of their top answers. I loved raising my children here in Singapore because it was so safe. They could get in a taxi or public transportation without worries or concerns. I even left my wallet in a taxi years ago, and it was delivered back to me with an apology. Be aware that Singapore is considered safe because it has very strict and harsh laws against even minor crimes like spitting or shoplifting. Visitors need to be very careful as things you might not consider in your country can land you in jail in Singapore. However, low crime means no crime, so awareness is always helpful.
Singapore food
Singapore has some of the most diverse and delicious foods, and there is something to meet everyone’s taste. Malaysian, Indian, and Chinese food is plentiful. But Korean, Japanese, American, and European food choices are also readily available. Although Singapore is expensive, you can find great food at the many Hawker centers throughout the island. Here you will find many cheap food stalls with great food and something to fit every budget. One of my favorites is the Newton Hawker center famously portrayed in the movie “Crazy Rich Asians” as it is within walking distance from me. I often have an Indian feast here on the weekends.
I could go on about why I love Singapore, but I like to keep it short and sweet, so I’ll leave the rest for later. Have you ever visited Singapore? Would you like to? Please drop me a comment and let me know.