Information for New Staff

Living in Singapore

ST JOSEPH’S INSTITUTION INTERNATIONAL

This guide is written to help you have a smooth settling–in period. This guide should be read in

conjunction with the comprehensive Living in Singapore Guidebook 12th Edition.

Welcome to Singapore!

Singapore; often referred as one of the four Asian tigers, is a clean, efficient city state located at the

southern tip of peninsular Malaysia on an island measuring 40km by 25 km. It is one of Asia’s global

centres for commerce and technology, and has attracted expatriates from all over the world for its low

crime rates, transparency, and extremely high standards of living.

This snapshot is intended to highlight some of the advantages of living in cosmopolitan Singapore.

Further information about working in SJI International can be found in the Staff Handbook.

You may find the following websites very useful during your first few weeks in Singapore:

http://singapore.angloinfo.com

www.entersingapore.com

1. Background to Singapore

History

The earliest records of Singapore dates back to second century AD. The modern history of Singapore

begins in 1819 when Englishman Sir Stamford Raffles established a British port in Singapore. In 1826 the

British gained sovereignty over Singapore and Singapore became a straits settlement. During World War

2, the Japanese invaded Singapore in 1942 and occupied the island until 1945. Singapore gained

independence in 1959 and merged with Malaya in 1963 to form Malaysia, only to be separated in 1965

to become the republic of Singapore.

Culture

With a population of 5.5 million, Singapore is a melting

pot of nationalities and ethnicities, and is a showcase

for racial and religious harmony. Singaporean culture

is a unique one that is influenced by many cultures,

with food at the forefront, this being one of the

constant talking points in the national conversation.

Singapore's national ideology is based on the following pledge:

"We the citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people,

regardless of race, language or religion,

to build a democratic society based on justice and equality

so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation."

2. Settling In Safety

Singapore is considered to be one of the safest countries in the world. The low crime rate continues to

decrease. Harassment, petty theft, crimes against elderly persons and statutory rape are on the decline.

If you commit a crime in Singapore, you'll be subject to the same laws and punishments as

Singaporeans. All drugs are illegal in Singapore; and drug traffickers are given the death penalty. Some

crimes are punishable by caning, like vandalism. The policies might sound harsh, but Singapore is one of

the safest places to live as a result. As long as you respect the local laws and customs you are sure to

receive a warm welcome in Singapore.

Language

English is the official language of Singapore, but it's not uncommon to hear several languages spoken in

one day, for example, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. English is the language of administration, and the

language used most often in the professional and the academic world.

Weather and climate

Singapore has an equatorial tropical climate with no distinct seasons. The annual temperature varies

from 25°C - 32°C and remains high during the night. Even though the temperature is generally high, it is

not oppressive. There is abundant rainfall throughout the year, especially between November and

January, and generally high levels of humidity.

Renting Property

To see listings of property available for rent go to www.iproperty.com.sg or www.propertyguru.com.sg

SJII Teachers live in a range of property styles from condominium or low rise; Accommodation with

facilities including pool and gym to apartments or duplex without facilities; to shared accommodation in

top floor of house. The districts where they live allow them to reach work within 7 to 20 minutes walk.

Some get to work using one or two bus rides. Some use the MRT, while others use taxis - for shorter

travelling time. A small minority have their own cars – and drive to work. The neighbourhoods include-

Upper Thomson Road; Allsworth Park on Holland Road; Thomson 800, Thomson Road; Bradell View;

Braddell Hill on Braddell Road; Oleander Towers, Toa Payoh; Adam Park condo, Adam road Botanic

Gardens tube station; Balestier Road; The Cornwall, Cornwall Gardens at Holland Road/Holland Village;

Moulmein Road, Novena; Duplex- Braddell View estate; River Valley Road; Sturdee Road, Farrer Park

MRT, in Little India area; Dairy Farm Estate in Upper Bukit Timah.

The standard lease term in Singapore is 2 years. Proximity to a main road may be a factor to take into

account when looking for permanent accommodation for ease of access to public transport.

The following website may help newcomers decode the Singapore property market:

http://www.gatewaysingapore.com/2012/10/renting-in-singapore/

If you need to unexpectedly relocate from Singapore before the expiry of the lease, you may be able to

reduce your outstanding rent liability with a Diplomatic Clause. Also Read Page 36 Living in Singapore

Guidebook.

