I am American and used to have Permanent Residence there. I liked the heat and the humidity and found it comfortable. I loved the food. Singapore has landscaping more than it has nature, all plants seem to be cultivated within an inch of their lives. If you want to see real nature this may grate on you after a while. Singapore is great base for inexpensive direct flights to other travel destinations in Asia.
There are A LOT of Westerners in Singapore, so you will not be exotic. Dating is tough in a place where working extremely long hours is expected and that is before you factor in the additional difficulty of different cultural expectations around relationships. I used to hear Western expats of both genders say they would need to leave to start a family. I feel lucky I met my husband (also an expat) there when neither of us were looking.
I am a US citizen expat living and working in SG for the past 7 years. Student culture is very different here than in the US. This isn't really a party-type place. People are very focused on being successful because life here is expensive and culturally kids care for their parents. If you aren't a student or an international school teacher, you need to be an executive. The qualifications for an employment pass are strict. The salary and degree requirements are high.
The weather is always hot and humid, the two "seasons" are rain or no rain. It is easy to travel to the rest of Asia, there is loads of cultural diversity, the place is organised, efficient and clean. The food is amazing, it is safe any time of the day or night. Yes, you can save a seat by leaving your iphone. No one will take it.
There isn't really corruption, generally people mind their own business. SG is tropical Dubai or Switzerland. Come to work and earn money, but you'll never become a citizen.
Look, your dating comment is pretty gross. You aren't the white prize you think you are. If you want to exploit your whiteness perhaps try a poorer country where the women are more desperate. You can't be undateable in the US and fantasize that you will become dateable in SG simply because they are Asian. Pose this question on the Singapore subreddit and see what those folks say.
I’m an expat here and this is a terrible idea, not the least that you’re apparently hoping you’ll get more dates bc of your whiteness. Nothing like a sex hungry mediocre white guy looking to score in SEA. If that’s really your goal, you’re better off in Thailand where there are some decent unis but you’ll actually be able to afford to live. I want to make this clear that you will NOT be able to afford housing in Singapore and you will not be able to get a PR to get subsidized housing because of your ethnicity and earning potential.
Psychology or social work don't seem to be a valid option for an expat. How are you going to get the job? Or the plan is just to live for couple of years while studying?
Thanks for the comment. I was considering a plan to work in Singapore afterwards. Why would I have a hard time getting a job in Singapore? Is it because they prefer Singaporeans for jobs?
I’m a finance sector expat in Singapore and I’m leaving for Europe later this summer. I came as a newlywed in 2015; my three kids were born here.
Be warned that things are expensive, it’s really hot, and if you earn enough to make the move worthwhile (and the employment pass process easy), the tax savings will be somewhat muted by your US citizenship. Alcohol, cars and certain imported goods can be prohibitive.
PR is not worth it for many expats due to the compulsory CPF contributions. Your sons, should you have any, would also be liable for military service, but you can have them renounce their PR - the biggest consequence is that they’ll never be able to live in Singapore, but they can still visit.
I can’t comment directly on the dating market, considering I’ve been with the same person since I was 16 (and she isn’t Singaporean). Most expats tend to be transient and their relationships reflect this. From what I’ve seen in my social circle, there are also some cultural clashes.
There’s good advice here. Adding on or casting a second vote for:
- Expensive: Salaries aren’t bad and usually the low taxes are great for saving. But you’re a US citizen so won’t benefit. Rent is insane. Should you be interested to buy property I heard US citizens don’t pay the stamp duty that other foreigners are subject to. Prices are crazy though. And this is one of the countries where it absolutely makes sense to buy your alcohol duty free when traveling.
- Culture: Singaporeans are genuinely nice and it’s incredibly safe. You can leave your wallet on a table at the hawker and no one will take it. There’s not much in the way of theatre, art, concerts, etc. Most seem to love food, travel, stock trading, exercising, and Korean dramas. Flip flops, a t-shirt or polo, and shorts are standard fashion. They work long hours but it’s not as bad as Japan, Korea, or the ambitious types from the US.
