Before you make the move to Singapore, there are some things you must know. Singapore has a small land area and a dense population, so crime is relatively low. In fact, there is even a chewing gum ban, and if you spit it out, you face a steep fine. According to the Singapore Department of Statistics, there were 584 crimes committed per capita in 2017.
High Quality of Life
Expats often talk about the high quality of life in Singapore. Singapore’s health care system is well-known. It is ranked sixth by the World Health Organization, while the United Kingdom ranks 18th. Singaporeans have one of the longest life expectancies in the world, and Bloomberg ranks it second to Hong Kong. The government takes pride in maintaining a high standard of living for its citizens. Moreover, the city-state encourages a healthy lifestyle.
In addition to being clean and affordable, Singapore has a modern public transportation system. Taxis, buses, and the Mass Rapid Transport rail system are widely available in the city. Taking a taxi or bus in Singapore costs as little as $0.70. Singapore is also known for its multiculturalism, progressive political system, and safe environment. Those looking to move to Singapore will find it easy to settle with their families and find professional fulfillment.
The perception of quality of life in Singapore is affected by many factors. Kau and Kwon (1999) analyzed differences in quality of life among people from different demographic backgrounds. The influence of religion and materialism on quality of life will be discussed further. In addition to this, the researchers looked into the extent to which residents are satisfied with their life. They emphasized that the happiness of Singaporeans was higher than the satisfaction of people from other cultures.
According to Mercer, Singapore has the highest quality of life in Asia. The country’s healthcare system is renowned for its advanced technology, expert doctors, and clean environment. It also has a public-private partnership in healthcare financing. Citizens contribute to Medisave, a portion of their Central Provident Fund account, which they can use for medical expenses. Singapore also provides affordable medical care for the needy, with subsidies for those who cannot afford it.
Cleanliness
One of the benefits of living in Singapore is its reputation for cleanliness. Singapore is a clean and crime-free city, though its authorities warn that this reputation does come with a price. The city-state is sometimes referred to as “The Fine City” due to its immaculate appearance. However, be aware that Singapore is also home to a slew of different fines. Read on to learn more about living in Singapore’s pristine surroundings.
As part of a national transformation plan, Singapore has made great strides in terms of keeping the streets clean. The government has implemented various policies to curb urban pollution and maintain good health, including banning chewing gum and hawker stalls. These policies have helped the country achieve a high level of cleanliness, and have encouraged citizen participation in cleaning. Public education and enforcement have also played a part in keeping Singapore clean.
The Covid-19 pandemic has also helped Singapore improve its sanitation standards. The disease, which afflicted the whole world, has prompted many to clean their hands and surfaces. In addition to bus and MRT seats, cleaners have wiped down lift buttons. While the message wasn’t clear to all, most people still tried to keep Singapore clean. Moreover, Singapore’s cleanliness standards are not only being pushed upward but are also becoming more stringent.
In addition to this, the Ministry of Education and Manpower has also launched a campaign aimed at improving cleanliness. This campaign aims to differentiate Singapore from other Third World nations and attract tourists and foreign investment. This was one of the first national campaigns to promote cleanliness. The government made Clean and Green Week a national education campaign, which encouraged individuals, schools, and companies to take responsibility for the city’s environmental welfare. Clean and Green Week also led to the creation of the National Council on the Environment.
Taxes
Depending on the amount you earn, you might be wondering about taxes when living in Singapore. Singapore’s progressive tax system means that your income will be taxed at a much lower rate than it would in the United States. In addition, many employers in Singapore will send salary information to the Inland Revenue Authority. Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about filing a tax return if you don’t earn more than SGD 22,000 a year.
Generally, there are two kinds of tax status in Singapore: non-resident and tax resident. Non-residents are those who are not Singaporeans, and they are primarily employed in Singapore for less than 60 days a year. Non-residents aren’t required to pay income tax in Singapore if they’re not Singaporean. However, non-residents may have to pay taxes on their Singapore-sourced income, like interest, if they work outside the country. If you’re ever wondering how to get PR in Singapore, it is also an option to ease in taxes.
