AIESEC
SINGAPORE STARTERS’ GUIDE
Greetings and welcome to AIESEC Singapore! Dear AIESEC Singapore Intern,
cuisine and cultures that are present here.
First of all, we would like to congratulate you on successfully getting this internship. You will soon be arriving on our sunny island Singapore. We are very honoured to have you choosing to embark on your life-changing experience with us. With an area of 647 square kilometres and more than 5 million people, we hope that you will continuously be enchanted by the kaleidoscopic colours, contrast,
May this internship provide you with opportunities to discover your potential and may it be as enriching for you as it is for us. Together we can achieve the vision of “Peace and Fulfillment of Humankind’s Potential” and be the positive change that you want to see in yourself.
Yours sincerely, AIESEC Singapore
Content: VISA Accommodation Transportation Banking Postal & Telecommunication Cost of Living Healthcare Events Arrival into Singapore Useful Links
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Present in over 113 countries and territories and with over 86,000 members, AIESEC is the world's largest youth-run organisation. Focused on providing a platform for youth leadership development, AIESEC offers young people the opportunity to be global citizens, to change the world, and to get experience and skills that matter today
VISAs Vivamus est ipsum Feugiat rhoncus, accumsan id, nisl. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Pellentesque nunc tellus, iaculis quis, volutpat eget, bibendum ac, lectus. Mirum est notare quam littera gothica quam nunc putamus parum claram anteposuerit litterarum formas. Trens roxas eis ti Plokeing.
VISA
Background
Duration
Website
Employment pass
Foreigners who are interested to work and has a job offer in Singapore may apply for an Employment Pass.
> 1 year
http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/ passes-visas/employment-pass/before-youapply/Pages/default.aspx
S - Pass
Mid-level skilled foreigners (e.g. technicians) who wish to work in Singapore may apply for an S Pass.
> 1 year
http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/ passes-visas/s-pass/before-you-apply/Pages/ default.aspx
The Work Permit (WP) is for foreigners who want to work in Singapore; and are from an approved source country/ territory (depending on the sector which the worker is going to be employed in).
> 1 year
http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/ passes-visas/work-permit-fw/before-you-apply/ Pages/overview.aspx
The Miscellaneous Work Pass is for foreigners on short-term assignments (up to a maximum of 60 days)as any seminar, conference, workshop, gathering or talk. Or a foreign journalist, reporter or an accompanying crew member not supported or sponsored by any Singapore Government agency to cover an event or write a story in Singapore.
2 months
http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/ passes-visas/miscellaneous-work/before-youapply/Pages/default.aspx
Applicable to students graduated from the top 200 universities in these countries/territories: Australia, France ,Germany, Hong Kong, Japan ,New Zealand, United Kingdom United States
6 months
http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/ passes-visas/work-holiday-programme/beforeyou-apply/Pages/default.aspx
The Training Employment Pass (TEP) is intended to cater to corporate trainees from overseas undergoing practical training in Singapore for professional, managerial, executive or specialist jobs for their eventual work back in their own country.
3 months
http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/ passes-visas/training-employment/before-youapply/Pages/default.aspx
The Training Work Permit (TWP) is for:Semi-skilled or unskilled employees from related overseas companies to undergo training in Singapore. Foreign students studying in private educational institutions (PEIs) in Singapore.
6 months
http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/ passes-visas/training-work-permit/before-youapply/Pages/default.aspx
Free VISA Entry
Korea, Hong Kong etc.
90 days
Single Entry
Can Extend
30 days
Can Extend
90 days altogether with 30 days per entry
Work Permit
Type
Foreign Domestic Performing Artiste
Miscellaneous Work Pass
Work Holiday Pass
Training Employment Pass
Training Work Permit
Social/ Business Visit VISA
Multiple Entry
http://www.ica.gov.sg/
General Information What to take note of when renting: HDB Flats Approximate price range: S$800 - S$1200 (per month) Condominiums Approximate price range: S$1200 - S$1600 (per month) Others Check these with the owner: • Utilities/ Bills/ PUB (Public Utilities Board) is covered in the stated rent • There is internet/ wifii provided
Accommodation Singapore offers a wide variety of housing built to suit different needs and requirements. A wide range of amenities and services make up the high standard of living all Singaporeans enjoy. The country’s extensive network of public transport connects the island to ensure easy access from every housing area. For long-term accommodation, you may choose between public and private housing.
