Singapore is actually a very popular country for studying abroad. It is also recognized as a country with a high standard of living in Asia, but its consumption is very low and reasonable.Guide to studying and living in SingaporeInternational students living in Singapore, ,Language requirements for studying in Singapore, ,Studying in SingaporeThe problem.
Tips for Studying in Singapore
1. Tips for studying abroad in Singapore
1. Telephone number
In Singapore, local calls cost 10 cents per 3 minutes. Please note that coin-only phones can only use 10 cent coins. You can make international calls directly using magnetic card phones or hotel room phones, which are called IDD.
IDD long distance number is 001. When calling China, you need to add the country code "86" and then the area code. For example, when calling Beijing (010)-1234-5678, it is "001+86+010+1234-5678". Price: Weekdays 0700hrs~2100hrs, Saturdays and Sundays 0700hrs~1300hrs, 6 seconds 2 cents 2 minutes.
Other times: 6 seconds and 2 cents. Now, many people use IP phone cards, and calls to China cost only a little over 1 yuan per minute. Mobile phones brought from China can be used by installing a SIM card registered in Singapore.
2. Banks and Currency
Currently, the exchange rate of Singapore to RMB fluctuates around 4.9. Currency exchange can be done at banks, hotels and any other places marked as "licensed currency exchange offices".
All major shopping malls in Singapore have licensed money changers. Do not exchange money with illegal money changers. You can carry some Singapore dollars across the border in Singapore, but not too much to prevent customs from confiscating it.
Huaxia Bank, Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and Construction Bank of China all have branches in Singapore, but the fees are relatively high. It is recommended to buy a draft or traveler's check first, open an account in Singapore after arriving, or use a local bank card in Singapore. Chinese parents can then directly wire money to an account in Singapore. International Visa and MasterCard cards are also acceptable, but the fees are not low.
In addition to the Singapore dollar, major shopping malls and department stores in Singapore also accept US dollars, Australian dollars, Japanese yen and British pounds.
3. Accommodation
The overall living standard of Singaporean residents is very high, with apartments ranging from two bedrooms and one living room to three bedrooms plus a study. Most of these houses are built by the Singapore Housing and Development Board and are one of the benefits provided by the Singaporean government to its residents.
There are very few boarding departments in schools in Singapore, and only some public universities and colleges provide dormitory services. Therefore, international students studying in Singapore may face the situation of having nowhere to live. International students need to arrange their own accommodation before arriving in Singapore.
Most Chinese students studying in Singapore choose to live in local Chinese homes, with two people sharing a room. Each room is equipped with basic furniture and air conditioning and other equipment, which can save a lot of expenses. The specific price of this type of house depends on the geographical location and internal conditions of the house, but the overall price will not be too expensive.
Some international students in Singapore also choose to rent government-provided flats. The rent for these flats is between 500 and 800 Singapore dollars per month, which can be shared by two to three people and can be split to between 200 and 300 Singapore dollars per month. This is basically within the acceptable range for international students and is very popular among them.
Some international students in Singapore whose families are better off choose to rent private apartments. The price of such apartments is around 800 to 1,000 Singapore dollars per month, and the living conditions are much better than the previous two.
The Singapore government has strict regulations on housing rentals. International students need to pay a deposit equivalent to one month's rent when they move in, and pay the first month's rent at the same time. They can only continue to rent after paying the next month's rent at the beginning of each month.
4. Living expenses
Singapore's consumption level is among the highest in Asia, but compared with developed countries in Europe and America, Singapore's living expenses are relatively reasonable, and the prices of food and clothing are not high. The average monthly consumption of international students in Singapore is between 750-2,000 Singapore dollars, and the specific data varies from person to person.
There is no tradition of tipping in Singapore. Generally, hotels will deduct a certain amount of tips directly from guests' consumption.
In terms of accommodation, international students generally have four types of accommodation in Singapore: on-campus dormitories, boarding schools, resident family care and off-campus apartments. The various accommodations have different grades, and the monthly rent ranges from 150-1300 SGD.
Ms. Feng Yanfei from the Singapore Education Alliance reminded students that Singapore has a variety of scholarships and grants available to students, and students can apply according to their own circumstances and the institution they attend.
5. Transportation and Communications
Singapore has a comprehensive public transportation system, including taxis, buses and subway systems. Therefore, students can live in Singapore conveniently and comfortably, and the cost of transportation is not too high.
