How to live cheaper or overcome increasing living expenses in Singapore
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I thought to it would be better to spread my experience and findings on how to live cheaper in Singapore. Living cheaper doesn’t mean compromising our health, hobby and entertainment. I believe many of us (persons who are living in Singapore for more than two years). Every cent you save is counted against your savings. In other way evevry cent counts.
Let me go into the topic, I split into many areas of our daily expenses like transport, home, education, utilities, medical and miscellaneous,.
Transportation:
Public transportation (only BUS and MRT) is widely affordable by all income groups and it costs moderately. Avoid takings cab/taxi if it is not very urgent and necessary.
How to avoid taking taxi
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1. Get ready in advance. So you will have amble time to reach your destination. From my experience I took taxi most of the time when I was rushing to some places without adequate planning and getting ready late.
2. Incase if you want to new places, Find the location in the Singapore street directory book, online map www.streetdirectory.com.sg and plan how to reach there by Bus or/and MRT. In the worst case travel nearest MRT station and take cab/taxi in the distance is very far.
3. Never plan take a taxi in the midnight because there is 50% extra charge. If you are late to get back to use SBS night owl bus service or plan accordingly to avoid night trips.
4. When you go for regular shopping buy all the heavy weight items like rice, Atta and etc in your near by store.
5. Always try to find shortest route to reach your destination.
Home
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1. Stay in affordable house or room to avoid paying over rentals.
2. Try to use online classifieds, news paper advertisement, yahoo groups and friends circle to find a house or room. So that you can avoid paying agent fee. Many of my friends paid agent fee twice in a year to find a new house or room to rent.
3. If you want to buy furniture like sofa, tables, chairs, mattress and etc for your home, please visit IKEA. Here is the website www.ikea.com.sg I found most of the items are cheap and affordable
4. Groceries and household supplies always try to find cheaper items by compromising brand. Some shops are expensive, so look for alternative places and some other stores which are mainly used by rich and high class people. Don’t simply pick the items and keep in your trolley. Try to look for competitive price.
5. If you travel to countries like India buy the following things
shaving blade, shampoo, after shaving lotion, some tooth brushes for backup, briefs, shocks other small small items which are used for day to day life. These items are moderately expensive in Singapore.
6. To do a repair and maintenance of your home like installing washing machine or to lay a new electric line, house moving and etc find out a freelance workers those are from your own country and working here in work permit in the same field. Use your friends circle to find them.
Utlities,
1. Never buy expensive hand phones because it is going to be become outdated after two years.
2. Try to find a affordable mobile subscription package/plan for you.
3. When you are in the office and home use a fixed line phone. If you don’t have one please get it. It is very cheap and comes less than ten dollar.
4. In emergency use 018 in starhub and similar service if you use other mobile service to make a international call.
5. Don’t make a IDD calls directly to overseas. That is very expensive.
6. Use international calling card to make overseas calls. Try find out cheaper one for you. If your family and friends stays in a city where broadband is available you can use voice over IP (VOIP) or voice chat in Yahoo messenger, skype messgener etc. It is comes free of charge.
7. Pay your bills ont ime to avoid late payment fee and interest.
Very tired will continue writing when I get some more free time
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Cost living Singapore 2008
Cost living Singapore 2008 Jan
Cost of living in Singapore is increased and keeps increasing. The GST is raised from 5% to 7% percentage. This hike has direct impact in all the items including food, electronics, furniture, utility bills and etc. Another important thing is that house rent in Singapore is almost doubled across all the regions for all types of houses. Property prices are increased by 30% in 2007. Inflation is around 4.5%.
New comers to Singapore must try to get a good salary. The average salary will not be hiked more than 5% per year. Be smart and try to get a good salary.
Wish you all very happy New Year.
Cost of living in Singapore is increased and keeps increasing. The GST is raised from 5% to 7% percentage. This hike has direct impact in all the items including food, electronics, furniture, utility bills and etc. Another important thing is that house rent in Singapore is almost doubled across all the regions for all types of houses. Property prices are increased by 30% in 2007. Inflation is around 4.5%.
New comers to Singapore must try to get a good salary. The average salary will not be hiked more than 5% per year. Be smart and try to get a good salary.
Wish you all very happy New Year.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Visa Employement pass information
There are different types of employment passes available are
P pass, Q pass, S pass and work permit in Singapore.
