Welcome to my digital nomad guide to living in Singapore. If like me, you spend your life on the road, laptop in hand, hopping from country to country, I’ve got lots of great information for you about The Lion City.
During my first visit to Singapore, I spent a month house sitting and enjoyed every moment. Being based in three locations across the city meant I got to explore plenty and was able to discover many cool spots that are often missed. Let’s get started!
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About Singapore
Singapore is a lively Southeast Asian city-state, located just south of Malaysia. It’s small but packed with exciting sights, making exploring easy.
Famous for being clean and safe, Singapore has a fantastic public transport system and is home to iconic spots including the Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. You’ll find breathtaking, towering skyscrapers, lots of greenery, and expansive parks across the city.
This place also celebrates its roots, with neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little India creating a cultural mix. It’s a blend of old and new and is regarded by many as a financial powerhouse and gateway to Southeast Asian business and finance.
Digital Nomad in Singapore: Personal Experience
I completed 3 back-to-back house sits whilst in Singapore, which helped me immensely with accommodation costs. Aside from taking care of some lovely properties and pets, feeling settled allowed me to crack on with plenty of remote work.
Living and working in Singapore was a breeze as a full-time digital nomad. It’s such a modern and bustling metropolis that its very nature motivates you to be productive. It’s a place where financial prowess is evident and often flaunted.
There are ample chances to relax and explore the city with great hiking opportunities and many sites of historic and cultural importance to enjoy. One of my favorite things to do was to visit cool streets like Haji Lane, a popular and lively strip of bars, cafes, and restaurants.
Check out my House Sitting Guide to Singapore to read all about my experience living in Singapore as a digital nomad.
Is Singapore Safe?
Singapore is one of the safest places I’ve visited so far, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere toward visitors and tourists. During my house sits, I felt comfortable walking dogs at all hours, as the streets are well-lit and CCTV is everywhere. I had no safety concerns during my stay.
While serious crime is rare, it’s still a good idea to be cautious of minor scams. Common issues such as overcharging can occur in tourist-heavy areas, however, this is easily avoided by using reputable services. Singapore’s strict laws help maintain order.
All the neighborhoods I traveled to felt safe, but it’s wise to avoid unfamiliar areas late at night, just as I’d advise in any big city. Staying aware of your surroundings and following basic safety tips will better your chances of having a comfortable and safe experience.
Best Areas to Live in Singapore
Being a digital nomad in Singapore opened up opportunities for me to explore different areas of the city. Getting around is easy and there are lots of exciting ways to spend your downtime. Here are 5 great areas to consider living in Singapore:
1. Bugis
Bugis is a busy section of the city center known for having great city-wide links, numerous trendy spots, and tons of amenities. It’s my favorite location in Singapore, and as a digital nomad, it’s a great place to be situated thanks to the surrounding cafes, coworking spaces, and accommodation options.
It’s close to everything, with easy MRT access, great shopping options, and the nearby Bugis Street Market. There’s always something to do after work, whether it’s enjoying the night market or exploring Haji Lane just a few minutes walk away.
2. Queenstown
Queenstown is a more laid-back area, with a lot of green spaces and a relaxed, residential vibe. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a quieter spot but still want quick access to the city center. Public transport is reliable, efficient, and affordable making it easy to get around.
There are plenty of laptop-friendly cafes to set up shop from, ideal for getting through your workload without distractions. With places like Alexandra Canal and the local hawker centers nearby, there’s plenty to explore after shutting down the laptop for the day.
3. Chinatown
I’ve visited many Chinatowns around the world but Chinatown Singapore was a unique experience. It’s part of the city where ancient tradition meets the modern world with startling contrasts everywhere.
My top things to do were to check out the hawker food stalls and eat for next to nothing, or explore historic temples and markets before heading to bars that have some of the best happy hours in town – not to mention incredible views of the skyscrapers!
4. Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru is one of Singapore’s oldest neighborhoods, famous for its art deco buildings and hip, creative scene. It’s a great place for independent bookstores and casual cafes that double up as comfortable spots for remote work.
It’s a quieter area with a cool, retro feel, perfect for unwinding after a workday. Many digital nomads I know love Tiong Bahru for the friendly atmosphere, relaxed vibe, and unique blend of old and new Singapore.
5. Katong
Katong is a residential neighborhood outside of the main city limits. Here, you’ll notice colorful shophouses and heritage colonial bungalows which offer a stark contrast to the towering city skyscrapers. It feels more homely in this part of the city.
