Settling in Singapore as an Expat
Getting Connected in Singapore
Moving to a new country means leaving family and friends behind. A great way to meet new people and perhaps even do a little networking is by joining a social or sporting club. Clubs facilities vary but can offer swimming pools, gyms, restaurants and even classes.
Club members know what it is like to be a stranger in new country and can offer advice and tips to make the transition a little easier. Associations and clubs could play an even more important role for a non working spouse.
Spouses can easily feel lonely or overwhelmed because they don't have an instant network of work colleagues. Most clubs organize social gatherings, charity events or even book club meetings, which can be a lot of fun especially if there is a little wine or cocktails involved!
Some of the clubs in Singapore are:
American Association of Singapore
Australian & New Zealand Association
British Association of Singapore
Canadian Association of Singapore
Another way to become more integrated in Singapore society is by volunteering. There are many volunteering opportunities that cover a broad spectrum of interests. By giving your time and talent you will not only be helping others but you will meet other like minded people.
Some of the volunteering options are:
Internet, Cable and Telecommunications
Internet Services Across Singapore
Internet access which is fast and wireless, is readily available in Singapore. ADSL and fiber optic broadband options are also available.
Singapore's broadband penetration has reached 99.9%, this means nearly every household has broadband internet access.
Internet and cable services are easy to set up and are provided by these major providers, StarHub, Singtel and M1. Other up and coming service providers include ViewQuest and MyRepublic.
Internet providers generally require a completed application form, a copy of your NRIC or Employment Pass/ Work Permit/ Student Pass, copy of your passport and a deposit.
For wired internet access you will also need a copy of your tenancy agreement. Services offered vary depending on the provider you select.
Prices are competitive and special offers are common to entice new customers.
Services are often bundled with cable and telephone services. Most internet packages have an obligatory 24 month contract.
If you break the contract early you might have to pay the difference until the end of the contract period.
Singapore Cable TV
Cable TV is offered by Starhub and SingTel, via Mio TV. Both providers regularly offer special deals especially if you bundle your package with internet and mobile phone services.
Cable TV offers many channels such as Fox News Channel, CNN, BBC as well as foreign language channels such as Mandarin, Korean, Malay, Tamil, French, German and many more. StarHub offers more than 40 international channels and Singtel offers more than 26 channels.
There are 9 free-to-air channels, 5 of which are also available in high definition.
Singapore Phone Services
Singaporeans love their mobile phones, or hand phones, as they call them. People are constantly texting, playing games or watch movies on their phones.
Perhaps it is just a sign of the times. Mobile phone service reception is very good and even available on the underground MRT.
The three mobile service providers are StarHub, SingTel and M1. You can subscribe to a service plan or buy a pay-as-you-use Sim card.
StarHub and SingTel also offer landline telephone services.
TIP! If you need a little help in getting set up and connected or for general IT assistance you can contact The Geek Team Asia