Estimated Cost Living in Singapore
Singapore is the preferred choice for the settlers owing to its high-quality infrastructure, health facilities and first-world environs. Singapore has holds great reputation among of the costliest destinations in Asia, preceded only by Tokyo, Seoul and Hong Kong. The quality of life is good as this chic metropolis offers you the best convenience in entire South-east Asia. Whether you intend to stay and study in Singapore or plan to settle down in this cosmopolitan country, it is always prudent to do an intensive research on the cost of living at-Singapore.
Before you venture out on living in Singapore, getting to know the lifestyle trends and living standard will certainly prove useful. Estimated cost of living ranging from food and accommodation to transportation and clothing is a common worry for the expatriates.
Instead of being perturbed by the thought of costly, frugal living, be better informed about expenses in Singapore and do not leave much to chance. Following are some useful information on various costs that may incur while have planning to live in Singapore.


Transportation in Singapore
Owning a private vehicle is not advisable in Singapore unless you are complacent about your financial status. The monthly cost of a new low-range and mid-range vehicle in Singapore will make your wallet lighter by S$1000 - S$1300. If you do not nurture the idea of owning a private vehicle, you are somewhat wiser than others as the public transport network in Singapore is undoubtedly one of the best in Asia. Your bus fare would range from S$0.71 to S$1.80 per trip depending on the distance you travel, while the Singapore MRT Train tickets cost from S$1 to S$1.79. A Singapore transport rebate of 40 cents per trip (for adults) can be availed if you are an ez-link card holder.


Education Cost in Singapore
Studying in Singapore is not exactly a costly affair as there are a number of state-run or aided schools. These schools are cheaper than their international counterparts. The annual fee may range between S$3500 and S$15000. When it comes to buying books and stationery, be prepared to shed between S$30 and S$100, depending on the course of studies. The state-sponsored colleges and universities in Singapore are also more economical than the private ones.

Accommodation in Singapore
The sky-rocketing real estate has been the cause of worry for both the natives and the migrants in Singapore, nonetheless, post-recessive situation has become more buyer friendly. Imbalance of supply and demand has reduced to a good extent giving much relief to the people. If you wish to rent an apartment in the middle of the city, expect to shell out anywhere between S$550 and S$700 depending on facilities and location you choose. While a three-bedroom condo comes for S$2000 – S$4000, the monthly rent of a four-bedroom house with swimming pool can be anywhere between S$10,000 and S$25,000. If you do not wish to spend much on accommodation then rented rooms close to the city center, which may cost you around S$600, is a fair idea.

Food and Health Care Cost in Singapore
Singapore is very passionate about its cuisine and if you make it a habit to dine out at any of the food courts or hawker centers, it will be a low-key affair. A sumptuous meal at most food courts will cost you S$3 on an average. If you prefer home-cooked meal you need to be calculative about the grocery items you buy. The supermarkets in Singapore can be expensive. Vegetables like cabbage, carrots, horseradish and ginger are available at a more economical rate as also tea, coffee, nuts and red beans are available for a cheap bargain. In a nutshell, you can enjoy a moderate dining experience in this modern city for less than S$300 a month.

Healthcare

Singapore is not hard on people seeking medical treatment as there are polyclinics at every nook and corner of the country. These state-run medical centers render quality healthcare. The clinics can be spotted in most housing estates and town centers where consultation will cost you anywhere between S$10 and S$20 depending on the type of ailment and treatment given. On an average, your weekly medicine bill can come to S$10, so there is not much to think about budget constraints.

Clothing
Costly apparels and high range of accessories may be the major contributors that augment the cost of living in Singapore. Although you find night markets and hawkers selling cheap items, you have to buy in bulk to avail discounts. Even locally made dress items are quite expensive. This fashionable country houses host of apparel stores selling imported and branded clothes with prices tagged in higher range. Since small jewelries are pricey, it is recommended to get them directly from manufacturers in nearby districts. Shopping for clothing and wares could cost you around S$300 a month.