Katong has a slow pace providing plenty of opportunities for remote work. Foodies will love the traditional eateries serving spicy laksa and other local specialties. Nearby Geylang is a great place to visit the tze char stalls and to sample some frog porridge (if you fancy!).
How to Find Accommodation in Singapore
Here are some tried-and-true methods for finding accommodation in Singapore, whether you’re planning a short stay or a longer one. Each option offers something unique, so you can choose what best suits your needs and budget.
1. Airbnb: Always a popular option for short to mid-term stays, use Airbnb if you’re looking for a fully furnished place. You can find everything from budget rooms in people’s homes to luxury apartments, many with discounts for weekly or monthly stays.
2. Trusted Housesitters: If you want a unique, low-cost way to stay in Singapore try Trusted Housesitters. From personal experience, house sitting is an ideal option for animal lovers and allows you to immerse yourself in the city like a local without rental costs.
Goats On The Road readers get a special 25% discount by clicking this link.
3. Facebook: Singapore has several active Facebook groups including ‘Rooms For Rent Singapore‘. These groups offer direct access to locals and ex-pats with accommodation to rent, usually cutting out the middleman.
4. Booking.com: A trusty and reliable choice for short-term stays, Booking.com has a massive variety of hotels, serviced apartments, and hostels. It’s especially handy if you need flexibility, as many options come with free cancellation.
Cost of Living in Singapore
I have to admit, Singapore is one of the more expensive cities I’ve visited. Prices weren’t insane, but almost everything cost a little more than other places I’d been to – it didn’t help that I arrived straight from super cheap Vietnam!
Restaurants and Groceries
Grocery shopping prices are fairly aligned with what I’d expect in most major cities. Within the usual margin, a weekly shop in Singapore doesn’t differ too much from my current digital nomad spot – Austin, Texas.
Living in Singapore provides the full scope of dining possibilities; from local hawker markets and street food stands costing a few bucks a meal to the highest of high-end options. But, for an average meal out for two in a nice place, you can expect to pay around $70.
Accommodation Costs
Accommodation costs in Singapore can be significantly higher than in many cities, with long-term rentals around 30% more expensive than in a major US city. Renting an apartment in central Singapore will cost around $2500 before utilities.
Short-term stays on platforms like Airbnb offer a range of accommodations and often have good deals on month-long or extended stays. However, prices can vary widely depending on the location you want and the amenities you require.
The average price per night of a hotel room in Singapore is $212, something to be aware of if you’re planning to stay in the city for a while. Consider looking at house sitting opportunities or negotiating discounts with Airbnb hosts to save costs.
Transportation Costs in Singapore
Life in Singapore runs pretty smoothly thanks to a network of efficient buses, trains, and taxis. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is one of the best I’ve seen around the world so far – some of the underground stations themselves are even nice places to visit!
You can simply scan any active credit or bank card when hopping on and off the buses or going through the metro turnstiles. A bus trip costs around $1.50 and a short taxi ride using a ride-share app like Grab will run you around $10-$15.
SIM Cards and Data
Picking up a SIM card is easy to do, as even in a chaotic marketplace you’ll see stalls offering deals on data plans. Most are official outlets for large operators such as SIMBA, the network I used in Singapore and highly recommend.
You can get a good amount of data for a reasonable price and have the SIM card installed and activated right in front of you, meaning you can rest assured everything is working before you leave. I got 10GB for $15 which lasted me 30 days and it worked really well.
If you plan to hotspot or use a data plan for remote work, consider upping your monthly allowance. Prices are more reasonable the higher up you go. If in doubt, find a local retailer, as the majority speak great English and are happy to have a chat about your needs while in the city.
Money Saving Tips for Singapore
Here are a few tips to help keep costs down in Singapore;
- Use Public Transport: Singapore’s MRT and buses are efficient, affordable, and cover most parts of the city.
- Eat at the Hawkers: For budget-friendly, authentic meals, try Singapore’s famous hawker stalls like Maxwell or Lau Pa Sat.
- Enjoy Free Attractions: More on this later, but rest assured there are plenty of free attractions to enjoy.
- Get Back to Nature: There are some fabulous hiking opportunities and plenty of fresh air to be found in Singapore’s parks and green areas.
- Secure a House Sit: Trusted Housesitters is a great option if you love animals and want to save on accommodation costs.
- Budget-Friendly Accommodation: Beyond house sitting, consider co-living spaces or shared apartments through Airbnb.
