/groups/esnsg2014
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WELCOME TO SINGAPORE!
A study period abroad on exchange is an exciting prospect, but planning for it can be a daunting experience. Where will I live? How do I get around? Where do I go for a good night out without tearing a hole in my pocket? Will I successfully learn Singlish? Who will feed my pet turtle while I’m away?! Thankfully, you won’t have to face these issues all by yourself. Having been international students ourselves, we understand your needs and are here to help you make the most of your stay in Singapore! The most expensive city in the world, home of the best airport, the country where it is illegal to chew gum: these are but some things you might have heard about Singapore. As true as those things may be, rest assured there is much more that this sunny little island has to offer! a bustling metropolitan city state, Singapore prides itself on its high standard of living, efficient public transportation system, and intricate multiculturality. Because of that, the country offers what is arguably the most diverse selection of cuisines, all of them available at affordable prices. Singapore is also the perfect launchpad for your travels around Southeast Asia, with several budget airlines operating from our airport. In this guide, we give you a crash course on how to survive your exchange in Singapore. You will find tips on how to look for off-campus accommodation, suggestions on where to find authentic Singaporean cuisine and a listing of events for exchange students. If what you’re looking for is not in these pages, feel free to connect with us through our Facebook Group; we will be happy to help you! Meet the Team Sabrina is a 23 year-old DJ and event organiser. She got involved in the international atmosphere during her studies at Singapore Management University, and while on exchange in Madrid. Having organised events since she was 15, Sabrina went on to throw some of Singapore’s biggest inter-university beach parties for international students in 2012 and 2013.
Born and raised in Singapore, Gaffar has been involved with international students for years. A student of Communication in Rotterdam, he has been an active member of the pan-European organisation Erasmus Student Network for three years. Besides travelling, Gaffar has a passion for all things food, and loves cooking up a storm in the kitchen!
We hope you find this guide useful, and look forward to meeting you soon! With love, Sabrina & Gaffar - The ESN Singapore TeaM
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CONTENTS
GETTING STARTED Budgeting for exchange 3
Accommodation: Pre-Arrival 4
Find your accommodation 5
Upon Arrival 7
Telecommunications 8
Getting around 8
Money matters 9
SINGAPORE 101 Get acquainted 10
Explore Singapore 10
Hangout Spots 11
Food & drinks 11
Get connected 12
EXCHANGE LIFE Exchange events 15
CONTENTS
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GETTING STARTED
New to Singapore? Let us show you the ropes! This is the essential start-up guide for exchange students
in Singapore. Find out everything you need to know about living on this sunny island! In this guide, we
address the practical matters from budgeting for exchange to finding off-campus accommodation and
opening a student bank account.
BUDGETING for exchange
Cost of Living in Singapore as an Exchange Student
You might have heard that Singapore has been named the world’s most expensive city to live in 2014 due
to its strong currency, high costs of owning a car and soaring utility bills.
As an exchange student, off-campus room rental will take up a significant amount of your monthly
expenses, ranging anywhere from $500 for a shared room in the Jurong/Boon Lay area to $2,000 for a
single room in the city. But fret not: local food and public transport are relatively cheap, and you can
always indulge during your getaways to other Southeast Asian cities and beaches!
To budget for your stay in Singapore, here’s a monthly estimated expenditure breakdown and a price
list of various goods. All prices are in Singapore Dollars (SGD).
Estimated Expenses per month as an exchange student in Singapore:
Accommodation: $500 - 1,800
Utilities: $80 – 100
Food: $300 – 500
Personal Expenses: $100 – 300
Public Transport: $50 – 150
Telecommunications: $30 onwards
Weekend trip: $350
Average monthly expenses: $1,400 to $2,400
Monthly expenses for students attending SMU are generally higher due to the higher cost of food and
accommodation in and near the city.