Diplomatic or Escape Clause and Reimbursement Clause Check for this clause. This clause is to safe guard you if in the event you are no longer employed, transferred to other countries. It allows you to terminate the lease after 12 months by giving 2 months notice. Thereafter, the security deposit will be refunded to you. Please note that most landlords will only include the diplomatic clause if the lease is more than a year. In a standard Singapore Tenancy Agreement, there is usually the reimbursement clause together with the diplomatic clause. This clause states that if you exercise the diplomatic clause, you will have to

reimburse part of the commission the landlord had paid to his agent. The reason behind this clause is that the landlord had paid the full one month's agent commission for a 2 years lease but if you terminate the lease by exercising the diplomatic clause, hence unable to complete the full 2 years, you will have to refund the pro-rata commission. Since landlord grants the diplomatic clause, they will usually demand reimbursement clause to be included in the tenancy agreement. It is important to note that you may only activate the diplomatic clause if you will no longer hold a valid work permit in Singapore from the date you require the lease to be terminated. You will need to provide evidence that your employment is ceasing or you are being relocated to another country. See the following website for additional information: http://www.singaporeexpats.com/guides-for-expats/procedure-for-rental.htm

Fee to Property Agent.. Leasing of Property in Singapore (Including HDB, Non-Privatized HUDC Flats,

Commercial and Industrial Properties)

Party Type of Lease Duration of Lease Professional Fee

Landlord or

Tenant

Room Rental or

Partial Unit

24 Months or Less

Every subsequent 12 months

or less

Renewal of Lease for every 12

months lease

$500 or One (1) month’s rent whichever

is higher

Additional $300 or Half (1/2) month’s

rent whichever is higher

$300 or Half (1/2) month’s rent

whichever is higher

Whole Unit 24 Months or Less

Every subsequent 12 months

or less

Renewal of Lease for every 12

months lease

$1500 or One (1) month’s rent whichever

is higher

Additional $1000 or Half (1/2) month’s

rent whichever is higher

$1000 or Half (1/2) month’s rent

whichever is higher

An Estate Agent or Salesperson shall not accept any commission from both the Landlord and Tenant in the

same transaction regardless consent has been obtains from either party. This is in strict compliance to the

Estate Agents (Estate Agency Work) Regulations 2010.

Commission shall become due immediately upon execution of the tenancy agreement by Landlord and

Tenant.

In a co-brokerage, the co-broking agents shall collect the commission from their respective clients as in the

above or as otherwise agreed between the parties. http://www.propnex.com/commissionguideline.aspx

Transportation

The public transport system in Singapore is regarded as one of the best in

the world. The public buses and trains (often referred to as MRT) run from

early in the morning until mid night. See the following link:

http://www.transitlink.com.sg. EZ-link cards can be purchased from MRT

(metro) stations and are used on all public transport. You will be provided

with EZ-Link cards on arrival for you and your family with $5 per family

member on the card. Unlike many other countries, public transport is still

available on public holidays. It is clean, reliable and efficient and many

people choose to use it instead of motor vehicles, as cars are heavily taxed

in Singapore.

Taxis are easily available from taxi stands and hotels. Taxis can be flagged down along the road provided

there is no disruption to the general traffic. In the Central Business District taxis will only stop at taxi

ranks. These are generally located near the larger shopping complexes, MRT stations and hotels (usually

for hotel guests only). Please do not attempt to hail at taxi at the traffic light intersection – the taxi

driver will be fined if he stops there.

Proximity to a main road may be a factor to take into account when looking for permanent

accommodation. All taxis are installed with two-way radios. During peak periods phone lines are often

busy therefore it can be difficult to secure a booking. To ease this problem Comfort CabLink offers a

service whereby the user registers their address with the company and the closest satellite-linked taxi in

the vicinity will respond immediately. Most Singaporeans have a taxi booking App on their mobile phone

– there are several available. If you need a taxi to take you to the airport it is recommended that during

rainy season to book in advance.

Taxis are generally cheaper compared to their counterparts in most western countries. It is easy to call

or pre-book a taxi from an extra $2.50 depending on the time of day. All taxi drivers speak English and

are generally very polite and courteous. Apart from the normal taxis, certain companies provide

premium taxi services using brands like Chrysler and Mercedes Benz at higher prices.

Changi International Airport is the gateway connecting Singapore to

rest of the world. It is one of the busiest and probably the best in the

world; you can catch a flight to almost anywhere in the world from

here. Singapore’s location is such that most of the major cities in the

region are less than 3 hours away by air. There are also a number of

budget airlines with an extensive network in the region with plans for

long haul flights in the pipeline, giving more travel miles for less.

Mobile Apps to help you get around Singapore

www.gothere.sg - Get directions to your destination for bus, train, taxi or by car info includes estimated

trip duration, fare and even the street view. This is an invaluable app when you are choosing where to

live and estimating travel time to and from school.

www.whereto.sg - Handy to locate 7-Eleven, a bus stop or supermarkets

Showtimezz - https://itunes.apple.com/sg/app/showtimezz-singapore/id416536728?mt=8 - is an

application that allows you to check movie timings, seat availability and book tickets for all major

cineplexes.