PUBLIC HOUSING
Most Singaporeans live in flats built by the Housing and Development Board (HDB). These are government-subsidised apartments located in housing estates all over the island. Most people own their flat in Singapore. HDB estates are designed to be selfcontained neighbourhoods; each served by essential amenities such as supermarkets, food centres, clinics, schools, libraries, shopping malls,
parks, and playgrounds. All such estates are well connected by public transport.
RENTING A HDB FLAT
If you have no need for an entire flat, you may rent a room from an HDB flat owner with one to spare. Flat owners who accept tenants are required by law to continue living in the flat. This is because HDB flats are generally reserved for owners and their permitted occupiers. You should rent from an owner who has received approval to do so from the HDB. The owners are only allowed to sublet their whole flats under special circumstances, such as when they have to go overseas. You may find flats available for rent through the internet. Alternatively, you may wish to locate a property agent. These property agents are hired by flat-owners and these agents post ads in newspapers and meet potential tenants on behalf of the flat-owners.
Things required for renting a flat 1) IPA Letter 2) Passport Agent Fees This fee is only applicable if you engaged an agent to help you with house hunting. It is normally a one-time fee which usually comes up to one month or half a month’s rent.
Other things to note There are other interns working in Singapore who might be completing their internship and leaving the country so you can always ask the interns through the AIESEC Singapore Interns Facebook page.
Transportation
Transport
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
Information
The MRT, Singaporean form of public trains/ subway, is probably the fastest way to get around Singapore besides taxis. Besides Besides being one of the cleanest transport systems in the world, the MRT provides scenic views of our heartland and city areas, with great access to almost every part of Singapore.
MRT: Fare: S$1.00 - S$1.60 Operating Hours: 6am - 12 midnight (Trains arrive every 3-8 minutes depending on the time of the day)
Public Buses: Public Buses Public buses are another option to get around Singapore. There are 2 major bus operators in Singapore namely SBS Transit and SMRT Buses. They operate approximately 800 different bus routes around Singapore. The bus routes usually starts and ends at a bus station that is located near a MRT station. Night Rider services are also available past midnight and they run till the next morning. Remember to tap on an off the bus as otherwise, maximum fare will be charged on the trip made.
EZ Link Card This is also known as a transport card it allows you to commute on all public transportation in Singapore. The minimum top-up is $10 and you can add value to the card at any train stations.
Fare: S$0.73 - S$1.90 Operating Hours: 6am - 12 midnight Waiting time varies from 5 to 15 mins depending on the time of the day Night Rider: Flat fare of S$4.20 Operating Hours: 11.30pm to 4.35am Waiting time varies from 25 to 30mins
All commuters are charged a fare according to the total distance travelled on the bus, MRT, LRT. This means that you can make transfers without having to pay a boarding charge for every transfer that makes up your journey.
For more information, visit: http://www.publictransport.sg/
Taxis Bargaining over fares is not practical in Singapore as fares are determined by the meter. There are more than 8 taxi operators in Singapore and the starting fares are slightly different for each operator. Basic fare
Normal
Limousine
Chrysler
Flag-Down (inclusive of 1st km or less
S$3.00 - S$3.40
S$3.90
$5.00
Every 400m thereafter or less up to 10km
S$0.22
S$0.22
$0.33
• S$3.00 surcharge for journeys originating from Changi Airport (S$5.00 between 1700hrs - 2400hrs on Fri - Sun)
$0.33
• S$3.00 surcharge for all trips originating from the Central Business District between 1700hrs - 2400hrs (Mon - Sun & Public Holidays)
Every 350m thereafter or less after 10km Every 45 secs of waiting or less
S$0.22
S$0.22
S$0.22
S$0.22
$0.33
Taxi Surcharge • 50% surcharge for journeys between midnight and 6am • 25% surcharge for peak hours trips between 0600hrs – 0930hrs Mon - Sun & Public Holidays)
• All Electronic Road Pricing (Tolls) are borne by the passenger
Banking Singapore is a flourishing financial centre of international repute servicing not only its domestic economy per se but also the entire Asia Pacific region. The banking industry is a key player in the country’s financial market segment, soon emerging as one of the strongest in the world. Factors such as a sound economic and political environment, conducive legal and tax policies, reputation for integrity, and strict enforcement against crime and money laundering, have contributed to Singapore’s status as an International Finance Centre – the third largest in Asia, after Japan and Hong Kong. Today there are as many as 117 foreign banks and 6 local banks that dominate the banking scene.
