Singapore Expats

Hello all,

I know people are always posting these questions, but I really need your help. I've graduated last year at the Tourism Management University in a European country and now was offered a job in a 5* hotel in downtown Singapore. The position is guest relations officer for SGD2000 a month, on an S Pass visa. The meals will be provided at the hotel. I am not a person who likes parties, clubs, cafes, I dont drink or smoke. I am a regular young woman who has a normal healthy lifestyle, likes nature, parks, rollerblading and swimming. And I loooove Asian food:)
I would like this job because it would be great for my resume and my future career and ofcourse, it would be a great experience living in Singapore!
Can you please tell me if SGD2000 a month is enough for a person like me?

Thank you in advance!

Yes; you may consult the countless Filipinos, Malaysians, PRChinese and local Singaporeans who would probably be in a similar position.

...and better find a roommate.

Be interesting to hear members' input regarding golden brown's query as me myself is awaiting job offer for possible Epass.

goldenbrown,

With SGD2000/month, I think it might be hard, although not impossible. U will spend a big portion of that salary on rent. I know a lot of people commute from JB daily, so you might want to consider this option. but from what I heard, the commute is really a hassle.

Good Luck!

goldenbrown wrote:Hello all,

I know people are always posting these questions, but I really need your help. I've graduated last year at the Tourism Management University in a European country and now was offered a job in a 5* hotel in downtown Singapore. The position is guest relations officer for SGD2000 a month, on an S Pass visa. The meals will be provided at the hotel. I am not a person who likes parties, clubs, cafes, I dont drink or smoke. I am a regular young woman who has a normal healthy lifestyle, likes nature, parks, rollerblading and swimming. And I loooove Asian food:)
I would like this job because it would be great for my resume and my future career and ofcourse, it would be a great experience living in Singapore!
Can you please tell me if SGD2000 a month is enough for a person like me?

Thank you in advance!

If you are a fresh grad & this is ur first job would say take it even though its not so great a package (monetary wise) coz like syamsulstar said accomodation is what is going to cost you a lot. Career wise should be a good starting point but maybe you could try to negotiate with the hotel since they being 5* & all to throw in accomodation as well. In case you planning on transferring your hard earned money back home as most expats do you might also have to factor in exchange rate as well.
Cheers!

Goldenbrown,

In my personal view, $2000/month would be hard but not impossible. My advice:
- rent a room in HDB (instead of condo) or share a unit with housemates
- use train and bus as your main transport
- have most meals at places where there is no GST
- budget your monthly expenses (phone bills, transport, meals, groceries, entertainment, etc)

From what you've described, your lifestyle is pretty alright, just need to manage your expenses well. Ensure the Company is giving you medical allowance, else you will have to budget that too.

BR/
goldfish

2000 is quite normal for graduates in your kind of employment area, so go for it!

You can surely find a room in HDB at a reasonable price, I know our workers are paying around $350 a month each. So shop around

ksl wrote:You can surely find a room in HDB at a reasonable price, I know our workers are paying around $350 a month each. So shop around

This rate is per person if two share a room, which is common with Asian workers.
The OPs, being European, probably want a whole room to themselves. Then they'd pay at least S$700, more if a private bath is included.

Yes but you will not save much.

If it is just for the experience then it is alright .

beppi wrote:

ksl wrote:You can surely find a room in HDB at a reasonable price, I know our workers are paying around $350 a month each. So shop around

This rate is per person if two share a room, which is common with Asian workers.
The OPs, being European, probably want a whole room to themselves. Then they'd pay at least S$700, more if a private bath is included.

yes correct! Though it is possible to find a single room for less tha $700, but you need to be patient. Some old aunties that own their own HDB and are alone are glad for the company. In fact we have 4 guys paying $250 each for 2 rooms in Bedok and a woman paying $350 shared. Also met a China woman and son who is schooled here, paying only $450 a month as she is not allowed to work the first year. Medical bills will be the worst worry!

SGD2000 will be enough if you spend them wisely..