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| Employment Visas / Passes |
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To work in Singapore, an Employment Pass (EP) is needed. A local sponsor, usually your employer, applies for the EP. Types of EPs are listed below:
- EP P Pass (P1 and P2) for those who hold a degree, professional qualifications or specialist skills and are seeking jobs in areas of professional, administrative, executive or managerial. P1 = monthly salary of more than S$7,000 and P2 = monthly salary between S$3,500 and S$7,000.
- EP Q1 for those who possess degrees, professional qualifications or specialist skills and earn a monthly salary of more than S$2,500
- S Pass where monthly salary is at least S$1,800 and applicants are judged on a points system based on salary, education, work experience and job
The application for an EP or S Pass can be found on the Ministry or Manpower - Singapore website: Ministry or Manpower Form
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Singapore's population is mainly comprised of Chinese, Malays, Indians, and other minority groups. With such a diverse culture, there exists a diverse variety of religions including Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity. Festivals are celebrated in correspondence with the religion. |
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For short-term housing alternatives, Singapore's Tourism Board has a directory of hotels, hostels, and bed-and-breakfast lodges (http://www.visitsingapore.com/). Another short-term option is service apartments. These apartments are usually fully furnished and range from S$1,300-2,100.
In regards to long-term housing, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) have subsidised apartments located all over Singapore which have range of conveniences such as public transportation, supermarkets, clinics, and shopping malls. These range in price from S$400 to S$880. Information about renting an apartment from the open market can be found in the classifieds of the newspaper.
The HDB also offers housing options under the Scheme for Housing of Foreign Talent (SHiFT). These apartments are for people who are twenty-one years or older, and hold an EP. More information, as well as the application, can be obtained by emailing the Housing Development Group at hdg@jtc.gov.sg. These apartments are unfurnished and have a tenancy term of two years, with no option to sublet. Prices range from S$730 to S$800 along with a monthly service charge.
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Singapore's health care system is comprised of a public system and a private system. Primary health care includes medical treatment, preventive health care, and health education. These services are provided through polyclinics and private clinics. The consultation fee is about S$10-15. Dental care is commonly provided by private practitioners. |
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Every bank will have different bank account types and requirements, but all banks will require identification when opening a bank account. At a minimum, your passport and Employment Pass (EP) must be present. The banking hours are Monday to Friday from 10 am to 3 pm, and Saturday from 9:30 am to 1 pm.
A useful link to equate salary between countries can be found here: Salary Equate |
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There are a variety of ways to get around within Singapore, such as the bus service, mass rapid transit, light rapid transit, taxis, and driving. Bus service runs from 5:30 am to 12 pm with fare costs ranging from S$0.58-1.70. There are mass and light rapid transits available which run at similar times (5:30 am to 12:30 pm) with fare prices of S$0.60-1.80 for mass rapid transit and S$0.60-$1.00 for light rapid transit.
Another form of transportation in Singapore, although expensive, is driving. Cars are right-hand drive, and drive on the left-hand side of the road. Driving licenses can be obtained from driving centers for a fee of S$50. See ssdc@pacific.net.sg and info@cdc.com.sg for more details.
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Public phones operate on credit or phone cards. Local calls made on public phones are S$0.10 per three minutes. Cell phones operate on either the GSM 900 or the GSM 1800 mobile network. Pricing will vary among providers. Internet service is also available and there are difference pricing among the providers.
Post offices are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm, and on Saturday from 8:30 am to 1 pm.
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