Living in Singapore

Singapore is a dynamic city rich in contrast and colour where you will find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture. A bridge between the East and the West for centuries, Singapore, located in the heart of Southeast Asia, continues to embrace tradition and modernity today. The city is brimming with unbridled energy and bursting with exciting events from arts and culture to lifestyle and fashion. With its friendly and welcoming people, state-of-the-art infrastructure and something new happening every day, the city offers countless unique and memorable experiences.

Facts and Figures

Size of Singapore	699.2 sq km
Population	4 million with a growth rate of 1.15%
People	Consists of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian ethnicities, as well as a cosmopolitan mix of other nationalities.
Weather	Warm and humid all-year round with rainy seasons in the months of November to January.
Places to eat	Local hawker fare and international cuisine can be found in hawker centres, food courts, cafes and restaurants. Locals typically patronize hawker centres and food courts for meals at economical prices.
Places of Interest	Singapore Tourism Board Singapore Expats My Online Tour

Airport Reception

Most airlines fly into Singapore's Changi International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world. The best way to get from the airport to the city (20km/12minutes away) is by Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) Subway, but there is also a wide choice of public buses and taxi services.

Please have your passport and approval letter from the Immigration Checkpoints Authority ready when you pass through the customs.

Orientation Services

An ERCI representative will welcome you to Singapore the moment you set foot into Singapore. Services we provide (free of charge) consists of:

• Assisting you in finding accommodation before you arrive in Singapore.
• Showing you the way to ERCI from hostel via public transportation and helping to familiarize you with the local transport system.
• Bringing you to the clinic for medical check-up.

Accommodation

Students are advised to make their own arrangements prior to arriving in Singapore but temporary accommodation can be arranged while you find something more suitable for the remainder of your stay here in Singapore. Lodging is relatively easy to find in Singapore and we will provide our expert local opinions and recommendations to ensure you are nicely settled in.

Hostels
These hostel accommodations specially cater to the needs of International students for them to live in a cozy environment conducive to their learning needs. These hostels are located near to ERCI and are equipped with many new and exciting facilities consisting of cafes, recreational corners, sports facilities and Internet access.

Hostel	Contact Details	Rates
Vita Hostel	50 Carlis Road, Singapore 219650	Click here
	Tel: +65 6293 6681 Fax: +65 6292 3381
	Contact: Ms Joyce Sim
Katong Hostel	369 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437126	Click here
	Tel: +65 6883 5230 Fax: +65 6448 5160
Pearls Hill Hostel	5 Pearl Hill Road, Singapore 168996	Click here
	Tel: +65 6538 5448 Fax: +65 6538 4155
Novena Hall	78 Glistead Road, Singapore 309116	Click here
	Tel: +65 6352 0580 Fax: +65 6325 0596
A-Star International Hostel	292A Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427544	Click here
	Tel: +65 6348 1432 Fax: +65 6348 1243
	Contact: Mr John Tan

Co-sharing of apartments
Students can choose to co-rent a 2 or 3-room flat or an apartment. The estimated rental for a room varies from $350 - $650, depending on whether it is a public or private apartment. Public housing refers to Housing Development Board (HDB) flats and each housing estate is designed to be a self-contained neighbourhood served by supermarkets, food centres, clinics, schools, libraries and shopping malls. Private housing would normally be in condominiums with luxurious facilities like swimming pool, tennis courts and 24-hour security patrol. Be it public or private housing, the rental depends on the size, condition and location of the apartment. Other determining factors include amenities (laundry, cooking facilities, telephone, electricity, water) and flat furnishings.

Public Transportation

Type	Fares
Public Buses	S$0.71 - S$2.10
Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) subway	S$0.71 - S$2.10
Taxi	Meter starts at S$2.40 (Surcharges may apply)

Law and Order

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in all public indoor places and most outdoor places, unless otherwise mentioned. Smoking is also not permitted at all nightspots unless within approved smoking zones. Offenders can be fined up to SDG$1,000.00 In addition, smokers who dispose their cigarette butts indiscriminately will be fined SGD$200.00.

ERCI discourages all students from smoking within the school premises. However, those who wish to smoke may do so at the designated smoking zones (within the "Yellow Box" behind the main school building and at the far end of the covered walkway).

Chewing Gum
Chewing gum is not allowed to be brought into Singapore or to be consumed, except for gum that serves a medical purpose, e.g. dental-health gums and nicotine gum. Offenders can be fined from SGD$500 - SGD$1,000.

Spitting and Littering
Spitting and littering in Singapore is an offence, and carries a fine of SGD$200.00 per offence.

Drug Abuse and Trafficking
Drug abuse is viewed seriously in Singapore. Illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is strictly prohibited. Offenders will be sentenced to a long jail term or even death if caught possessing more than 15g of heroin.