Estimated Cost of Goods in Singapore adjusted to the exchange student’s lifestyle:
Room in the city (Dhoby Ghaut, condo, single): $2,000/mth
Room in the city (Dhoby Ghaut, condo, shared): $1,000/mth
Room off the city (Kallang, HDB, single): $1,000/mth
Meal in a local food court: $4 – 6
Meal in a cafe/mid-tier restaurant: $15 – 30
Kopi (local coffee): $1 – 2
Coffee from Starbucks: $6
Drink in a bar/club: $15 – 20
GETTING STARTED
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Club cover charge: $20 – 30
Pack of cigarettes: $12
Hair cut: $10 - $50
Movie on a weekday (student): $7
Taxi fare from NTU to the city: $27
Taxi fare from the city to Changi Airport: $18
Bus/MRT trip: Below $2
2-way budget plane ticket to Bali: $200
School Textbook: $30 - 70
Did You Know?
Alcohol is heavily taxed in Singapore - best to stock up on your favourite spirits at the airport
upon arrival or when returning from your trips!
The cost of a Toyota Corolla in Singapore is $136,000 - 5x more than in the US!
It’s very easy to eat cheap (and good) in Singapore’s food courts! Check out the local section
under “Food & Drink” for must-try recommendations.
ACCOMMODATION: PRE-ARRIVAL
Get Ready for your Accommodation Search
Exchange students generally search for their accommodation in pairs to groups of 4 - 8, within their
first week in Singapore. Appointments for apartment viewings may be made prior to arrival, however
they can be arranged within the week or even on the same day of enquiry.
Book A Hostel For Your First Days in Singapore
Typically, students intending to stay off-campus will book into one of few hostels below as a base to
meet up with other exchange students, and find their potential roommates for the semester. Hostels
cost between $20 - 30 per night for a bunk bed.
Recommended Hostels:
RuckSack Inn @ Hong Kong Street
River City Inn
Bunc @ Radius Clarke Quay / Little India
Beary Nice! by a beary good hostel
The above hostels listed are situated in the central of Singapore: Clarke Quay, Chinatown, Little India.
Exchange-related activities will generally be held around this area 2-3 weeks before the semester
begins, so it’s the ideal location to stay at before you move in to your final location!
You can also book your temporary stays at sites like www.hostelworld.com.
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Find Your Accommodation
Off-Campus Living - Finding Your Home in Singapore
For those planning to live off-campus, finding the right accommodation - single/shared room or
apartment, close to or further from the city - will be a challenge at the start. There are two types of
accommodation available in Singapore: Public housing (HDB) and Private Accommodation
(Condominiums or apartments).
Public Housing: HDB (Housing Development Board)
80% of Singaporeans stay in multi-storey HDB flats which are public housing built by the government.
HDBs are 3-room, 4-room or 5-room flats.
Usually located near MRT stations, supermarkets, food centres
Located everywhere in Singapore except Orchard Road
Immerse in the local culture and live like a Singaporean
More economically feasible
Cost for a 3- or 4-room flat: $2,200 - $3,000
Private Accommodation: Condominiums / Apartments
Condominiums tend to have facilities such as pools, gyms, tennis courts and BBQ pits. Apartments are
not as comprehensive.
Usually located further away from MRT stations
More luxurious and therefore more expensive
Cost for a 2- or 3- room condominium: $4,000 - $5,000 & up
Recommended Locations:
NUS: In between the Central and Western part of Singapore - Dover, Commonwealth,
Queenstown, Redhill. Central area is also manageable.
NTU: Western part of Singapore - Jurong, Boon Lay, Lakeside, Pioneer. Living in the city is
generally not recommended as you’d be spending lots of time commuting - it takes at least 1-1.5
hr from NTU to the city! Taking into consideration the number of days per week you’ll be
spending in school for classes and project meetings, it’s best to live closer to the campus.
SMU: Central Singapore - Within 5 MRT stops from City Hall or Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. It’s
most expensive to live in the city itself - be prepared to pay minimally $1,600 for a room in the
city! Students generally find accommodation within a 30-minute commute.
START SEARCHING!