In Singapore, capital gains are exempt from taxation, and capital expenses are not deductible against taxable income. Capital allowances, similar to tax depreciation, are deductible against taxable income. Eligible capital assets include certain buildings, structures, machinery, and equipment used in carrying on trade. Generally, the ITA does not apply to people who own businesses. Therefore, foreign nationals living in Singapore should check the applicable tax regime before moving to the country.
For taxation purposes, expatriates from the United States are considered residents of Singapore if they live and work there for 183 days. If they don’t, they must pay a 15% tax on their employment income or a table tax equivalent to the 15% rate. Non-residents owe a higher tax on any other income not derived from employment. In addition, Singapore doesn’t tax inheritances or capital gains. But, it does charge a 3% Goods and Services Tax on all purchases made within the country.
Public Transport
The current model of public transport in Singapore is far from ideal and has led to many undesirable outcomes. Every day, commuters face “crush loads” and public outcry when fares are raised. Ultimately, Singapore would be better served if the government moved away from its narrow philosophy of profit-driven privatization. But how can this be achieved? How can it be done in a way that benefits the population as a whole?
In addition to public transport, there are many ride-hailing apps available in Singapore. Grab, Gojek, ComfortDelGro, and TADA offer on-demand rides. Cycling is another way to get around the city. The Singapore government has pledged to make the city more bicycle-friendly by adding cycle paths throughout the city. By 2030, the LTA plans to build 808 miles of cycle paths in Singapore. The accessibility accommodations for this form of transport are available at the Changi Airport and the MRT station.
Although car rental is an option, the MRT subway system is the best way to get around Singapore. It runs along a network of lines that cover the entire city. For shorter distances, the MRT also operates buses. For those who would like to drive themselves, however, renting a car can be expensive and the traffic can be excruciating. Most travelers arrive at Changi Airport and use public transport to get around the city.
A recent WP proposal for public transport in Singapore recognizes that the current system is an inherent monopoly, but it is one that can deliver better outcomes than the current profit-oriented monopolies. This means that it is important to examine the structure of public utility ownership, as it effectively amounts to a private monopoly. Mr. Lui’s claims of an effective regulatory framework do not make much sense. Public transport companies made $215 million last year, but those profits pale in comparison to fines imposed for failure to meet service standards.
Shopping
Living near a shopping mall can be a convenient way to get everything you need for your daily life. While convenience may come with a cost, many Singaporeans value this type of access more than a more isolated lifestyle. If you’re planning to live near a shopping mall, there are a few things to keep in mind. For instance, the closure of COVID-19 may result in reduced business for some shopping malls.
Giant supermarkets are ubiquitous in Singapore and provide competitive prices on quality produce and groceries. Giant also sells a wide variety of clothing, stationery, and toys. Some even offer international brands, such as organic foods and premium meat. You can also get groceries delivered right to your doorstep. Giant also accepts the EZ-Link Passion card, which makes it a convenient option for grocery shopping. This method of shopping allows you to shop at multiple locations at once, and save time while enjoying the convenience of online grocery ordering.
If you’re visiting Singapore during the holiday season, you’ll find that shopping malls are not all the same. While heartland districts are the most desirable for shopping, the suburban areas offer a slice of life. The Jurong MRT station offers a wide range of shops and malls, but they lack high-end brands. Prices are generally lower, and bargaining is allowed. If you’d rather find a bargain, consider heading to Pasar Malam, a traditional night market, located near an MRT station. Alternatively, you can visit Holland Village, which is just outside of town.
Singapore is an up-and-coming shopping destination in the region, and visiting any of its malls is a treat. English is the lingua franca, and transportation is efficient, so finding a place to shop is a breeze. Some malls are connected by underground tunnels and pathways, and the majority of stores accept major credit cards. Shopping in Singapore is not limited to expensive brands – most of them stay open until 9 pm, and you can find everything you’re looking for with a bus ticket.