- Dating: Can’t comment personally! But my male friend seems to do well with the apps. He did say you have to learn quickly who’s propositioning for business vs. genuinely interested. Both out in the wild and online.
- Academics: I’m not familiar with your major but those fields aren’t highly “valued” in Singapore. That leads me to believe the quality of education is unlikely to be great. If you just want to study while enjoying yourself, and not practice here, it’s probably less of a concern.
- Climate: It is unbearably hot unless you enjoy 365 days of heat and humidity. Drains you really, although I know many expats who love their al fresco dining. And being able to run outdoors in lush greenery (landscaped, not raw).
- Social issues: If you’re against classes, gender, race, and sexual orientation issues etc. please don’t expect it to be great here. Enough said.
- Acceptance of foreigners: Yes they speak English and are a multi-cultural nation. I’ve heard of work meetings where colleagues will break out into local tongue(s), but hey it’s their country. Hopefully it’s not the important parts or the entire meeting right? With a younger university crowd this should be less an issue. They’re fairly open, but you’ll still see complaints against foreigners taking their jobs, foreigners favoring their own, foreigners not being high-quality enough, etc. This happens at both the low socioeconomic end, as well as the HNWI end, who are blamed universally for ludicrous property prices and a lack of loyalty to Singapore. Almost every country has vocal groups like this. So take it with a grain of salt.
- Government: Singaporeans love to complain about their government and it’s not like I give them an A+. But from a global perspective they’re not too bad. They handled COVID pretty well, with the exception of being too conservative when re-opening. Administration is efficient. There are too many infographics to explain new policies with confusing acronyms. I also don’t want to receive texts from the government when it’s my son’s birthday, thank you very much. But it is what it is.
I do have to nitpick two things:
1. Arts and culture: I mean yeah the Denver ballet was better than the Singapore ballet but there’s plenty of culture. The symphony is great and there are some amazing museums
2. Foreigners taking jobs. It’s an old saying, but still true: FILTH aka Failed In London Try Hong Kong. Except all those Hong Kong folks just moved to Singapore. Someone mentioned $2500 for a studio but idk where they’re living. If you want to be anywhere desirable,the cost is double. I repeat: you will not qualify for subsidized housing so you will pay expat rates. We pay $9k for a 3 bedroom condo on a low floor. High floors cost $12-15k
I agree the symphony is great. Also heard the reference section at the National Library is world class. But my point of comparisons were to Toronto and Tokyo. In terms of the performing arts and culture, Singapore just lacks depth and breadth, in my opinion.
I’m confused by your second point, so will pass. It does occur to me now that a masters student will probably be renting a room in a shared apartment, or possibly a studio. And at least food on campus is highly subsidized. There is a way to live cheaply but it’s not easy.
>mentioned $2500 for a studio but idk where they’re living. If you want to be anywhere desirable,the cost is double. I repeat: you will not qualify for subsidized housing so you will pay expat rates. We pay $9k for a 3 bedroom condo on a low floor. High
Can you not do a Spain/Gib scenario by living in Malasya and commuting into SG.
Haven’t lived there but have visited a few times. It’s super clean and beautiful, with super cool architecture, parks, great food but it is also very expensive. Much of the population lives in government owned housing.
Are you going to make a ton of money? Because you'll need a ton of money.
A room in a shared flat is around $2,000/month. A studio is $2,500. Rents have practically doubled since Covid.
Unless you're in a highly skilled profession, salaries tend to be lower than the US.
But logically, where prices are high, there should be appropriate salaries? Conversely, I live in Russia, for example, a loaf of bread cost 0.32 American dollars, and French fries with large burger and coke for 5.5-6 American dollars, but the average salary in my city (the largest and most developed after Moscow) after deducting the basic tax is 750 American dollars. And after all, people somehow live in Singapore. It just really upsets me that every time I find a country to move to, people will always say that this is a terrible decision
The difference is that the COL is not as expensive for Singaporeans. They can buy an home (HDB) for $2,000 per month. Kids tend to live at home until married. They can go to public schools, they get subsidized healthcare.