- Negotiate: Whether shopping in the markets or renting an apartment, it’s always worth haggling over a price.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol is expensive in Singapore, so consider limiting nights out or drinking at home.
- Find Happy Hours: Happy hour is a popular thing in Singapore with many bars offering daily reduced prices on drinks.
- Shop Smart: Avoid premium supermarkets and shop at local markets or places like FairPrice.
Coworking Spaces in Singapore and WiFi Speed
Singapore has some of the fastest and most reliable internet speeds in the world, making it ideal for digital nomads. WiFi speeds in cafes and public areas generally range from 50 to 100 Mbps, while coworking spaces can reach up to 1 Gbps.
The WiFi connection is solid and rarely has outages. Smooth video calls, uploads, and other online work without interruptions create dream conditions for digital nomads. There are also many excellent coworking spaces, here’s a few options for remote working:
1. The Hive
With 5 locations in Singapore and a presence in 6 countries globally, The Hive has been a useful alliance to me through years of traversing the world. I included a Vietnam Hive in my previous article – Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Ho Chi Minh City.
You can always be assured of a quiet desk to work from, excellent WiFi, and all the facilities you could require. Prices start at $22/day with access from 8 am – 6 pm. There are great discounts and additional benefits for longer stays.
2. WeWork
The most prominent coworking space in Singapore has to be WeWork, with 12 locations in the city. I’m not able to comment on all of them but my experiences with this well-established international chain have always been positive.
I can highly recommend the Suntec Tower 5 location which is perched in a fabulous skyscraper and gazes out over the city. It’s not the cheapest at $35/day but it offers state-of-the-art facilities and is a super cool place to work from.
3. The Work Boulevard
For the best working view in Singapore, head to The Work Boulevard at Collyer Quay. They have 3 locations in the city but this particular branch looks out over the quay and the iconic Marina Bay Sands – as far as offices go, it’s as good as it gets!
There’s ample space in the beautiful lounge for hot-desking and dedicated offices for those who seek a more permanent residence or some isolated work time. Prices start at $22/day with 24/7 access available.
Best Cafes to Work From in Singapore
As a digital nomad living in Singapore, it’s handy to know where the laptop-friendly cafes are. Thankfully, Singapore is packed with great options for us digital nomads, here are my top 3 picks:
- The Book Cafe: Combining my love of books and coffee, this great option is a refreshing but easily accessible distance from the city center. It’s a nice spot close to the river that has plenty of spacious tables, decent WiFi, and a chilled vibe.
- Free the Robot: From breakfast to dinner, coffee to cocktails this robot-themed cafe has a fantastic menu ranging from breakfast sandwiches to fish and chips. It’s a lively but fun place to set up with your laptop.
- Enchanted Cafe Rangoon Road: A charming 24/7 cafe that feels like a vintage tea room. There’s a tasty all-day brunch menu packed with everything you could desire and it has a nice atmosphere which makes for a peaceful spot for remote work.
Activities and Things to Do in Singapore
Living in Singapore as a digital nomad means there are plenty of ways to unwind after work or make the most of flexible hours. Whether you’re free to explore during the week or keep weekends open, here are some great ways to fully enjoy Singapore:
1. Take a Personalized Food Tour
If you want to dive headfirst into the local food scene I highly recommend a street food tour. It’s a great way to sample lots of local delicacies in places off-the-beaten-track that many tourists simply wouldn’t otherwise discover.
This personalized tour with a local host tailors the experience to your tastes and explores famous spots including the Chinatown Food Complex. You’ll taste as many as 8 different street foods and get to visit a traditional working wet market. Click here for details.
2. Visit The Battlebox
My husband’s Grandfather was taken prisoner in Singapore during WWII so we made a point to visit as many of the poignant sites, of which there are many, around the city. One of the best was The Battlebox hidden under Fort Canning Park.
This free-to-visit exhibit is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. It offers an immersive look into Singapore’s WWII history through a huge underground command center where hourly tours take you through the history and stories. Donations are welcome so consider supporting if you can.
3. Explore the City by Bike
A fantastic way to discover Singapore is on a guided half-day bike tour. The city streets are bicycle-friendly and it’s a cool place to explore on two wheels.
This guided excursion takes you through historic areas including Chinatown, Little India, and Marina Bay plus many hidden treasures – what better way to get to know Singapore? Click here for more information about this excellent small-group tour.