Owning a car in Singapore

Don’t be shocked when you first hear the price of cars in Singapore. In order to minimize traffic

congestion, the government has introduced a bidding system. Anyone wishing to own a vehicle in a

particular year needs to bid for and get hold of a Certificate of Entitlement (COE). The Government

releases a fixed number of COEs per year and this supply is often outstripped by the demand which

artificially inflates the prices in the market. On the plus side, Singapore’s public transport system is one

of the most efficient in the world, so it is not necessary to own a car to enjoy a smooth and fast journey

to work and for leisure. Most of the staff in SJI International do not own a car in Singapore.

You need to get a Singapore driver’s license in order to be eligible to drive in Singapore. Foreigners who

stay in Singapore for more than 6 months are required to obtain a Singapore driver’s license. Your

current license may be converted to a Singapore driver’s license after passing the online Basic Theory

Test at any driving school in Singapore. [See Living in Singapore Guidebook Page 130]

Car Insurance: If you are going to be driving in Singapore it is recommended that you obtain a letter

from your previous insurer outlining the percentage of no-claims bonus that applies to your most recent

policy. This letter will assist you to negotiate the best premium for your drivers insurance in Singapore.

Cost of Living – http://www.gatewaysingapore.com/2012/06/cost-of-living-in-singapore/

Getting online

Subscribing to the Internet is a fast and easy process in Singapore where fixed and mobile broadband

connections are readily available. The three biggest providers are SingTel, Starhub and M1 who provide

fast, stable Internet connections at affordable rates. All three Telco’s are in the midst of rolling out next-

generation fibre-based broadband networks, which will see internet connection speeds soar. Unlike

most countries Singapore does not have a cap for internet usage, so most if not all Internet packages

come with unlimited data bundle; plans only differ in the connection speeds they are pegged at.

Associations and Clubs

There are dozens of volunteer led Associations that have been

established to help new arrivals get settled in Singapore. These allow

newcomers to participate in activities and events so that you socialise

with people with similar interests. Activities include sports, reading,

exploring, learning about history or art or culture. There are nearly fifty

associations listed in Living in Singapore Guidebook from Page 44 that

can meet your needs.

An increasingly popular ways for new arrivals to meet people with similar interests are through the web platform Meet UP. There are more than 200 Meet- up groups in Singapore, including: http://meetup.com/cities/sg/singapore http://www.meetup.com/hungryhundred/ - 100 books to read http://www.meetup.com/Expat-Friends/ - wine and dining events http://hiking.meetup.com/cities/sg/singapore

Dragon Boating- Singapore expat sport

The AustCham Dragon Boat Team is a high energy fun group of people that participate regularly in Dragon Boating competitions here in Singapore and the region. Although officially representing Australia, the team is very multicultural, with anyone living in Singapore welcome to join. Training sessions are a very social event, and a great way to meet people and keep fit. Held every Saturday afternoon on Kallang River, we invite you to come down and join the team at our training sessions for a paddle and a drink. To find out more about AustCham Dragon Boating please visit www.ozpaddleclub.org Other activities: Soccer Club - Members from around the world / Singapore Cricket Club - Ask for Anthony Holohan For low cost activities including dance classes, basketball and martial arts or even cooking lessons join

the People’s Association (PA). PA was established as a statutory board on 1 July 1960 to promote racial

harmony and social cohesion in Singapore, through a network of Community Clubs:

http://www.pa.gov.sg/

Do you have an interest, and want to meet other like-minded people? Join Interest Groups (IGs) -

http://www.pa.gov.sg/interest-groups.html - at the Community Clubs (CCs) or Residents’ Committees

(RCs). There are IGs covering Sports & Fitness, Arts and Lifestyle, Education and Lifeskills and Performing

Arts. IGs allow for quality interaction and bonding among residents as they attract residents of all races,

gender and age.

3. Education The local education system is similar to the English education system. Students undergo 6 years of

primary and 4 years of secondary education after which students are allowed to embark on a 2 year

academic pre-university education at a Junior College or 3 year technical education at a polytechnic.

Primary school is compulsory for all children. Students transfer from Primary to Secondary at the age of

12 and not 11 as they do in the UK. Students take Singapore Cambridge O Levels and A Levels at the end

of Secondary 4 and Junior College year 2 respectively. There are 4 fully fledged Universities and other

private institutions that offer degree programs among which National University of Singapore (NUS) and

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) are often recognized as top tier Universities by ranking

organisations.

However, most expatriates choose to send their children to International schools following an

international curriculum like IB. With the exception of SJI International, ACS International and Hwa

Chong International, Singaporeans are not allowed to study at International schools. Most children

travel to school on school buses or by public transport which again, is very safe.

Choosing a Pre School in Singapore

The first challenge may be that there are hundreds of pre-schools to choose from. There are five key

factors you may like to consider when choosing the best pre-school for your child. 1. The fees 2. The

location , the proximity and accessibility to your home or work place for convenience of the family

member or your helper who will accompany child to and from pre-school.

