Getting to Know Singapore - April 2010

  1. Telephone numbers in SG comes in the 8-digit numbering format. I have to add 6 to existing fixed line telephone number. The digit '9' is for mobile phone services.
  2. Calling to and from Malaysia does not require IDD. Call to SG from Malaysia requires only area code 02. Haha, i do not even know SG area code is 02 (KL 03, Penang 04, Perak 05).
  3. Singtel, one of the SG phone provider charges local phone rate to Malaysia, dial 019 + country code+ area code + phone for a limited time.
  4. Receiving local call in SG is chargable (Singtel). I must admit that i do not know SG very well.
  5. SG classifies the foreign workers by how much $$ money they make. R pass for those make less than $1800/month, S pass xxx, Q pass, P2, P1, etc...i am thinking of 'income' discrimination
  6. Subscribing to internet service (Singtel, Starhub, or M1) as foreigner requires deposit money ...it can go up to $200SGD. One good thing is the the application process is fast. Applying as Employee Pass holder/PR/citizen is almost free.
  7. Traveling in SG is convenient because SG is small and the transportation system is well planned. But i found traveling on MRT and buses is 'groomy' and crowded. I have no traffic jam problem, except people jam issue. People in SG seldom smile, especially commuters :(
  8. All banks in SG need Malaysian to produce their Malaysian ID card when opening up a bank account, even they do not publish that requirement on their website. Deposit is needed to open an account, as usual for bank: money comes first (i almost forgot).
  9. You can hardly differentiate between citizen, permanent resident (PR) and foreigners in Singapore. I can easily find an American who is a citizen, a Malay who is PR and a Chinese who is a foreigner. Just throw a stone and you will hit one (throwing is an offense in SG irregardless of hitting the target or not, and you will get fined for that).
  10. SG is a good place to work, but not sure is a good place to live. Will find out more