P Pass
for foreigners with acceptable educational qualifications, professional qualifications or specialist skills and are looking for professional, administrative, executive or managerial jobs.
P pass has types are P1 and P2. Candidate can get either one if they belong to this category
P1 – Salary above S$ 7000 and he/she possesses recognized qualifications
P2 – Salary above S$ 3500 and he/she possesses recognized qualifications.
Q pass
Q1 – salary above S$ 2500 and he/she possesses recognized qualifications.
S Pass
is introduced to replace the Q2 Pass with effect from 1 July 2004.
- For foreigners whose monthly basic salary is at least S$1,800.
Processing time
The processing time for Employment / S Pass application / renewal takes three weeks from the date of receipt of the application. It may take slightly more time during peak periods.
Online applications are processed faster.
Documents required
The following documents must be submitted at the Work Pass Division, Ministry of Manpower
For Employment Pass
Applicant's Travel Document or Passport (with at least two blank visa pages);
Completed medical documents, together with Chest X-Ray and Blood Test Reports if applicable;
In-Principle Approval Letter; and
Either the Disembarkation / Embarkation Card (Green Card) for renewal, or the Immigration White Card (IMM27) for new application.
For S Pass
original In-Principle Approval Letter;
Foreigner's original Passport / Travel Document valid for at least seven months;
Foreigner's original Identity Card (if he / she is a Malaysian); and
Completed medical documents, together with Chest X-Ray and Blood Test Reports if applicable.
The successful applicant must be in Singapore at the time of the Pass collection.
The Employment / S Pass must be collected first before collecting the Dependant's Pass and / or the Long-Term Social Visit Pass can be collected.
Eligibility to obtain other passes
P pass
Dependant pass - Yes
Long term social visit pass - Yes
Q pass
Dependant pass - Yes
Long term social visit pass - No
S Pass
Dependant pass - Yes(if monthly basic salary is equal or more than S$2,500)
Long term social visit pass - No
For more details please visit Singapore MOM or Immigration websites.
P pass, Q pass, S pass and work permit in Singapore.
P Pass
for foreigners with acceptable educational qualifications, professional qualifications or specialist skills and are looking for professional, administrative, executive or managerial jobs.
P pass has types are P1 and P2. Candidate can get either one if they belong to this category
P1 – Salary above S$ 7000 and he/she possesses recognized qualifications
P2 – Salary above S$ 3500 and he/she possesses recognized qualifications.
Q pass
Q1 – salary above S$ 2500 and he/she possesses recognized qualifications.
S Pass
is introduced to replace the Q2 Pass with effect from 1 July 2004.
- For foreigners whose monthly basic salary is at least S$1,800.
Processing time
The processing time for Employment / S Pass application / renewal takes three weeks from the date of receipt of the application. It may take slightly more time during peak periods.
Online applications are processed faster.
Documents required
The following documents must be submitted at the Work Pass Division, Ministry of Manpower
For Employment Pass
Applicant's Travel Document or Passport (with at least two blank visa pages);
Completed medical documents, together with Chest X-Ray and Blood Test Reports if applicable;
In-Principle Approval Letter; and
Either the Disembarkation / Embarkation Card (Green Card) for renewal, or the Immigration White Card (IMM27) for new application.
For S Pass
original In-Principle Approval Letter;
Foreigner's original Passport / Travel Document valid for at least seven months;
Foreigner's original Identity Card (if he / she is a Malaysian); and
Completed medical documents, together with Chest X-Ray and Blood Test Reports if applicable.
The successful applicant must be in Singapore at the time of the Pass collection.
The Employment / S Pass must be collected first before collecting the Dependant's Pass and / or the Long-Term Social Visit Pass can be collected.
Eligibility to obtain other passes
P pass
Dependant pass - Yes
Long term social visit pass - Yes
Q pass
Dependant pass - Yes
Long term social visit pass - No
S Pass
Dependant pass - Yes(if monthly basic salary is equal or more than S$2,500)
Long term social visit pass - No
For more details please visit Singapore MOM or Immigration websites.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Cost of living in Singapore
Cost of living can be classified into three categories as individual, couple and the family of four members.
Individual expenses
House rent
Paying guest -- 300 – 500 S$
Sharing room -- 300-500 S$
1+1 house -- 500 + S$
Food - 100+
Total would be anywhere between 500 – 1000 S$ per month including all other expenses.