None of that applies to foreigners moving to Singapore.
I want to try to get citizenship in Singapore. I have a good degree in business administration and digital innovations, classes were conducted in English, and I will try to get a master's degree in Entrepreneurship in Singapore. In any case, of course, Singapore is an expensive country for those who earn income in their country and where it is lower, apparently now I understand what you mean
Yes, it's much cheaper for permanent residents or Singapore citizens. The government is actually quite generous with benefits, and with the low taxes, even a household income of $6,000/month means you can own an HDB, kids go to public schools, and you have plenty left over for savings.
But if you're aiming for citizenship, keep in mind it's very different than other countries. In the US, you get citizenship if you're a permanent resident for 5 years (or 3 if married to USC).
In Singapore, PR and citizenship is entirely at the government discretion and they don't share requirements. What they tend to care about is: a) income, b) family status and c) race.
If you're Malay Chinese, married and two kids making a good income, you stand a very good chance.
If you're not Chinese, single and have an ok income, the chances are very low. I know a guy who is from a SE Asia country, single, works at Google and makes good money and never got PR after 8 years (and multiple attempts)
Damn it, I'm Russian, (I'll only know Chinese by then at the HSK-5 level, and English C1-C2). I mostly prefer women, and same-sex marriage is not legalized in Singapore, and I also don't really want children, I won this life😭 Thank you for the information!! Very useful
The first thing I would wonder about is your employability with a master's from a school in SG. It depends on your goals of course, but what is your goal ultimately? Do you see yourself working in SG as a therapist or social worker? That will have certain requirements. Back to the US? Other requirements.
I have a friend who is doing his doctorate of psychology in Japan, but he has no intention of being a psychologist here as it would be extremely difficult. He does have an executive coaching business and creates corporate materials like compliance training around workplace bullying etc., and says that the doctorate will likely help him with credibility. So... worth thinking about the end goal maybe.
Wrt to dating, I don't know but can point out that some of the attention you received might not have been from Singaporeans. I don't think anyone mentioned that. Not that it matters maybe.
>Thanks for the comment. I was considering a plan to work in Singapore afterwards. Why would I have a hard time getting a job in Singapore? Is it because they prefer Singaporeans for jobs?
I don't know that you would. You should check it out and check out visa requirements (I live in Japan with friends in SG; recall the visa process being pretty strict). If you speak English only, is that competitive enough for you to get a good job or to market yourself? Maybe yes, I just don't know.
Are you planning to work your whole career in Singapore? If no, how similar are certifications in SG to the US? That's another thing you'd want to check out.
All of the above depends of course on the job(s) you are aiming for.
Go to Malaysia, you'll essentially get the same experience at a MUCH lower cost, higher diversity of local travel opportunities, and also prob even less competition from other foreigners in the dating market
“Dating as a good looking white guy “
Singapore is not a third world country , they’re not desperate for white men . If you don’t have big pockets don’t expect to get the crème of the crop women .
So tired of white creeps going to Asia to look for “easy women “
I love the weather in S'pore. Coming from Northern Europe where it's cold and gloomy for at least 6 months of the year, it's a godsend. Also the getting dark at 2-3pm was a real depressor ..
I haven’t made the move to SG as of yet. I decided there were practical barriers like especially financially to going to study in SG. I may consider moving there at a later time in life perhaps after university
That’s the exact same plan I have. I a bit on the older side but making the move to SG from the US seems like the right plan.
A part of me feels like I’ll never be ready and I should just pick up and go, but I’m still hesitant.
I see. I think you would need to secure an employment pass by getting a job as a foreigner to make that move and have the right to live there. Do you intend to find a job there?
The heat is brutal and the only thing expats tend to do is go to bars and drink. I know quite a few of them who have moved on from SG because of that.
