Culture
The culture in Singapore is defined by the different ethnic groups in the city-state. Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences are all palpable here, making for a mix of traditions and local customs. This diversity of culture in Singapore is also reflected in the many languages spoken, including English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil.
Culture in Singapore is largely defined by peace, social and religious harmony.
The religious culture in Singapore is just as diverse as the population. It is home to ten major religions, including Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity. Elders are often addressed as “Uncle” and “Auntie” as a form of respect even though they could be perfect strangers. In many Asian cultures, being quiet in the presence of your elders is a sign of respect and many Singaporeans, especially those who come from Chinese speaking families are reserved and observe this. When paying for something or exchanging name cards, it is a form of respect to use both hands to both receive and give out, instead of using one hand. Laws are strict in Singapore. There is no such thing as “recreational drug use” and drug traffickers are given the death penalty. Bribery is also not practiced at all and is a serious offence so don’t ever try to bribe your way out of anything.
It is very uncommon to rent cars in Singapore to get around, and if you’re a tourist its best to travel by taxis or experience Singapore’s very well developed public transport. Singapore is safe, clean, and green – proud of its reputation as a Garden City.
Cost of Living
Property
The relative cost of housing, ranging from single rooms 30 minutes out of town around S$400 to centrally-located 4-bedroom landed properties with private swimming pools S$10,000 to S$20,000. These are approximations, of course – prices vary wildly depending on the location and condition of the property.
Schooling
Whether to put your children into international schools or local schools will probably be the biggest factor in your education expenses. International school tuition fees can range from S$6,000 to over S$20,000 per year.
Transport
The most common forms of transport are bus, train (MRT), and taxi. Cars are expensive in Singapore. Between paying for a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) when you buy the car, and paying again for Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) charges as you drive, the costs can add up.
Tax
Residents are taxed on a graduated scale ranging from 0% to 22%
For more info on living in Singapore please visit. http://www.livinginsingapore.org/life-in-singapore/
Lifestyle
Nightlife
Even with the high price of alcohol in Singapore the bar and club scene is impressive. Bars along Clarke Quay are often loud and are popular with tourists, while bars in the city centre cater to the after-work crowd. Some of these bars have live music for entertainment. For a more scenic night out, head to one of the rooftop bars or any number of the bars around the Marina.
Eating out
Food is a big part of Singaporean culture, and there are numerous restaurants and food stalls. From a bowl of noodles to celebrity restaurants, you can find just about every type of cuisine and eatery in Singapore.
Days out
Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park for starters. Universal Studios Singapore is another great place to take the kids for the day, and the Singapore Botanic Gardens is perfect for a picnic
Visa
Visa is covered by your employer. This needs to be secured before you can start working for your employer and is called EP (employment pass)
Package
Salaries start at 4,000 SGD plus commission. You will also receive healthcare insurance.