3. The curriculum such as use of a formal learning program eg Montessori or Reggio Amelio or various

other programs which are delivered with little or with a lot of play time. Is second language tuition

available? Mandarin is a common option in pre-schools in Singapore. 4. the training of the staff.

5 The nationality mix of students attending the school. Expatriate children attend dozens of local pre-

schools across the island.

If you have young children who will be in the care of your helper, you can take advantage of the many

activity centres where a range of programs including gymnastics, mathematics, music and art are

offered for short sessions. These centres are often located in shopping centres including at United

Square which is just a short bus journey from our school.

Valuable resources to obtain information on specific pre-schools

The blog http://sassymamasg.com/the-sassy-mama-ultimate-guide-to-the-best-preschools-in-

singapore/

or Buy a guide book about Pre- Schools in Singapore

http://www.sphmagazines.com.sg/magazines/young-parents-preschool-guide

or read the Little Learners section of The Expat Living, Kids Referral Guide

Read more about activities for children in the Family Section

4. Family

Healthcare

Singapore has one of the world’s most advanced health care systems with

many flocking here to take advantage of the expertise of our doctors and

advanced medical facilities. Hospital bills can amount to a considerable sum of money. Usually if you

are an expatriate, health insurance will be part of your remuneration. Please refer to the SJII Staff

Handbook for details of medical cover.

Singapore’s healthcare system comprises 10 public hospitals, 13 private hospitals and several specialist

clinics. For emergencies, patients can go to the 24 hour Accident and Emergency Departments located

in government hospitals.

What to do in an Emergency

The Public Ambulance (Call 995 - on your telephone) must take patients to the nearest public hospital.

For children up to the age of 14, the patient will be taken to either KK Womens and Children’s Hospital

or the National University Hospital , whichever is the closer to where the patient is collected. Both

hospitals have paediatric triage nurses.

If you wish to arrange ambulance transport to the Private Hospital of your choice, you must phone the

Hospital who will send their ambulance to collect the patient. The crews of ambulances may not have

the same high level of training that may be common in your home country. Crews maintain contact with

doctors in the hospital during a patients journey if required.

Being Healthy in the Tropics

If this is your first time living in the tropics, it is worthwhile reading the International Medical Centre

Guide to Health in Singapore. The booklet describes the various illnesses you may encounter. Dengue is

prevalent in the tropics and may be suffered in Singapore. To read about ways to avoid contracting

dengue see http://www.dengue.gov.sg - about how to ensure there is no stagnant water around your

home.

Dehydration is a hazard to good health. It is essential that you and your children drink plenty of water

every day.

Medical Care for Children

Most parents take their baby to a specialist paediatric doctor from birth until the child is about 10 years

old. However, it is not obligatory and parents can register with a GP straight away. It is good to keep a

birth record booklet if your child is born in Singapore or maintain an equivalent record of all medical

details, growth and weight charts, vaccinations and anything relating to child’s health. The birth record

book is available from hospitals, doctors and specialists. For more information on raising children with

food and other allergies in Singapore visit www.sneezywheezy.com

Childcare

Many working families choose to have live-in helpers to help look after young children and assist with

the household chores. This is relatively easy to arrange by one of the several maid agencies, from

around S$450 to $650 per month, on top of that, the hirer needs to pay a Government Levy of S$265

per month. Part-time help is paid by the hour and tends to be more expensive.

The easiest method to hire staff, is to use an agency who undertakes all the paperwork and red tape.

The agency will introduce you to girls who have the experience and skills that may match your needs.

Interviews are generally conducted on Sundays, the day that helpers have free from work.

For comprehensive information on your obligations see: http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-

manpower/passes-visas/work-permit-fdw/before-you-apply/Pages/default.aspx

As an employer in addition to paying the monthly salary, compulsory hospitalisation insurance and Bond

guarantee fee, documentation processing fees, you are responsible for all your helpers medical care and

expenses.

You must complete a compulsory three hour Employers Orientation Programme. You cannot undertake

the programme until you have registered for a SINGPASS - https://www.singpass.gov.sg/sppubsvc/

Part-time help is paid by-the-hour and tends to be more expensive. The website of Amahs on Wheels

http://www.amahsonwheels.com/index.php?act=pages&do=intro) or Mrs Sparkles (http://www.mrs-

sparkles.com.sg/) will give you some idea of the costs for weekly cleaning service. If you do hire a part-

time cleaner they must be Singaporean or a Permanent Resident of Singapore.

Support Groups and Social Networks for Parents

www.primetime.org.sg = Mothers Group and www.nmss-singapore.com = New Mothers Support Group www.sneezywheezy.com = medical care for children

Children’s activities

There are many extra-curricular activities organised by the schools

after school hours, and many organize both academic and non-

academic excursions and field trips during the term time and term

breaks. Apart from the schools there are voluntary organisations such as Australia and New Zealand

Association (ANZA) which organise activities such as Cricket, Rugby and Soccer. Similarly summer camps

for children are organised by entities such as The British and American Clubs.