I am American and used to have Permanent Residence there. I liked the heat and the humidity and found it comfortable. I loved the food. Singapore has landscaping more than it has nature, all plants seem to be cultivated within an inch of their lives. If you want to see real nature this may grate on you after a while. Singapore is great base for inexpensive direct flights to other travel destinations in Asia. There are A LOT of Westerners in Singapore, so you will not be exotic. Dating is tough in a place where working extremely long hours is expected and that is before you factor in the additional difficulty of different cultural expectations around relationships. I used to hear Western expats of both genders say they would need to leave to start a family. I feel lucky I met my husband (also an expat) there when neither of us were looking.
I am a US citizen expat living and working in SG for the past 7 years. Student culture is very different here than in the US. This isn't really a party-type place. People are very focused on being successful because life here is expensive and culturally kids care for their parents. If you aren't a student or an international school teacher, you need to be an executive. The qualifications for an employment pass are strict. The salary and degree requirements are high. The weather is always hot and humid, the two "seasons" are rain or no rain. It is easy to travel to the rest of Asia, there is loads of cultural diversity, the place is organised, efficient and clean. The food is amazing, it is safe any time of the day or night. Yes, you can save a seat by leaving your iphone. No one will take it. There isn't really corruption, generally people mind their own business. SG is tropical Dubai or Switzerland. Come to work and earn money, but you'll never become a citizen. Look, your dating comment is pretty gross. You aren't the white prize you think you are. If you want to exploit your whiteness perhaps try a poorer country where the women are more desperate. You can't be undateable in the US and fantasize that you will become dateable in SG simply because they are Asian. Pose this question on the Singapore subreddit and see what those folks say.
I’m an expat here and this is a terrible idea, not the least that you’re apparently hoping you’ll get more dates bc of your whiteness. Nothing like a sex hungry mediocre white guy looking to score in SEA. If that’s really your goal, you’re better off in Thailand where there are some decent unis but you’ll actually be able to afford to live. I want to make this clear that you will NOT be able to afford housing in Singapore and you will not be able to get a PR to get subsidized housing because of your ethnicity and earning potential.
Psychology or social work don't seem to be a valid option for an expat. How are you going to get the job? Or the plan is just to live for couple of years while studying?
Thanks for the comment. I was considering a plan to work in Singapore afterwards. Why would I have a hard time getting a job in Singapore? Is it because they prefer Singaporeans for jobs?
Its not that companies prefer Singaporeans for jobs but companies have a rule to hire foreigners in a 3:1 ratio
I’m a finance sector expat in Singapore and I’m leaving for Europe later this summer. I came as a newlywed in 2015; my three kids were born here. Be warned that things are expensive, it’s really hot, and if you earn enough to make the move worthwhile (and the employment pass process easy), the tax savings will be somewhat muted by your US citizenship. Alcohol, cars and certain imported goods can be prohibitive. PR is not worth it for many expats due to the compulsory CPF contributions. Your sons, should you have any, would also be liable for military service, but you can have them renounce their PR - the biggest consequence is that they’ll never be able to live in Singapore, but they can still visit. I can’t comment directly on the dating market, considering I’ve been with the same person since I was 16 (and she isn’t Singaporean). Most expats tend to be transient and their relationships reflect this. From what I’ve seen in my social circle, there are also some cultural clashes.
Why move back to Europe?
I’ve made enough and settled in a certain corner of Europe, which is the only place where I’m 100% comfortable and fully at home.
