Singapore is all time favourite for Oz expats

Although the city-state has a horrendous reputation for high prices, for expats from Australia it’s still the favourite.

According to a recent survey, lower taxes and higher wages offset Singapore’s infamous cost of living for the city state’s Australian expatriates. In spite of its being the fourth most expensive world city for expat professionals, the high cost of services and goods is more than covered by the equally high wage levels. Most Oz expats claimed more disposable income than they had back in the home country, and the stable economy is another major draw in this unstable world.

Traditionally, Singapore has always been a favourite for expats from down under, with the majority saying it feels like home after two short years. A secondary report is also praising Singapore for its liveability for expats, saying its low crime rates, high quality education, clean air and excellent healthcare all add up to the best combination for a successful career overseas. In addition, over half of those surveyed said they found their new job more fulfilling than their positions in Australia, and the chance to learn new skills was praised by many respondents.

Singapore is also a top country for improving career prospects, with some 30 per cent of Australians arriving via a company reassignment and 26 per cent arriving to boost their resumes. Another 13 per cent accompanied their partners after they’d been offered a job. Most importantly, the logistics of arrival and settling in were straightforward according to a majority of those surveyed. Finding accommodation and sorting out financial matters proved to easier than expected, and over half of respondents said finding a good school for their children and childcare for the younger family members was also easy. Obviously, Singapore well deserves its excellent reputation as a successful relocation destination for top talent, and it’s hoped that not only Australians will take advantage of its unique position as a tiny country with a huge reputation for excellence.