Recreation in Singapore
You get the liberty of indulging in recreational activities in this upward country without straining your budget. Dancing your time away in the nightclubs will cost you around S$25, while a jug of larger beer will come for S$30 - S$40 in most pubs. Watching movies in the mutiplexes is a pretty affordable bargain as tickets are priced at S$8 and S$10 on weekdays and weekends, respectively. You get your favorite hot dogs, nachos and other snacks in the theater for as low as S$6.


Having said all these, cost of living in Singapore really depends on how you really live and how you employ your money in various things over a period of time.

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Student's Pass is Matters at Singapore
You will need to apply for a student's pass if you intend to study in Singapore full time. A foreigner is exempted if he/ she is a dependent pass holder studying in a Government / Government-Aided / Independent School / Foreign System School / Kindergarten / Foreign System School / Kindergarten registered with the Ministry of Education or Child Care Centre licensed by Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports or an immigration exemption order holder.

Student Pass Application in Singapore
For private study in an Approved Private Education Organization (with SPS); kindergartens Registered with MOE, Childcare Centres Licensed by MCYS :

• 2 copies of Form 16, Form V39S & Form V36 (Completed and Signed by relevant parties).
• 2 recent passport sized photographs (colour/ black and white).
• Your original birth certificate (photocopy) Your certified / Notarised copies of highest educational certificates and results transcripts, if applicable Personal particular pages of your travel document (photocopy) Local sponsor's identity card (photocopy),
• if applicable 1 copy of Form V36A duly completed and signed by the school or an original copy of Letter of Acceptance from the school addressed to ICA Documentary proof of financial means (e.g. Bank statements) if you require an entry visa to Singapore.

Additional documents are also required if one of your parents / step parents is a Singapore citizen / Permanent Resident. You will need the following document:

Notes:
SPS (Student Protection Scheme)
MOE (Ministry of Education)
MCYS (Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports

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Getting Bus in Singapore

You can find a bus stop practically anywhere in Singapore and you don't have to wait very long for a bus. You can pay the bus fare using cash or with the EZ Link Card. There are concessionary fare available for primary and secondary tertiary students. Students get their first issue of their concessionary cards from their schools and are eligible to buy monthly concessionary stamps ( only applicable to government schools ). This will allow them unlimited travel on the bus or up to four rides on the rain a day. Visit www.sbstransit.com.sg for more information on bus routes. You can also buy a copy of the bus guide at most bookstores.
Bus fare range from 45 Cents to $ 1.80 (depending on the distance travelled and whether you are a concessionary pass holder).

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Taxi at Singapore

There are plentiful, numbering over 15000. They can be flagged down almost anywhere on the street. Alternatively, you can queue at taxi stands that are conveniently situated at most major shopping or commercial centres. These air conditioned taxis charge reasonable fares. The average flag down rate is $ 2.80 to $ 3, with surcharges for peak hours, public holidays, CBD entrance, ERP Zones ( Electronic Road Pricing ) and after mid-night charges. You can also book a cab at additional cost. Visit www.citicab.com.sg www.comfort.com

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Singapore National Flag

The Singapore national flag is red and white, with a crescent and five stars. Red represents universal brotherhood and equality of men. White symbolizes pervading and everlasting purity and virtue. The crescent moon signifies a young nation on the ascent and the five stars stand for democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.
The Singapore national anthem is written in Malay and it embodies the hopes and spirit of Singaporeans in their quest for progress and success.

Singapore Nation Anthem

The title of Singapore Nation Anthem is "Majulah Singapura"
Majulah Singapura

Mari kita rakyat Singapura
Sama-sama menuju bahagia
Cita-cita kita yang mulia
Berjayalah Singapura

Marilah kita bersatu
Dengan semangat yang baru
Semua kita berseru
Majulah Singapura
Majulah Singapura

Onward Singapore

Come, fellow Singaporeans
Let us progress towards
Happiness together
May our noble aspiration bring
Singapore success

Come, let us unite
In a new spirit
Let our voices soar as one
Onward Singapore
Onward Singapore

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Hari Raya Haji

For Muslims, the 'Haj' or Pilgrimage to mecca is the most important journey of their lives.
Hari Raya Haji is a day to commemorate the religious occasion and to celebrate the return of the the pilgrims. Moslems spend a day in a prayer and after the morning prayer session at the mosques, sheep and goats are ritually slaughtered as sacrifices. The meat is then distributed among the worshippers and the poor.