Property rental websites:
www.easyroommate.com.sg
http://www.propertyguru.com.sg/apartment-condo/property-for-rent/1
http://www.stproperty.sg/room-for-rent
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Room rental websites:
www.easyroommate.com.sg
http://singapore.roomsdb.net/
www.homie.co
NTU has an Off-Campus Accommodation System: https://wis.ntu.edu.sg/webexe/owa/oca_main.mainpage
General recommendations/tips:
Find an apartment close to the MRT station (within a 10 minute walk) to take advantage of the
efficient transport system. These will usually cost more, but will save you lots of time! There
may also be buses from your accommodation that go directly to school / the city, so take that
into consideration as well.
Find out the route & time it takes from your accommodation to school, the city & the airport:
www.gothere.sg
A “fully furnished” apartment should contain basic furniture, but may not contain household
items like hairdryer, ironing board, bed linen, etc.
For more information on rental procedures and tenancy agreements, refer to in-depth guides provided
by the schools:
SMU
http://www.smu.edu.sg/sites/default/files/smu/pdf/accommodation_guide_for_incoming_s
tudents.pdf
NUS http://nus.edu.sg/osa/images/has/downloads/a_guide_to_private_housing.pdf
NTU http://www.ntu.edu.sg/has/Off-Campus/Pages/Off-Campus_Renting.aspx
MOVING IN - Get household items:
IKEA: Bed linen, kitchen utensils, standard offering
317 Alexandra Road, Singapore 159965
http://www.ikea.com/sg/en/store/alexandra
Giant Hypermarket: Household items, basic electronics & groceries
Find one near you: http://www.giantsingapore.com.sg/locate-us_hyper.html
Supermarkets for groceries & basic household needs
o Standard: NTUC Fairprice, Giant & Sheng Siong
o Premium supermarkets: Jason’s & Cold Storage
o Located in most shopping malls and neighbourhoods
Mustafa Centre: 24/7 budget shopping for toiletries, groceries, electronics
o Money changer offers better rates
o 145 Syed Alwi Rd, 207704
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Upon Arrival
Some tips for your arrival at Singapore’s Changi Airport:
1. Exchange Money - Money changers in the airport are reliable, but those in the city may offer a
slightly better rate. Estimated based on $50/day for your personal expenses. At least $300 cash is
advisable to get started for your stay in Singapore.
2. Drop by the Duty Free
Alcohol is especially expensive in Singapore as its heavily taxed - $88 per litre on spirits - so stock up
upon arrival to the airport! For duty concessions, refer to:
http://www.customs.gov.sg/leftNav/trav/Duty-free+Concession+and+GST+Relief.htm
3. Getting from Changi Airport to Your Accommodation
Relatively affordable and efficient, it is generally advised to take a taxi to your accommodation in
Singapore when traveling with all your luggage for your stay in Singapore. All taxis are metered, and
there is a $3 surcharge for trips from the airport.
Taxi:
NUS - Approx. $35, 35 minutes
NTU - Approx. $45, 45 minutes
Commonwealth - Approx. $28, 30 minutes
City Hall - Approx. $20, 22 minutes
Alternatively, you may take the MRT (mass rapid transit/train) to your destination. It should cost
within $2 - 3. Note that it gets especially crowded during peak hours: 8am - 9:30am, 5pm - 8pm. The MRT
starts operating at approx. 6am and stops around midnight. Certain destinations may require bus
transfer as well. Refer to www.gothere.sg for specific routing information.
MRT:
NUS - Approx. 80 minutes
NTU - Approx. 100 minutes
Commonwealth - Approx. 65 minutes
City Hall - Approx. 45 minutes
Tip: Look at the mrt map on the last page to get your bearings!
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Telecommunications
Getting a Local SIM Card
A Singapore SIM card will work on any unlocked GSM phone - Singapore operates on the 900/1800 bands.
So if you’re coming from a European or Asian country, chances are good that a Singapore SIM card will
work. If your phone doesn’t work in Singapore, you may purchase a cheap phone at 7 Eleven for $80 - 150.