Opening a personal bank account in Singapore
Major Local Banks
Before opening an account, check for the bank's specific services and associated fees. Services usually include:
‣ Considered to be the largest bank in Singapore and Southeast Asia, as measured by assets. ‣ Leading consumer bank in Singapore and Hong Kong ‣ Largest retail network in Singapore with 80 branches at present
✓ Savings accounts ✓ NETS (cash withdrawal) cards that allow automated access ✓ Credit card facilities ✓ Crediting foreign check s ✓ Banking hours are Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 3 pm, and Saturday; from 9.30 am to 1 pm (some banks open till 3 pm).
Basic currency information •
The local currency is Singapore dollars and cents. Notes come in denominations of S$2, S$5, S$10, S$20, S$50, S$100, S$500 and S $1,000.
•
Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 Singapore Dollar.
•
Most banks handle travelers’ cheques and change foreign currencies. However, some banks do not have foreign exchange dealings on Saturday.
•
Passports are required when cashing travelers’ cheques. A nominal commission may be charged.
•
Major credit and charge cards are widely accepted by establishments in Singapore. Direct your complaints to the respective card company, should any shop insist on adding a surcharge.
•
Apart from banks and hotels, money may be changed wherever the sign "Licensed Money Changer" is displayed.
DBS
POSB ‣ Consumer banking services offered by DBS ‣ Offers low cost banking services ‣ Highest number of ATMs throughout Singapore
OCBC ‣ One of the largest financial institutions in the SingaporeMalaysia market
UOB ‣ Leading bank in Singapore with a strong presence in the AsiaPacific region
Major Foreign Banks Citibank ‣ First American Bank to set up a branch in Singapore ‣ One of the first 4 foreign banks to get the Qualifying Full Bank license by the Monetary Authority of Singapore
HSBC ‣ Awarded Qualifying Full Bank license by the Monetary Authority of Singapore
Standard Chartered ‣ Largest branch network among international banks in Singapore ‣ Second largest consumer banking market amongst the international banks in Singapore ‣ Awarded Qualifying Full Bank License by the Monetary Authority of Singapore ‣ Rated top custodian bank in Singapore for foreign institutions
Postal & Telecommunication Telecommunication Companies: Singtel Hotline: 1626 Fax: +65 6536 1971 Website: www.singtel.com.sg
Starhub Tel: 1630 (or +65 6820 1630 from overseas) Fax: +65 6720 5000 Website: www.starhub.com
M1 Tel: 1627 (or +65 9680 1627; IDD charges apply) Website: www.m1.com.sg
Pay Phone Services Public pay phones are operated by credit card or stored-value phone cards. They can be used to make both local and international calls. Public pay phones can be found in most shopping complexes and Mass Rapid Transit stations. Local calls are charged at around 10 cents per 3 minutes. You may buy stored-value phone cards in different denominations of Singapore Dollar at post offices and convenience stores. To make an international call, dial the access code followed by the country code, area code & telephone number. Different telephone companies use different access codes. Dial 001 for SingTel 002 for M1 and 008 for Starhub. International Calling Cards in denominations of Singapore Dollar 10, 20 and 50 are available at post offices, the airport, 7-Eleven stores and other retail outlets.
Telephone and Mobile Phones Consumers have a choice of three fixed-line and mobile phone operators in Singapo re. SingTel, Starhub and M1 all provide fixed line services as well as mobile network services.
Internet
Wireless@SG www.icellnetwork.com/ reg2.php
There are three major internet service providers in Singapore, namely, SingNet, StarHub, and M1. The contracts usually ranges from 6 - 24 months and it takes 7 working days to get connected upon signing up for internet. Free public wifii (Wireless@SG) is also available at most shopping malls and fast food restaurants. You will need to create an account to login. You will need to be a resident (includes work pass holders) of Singapore before you can create an account.
Postal Services Singapore Post operates a network of more than 62 postal outlets conveniently located throughout the island. You may fax and send air-parcel post at all outlets. The opening hours for branches differ but generally they open from Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 5 pm and until 1 pm on Saturday. You can visit http:// www.singpost.com/index/27-financial-services.html to check for opening hours of specific branches.
Cost of Living
Type Restaurants
Markets
Others
In general, prices for basic necessities such as food, clothing, public transport, basic education and utilities in Singapore are quite moderate. Public transport and taxis are very affordable as well. You can always find something that fits your budget; for every category, Singapore offers a wide range of available choices and prices. The list below shows the average pricing for certain necessities.