The Singapore American School and the Canadian International School run excellent summer camps.

These camps are open to students from any of the international schools in Singapore.

For pre-school children there are many nurseries and pre-schools offering part-time and full-time day

care. There is an abundance of activities aimed at young children to enjoy in Singapore, for more

information please visit:

www.singaporeforkids.com or http://www.thehoneycombers.com/singapore/kids/

playgroup@anza.org.sg is an ANZA's Under Fives' Playgroup held each Friday from 10am-12noon, at the

award-winning Go-Go Bambini indoor adventure playscape and cafe. This is a great chance to meet and

chat with other ANZA parents, and have a morning of fun and adventure with the kids. You will find ball

blowers, interactive musical instruments, ball pits for baby and toddlers, slides and obstacle courses (for

the more adventurous little ones). Coffee and all things delicious can be purchases at Cafe Bambini,

while you wait for your child. This group meets every Friday from 10am to 12pm at Go-Go Bambini

(Block 8 Dempsey Road,#01-15 Dempsey Hill)

Private Employment

Finding work within the Singapore business community may not be easy, but it is possible. Many new

comers to Singapore find rewarding work in roles that may be different from their previous work

experience. The Careers Resource Centre for Expatriates specialises in assisting expatriate job seekers

to prepare their resume and for interviews in Singapore. [See Living in Singapore Guidebook from 160].

Attending networking events and telling everyone you meet that you are seeking employment will

dramatically improve your chances of successfully finding a job in Singapore.

Volunteer Work

There are a number of organisations in Singapore that would welcome your services as a volunteer,

including: http://www.thekindexchange.com

http://www.sgcares.org/public/other/SGcares_P_Home.aspx

5. Financial Matters

Banking and Finance

There are many banks in Singapore offering full banking

services. The three biggest local banks are DBS, UOB

and OCBC. Banks have different requirements of

potential account holders. Minimum balances and

account charges may vary. Most banks have a

minimum initial deposit requirement. All offer on-line facilities making the transfer of money very easy.

Most banks require the following documentation when you open an account: your passport; a valid

work Visa; dependent pass or long term stay pass, and proof of address (tenancy agreement, utility bills

or an official letter from your employer signed by a manager). It is quite common for the bank to request

that you deposit a minimum balance (for a Citibank account $2500 is requested) to be deposited in the

account and left there. Whichever bank you go for, watch out for hidden extras, and the charges

incurred if you go below this amount. See http://www.gatewaysingapore.com/2012/01/opening-a-

bank-account-in-singapore/ for further details.

Credit cards are readily accepted in Singapore and there is a wide range of cards to choose from to suit

your needs. Visa, MasterCard, Diners and American Express are all common here. Typically, to apply for

a credit card you will require an employment pass with at least 9-12 months' validity and an annual

salary of $30,000. Again, it's best to check with the individual bank in question when you're ready to

apply for one.

Opening a Bank Account

See Living in Singapore Guidebook Page 164 for overview. You will need copy of your passport, proof of

address in Singapore and your employment pass or copy of the In-Principal Approval letter to Open

account. Each bank has a minimum initial deposit though it may not be necessary to make that deposit

on the same day as you open the account. Minimum deposits range from SGD $ 1,000 to SGD $2000. For

convenience chose a bank that has a high availability of ATMs across the island. DBS shares an ATM

network with POSB.

Mobile phones

You will be provided with a temporary SIM card on arrival, which should cover you until you take out a

contract. You will not be able to use the temporary SIM for your permanent contract as it is not

registered in your name. In obtain your own SIM card take your passport to a 7Eleven store or kiosk and

you can buy a pre-paid account. Subsequently you can buy more top up cards at the 7Eleven store. The

major providers are Singtel, StarHub and M1.

Tax

The system for collection of employee taxes in Singapore differs from

the systems where your tax is deducted from each salary payment. If

you do not set up to pay your tax via GIRO payment as a monthly

instalment plan you will be required to pay the full amount in one lump sum within one month

of its due date in April or May. It is your responsibility to obtain independent advice about your

income tax situation and whether you have a tax liability outside of Singapore while employed

in Singapore.

Income tax is low in Singapore at about 8% of gross income. Singapore has signed agreements with 34

countries to avoid double taxation. Taxes are filed online in April each year. There is a 7% Goods and

Services Tax (GST) on domestic consumption. The GST is levied on the sale of goods and services in

Singapore by GST-registered traders, and on goods imported into Singapore. The export of goods and

international services is not subject to GST. The GST covers almost all goods and services, except for the

rental and sale of residential land and buildings in Singapore, and certain financial services.

Teachers enjoy a reasonably high level of disposable income which allows the potential for savings and

travel.

General information Ways to save tax

The amount of income tax that you have to pay depends on your tax residency in Singapore.