Each of Singapore’s three main phone companies (Singtel, Starhub and
M1) offers their own prepaid service. Expect to pay $0.08 – $0.16 per
minute for local calls, $0.05 for a local text message, and $0.15 for
international text messages.
You may purchase a prepaid SIM card at:
Convenience stores - 7 Eleven & Cheers
Phone stores by local mobile operators Starhub, Singtel, M1 and their retailers
Simply select the SIM card you want, present your passport, and pick a phone number, which is then
registered with your passport details. Starhub and Singtel generally have better prepaid plans.
Getting Around
Get an EZ Link Card for buses & trains
The EZ Link card is a stored value card that allows you to pay for bus and train fare on the move,
offering numerous top-up options. You may also enjoy easy and fast payment for purchases at various
F&B and retail outlets across Singapore.
You can purchase the ez-link card easily wherever you are in Singapore:
TransitLink Ticket Offices located at MRT stations and bus interchanges
Passenger Service Centres in most MRT stations
7 Eleven stores
At the MRT stations & bus interchanges, you can purchase an ez-link card at $12 out of which $7 is
stored value for your use. The remaining $5 is the cost of the card which is non-refundable.
At the 7-Eleven stores, you can purchase an ez-link card at $10 out of which $5 is stored value for your
use. The remaining $5 is the cost of the card which is non-refundable. We have included a map of
Singapore’s mrt network on the last page for your reference!
Taxis
Taking a taxi is relatively affordable in Singapore. All taxi rides are metered. Fees start from $3.30 -
$4.50 (depending on the type of taxi). Additional surcharges may apply based on peak hour, ERP &
location.
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Taxi fare for a 10km taxi ride during off peak hours & no surcharges: Approx. $9.80
You may hail a taxi along the road, at a taxi stand or make a booking through the phone or a taxi
booking app with your smartphone.
Taxi Booking Mobile Apps:
GrabTaxi - http://grabtaxi.com/singapore/
“Taxi Booking” by Comfort Taxi & City Cabs
Easy Taxi
More information on fares & payment:
http://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltaweb/en/public-transport/taxis/fares-and-payment-methods.html
Money Matters
Opening a Local Bank Account
Exchange students staying in Singapore for two semesters may want to consider opening a local bank
account for convenience and to save money on cash withdrawal surcharges.
Most foreign banks in Singapore have only a restricted number of branch offices and free-of-charge
ATMs. If that is a priority for you, check beforehand which banks are close to your school and/or
accommodation. For instance, ANZ, Citibank, HSBC, Maybank, Standard Chartered, and the State Bank of
India form the so-called ATM 5 network. 140 of their ATMs have the ATM 5 logo and thus qualify for free
cash withdrawal. If your bank falls outside of the ATM 5 network, you may wish to open a local bank
account.
Among local banks, POSB/DBS has the largest citywide network of ATMs. UOB and OCBC are also good
local bank alternatives.
To open a bank account, you need to present the following:
Passport (original and photocopy)
Student's Pass or Letter of Acceptance from the school
Matriculation Card (if available)
Minimum deposit amount of $500 or $1,000 (varies from bank to bank)
Remember to check the terms and conditions needed to open a bank account at the various banks.
DBS Remix eSavings Plus for foreign students:
http://www.dbs.com.sg/personal/deposit/esavingsplus/remix/default.page
Find the closest DBS branch near you: http://locator.dbs.com/
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SINGAPORE 101
Get acquainted with Singapore
Start exploring Singapore!
Most of the entertainment, business and cultural activities are located in the Central-South of
Singapore. Here’s a general guide as to where the city’s main attractions and activities are located:
Marina Bay Sands: Bayfront MRT station (Circle Line)
Orchard Road, Singapore’s Shopping Belt: Dhoby Ghaut, Somerset, Orchard (NS Line)
Nightlife - Clubs and Bars: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Boat Quay: Raffles Place
Cultural Centres: Chinatown, Little India, Bugis
Museums: City Hall area
Beach: Sentosa island - get there from Harbourfront MRT, then take the monorail or walk from
Vivo City
Central Business District: Raffles Place, Downtown
Find more information on these attractions/activities in the next section, or share your tips on our
Facebook group! Also Refer to MRT map at the end of this guide.