4. Stand in Pole Position
Every year one of the biggest Formula 1 races of the season descends on the streets of Singapore. The Singapore Grand Prix is a huge event that attracts visitors from around the world as the best drivers on the planet speed along the city’s roads at 200 mph.
Although everything returns to normal after the busy weekend of racing, some of the main infrastructure is permanent and open to the public. You can head to the pit lane, the starting grid, and even jog or cycle along the first few corners of the track. Find it here.
5. See the Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is an awe-inspiring spot to unwind after a busy day, with several free outdoor spaces, unique displays, and nightly light shows. Don’t miss the iconic Supertree Grove, where towering, plant-covered structures light up to music each evening – it’s truly impressive.
For more immersive experiences, explore the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories where you can enjoy plenty of exotic plants and even a stunning indoor waterfall. It’s a peaceful escape right in the heart of the city. Click here for directions.
Weather in Singapore
Singapore’s weather is warm and humid year-round, with temperatures averaging 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F) and humidity often above 80%. Being close to the equator, the city experiences little seasonal variation.
Rain is common, especially from November to February during the Northeast Monsoon, when downpours are frequent and intense. During my stay, I experienced several sudden, heavy rainstorms, so it’s wise to keep an umbrella handy.
With high humidity and frequent rain, it can typically feel hotter than the actual temperature. Many tourists, digital nomads, and locals prefer to stay indoors during peak midday heat. February to April is the ideal time to visit to fully enjoy any outdoor activities.
Pros and Cons of Living in Singapore
There’s no doubt that Singapore is a wonderful city, but there are both pros and cons to consider as a digital nomad, before choosing it as a base. Here’s what I found from my experience:
Pros of Living in Singapore
- Efficient Public Transport: Singapore has an extensive and reliable public transport system, making it easy to get around.
- Safety: Singapore is known for its low crime rate and strict laws, so it’s a safe environment for residents and visitors alike.
- Multicultural Environment: The city is a melting pot of cultures, offering diverse food, festivals, and experiences.
- High Quality of Life: With excellent healthcare, education, and infrastructure, Singapore provides a high standard of living.
- Business Focussed: As a financial powerhouse, business is thriving in Singapore – it’s perfectly set up for digital nomads.
- Ex-Pat Community: There’s a large ex-pat community which can help it feel like a home from home.
- Proximity to Nature: Despite its urban setting, Singapore has many wonderful parks, gardens, and nature reserves.
- Westernized Amenities: Finally, as a former British colony, Singapore has the most Westernized culture I’ve seen in Asia.
Cons of Living in Singapore
- High Cost of Living: Working remotely in Singapore can be expensive, with high accommodation and dining costs.
- Limited Space: Many apartments and living spaces are compact, which may feel cramped for some.
- Humidity and Heat: The tropical climate often leads to intense humidity and heat, which can be uncomfortable if it’s not something you’re familiar with.
- Strict Regulations: While laws contribute to safety, strict regulations can feel limiting and seem overbearing at times.
- Fast-Paced Lifestyle: The fast-paced city life can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers or those with rural roots.
- Limited Visa Length: I’ll cover this in more depth in the next section but there isn’t a digital nomad visa for Singapore at present.
- The Hidden Costs: This will be less of an issue for US citizens who are used to adding tax and tip but most places in Singapore add tax and tip to the advertised price, hiking the price by 15%-20%.
- Construction: My final house sit in Bugis was slighted by the amount of extensive construction happening on the skyscraper across the street. Building work is common across the city.
Digital Nomad Visa for Singapore
Singapore doesn’t currently offer a specific digital nomad visa, which can make it challenging for remote workers looking to live there long-term. Instead, most digital nomads are able to enter Singapore on a tourist visa, which allows stays of up to 30 days.
For American, Canadian, and Australian citizens, no visa is required for visits of up to 90 days. However, all visitors need to ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their date of entry.
This temporary arrangement is great for month-long visits but not ideal for digital nomads seeking a more permanent base. All travelers are also required to fill in an SG Arrival Card 3 days before arriving in Singapore.
For the latest entry requirements and updates, refer to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore.
In Conclusion
I hope my digital nomad guide to Singapore has highlighted why you should consider it as a remote working location. Among many other qualities, it’s also an ideal base for further exploration, especially across Southeast Asia.
The city’s diverse foodie scene and endless exciting activities will ensure that you have plenty to treat yourself to once you’ve served your time on the laptop! As a digital nomad in Singapore, it’s impossible not to be inspired by this kind of dynamic atmosphere and welcoming environment.