Hari Raya Puasa

After a month of fasting during Ramadhan, moslems celebrate Hari Raya Puasa. Week before the event, Geylang Serai transforms into a lively bazaar with roadside stalls selling various snacks, accessories, and costumes. On the actual day of celebration, male members of households rise early to attend special prayers at the mosques. Past wrongs are forgiven and family visit the graves of those who departed as a mark of remembrance. In the homes, traditional delicacies are prepared for visiting friend and relatives.

Lunar New Year ( Chun Jie )

This is the most important event in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. It is a time of reunion and an occasion for much rejoicing. On New year's eve, Chinese families gather around the dining table to enjoy a sumptuous dinner know as the Reunion Dinner. For the next 15 days, friend and relatives visit one another, bearing gifts of mandarin oranges and hong baos ( Red Packets filled with money) for the children. This exchange of items symbolizes good luck and prosperity.
Entertaining cultural shows are put up by performers from China at Marina Bay and you can also shop for more goodies at the Singapore River Hong Bao Extravaganza. The Chingay Parade of Dream is a colourful finale to the Chinese New Year Celebrations. With colourful floats and costumed performers, there is little wonder why it is considered Asia grandest street and float parade.

Mid-Autumn Festival ( Mooncake Festival )
In falls on the 15th day of the 8th Lunar Month. It was related that the tyrannical Yuan Dynasty was overthrown in the 14th century through the aid of secret messages placed in mooncakes. This Festival is marked by Much feasting and family rejoicing in China Town and in Gardens and parks around Singapore. Children show off bright and colourful lanterns while adult enjoy pamelo ( a local citrus fruit ) and delicious mooncakes filled lotus paste, melon seeds, red lotus paste, nuts and yam. Nowadays, we even have our very own new recipes of ice-cream and durian or green tea mooncakes.

Deepavali  

Hindu homes around Singapore are decked with flickering oil lamps during this festival, also know as the Festival of 1000 Lights. It celebrates Lord Krishna's victory over the evil Narakasura and signifies a time of renewal. Bright lights, fanciful motifs and busy shoppers are found in Little India where shops and street stalls offer brightly coloured saris, shining jewellery, aromatic spices, jasmine garlands and delicacies for sale.

ThaipusamA dramatic festival where by Hindu penitents carry kavadis (semi-circular metal structures carried on the shoulders by devotees as a mark of thanksgiving and penance) in a procession from Sri Srinivasa 

Perumal Temple on Serangoon Road to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank Road. This festival is an awesome entranced devotees walk the 3-kilometre route carrying kavadis, milk pots and most even have the kavadis pierced to their bodies with spikes, hooks and skewers.

Theemidhi Festival
This annual fire-walking ceremony honours the Goddess Draupadi, a heroine of epic poem Mahabharta. Hindu devotees coal pit barefoot at the Sri Mariamman Temple. These devotees make the 4-metre walk across the fire path, cheered on by an exited crowd.

Vesak Day
This is the most important day in the Buddhist calender and it commemorates Buddha's entry into Nirvana after attaining spiritual enlightenment. Monks chant holy sutras and devotees release captive birds as a mark of respect to all living creatures and to gain merit.

Good Friday

Christians and Catholics commemorate the day Jesus Christ sacrificed himself on the cross to exonerate the sins of all mankind. Christians and Catholics attend special prayer services and demonstrate their gratification to the Lord.

Christmas 

Christians and Catholics celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas carols reverberate in malls as the season approaches. Be amazed by the beautiful decorated streets, shopping malls and hotels as they are all dazzled with fairy lights. Join the crowds at buoyant events that pop up across the island. In all churches, special services are held on Chrismas Eve and Chirstmas morning to mark this special day.

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How to Accessing Public Services in Singapore

As a student, you may need public assistance on certain occasions and for various reasons. You are encouraged to approach our friendly government officials or agencies when need arises.
Singapore government has been rated by International agencies as one of the best in the world for its efficient and forward looking services to the public.
At the same time, there are many diplomatic and public institutions such as the respective embassy and high commission of your country as well as places of worship where you can seek help from.

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