Explore Singapore
Top Attractions:
Marina Bay (skyline) & Marina Bay Sands
Universal Studios Singapore (theme park)
Sentosa Island (beach & lifestyle)
Culture: Take a walk in the various ethnic enclaves of Singapore, and discover the rich cultural
heritage.
Chinatown
Little India
Kampong Glam (Bugis MRT)
Nature & Parks:
Gardens By The Bay
Botanic Gardens
MacRitchie Reservoir Park
East Coast Park
Wildlife:
Singapore Zoo (Recommended by us)
SINGAPORE 101
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Night Safari
River Safari
Hangout spots
Thirsting for a drink or simply a casual hangout? Here are some areas we recommend:
Boat Quay / Clarke Quay (Raffles Place / Clarke Quay MRT)
Emerald Hill (Somerset MRT)
CHIJMES (City Hall MRT)
Siloso Beach (Sentosa Island, Harbour Front MRT)
Arab Street / HAJI Lane (Bugis MRT)
ANN Siang Hill / Club Street (Chinatown MRT)
Dempsey Hill (Bus from Orchard or Holland Village MRTs)
Food & drinks
Food is a huge part of the Singaporean lifestyle, and might even be considered as Singapore’s favourite
past-time to the point of obsession! For the best food, Singaporeans will queue endlessly and make the
effort to traverse the island.
Singaporean cuisine reflects the country’s demographics, with the Chinese, Malay, Indian and Fusion
cuisines well-represented. The ‘hawker centre’ is a true Singaporean establishment: order your food
from one of the many stalls, find an empty table anywhere and you’re good to go! Alternatively, every
shopping mall offers air-conditioned versions called ‘food courts’, while residential areas often have
simpler versions called ‘coffee shops’. These all offer local dishes at very affordable prices.
Local Must-Trys
Chicken Rice - More accurately known as Hainanese Chicken Rice, this is one of
Singapore’s most well-known and celebrated dishes. The rice is cooked in a
chicken broth, served with chicken available in steamed and roasted varieties.
Tip: Tian Tian Chicken Rice - Stall 10, Maxwell Road Hawker Centre
Laksa - Thick rice vermicelli is soaked in a spicy coconut gravy mixed with
ground dried shrimps, topped with fragrant laksa leaves. This quintessential
Singaporean dish is an all-time favourite amongst locals!
Tip: 328 Katong Laksa - 51 East Coast Road
Char Kway Teow – A hawker mainstay that Singaporeans love to indulge
in. Essentially a simple plate of fried flat rice noodles, soy sauce, chilli,
bean sprouts and Chinese chives are mixed in for a truly local flavour.
Tip: Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee - Hong Lim Market and Food Centre
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Roti Prata - This indian flatbread is a common meal for late night suppers.
Watch the Indian prata men flip and toss the dough before frying it to
crispy perfection, this is an experience on its own! served with curry.
Tip: Casuarina Curry - 126 Casuarina Road
Chili Crab - This is one of Singapore’s signature dishes. With a self-
explanatory name, the only thing you need to know is: prepare to get
messy! Also try the black pepper version.
Tip: No Signboard Seafood - 414 Geylang Road
Satay - Bite-size pieces of meat (usually chicken, beef or mutton) are
skewered, marinated in local spices and grilled over charcoal. Served
with raw cucumber, onions, rice cakes and a peanut sauce.
Tip: Haron Satay - Stall 55, East Coast Lagoon Food Village
This list has been adapted from an article on CNN. For a more comprehensive list, check out CNN’s “40
Singapore foods we can’t live without”.