For a couple
House rent
sharing the house -- 500 – 800 S$
HDB house 2+1 -- 800 - 1200 S$
Condo house -- 1200 – 2500 S$
Food - 200+
Utility bill(Water, GAS, Electricity) - 100 – 200 S$
Total would be anywhere between 900 – 2000 S$ per month including all other expenses.
For a family of four members
House rent
HDB house 3+1 -- 900 -1200 S$
Condo house -- 1500 - 2000 S$
Food - 300+
Utility bill(Water, GAS, Electricity) - 100 – 200 S$
Total would be anywhere between 1500 – 3000 S$ per month including all other expenses.
Other costs
Hand phone bill - 50 - 100 S$ for the minimum use for single connection.
House phone (direct line) - 20 S$ to 50 S$
Broadband internet - 50 S$ - 150 S$
Dialup internet - 1 S$ per hour
Eating at restaurant - 6 S$ - 50 S$ per person.
International calling card – 10 S$ comes around 80 – 240 minutes depends upon the country and the city.
Transportation
100 S$ per months if you utilize the public transportation. Public transportation is excellent in Singapore. Taxi fare will cost around 10 to 20 dollars for a normal 30 minutes travel.
One pack of cigarette - 10 -20 S$
One bottle of beer - 5 – 20 S$
One bottle of other hot drinks (whisky, brandy, etc) – 80 – 300 S$
Soft beverage – coke – Pepsi – 1 – 3 S$
One McDonald’s meal – 5 – 10 S$
Starbuck coffee - 4 – 8 S$
Individual expenses
House rent
Paying guest -- 300 – 500 S$
Sharing room -- 300-500 S$
1+1 house -- 500 + S$
Food - 100+
Total would be anywhere between 500 – 1000 S$ per month including all other expenses.
For a couple
House rent
sharing the house -- 500 – 800 S$
HDB house 2+1 -- 800 - 1200 S$
Condo house -- 1200 – 2500 S$
Food - 200+
Utility bill(Water, GAS, Electricity) - 100 – 200 S$
Total would be anywhere between 900 – 2000 S$ per month including all other expenses.
For a family of four members
House rent
HDB house 3+1 -- 900 -1200 S$
Condo house -- 1500 - 2000 S$
Food - 300+
Utility bill(Water, GAS, Electricity) - 100 – 200 S$
Total would be anywhere between 1500 – 3000 S$ per month including all other expenses.
Other costs
Hand phone bill - 50 - 100 S$ for the minimum use for single connection.
House phone (direct line) - 20 S$ to 50 S$
Broadband internet - 50 S$ - 150 S$
Dialup internet - 1 S$ per hour
Eating at restaurant - 6 S$ - 50 S$ per person.
International calling card – 10 S$ comes around 80 – 240 minutes depends upon the country and the city.
Transportation
100 S$ per months if you utilize the public transportation. Public transportation is excellent in Singapore. Taxi fare will cost around 10 to 20 dollars for a normal 30 minutes travel.
One pack of cigarette - 10 -20 S$
One bottle of beer - 5 – 20 S$
One bottle of other hot drinks (whisky, brandy, etc) – 80 – 300 S$
Soft beverage – coke – Pepsi – 1 – 3 S$
One McDonald’s meal – 5 – 10 S$
Starbuck coffee - 4 – 8 S$
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Resume posting and job searching
In Singapore information and communication technology is widely used. All job applicants no need go to the individual organization and drop hard copy (printed version of your resume) of the resume. Just post/submit resume/bio-data online and wait for the interview call or email.
These are major job hunting sites used in Singapore
1. http://www.monster.com.sg/
2. http://jobstreet.com.sg/
3. http://www.jobsdb.com/SG
4. www.singaporejobsonline.com/
After posting your resume keep updating very frequently atleast once in a day, even you are not having anything to update in your resume. This makes the employer/job provider to feel that still you are available for the new opportunity.
Put all relevant contents like valid email id, phone no etc. For more information about how to post resume online, look into this
http://www.rileyguide.com/eresume.html
Most of the job sites provide daily mailing of suitable jobs and/or search agents. Subscribing to those features enables you to get updated about newly posted jobs everyday or weekly.
There are some yahoo groups which you can get regular postings of job advertisement like
ezlink@yahoogroups.com. Subscribe to it and you will find lot of other information about Singapore other than job posting.