Top marginal resident tax rate of 20% kicks in at S$320,000 of taxable income. Non-residents are taxed at the flat rate of 15%

Tax residents are eligible for tax reliefs that can be offset against the assessable income. You can get reliefs for spouse support, child maintenance etc. Conditions apply.

You may claim expenses incurred against your

or the resident rates whichever results in a higher tax amount on your employment income.

Income is assessed on a preceding year basis, ending 31 December. You must file Your Income Tax Return by 15 Apr of the following year. You can usually expect to receive the income tax bills by September.

Besides salaries and bonuses, perquisites such as housing and stock options will form part of your taxable employment income.

Overseas income derived outside Singapore, Singapore dividends and bank interest are tax exempt in Singapore.

For more information, refer to A Guide for New Taxpayers.

employment income; enjoy tax deductions for approved charitable donations. Conditions apply.

Under the Not Ordinarily Resident (NOR) Scheme, you can enjoy either Time Apportionment of Singapore employment income or Tax Exemption of Employer’s contributions to Overseas Pension Fund, or both. Conditions apply.

If you work for a foreign employer and need to travel overseas in the course of work, you may enjoy time apportionment of employment income under the Area Representative Scheme. Conditions apply.

Under the Avoidance of Double Taxation Treaties, you may be protected from being taxed twice in Singapore and your country of residence. Conditions apply.

If you are leaving Singapore or changing job

Update address and contact details

If you are about to leave Singapore or changing to another job within Singapore, your current employer needs to notify IRAS and ensure that you settle all your taxes before you cease employment with them. This process is known as tax clearance. If you have any existing stock options or awards on hand which have

It is important that you update us your latest address so that we can send your tax bill to you. Log in myTax Portal at www.iras.gov.sg using your SingPass or IRAS PIN to update your address. If you do not have one, you may apply for one online at our website

yet to be exercised or vested, you will be deemed to have derived gains from the stock or awards at the point of tax clearance.

Need help on your assessment? Paying your taxes

We have Online Calculators to help you do a quick assessment :

Resident Tax Calculator

Non-Resident Tax Calculator

NOR status calculator

NOR Travel calculator

Area Representative Travel Calculator

Tax Clearance Calculator

Sign up for the 12-month interest free GIRO Instalment Plan to pay your income tax by instalments. Otherwise, full payment has to be made within one month from the date of the income tax bill. You may pay the full tax by cash at any Singapore Post Office, by cheque, other payment modes e.g. AXS, S.A.MTM or Internet Banking.

For information about tax liability for foreigners see

http://www.iras.gov.sg/irasHome/page.aspx?id=979

Some Tax residents are eligible for tax reliefs that can be offset against the assessable income. You can

get reliefs for spouse support, child maintenance etc , expenses related to live in domestic helper.

Conditions apply.

Household Insurance

Some general terms related to Home Insurance

Protects your home against fire, theft and other hazards. Basic Coverage: Fire, explosion, lightning, thunderbolt, earthquake, strike & riot, malicious damage, aircraft damage, hurricane, windstorm, flood, impact damage; Theft by violent and forcible entry or exit; Bursting or overflowing of domestic water tanks; Public liability for any one accident; Personal accident; Workmen's' compensation for domestic maid

Definitions:

Building: Internal building structures, fixtures & fittings

Renovation: Improvement / addition / fixtures & fittings

Content: Movable items eg. furniture, household appliances personal effects

There are many companies offering insurance packages. You may find Home Insurance products listed

under General Insurance on web sites.

http://www.expatinsurance.com.sg/home-insurance. This business was set up by a young American

woman Danielle Bray.

http://www.greateasternlife.com/sg/en/solutions-for-your-needs/protection/index.shtml#

http://www.aigdirect.com.sg/homeplus_2227_335203.html

http://www.income.com.sg/insurance/Home/index.asp

http://www.dbs.com.sg/personal/insurance/homeshield/default.page

http://www.msig.com.sg/Lifestyle/category.asp?pageid=3200

http://www.aviva.com.sg/home-insurance/

6. Lifestyle

Religious services

For complete listing of mass times at Catholic churches in Singapore. See the website of the Caritas

Singapore Community Council - www.cscc_singapore.org

For listings of churches see:

http://directory.stclassifieds.sg/singapore-

directory/Churches/search/?gclid=CNf_98WJj7QCFYl66wodtAsACQ

For listings of Hindu Temples see: http://singaporehindutemples.com/templelist.html

For list of some Buddhist temples see: http://www.amasingapore.com/temples.htm

For a list of Mosques see: http://www.muis.gov.sg/cms/

Things to do

Singapore may be a very small island but you will be very surprised at how much there is to see and how

many places there are to visit. Whether you are a nature lover or adrenaline junkie, there are endless

opportunities, no matter where your interests lie. For more information on what to do in Singapore visit

www.yoursingapore.com

Also see:

The Straits Times - Friday edition - has a listing of the latest ticketed and free events .