Major expenses Public Transport S$100-S$150 (monthly) Groceries S$200 (weekly) Eating out S$10 - $15 (daily) Utilities (monthly) S$50
Item
Price
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
S$9 - $!5
Meal, Mid-range Restaurant
S$25 - S$40
Milk (1L)
S$3
Loaf of Bread
S$2
Eggs (1 dozen)
S$2.50
Chicken Breasts (Boneless/ Skinless)
S$8.90
Coke/ Pepsi (330ml)
S$1.50
Water (500ml)
S$1.20
McDonalds Meal
approx S$7
Cappuccino (Reg)
S$5
Domestic Beer (500ml)
S$6
Imported Beer (330ml)
S$7
Bottle of Wine (mid Range)
S30
Groceries Shopping for groceries in Singapore is easy as each neighbourhood is often complete with their own amenities such as convenient stores, wet markets and supermarkets (which runs from 10am till 9.30pm).
Water Singapore’s tap water is well within the World Health Organisation drinking water
guidelines, and is suitable for drinking without any further filtration.
Eating out Food places are everywhere in Singapore. You can get a full range of food options ranging from hawker centre(market stall) food to high end restaurant meals. Food places usually open till late and fast food chains usually provide delivery services straight to your doorstep.
How much you spend really depends on how your personal lifestyle preferences. For a better gauge of your monthly living costs you can go to the following website to find out: http://www.contactsingapore.sg/ why_singapore/about_singapore/ cost_of_living_calculator/
Healthcare Information Polyclinic operating hours Mondays to Fridays: 8.00am to 1.00pm; 2.00pm to 4.30pm Saturdays: 8.00am to 12.30pm Sundays: Closed
Emergency Services
Healthcare Singapore generally has an efficient and widespread system of healthcare. Singapore was ranked 6th in the World Health Organisation’s ranking of the world’s health systems in the year 2000. All healthcare establishments such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinical laboratories, medical and dental clinics are licensed and regulated by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Singapore has 23 hospitals, of which two are government hospitals; eight are government- restructured hospitals and 13 private hospitals. There are 19 outpatient dispensaries and polyclinics, and more than 2,100 doctors in private practice. Through its network of clinics, MOH provides a wide range of curative outpatient services as well as maternal and child health services. Fees charged at the government clinics are heavily subsidised by the Government. Some polyclinics also house senior citizens’ care centres where rehabilitation and day-care services are provided by the Home Nursing Foundation, a voluntary welfare organisation.
Their services include: • Outpatient medical care for acute and chronic illnesses • Immunisation and screening for commonly occurring disease s • Laboratory, X-ray and pharmacy services • Family planning • Maternal and child healthcare • Medical attention for the elderly
Check out emergency contacts here: http://www.hospitals.sg/ emergency-contacts
Emergency Public Numbers Fire / Ambulance : 995 Non-emergency Ambulance Service : 1777
Polyclinics Polyclinics are owned by the government and they are one-stop medical centres that provide a wide range of services for outpatient care. You can find them at all major Housing Development Board estates and town centres.
For emergency services, patients can go at any time to the 24-hour Accident & Emergency Departments located in the government hospitals.
• Screening for communicable diseases, such as Hepatitis B and AIDS • Psychiatric services • Dental treatment • Health education On your first visit, bring along your identity card or passport, if you are a foreigner, for registration. If the patient is a child under the age of 12, you will have to bring his/her birth certificate. Upon registration, you will receive your appointment card and must bring this card with you on future visits.
Other things to note People normally walk in for a consultation at any private clinic or any government polyclinic. There is no need to make prior appointments for consultations.
Events Singapore is a place with a variety of different cultures and races. There are many events organised throughout the year to celebrate the unique festivals that come from the different backgrounds. Do expose yourself to these events and immerse yourself in the uniqueness of each culture that makes up Singapore’s national fabric.
