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I might be visiting Singapore on business for 3-6 months. I might be able to have a stipend of 2000 USD per week. I will need help with the following:
housing - should i get a corporate apartment or local rental?
high speed internet - in the apartment? or use internet cafes?
laundry - in apt complex or coin operated laundromat?
vaccinations - do i need them?
money - can i use my US credit card? can i withdraw money from my US bank?
transportation - are there unlimited passes that give you access to public transport without transfer fees (between different lines)?
mobile phone - can i buy an unlocked phone in the US and buy a SIM card once i arrive?
US embassy - should i register there?
power conversion - will my US devices use the same power outlet, e.g. electric shaver?
Visa - what kind do i need and where do i get it?
This is my first international trip abroad alone, and I'm pretty much clueless.
I might be visiting Singapore on business for 3-6 months. I might be able to have a stipend of 2000 USD per week. I will need help with the following:
housing - should i get a corporate apartment or local rental?
Renting an apartment is always a lot cheaper.
high speed internet - in the apartment? or use internet cafes?
You have 2000 per week, might as well get your own?
laundry - in apt complex or coin operated laundromat?
Again, 2000 per week.. why go not get an apartment with a washer and dryer?
vaccinations - do i need them?
You don't "need" them, but why not get them.
money - can i use my US credit card? can i withdraw money from my US bank?
Don't do that. The ATM you use will charge you money and your U.S. bank will charge. Chase charges 15 Dollars per transaction, for instance.
transportation - are there unlimited passes that give you access to public transport without transfer fees (between different lines)?
I was told there were unlimited passes, but somebody else said there wasn't. It's certainly not cheap.I paid like 7-10 Dollars per day just for this. I know they have them for tourists, but you don't want to spend 8 bucks per day when you live there. I think they don't have that for residents.
mobile phone - can i buy an unlocked phone in the US and buy a SIM card once i arrive?
Yes.
US embassy - should i register there?
If you want.
power conversion - will my US devices use the same power outlet, e.g. electric shaver?
housing - should i get a corporate apartment or local rental?
>> you might have to get a services apartment cos most local rental lease are min a year
high speed internet - in the apartment? or use internet cafes?
>> I don't think there are that many Internet cafes these days. Get a prepaid plan and use your Internet anywhere.
laundry - in apt complex or coin operated laundromat?
>> sorry, no coin operated laundromat too! Most apartments will come with washer/dryer
vaccinations - do i need them?
>> prob not
money - can i use my US credit card? can i withdraw money from my US bank?
>> you can...just that you will be charged for it and the credit card conversion rates are usually sucky
transportation - are there unlimited passes that give you access to public transport without transfer fees (between different lines)?
>> no. Get an Ezlink card for all forms of transport - MRT and buses. You already pay a lower fare with an Ezlink card as compared to paying a single trip card or with cash (on buses)
mobile phone - can i buy an unlocked phone in the US and buy a SIM card once i arrive?
>> yes
US embassy - should i register there?
>> I guess it'd be good
power conversion - will my US devices use the same power outlet, e.g. electric shaver?
>> for devices like laptop/phone/iPad/camera/electric shaver....they can still work but u need to get adapters for them. Other things....forget them and leave them at home.
Visa - what kind do i need and where do i get it?
>> if you only staying up to 90days, you do not need a visa. You should contact Embassy of Singapore in Washington DC
Why not just buy a phone in Asia.
They cost is usually cheaper.
Not really...it's probably cheaper in the states. My friends in Singapore are always trying to get me to help them buy stuffs back....including electronics.
Not really...it's probably cheaper in the states. My friends in Singapore are always trying to get me to help them buy stuffs back....including electronics.
Agree, electronics in Singapore can be very expensive my last laptop I bought from Amazon US site and after paying the GST still worked out cheaper.
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Vaccinations aren't required for Singapore itself, but if you're going to take regular trips to SE Asia, e.g. Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, or South Asia or China, you might as well do it.
High speed internet is probably a good idea.
As for visa, check the Singaporean embassy website for info.
There is unlimited passes for the transportation but u will end up spend more to get the pass than top up ur regular Ezlink card occasionally.
Get a service apartment with high-speed internet and washer unit will be better idea for you.
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