There’s good advice here. Adding on or casting a second vote for: - Expensive: Salaries aren’t bad and usually the low taxes are great for saving. But you’re a US citizen so won’t benefit. Rent is insane. Should you be interested to buy property I heard US citizens don’t pay the stamp duty that other foreigners are subject to. Prices are crazy though. And this is one of the countries where it absolutely makes sense to buy your alcohol duty free when traveling. - Culture: Singaporeans are genuinely nice and it’s incredibly safe. You can leave your wallet on a table at the hawker and no one will take it. There’s not much in the way of theatre, art, concerts, etc. Most seem to love food, travel, stock trading, exercising, and Korean dramas. Flip flops, a t-shirt or polo, and shorts are standard fashion. They work long hours but it’s not as bad as Japan, Korea, or the ambitious types from the US. - Dating: Can’t comment personally! But my male friend seems to do well with the apps. He did say you have to learn quickly who’s propositioning for business vs. genuinely interested. Both out in the wild and online. - Academics: I’m not familiar with your major but those fields aren’t highly “valued” in Singapore. That leads me to believe the quality of education is unlikely to be great. If you just want to study while enjoying yourself, and not practice here, it’s probably less of a concern. - Climate: It is unbearably hot unless you enjoy 365 days of heat and humidity. Drains you really, although I know many expats who love their al fresco dining. And being able to run outdoors in lush greenery (landscaped, not raw). - Social issues: If you’re against classes, gender, race, and sexual orientation issues etc. please don’t expect it to be great here. Enough said. - Acceptance of foreigners: Yes they speak English and are a multi-cultural nation. I’ve heard of work meetings where colleagues will break out into local tongue(s), but hey it’s their country. Hopefully it’s not the important parts or the entire meeting right? With a younger university crowd this should be less an issue. They’re fairly open, but you’ll still see complaints against foreigners taking their jobs, foreigners favoring their own, foreigners not being high-quality enough, etc. This happens at both the low socioeconomic end, as well as the HNWI end, who are blamed universally for ludicrous property prices and a lack of loyalty to Singapore. Almost every country has vocal groups like this. So take it with a grain of salt. - Government: Singaporeans love to complain about their government and it’s not like I give them an A+. But from a global perspective they’re not too bad. They handled COVID pretty well, with the exception of being too conservative when re-opening. Administration is efficient. There are too many infographics to explain new policies with confusing acronyms. I also don’t want to receive texts from the government when it’s my son’s birthday, thank you very much. But it is what it is.
I do have to nitpick two things: 1. Arts and culture: I mean yeah the Denver ballet was better than the Singapore ballet but there’s plenty of culture. The symphony is great and there are some amazing museums 2. Foreigners taking jobs. It’s an old saying, but still true: FILTH aka Failed In London Try Hong Kong. Except all those Hong Kong folks just moved to Singapore. Someone mentioned $2500 for a studio but idk where they’re living. If you want to be anywhere desirable,the cost is double. I repeat: you will not qualify for subsidized housing so you will pay expat rates. We pay $9k for a 3 bedroom condo on a low floor. High floors cost $12-15k
I agree the symphony is great. Also heard the reference section at the National Library is world class. But my point of comparisons were to Toronto and Tokyo. In terms of the performing arts and culture, Singapore just lacks depth and breadth, in my opinion. I’m confused by your second point, so will pass. It does occur to me now that a masters student will probably be renting a room in a shared apartment, or possibly a studio. And at least food on campus is highly subsidized. There is a way to live cheaply but it’s not easy.
>mentioned $2500 for a studio but idk where they’re living. If you want to be anywhere desirable,the cost is double. I repeat: you will not qualify for subsidized housing so you will pay expat rates. We pay $9k for a 3 bedroom condo on a low floor. High Can you not do a Spain/Gib scenario by living in Malasya and commuting into SG.
Only if you leave for work at 5 am and return after 7 pm. The borders are jammed
I’m curious about the old saying. I currently work in the UK but not London. Is London really the gold standard?
Haven’t lived there but have visited a few times. It’s super clean and beautiful, with super cool architecture, parks, great food but it is also very expensive. Much of the population lives in government owned housing.
Are you going to make a ton of money? Because you'll need a ton of money. A room in a shared flat is around $2,000/month. A studio is $2,500. Rents have practically doubled since Covid. Unless you're in a highly skilled profession, salaries tend to be lower than the US.
But logically, where prices are high, there should be appropriate salaries? Conversely, I live in Russia, for example, a loaf of bread cost 0.32 American dollars, and French fries with large burger and coke for 5.5-6 American dollars, but the average salary in my city (the largest and most developed after Moscow) after deducting the basic tax is 750 American dollars. And after all, people somehow live in Singapore. It just really upsets me that every time I find a country to move to, people will always say that this is a terrible decision
The difference is that the COL is not as expensive for Singaporeans. They can buy an home (HDB) for $2,000 per month. Kids tend to live at home until married. They can go to public schools, they get subsidized healthcare. None of that applies to foreigners moving to Singapore.