This group is mainly for Indian professionals working in Singapore.
Wait for some time to get response from the recruiters. Normally it varies from two days to two months. In some cases it may take more time.
Also understand people who are all in near shore (available in Singapore and Malaysia) will be considered higher, compared to overseas job seekers. If you are more desired to get a job in Singapore, don't hesitate to come and attend few interviews in person.
These are major job hunting sites used in Singapore
1. http://www.monster.com.sg/
2. http://jobstreet.com.sg/
3. http://www.jobsdb.com/SG
4. www.singaporejobsonline.com/
After posting your resume keep updating very frequently atleast once in a day, even you are not having anything to update in your resume. This makes the employer/job provider to feel that still you are available for the new opportunity.
Put all relevant contents like valid email id, phone no etc. For more information about how to post resume online, look into this
http://www.rileyguide.com/eresume.html
Most of the job sites provide daily mailing of suitable jobs and/or search agents. Subscribing to those features enables you to get updated about newly posted jobs everyday or weekly.
There are some yahoo groups which you can get regular postings of job advertisement like
ezlink@yahoogroups.com. Subscribe to it and you will find lot of other information about Singapore other than job posting.
This group is mainly for Indian professionals working in Singapore.
Wait for some time to get response from the recruiters. Normally it varies from two days to two months. In some cases it may take more time.
Also understand people who are all in near shore (available in Singapore and Malaysia) will be considered higher, compared to overseas job seekers. If you are more desired to get a job in Singapore, don't hesitate to come and attend few interviews in person.
List of company and consultant ids IT
Here is some important consultant and company information. This could possibly help to find job in IT sector. I will try
Add more entries when get some more time
Add more entries when get some more time
NO | Contact Person | Company name | Email ID | Phone/FAX |
| 1 | Sankar | IT matterz | Lshankar@itmatterz.com | (65)68275650 |
| 2 | April | Tang spac | april@tangspac.com | (65) 62244356 |
| 3 | Justin | Tang spac | justin@tangspac.com | (65) 62244356 |
| 4 | Arun | Emerio | arun.joshi@emeriocorp.com | (+65)62718849 |
| 5 | Benjamin | Recruit Express | benjamin@recruitexpress.com.sg | |
| 6 | Anjali | Ren sol | anjali@rensol.com,resume@rensol.com | 65-6327-1858 |
| 7 | Alicia | Optimum | alicia@theoptimum.net,solutions@theoptimum.net | +65 62360070 |
| 8 | Alfred tang | pantratech | alfred.tang@pantratech.com,info@pantratech.com | |
| 9 | HR | Akashya Software | akashya@singnet.com.sg | |
| 10 | Ajay | Suvin Tech | ajay@suvintech.com, rita@suvintech.com | 65 6820 6123 |
| 11 | HR | Recruit Express | elaynesoon@recruitexpress.com.sg, it@recruitexpress.com.sg | Tel: 6732 1300 |
| 12 | Eswar | DSS | easwar@dss.com.sg,info@dss.com.sg | (65) - 6274 5672 |
| 13 | HR | Solomon Internation | cv1@salomoninternational.com,sg@salomoninternational.com | |
| 14 | Bonnie | Kelly Services | cv-bonnie@kellyservices.com.sg | 65 6223 3100 Fax: 65 6221 5652 |
| 15 | HR | Software studio | cv@software-studio.com | (65) 6720 1802 |
| 16 | HR | Comtel solutions | comtel@starhub.net.sg | |
| 17 | Jen | Ace Tech | jen@acetech.net | (65)6225 3373 (65)6225 2855 |
| 18 | Jayantha chatterjee | Birla softw | jayanta.chatterjee@birlasoft.com t | |
| 19 | Jennifier | Viva Manpower | jennifer@vivamanpower.com | (65) 67381189 |
| 20 | Jeremey | Tang spac | jeremey@tangspac.comt | |
| 21 | Leng see Teo | GMP recruit | lengsee.teo@gmprecruit.com | (65) 6736 2022 Fax: (65) 6736 2155 |
| 22 | HR | Job Plus Employment | may@jobplus.sg,enquiry@jobplus.sg t | 6223 9989 |
| 23 | lena | Staff Link | lena@stafflink.com.sg t | 6325 0962 |
| 24 | Ms Melinda Sng | Silicomp Asia Pte Ltd | www.silicomp.com.sg (Singapore) or www.silicomp.com.frt | fax - 6512-0277 |
| 25 | HR | Select Business Services Pte Ltd | faith.ng@select-asia.com t | fax- 65338085 |
| 26 | Sabrina | Metier Career Management | sabrina@metiercareer.com t | 65344255 |
| 27 | HR | Bizcare Personnel Services | C2@bizcareps.com t | 65-68962355 |
| 28 | Raina | Choice software | raina.choice@gmail.comt | |
| 29 | Recruit | CSC | csa_recruit@csc.com t | 65-6221 9095 |
| 30 | Bennie | Shell Infotech | bennie@shellinfotech.com t | 65- 6493 3444 / 6493 3442, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48 |
Salary range
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How much money I can earn in Singapore?
