Is Singapore all it’s tricked out to be for expat residents?

What’s expat life really like in Singapore?

As do many other Asian destinations for expat professionals, Singapore has its pros and cons, usually dependent on the individual, but what’s it really like for expats contemplating permanent relocation? During an interview with foreign media, one long-term expat said there’s only one political party, adding this seems to suit just fine, a view which could rarely be considered objective in the rest of this troubled world.

Other expats’ positive opinions could well be linked to the permanently hot weather, the sparkling clean streets, the lack of beggars and the closeness of holiday hotspots such as Oz and the Philippines. More world-weary foreigners might have mentioned the lack of freedom of speech, the government’s tactic of silencing or banning controversy, the restrictions on entry and the uncomfortable feeling of always being watched by endless numbers of street cameras. Plus points for female expats might well include the safety and security provided in this tiny state as well as the conspicuous absence of street crime in any form, but work/life balance might cancel out the above benefits as many expats find themselves working 12 hours a day.

Another important downside for the average expat looking to work in this admittedly famous location is its cost of living. Recent survey results placed it as the 13th most expensive world city and the seventh most expensive amongst the major Asian capitals. However, this study only covered consumer goods, leisure activities and services and didn’t take expenses such as school fees, personal transportation and rent as these are normally covered by employers, thus making the actual cost of living even higher. Nevertheless, the general opinion of Singapore as an expat professional destination was favourable as long as the employer picked up the tag where necessary.