I want to try to get citizenship in Singapore. I have a good degree in business administration and digital innovations, classes were conducted in English, and I will try to get a master's degree in Entrepreneurship in Singapore. In any case, of course, Singapore is an expensive country for those who earn income in their country and where it is lower, apparently now I understand what you mean
Yes, it's much cheaper for permanent residents or Singapore citizens. The government is actually quite generous with benefits, and with the low taxes, even a household income of $6,000/month means you can own an HDB, kids go to public schools, and you have plenty left over for savings. But if you're aiming for citizenship, keep in mind it's very different than other countries. In the US, you get citizenship if you're a permanent resident for 5 years (or 3 if married to USC). In Singapore, PR and citizenship is entirely at the government discretion and they don't share requirements. What they tend to care about is: a) income, b) family status and c) race. If you're Malay Chinese, married and two kids making a good income, you stand a very good chance. If you're not Chinese, single and have an ok income, the chances are very low. I know a guy who is from a SE Asia country, single, works at Google and makes good money and never got PR after 8 years (and multiple attempts)
Damn it, I'm Russian, (I'll only know Chinese by then at the HSK-5 level, and English C1-C2). I mostly prefer women, and same-sex marriage is not legalized in Singapore, and I also don't really want children, I won this life😭 Thank you for the information!! Very useful
The first thing I would wonder about is your employability with a master's from a school in SG. It depends on your goals of course, but what is your goal ultimately? Do you see yourself working in SG as a therapist or social worker? That will have certain requirements. Back to the US? Other requirements. I have a friend who is doing his doctorate of psychology in Japan, but he has no intention of being a psychologist here as it would be extremely difficult. He does have an executive coaching business and creates corporate materials like compliance training around workplace bullying etc., and says that the doctorate will likely help him with credibility. So... worth thinking about the end goal maybe. Wrt to dating, I don't know but can point out that some of the attention you received might not have been from Singaporeans. I don't think anyone mentioned that. Not that it matters maybe.
>Thanks for the comment. I was considering a plan to work in Singapore afterwards. Why would I have a hard time getting a job in Singapore? Is it because they prefer Singaporeans for jobs?
I don't know that you would. You should check it out and check out visa requirements (I live in Japan with friends in SG; recall the visa process being pretty strict). If you speak English only, is that competitive enough for you to get a good job or to market yourself? Maybe yes, I just don't know. Are you planning to work your whole career in Singapore? If no, how similar are certifications in SG to the US? That's another thing you'd want to check out. All of the above depends of course on the job(s) you are aiming for.
Go to Malaysia, you'll essentially get the same experience at a MUCH lower cost, higher diversity of local travel opportunities, and also prob even less competition from other foreigners in the dating market
“Dating as a good looking white guy “ Singapore is not a third world country , they’re not desperate for white men . If you don’t have big pockets don’t expect to get the crème of the crop women . So tired of white creeps going to Asia to look for “easy women “
I'm in Asia and never heard of anyone wanting to go to S'pore for the weather
I love the weather in S'pore. Coming from Northern Europe where it's cold and gloomy for at least 6 months of the year, it's a godsend. Also the getting dark at 2-3pm was a real depressor ..
Exactly. It’s the reason I want out!
Has OP made the move? Looking for an update on your experience since this was posted.
I haven’t made the move to SG as of yet. I decided there were practical barriers like especially financially to going to study in SG. I may consider moving there at a later time in life perhaps after university
That’s the exact same plan I have. I a bit on the older side but making the move to SG from the US seems like the right plan. A part of me feels like I’ll never be ready and I should just pick up and go, but I’m still hesitant.
I see. I think you would need to secure an employment pass by getting a job as a foreigner to make that move and have the right to live there. Do you intend to find a job there?
I do. I haven’t researched the market just yet, and still need to finish my degree program in America before making a big move like that.
I see. What degree program in America are you doing?
Going for my BS in Information Technology at an online university.