In Singapore Magazine has an on-line event listing at http://is.asia-city.com

For unique experiences, see www.evenpanda.com

Sentosa Island

Located just 15 minutes from the city, Sentosa, Asia’s favourite

playground, is home to an exciting array of themed attractions, award-

winning spa retreats, 3.2 km of golden sandy beaches, resort

accommodations and world-renowned golf courses. Spread over 500

hectares, the vibrant island resort is ideal for both

business and leisure. Visit www.sentosa.com.sg

In 2010, Sentosa opened Singapore’s first integrated resort, Resorts World™

Sentosa, which operates South East Asia’s first Universal Studios theme park.

Nightlife

After a hard week of work you may wish to resort to relaxing

over a cold beer and a meal. There is an abundance of bars and

restaurants in many parts of the island: in Orchard Road, at

Boat Quay, Marina Bay or the idyllic setting of the Polo Club, just across

from the school. There are many bars and eateries all along the streets

and in shopping malls and near to residential areas like Bukit Timah,

Holland Village and Katong.

If the hectic nightlife suits you then Clarke Quay is the heart of Singapore

nightlife. There you can find numerous bars and night clubs.

Nature

For wildlife lovers, Singapore has a number of nature reserves to explore.

These green enclaves have been left virtually undisturbed, despite Singapore’s

transformation into a cosmopolitan city. You can trek through the rainforest

and encounter monitor lizards, monkeys, snakes and thousands of plant and insect species.

Many parks and gardens are open for the public to enjoy. The Botanic Gardens are a popular venue for

joggers, strollers and family picnics. Open air concerts are occasionally held on Sunday afternoons.

The National Parks Board has a very comprehensive guide to our parks, with maps and park facility and

flora and fauna guides available for download. See: http://www.nparks.gov.sg

Park Connectors

There are a number of Park Connectors around Singapore -

these are walking and cycling ways throughout Singapore.

http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_visitorsguide&task=parkconnectors

Festivals

The multi- racial community of Singapore celebrate their traditional

festivals throughout the year. Take advantage of public events to

witness the street light ups, pageantry , food and fairs related to

Chinese New Year, Thaipusum, Dragon Boat Festival, Hari Raya, Mid

Autumn Festival/Lantern Festival Hungry Ghost Festival and Deepavali.

Chinese New Year (CNY) falls on either January or February of each year.

CNY is a two day public holiday event. It is a Chinese tradition to give out

small red packets named “hong bao” containing even amounts of money, in

new notes, to Chinese employees – cleaners, maids and employees at the

condominium where you live or work.

Mid autumn festival falls on the 15th day of the lunar calendar and is a

celebration that includes lanterns and round shaped tasty cakes known

as moon cakes. Halloween is popular among expatriates but it has

become increasingly popular among the locals in recent years.

Christmas is not white in Singapore! Nonetheless it is celebrated in a grand manner. It is a must to visit

the Orchard Road if you are here for Christmas to take a look at the colourful decorations and great

shopping deals.

The spectacular laser light shows and fireworks at Marina Bay

Sands.

See Singapore Tourism Board site: www.visitsingapore.com

7. Food & Dining

The price of groceries in Singapore is expensive. You may bring food into Singapore in quantities for

personal consumption. See: www.ava.gov.sg

There is significant cost benefit in shopping at the moderate priced supermarkets and at wet markets.

Fair Price, Shop and Save and Sheng Siong offer products to cater to expatriate tastes. Product ranges

differ in the stores across the island. www.shengsiong.com.sg

Fair Price at Junction 8, Bishan or at AMK Hub at Ang Mo Kio have a large range of products imported

from USA, Australia and Japan.

Food wholesalers/restaurant suppliers who retail to public - Pay by cash

Peter's Butchery. 32 Siglap Drive, Singapore 456157, Tel: 64625977. For meat pies, sausage rolls and

beef (sliced to order - as you like for steaks). See their full list when you go to store. Home delivery is

available.

Phoon Huat: http://www.phoonhuat.com Locations across the island - 2 kg cheddar cheese for

$26, good value butter and cooking utensils, great eggs

Foodie Market Place: 225 Outram Road near Outram MRT. Tel = 6224 3290

Outlets Open week days and Sat morning

Melvados 26 Woodlands Terrace - cakes, frozen food - www.melvados.com

Fassler Gourmet 46 Woodlands Terrace - sashimi grade seafood. Salmon (smoked on premises),

tuna, scallop, abalone - www.fassler.sg

Wan Foong 48 Woodlands Terrace - for sausages, ham, Cooked pork knuckle is available on

some Saturdays - www.wanfon.com

BH Fresh Food 6 Chin Bee Crescent - for meat, frozen meat, beef, pork, lamb, poultry

marinades sold at Cold Storage - www.bhfreshfood.com

Rudi's Fine Food 11 Chin Bee Crescent - follow signs up stairs to office, they give you list and

order from girl have salami,perperoni and ham - www.rudis.com.sg

QB Food 8 Chin Bee Crescent - for pizza bases, frozen kids food, par cooked specialty

breads, salad mixes. Order online and can self-collect - www.qbfood.com.sg

Food plays an extremely important role in the local cuisine. So it is hardly any surprise to find various

different types of cuisines originating from the plethora of cultures that have sunk their roots here. You

can also expect a variety of fusion cuisines to sprout from this diverse mix of culinary traditions.

