Two years in Singapore: the good, the humid and the expensive

The humid

It is between 25 and 33 degrees every single day, with humidity near 80 percent. You sweat walking to the MRT. Air conditioning is everywhere, sometimes too cold, so I carry a light jacket. Tropical storms are dramatic but quick. I miss seasons, especially the Highveld winter sun.

The expensive

• Rent: I pay 2,100 Singapore dollars for a master room with a private bathroom in a condo in Novena. A whole one bedroom condo would cost at least 3,500
• Alcohol: a beer at a bar is 12 to 18 dollars
• Cars: I will never own one here
• Western groceries: cheese, wine and imported goods are expensive

On the other hand, taxes are low, hawker food is cheap, and transport is affordable. My savings rate is much higher than it was in South Africa.

The social side

Making friends took time. Work culture is long hours, and many expats leave after two or three years. I found my people through a running club that meets at the Botanic Gardens on Saturday mornings, and a South African braai group (yes, there is one).

Singaporeans at work can seem reserved at first, but I have made genuine local friends. They love to talk about food, where to eat, what to order and which stall is better.

Rules and culture

Singapore has many rules: no eating on the MRT, no jaywalking, strict laws on drugs. Most make sense. The city is very clean because people follow them. There is less space for spontaneous public protest or loud expression than I am used to, and I find that a significant cultural difference.

Work

My hours are longer than in Johannesburg, especially during audit season. Salaries are higher, and the career progression for someone in finance is excellent because Singapore is a regional hub.

Would I stay?

For now, yes. I plan to stay at least three more years. The long-term challenge is that permanent residence is not guaranteed for Employment Pass holders, so I keep my South African options open.

Rating

Four out of five. Safe, efficient, delicious and a perfect base for exploring Asia. One point off for the humidity, the rents and the feeling that it is hard to put down deep roots.