New in Singapore?
First of all, a big warm welcome to Singapore from the Indonesian Professionals’ Association (IPA)! To begin your new professional and social life here, below is some information for you as a start. We believe that these would be useful in getting you settled down into Singapore and its way of life.
1. Accommodation in Singapore
The best way to get an accommodation here is certainly through word-of-mouth, or friends’ recommendations.
If you get none from your circles however, the next best thing is to get yourself subscribed to mailing lists belonging to Indonesian organisations in Singapore, such as:
- IPA(http://www.yahoogroups/groups/indoprof)
- PINUS (http://www.yahoogroups/groups/pinus)
- PINTU (http://pintusingapura.org/new/)
- SMUKI (http://www.yahoogroups/groups/smuki)
You can also check out these online resources for available rooms to rent:
- Easy Roommate
- FlatsDB
2. Going around
Singapore is one of the most expats-friendly places in the world, thanks largely to its excellent public transport system.
Singapore’s MRT system has an extensive coverage of residential areas, CBD, and places of interest.
Its buses also run pretty much on time and its frequency is good. Singapore’s bus transport timings may not be as precise as Japan yet, but it’s certainly much better than that found in many parts of the world.
Get information of the routes of main bus services here: http://www.sbstransit.com.sg or ask plan your journey here by asking IRIS!
Well, if you are running out of time or in need of some convenience, there is always the taxi (or cab if you prefer to call it). Flag down rates is S$2.80. Peak hour surcharges and other ERP (Electronic Road Pricing charges) apply.
To get a cab service fetch you right from your doorstep, there is another booking fee of about S$2.50, but you just have to dial these numbers for those extra ease of getting around:
- CityCab: 6552 2222
- Comfort: 6552 1111
- Premier: 63636888
- SMART: 6485 7777
- Tibs & SMRT: 6555 8888
Get information on how to get to your destination here:
http://www.streetdirectory.com
http://www.rednano.sg/index.html
3. Documentation help
Before you start working life proper, you will have to arrange for your employment pass. You can do so in the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) located on 10 Kallang Road, just next to the Lavender MT station. Queues are usually long, so do arrive early.
For opening hours, documents required, etc, go to the ICA official website: http://www.ica.gov.sg
Once you get your work/employment pass, don’t forget to report yourself and your local address to the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore (Kedutaan Besar Republic Indonesia, Singapura) located on 7 Chatsworth Road. The embassy is also very helpful in answering your visa, passport, or other consular issues.
The official website of Indonesian embassy in Singapore is: http://www.kbrisingapura.com
4. Interested to work in Singapore?
Check out the following Singapore online job sites for work opportunities:
- JobsDB (http://www.jobsdb.com)
- Jobstreet (http://www.jobstreet.com.sg)
- The Straits Times Jobs (http://www.jobs.st701.com)
5. Interested to kick-start and expand your social network in Singapore?
There’s no other better way to do this than to join IPA as a member! For more information, click here! (link to IPA Membership page)
Good luck and we look forward to welcoming you personally at one of our specially organised events for Indonesian professionals!
(NB: All website links listed here are in no means an endorsement of their full range of online activities. Users should continue to practice their personal discretion at these websites.)