From the umami tastes of Japanese cuisine, to the hearty delights of Swedish

cuisine, you can bet you will find every style in Singapore. It is a similar story

when it comes to deciding where to eat; Singapore offers a whole range of

places from neighbourhood eateries to lavish fine dining where you can really

indulge. However it is noteworthy to say that in Singapore every meal is an

exquisite gastronomic experience no matter what the location.

Some of the interesting places that you should not miss while in Singapore are the “Hawker centres”.

Hawker centres are usually located in either public housing estates or transport hubs. They are like food

courts without air-con, but with very reasonable prices.

If you cannot decide where you want to go for your next meal you can

always go to www.hungrygowhere.com where you can find up to date

information from the directions to the place, up to date prices and the

reviews by people who have already eaten there, making it easier to

arrive at a well informed decision.

To find out about the best places to try local food see

http://foodwalkers.blogspot.sg - by Kevin F Cox from New York

http://ieatishootipost.sg - by a local Doctor

http://www.makansutra.com - Makan means to eat in Malay.

There is No Carrot in Carrot Cake - A book that explains local foods is available at Kinokinuya

To read and see images of Local Fruits see Living in Singapore Guidebook page 207

8. Arts and Culture

There are many arts and cultural activities taking place in Singapore throughout the year. Many

international artists hold performances in Singapore. You can purchase tickets for almost all concerts,

performances and events at www.sistic.com.sg

Talking about Arts - one can never forget the Esplanade aka the theatre

on the bay, a durian fruit shaped arts complex housing a number of

theatres. Larger venues are the Singapore Indoor Stadium and Fort

Canning Park

There are many art galleries, the Singapore Arts House in City Hall,

where you can find numerous arts exhibitions and other events

throughout the year. Also there are five national museums in Singapore, of which the Singapore Arts

Museum is a must visit place.

Singapore Repertory Theatre is located in Clarke Quay where you can find very good theatre

productions. Some of the teachers from SJII have starred in few of the plays, offering even more of a

reason for you to go and check out the place!

There are also lots of theatre and musical events aimed specifically at young children taking place during

the day.

9. Shopping

Shopping a way of life in Singapore?

If you go to any part of Singapore you will always find shopping malls.

Singapore has become a great tourist location for holiday shoppers

from all around the world. If you step into the main shopping strip of

Orchard Road, you will see mall after mall, offering a range of goods and services for sale. Apart from

the Orchard Road strip there are many other malls with particular themes that cater specifically for a

particular segment in the economy. For example, Funan Digital Life Mall has seven floors specifically

catering for IT related products while malls like Ngee Ann City cater for high class branded goods. There

are many vibrant markets in China Town and Little India.

Another good thing about shopping in Singapore is that unlike countries like Australia and the UK, malls

are open till later at night, usually around 9 – 10. There are some malls and shopping centres that are

open 24/7 like Mustafa’s in Little India.

The Great Singapore Sale

The Great Singapore Sale, often abbreviated to GSS is an annual shopping event held

from 17th May to 24th July every year. It is co-organized by Singapore Tourism board

and many retail shops to boost Singapore’s tourism industry. The malls are kept open

until late at night and there are numerous tourist promotions and discounts made

available.

Singapore Electronic Show

This is a quarterly event held in either Suntec City Convention Centre or Singapore Expo

showcasing the latest electronic gadgets where you can find very good bargains on wide range

of electronic products. If you are a techno-geek or want to strike a great bargain or get lot of

freebies with your purchase, this is the place for you. Admission is free and the four day event

is open to public from 12 pm to 9 pm.

10. Travel

Singapore is a travel hub in Southeast Asia with many affordable travel options. Flights to Thailand,

Vietnam and Cambodia for example are just a couple of hours. It takes an hour to fly to Jakarta and less

than an hour to fly to Malaysia which is also accessible by train and bus. Australia is less than five

hours. Many of our staff jet off to these destinations during the holidays

and long week-ends. The idyllic beaches of Langkawi and Phuket can be

easily reached for a relaxing weekend on the beach.

The islands of Krabi, Batam and Bintan are in close proximity and just a

short ferry trip away.

Useful websites to visit:

www.singaporeexpats.com www.yoursingapore.com

www.singaporeforkids.com www.hungrygowhere.com

www.sistic.com.sg www.sneezywheezy.com