Ledgend: •Events happening in Singapore ★ AIESEC Events
Calendar January
February
March
• Thaipusam
★Shape the Future • Chingay Parade Singapore • River Hongbao
★XPrep for Summer Exchange • Mosaic Music Festival
April
May
June
• World Gourmet Summit
• Singapore Arts Festival
• Great Singapore Sale
July
August
September
•Singapore Food Festival •Great Singapore Sale
• National Day Parade
★Jumpstart • Formula 1 Grand Prix • Mid Autumn Festival
October
November
December
★XPrep for Winter Exchange
• Deepavali
★National Leadership Development Conference • New Year’s Countdown • Zouk Out
Happenings in Singapore
AIESEC Events
Singapore is jam-packed with lots of exciting programmes, from exhibitions and sporting events to musical performances and nightlife entertainment - there’s so much for you to choose from. Notable annual events such as the Chingay Parade, Mosaic Music Festival and F1 Singapore Grand Prix are always a hit, while the annual Great Singapore Sale is another event that’s popular with both locals and tourists.
AIESEC runs multiple events throughout the year. These events aim at aligning our members to the national as well as global strategies, planning for the year as well as to give the members a better understanding of the organisation. AIESEC also runs seminars to prepare people who are planning to go on exchange so that they have the right expectations of what it would be like to live the exchange experience. These events are good for broadening both your social and professional networks in Singapore. Do contact your TN manager or any AIESEC Singapore members if you want to get involved in any of these events.
To find out more about the events mentioned in the calendar, visit: www.yoursingapore.com/content/ traveller/en/browse/whats-on/ festivals-and-events.html
AIESEC also organises monthly intern gatherings. Do look out on the AIESEC Singapore Interns Facebook page for updates on that.
Arrival into Singapore To assist you with your VISA application, airport pick-up, finding accommodation and any other future internship issues you will be assigned a Reception Officer(RO) - a local AIESEC buddy, before your arrival. The RO and your TN manager can sometimes be the same person. You are to send the flight details to your RO and TN manager as soon as you book your flight tickets. Please remember to contact your RO/ host LC’s VPICX a day before departure to ensure that he/ she has received the flight details correctly
• The taxi fare for the pick-up from Singapore Changi airport to your accommodation will be borne by AIESEC Singapore. • Please bring along at least SGD 2000 or its equivalent in your local currency in hand to be able to pay for your temporary accommodation, agent fee and first installment of permanent accommodation. • Immediately on arrival at Changi airport, please inform the person receiving you if you need to change your currency at the Foreign Exchange counter. He/ She can then take you to the counter at the airport. • Below is a list of contact details of people you can contact in case you cannot get in touch with your RO/ TN manager.
Postion
Name
Number
Skype
AIESEC Singapore, MC VP GIPi
Rachel Qunfeng Ren
qunfang.ren@aiesec.net
+65 8414 9327
michellemeshare
AIESEC Singapore, MC VP GCDPi
Xinyu Tok
tok.xinyu@aiesec.net
+65 9126 5539
xinyu.tok1
AIESEC NUS
Jin Wenqian
wenqian.jin@aiesec.net
+65 8114 6883
cameraeye
AIESEC NTU
Ren Siqi
siqi.ren@aiesec.net
+65 9765 1480
siqi.ren
AIESEC SIM
Park Jong Rak
jongrak.park@aiesec.net
+65 9831 4310
jong.rak.park
AIESEC SMU, LC VP GIP ICX
Abbas Zafar
abbas.zafar@aiesec.net
+65 9116 7723
a.b.b.a.s.zafar
AIESEC SMU, LC VP GCDP ICX
Selin Erginbas
selin.erginbas@aiesec.net
+65 9062 0588
selin.erginbas
Useful Links Emergency Police
999
Emergencies/ Ambulance/ Fire Brigade
995
Important Police Hotline
6225 0000
Traffic Police
6547 0000
AAS Emergency Road Service
6748 9911
Non-emergency ambulance
1777
Information Flight Information
1800 542 4422
Tourism Information
1800 736 2000
Directory Assistance
6777 777 or 100
Time
1711
Weather
6542 7788
International Calls
104
Trunk Calls to Malaysia
Dial 1019 for operator assistance, or 02 for direct dial
Dial-A-Cab Comfort Cab Link
6552 1111
Citicab
6552 2222
Yellow-top Cab
6552 2828
Government Related Sites •
To know about moving to Singapore - http://www.contactsingapore.sg/home/index.php/eng/ moving_to_singapore
•
To know about the Singapore Government Bodies - www.gov.sg
For issues specific to work visa - www.mom.gov.sg If you have any further enquiries, please contact:
Rachel Qunfeng Ren MC VP In-coming Exchange, AIESEC Singapore Mobile Number: +65 8414 9327 Email: qunfang.ren@aiesec.net Skype: michellemeshare