Singapore makes it into every list of the world’s most expensive cities and few expats living here would disagree! Follow our 5 easy ways to save and get more for your money.

Be cool

Without having the air-con on all day! If your accommodation has ceiling fans then use them. If not, turn off the air-con and get yourself a fan. Using electric fans instead of air conditioning can save substantial amounts off your electricity bill and a great way to see how much money you can save is by using the Electricity Usage calculator provided by Singapore Power.

Get to work for free

Many of us are seduced by the cheap and readily available taxis here but taking taxis to and from work can get expensive. Not only is our public transport extremely good value but it’s world class and the whole country is well served. In fact early bird commuters can benefit from free MRT travel to the city area if they tap out of designated stations before 7.45am.You can save enough for your morning cup of local Kopi. A few minutes late? You will still get 50cents off your MRT fare if you tap out before 8am.

The 18 designated stations that are in the free travel scheme are:   Bayfront, Bras Basah, Bugis, Chinatown, City Hall, Clarke Quay, Dhoby Ghaut, Downtown, Esplanade, Lavender, Marina Bay, Orchard, Outram Park, Promenade, Raffles Place, Somerset, Tanjong Pagar and Telok Ayer

Get your PAssion on

Do you have your PAssion card yet?  The PAssion Card is much more than just another membership or discount card.    Use it whilst grocery shopping at Cold storage, Market Place, Giant and Guardian (and at over 1,000 other PAssion merchants) and you will start earning cash back points which can be redeemed against your shopping bill.  You also get access to regular discounts island wide and get members’ rates on courses and activities at your community clubs.   It costs $12-15 for five year membership and to get one, you can either visit your local community club with your ID or can visit the OnePA website to purchase your membership online.

Be loyal

The saying that ‘nothing comes for free’ couldn't be more wrong. There are good loyalty cards that are both free and bursting at the seams with benefits!  A few good ones are

• The petrol reward cards: Check out your local petrol station for their free rewards card. Save money every time you re-fuel and collect points for rewards. 
• GV Movie card:  Watch a movie for free on your birthday and get regular discounts off your movie tickets.
• IKEA Family card: Everyone needs IKEA, like it or not! You will get special prices on products and discount on meals at the IKEA Restaurant.

Eat like a local

One of the great benefits of Singapore’s hawker and food court culture is that you can eat well without burning a hole in your pocket? With a huge variety of Asian flavours, the dishes served in our hawker centres are as cheap as they are delicious. You can get a hearty, authentic meal for less than $5. If you want to know which stall is best just look for the queues, the locals have done the research for you!

For those of you with tiny mouths to feed,   many restaurants offer free meals for children when purchased with adult meals.  Family-friendly chains like Chili’s, Brussel Sprouts and Jamie’s Italian offer free-meals at various times during the week and/or weekend so plan your days out carefully.  You can even splash out once in a while!  Many of the Sunday brunches at the big hotels offer free-brunch for children under a certain age, which makes that glass of champagne just taste even better!

Singapore Expat Solutions was founded to help you call Singapore home. We are committed to making your transition to your new home a smooth one. So while your boxes are making their way across the seas, let Singapore Expat Solutions be the one to hold your hand and get you settled in.

Offering a suite of services that range from the settling-in essentials such as housing, schooling/child care and domestic help, to the logistics of getting your own business set up in Singapore.  Our lifestyle services are designed to make every day more fun for all those Singapore veterans out there.

Our Managing Partners, Aarathi and Babita, have lived in Asia as expats for a combined total of 15 years.  During this time they have lived as working professionals, trailing spouses, expectant mothers, stay-at-home mums, and entrepreneurs.  With their combined knowledge and network within Singapore, these friendly ladies and their team will help you navigate your new adventure in style.