Late Night Meals
Having a late night supper and chatting with your buddies until the wee hours is a Singaporean
pasttime. Besides the many 24-hour McDonald’s restaurants and their delivery service, indian
restaurants are known for their long operating hours. Centrally located at River Valley Road (near
Clarke Quay), Spize is a famous food establishment open all night, offering an extensive menu with
diverse food options. Other all-night hotspots include the stretch along Upper Bukit Timah Rd (West) or
Simpang Bedok (East, near Tanah Merah MRT).
Get connected
Singapore is one of the most highly connected countries in the world. Its telecommunications
infrastructure is very well-developed, and wireless (mobile or WiFi) internet is available almost
everywhere in the country.
There are three major telecommunications companies in Singapore, each offering competitive rates.
Besides the national carrier SingTel, StarHub and M1 also offer mobile (internet) telephony services,
with affordable 4G technology. For your stay in Singapore, we recommend getting a Prepaid SIM card.
SingTel’s hi! Card, StarHub’s Happy Prepaid SIM Card and M1’s M Card or SuperPac Card are all
available at their respective retail outlets and at the 24-hour 7-11 and Cheers convenience stores.
Remember to bring your passport to sign up for a SIM card!
Free WiFi is also widely available across the country. Many restaurants and cafés offer their own in-
house WiFi for free to guests, while the nationwide Wireless@SG is available at most shopping malls
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and public libraries, all KFCs and McDonald’s restaurants, and many other locations. Registration is
free, but you will need a local Singaporean mobile number to sign up!
Once you are connected, the following information will come in handy…
Important Numbers
Emergency Ambulance & Fire Service 995
Police 999
Non-Emergency Ambulance 1777
Comfort / CityCab Taxis 6552 1111
Useful Websites
Getting Around
Find out best route: Google Maps
Find out best route, estimated travel time & cost: gothere.sg
Food & Drinks
Food recommendations, restaurant search - HungryGoWhere
Food recommendations - Burpple
Food blog - Lady Iron Chef
Food delivery - www.foodpanda.sg
McDonald’s Delivery (24/7) - McDelivery or 6777 3777
Entertainment
Things to do in Singapore - TimeOut Singapore
Movie timings - inSing Movies
Concert and event tickets - SISTIC
Travel
Budget Airlines
o AirAsia
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o Jetstar
o Scoot
o Tiger Airways
Accommodation
o Agoda
o Airbnb
o Asia Rooms
o Couchsurfing
o Hostelworld
Academic
Used textbooks - Book In Book Out
Essential Mobile Apps
Getting Around
Call a Taxi - GrabTaxi
Directions - gothere.sg
Public transport information - Singapore Transit
Bus information and arrival times - sgBuses
Others
If you’re looking for a restaurant - HungryGoWhere
Food delivery - foodpanda
Handy guide to Singlish - Hosay!
Flight and airport information - iChangi
Booking movie tickets - Popcorn
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EXCHANGE LIFE
Exchange events
ESNSG organises regular activities, meetups and parties for the exchange student community in
Singapore. It’s a great way to meet and mingle with fellow exchange students, discover new places,
and learn more about Singapore!
Every Tuesday: ESNSG Meetups - Drinks
Every Thursday: ESNSG Parties & Events
For the Fall 2014 semester, the first ESNSG meetup kicks off on 31st July! Stay tuned for event updates
by joining our Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/ESNSG2014/
Mark Your Calendars!
Saturday, 23 August: Mega University Beach Party “TRIBE” at Wave House Sentosa
Details can be found at www.tribebeachparty.peatix.com
Get your tickets at our ESNSG events, or via your local student ambassadors.
And more…
We also organise events for special occasions and activities:
Hari Raya Puasa - Explore the Hari Raya bazaar, try local Malay foods
National Day - Join in the celebrations around Marina Bay and watch the fireworks
Mid-Autumn Festival - Join in the festivities, experience a full Chinese dinner, try moon cakes!
Mega Exchange Seafood Dinner @ East Coast - For foodies. Try Singapore’s famed Chili Crab &
local seafood delicacies
EXCHANGE LIFE
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