Buses in Singapore only stop when there are passengers getting on or off, so sometimes you need to wave to stop a bus.
Singapore buses and subways can be used with EZ-Link cards. Fees are calculated based on the station you get off the bus. Be sure to swipe your card when you get off the bus, otherwise you will be charged based on the final stop.
In Singapore, please be aware that vehicles drive on the left side.
Singapore's public telephone system is available in all areas, and the phone charges are low. The lowest international long-distance call via IP phone is less than 0.2 SGD. Mobile phone prices are also not high. Domestic mobile phones can be used directly with a SIM card registered in Singapore.
6. Legal knowledge
Singapore is famous for its "torture" and still retains the classical criminal law of "caning". Strict legislation has also created a stable social order in Singapore and good behavioral norms for the people.
7. Work
Full-time students in Singapore's public institutions are allowed to work no more than 16 hours per week. Students in private schools are not allowed to work.
2. Commonly used cards to prepare for studying in Singapore
1. Phone Card
In today's society, people always carry their mobile phones with them, so how can they be without phone cards? Before boarding the plane, students must remember to activate international roaming for their domestic mobile phone numbers. Without international roaming, your domestic mobile phone will not receive any SMS verification codes, which will be very inconvenient.
Everyone remember to book a Singapore phone card in advance in China. The CMLink mobile phone card of 10 Singapore dollars and 20g is quite cost-effective (you can use Alipay/WeChat), and new users will also get one year of domestic call charges (180R) for free!
2. Bank Card
master/visa, Bank of China has a Singapore Union Bank card that can be applied for in Singapore; or if you have a visa gold card in China, you can go to the bank to open a supplementary card for use in Singapore. Students can use China UnionPay cards to withdraw money and make purchases in Singapore.
But please note! Not all places accept China UnionPay cards! If students do not want to open a bank account in Singapore, they need to prepare 2 bank cards in China for living in Singapore.
1. China UnionPay single-label card is used for withdrawal (the exchange rate is settled according to the bank's exchange rate, the withdrawal fee ranges from 15 to 50 SGD, and the maximum withdrawal fee is 1,000 to 1,500 SGD);
2. China UnionPay + Visa/Master dual-branded cards can be used for direct consumption in Singapore. Please contact your bank before going abroad to handle direct foreign exchange purchase and repayment or to settle overseas consumption directly in RMB.
3. Transportation Card
Singapore has well-developed transportation, and it is very convenient to go out. It is super convenient to take the subway, bus, and taxi. It is still very cost-effective to pay with your mobile phone or apply for a transportation card.
There are two types of transportation cards in Singapore: FlashPay and EZ-Link. You can buy transportation cards at the manual counters of various subway stations or at various 7-11 convenience stores across the island.
Both cards cost $5, which is non-refundable. You need to deposit at least 7 SGD in advance, and you can use the card on buses and trains after recharging. Both cards can also be used in convenience stores.
3. Guide to Safety and Self-protection when studying in Singapore
1. Surrounding environment
The living environment should be the focus of everyone's attention, because this is where you spend the longest time. Whether it is school or place of residence, everyone needs to conduct an in-depth investigation to eliminate hidden dangers.
Of course, the better way is to travel in groups, try to avoid traveling alone, and don't talk to strangers easily, as this may bring bad things to yourself.
2. Social Life
In the early stages of studying abroad, everyone should limit their social circle to the school, because the overall atmosphere will be relatively simple and safe, and it will also be easier to find like-minded friends.
When you go out to attend large gatherings, you should be prepared and do not drink drinks or alcohol handed to you by strangers. Although it is important to expand your social circle, your overseas friends will basically become distant after you return to China.
3. Personal Insurance
Everyone must remember to buy insurance, not just the medical insurance required by the school, but also buy accident insurance for yourself, so that once an accident occurs, you can get certain compensation and minimize everyone's losses.
IV. Legal knowledge
Singapore’s legislation is very strict. Everyone should have a certain understanding of the basic laws of life and know what they cannot do. After all, the penalties are still very severe, and they will also include their own profile.
Understanding the law is not only to protect your rights when they are infringed, but also to use the law to restrain your behavior.
5. Emergency Telephone
Finally, you need to familiarize yourself with the various emergency telephone numbers in Singapore so that when you encounter dangerous situations, you can seek help from defense and professional departments in a timely manner and effectively prevent the situation from deteriorating.
Summary of life strategies for studying abroad in Singapore
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