It really depends on what you do and how much experience you have. Here is the complete classification. Again it is my own classification based on my knowledge it may vary.
| Job description | Experience | Working | Pay range |
| IT software Engineer | 2-7 years | Coding, testing etc | 2800 – 6000 |
| IT project manager | 10 to 20 years | Project management | 4000 - 13000 |
| Servant or Maid | Not applicable | Cleaning, cooking, Child care | 300-500 |
| Construction workers | Not applicable | Working in building construction | 800 - 1200 |
| Diploma holders and ITI holders | 3- 7 | Mechanical, Electrical, Automobile engineers | 1500 - 2300 |
Note
All the amount is quoted in Singapore dollar and it is per month.
About singapore
Looking for job in Singapore
Introduction
This must be useful to the guys who are looking for job opportunity in Singapore. It is best to know something about the Singapore.
Location and weather of Singapore
Singapore is bit hot and humid. In normal days it ranges from 20°C to 35°C. It never comes below 20°C. Humidity is high, mounting over a 75% mark.
It is located in Southeastern Asia. It is a islands and located between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Some more information about the singapore
Geographic coordinates: 1 22 N, 103 48 E
Area: total: 647.5 sq km
Land: 637.5 sq km
Water: 10 sq km
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 193 km
Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: Singapore Strait 0 m
People, language and culture
Singapore is a cosmopolitan city. It has the mixture of Malay, Chinese and Indian population. The English used is primarily British English, with some American English influences. The local colloquial dialect of English is Singlish, which has many incorporated vocabulary and grammar from various Chinese dialects, Malay, and Indian languages. Singlish is spoken commonly on the streets, but the government frowns upon its use in official contexts. English became widespread in Singapore after it was implemented as a first language medium in the education system, and English is the most common language in Singaporean literature. You can also speak other languages like Chinese, Malay and Tamil as localities speak.
Various cuisines available in Singapore
Mainly you can find Chinese, Malay and Indian cuisine throughout the country.
Japanese, Korean, Thai and other foods you can get it in specific places.
How safe is Singapore
Singapore is one of the safetiest places in the world. It is good place to live and work.
Introduction
This must be useful to the guys who are looking for job opportunity in Singapore. It is best to know something about the Singapore.
Location and weather of Singapore
Singapore is bit hot and humid. In normal days it ranges from 20°C to 35°C. It never comes below 20°C. Humidity is high, mounting over a 75% mark.
It is located in Southeastern Asia. It is a islands and located between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Some more information about the singapore
Geographic coordinates: 1 22 N, 103 48 E
Area: total: 647.5 sq km
Land: 637.5 sq km
Water: 10 sq km
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 193 km
Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: Singapore Strait 0 m
People, language and culture
Singapore is a cosmopolitan city. It has the mixture of Malay, Chinese and Indian population. The English used is primarily British English, with some American English influences. The local colloquial dialect of English is Singlish, which has many incorporated vocabulary and grammar from various Chinese dialects, Malay, and Indian languages. Singlish is spoken commonly on the streets, but the government frowns upon its use in official contexts. English became widespread in Singapore after it was implemented as a first language medium in the education system, and English is the most common language in Singaporean literature. You can also speak other languages like Chinese, Malay and Tamil as localities speak.
Various cuisines available in Singapore
Mainly you can find Chinese, Malay and Indian cuisine throughout the country.
Japanese, Korean, Thai and other foods you can get it in specific places.
How safe is Singapore
Singapore is one of the safetiest places in the world. It is good place to live and work.
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