ACCOMMODATION , EATING OUT

Since tourism is an important part of the economy, accommodation is no problem and caters to all budgets. Middle level hotels are fewer, compared to inexpensive Chinese style dormitories. There are various schemes by which citizens and even immigrant employees are entitled to subsidized accommodation.

Utilities: Water and electricity is reliable. Most homes get piped gas. Tap water is safe for consumption. The electrical voltage here is 230 volts AC, 50 hertz and uses the British electrical system and PAL TV system. Telephones are excellent. Cell phones are common, as is Internet connectivity with three large providers. The bank network is well developed and people make use of ATM's as well as an electronic funds transfer system. Health care is well developed both public and private. There are several insurance companies, which offer health insurance schemes, too.

Some illustrative costs: August 2000

Fresh Beef (Airflown) S$13 (US$8) per kg
Chicken S$3.99 (US$2.50) per kg
Pork S$5.70 (US$3.60) per kg
Sole Fillet S$15.80 (US$9.90) per kg
Fresh Milk S$1.50 (US$0.90) per litre
Bread S$1.20 (US$0.75) per 400gm loaf
Rice S$5.00 (US$3.10) per 5 kg
Coffee S$7.10 (US$4.40) per 200gm
Tea S$4.50 (US$2.80) per 100 tea bags
Sugar S$1.70 (US$1.05) per 2kg
Apples (USA) S$0.99 (US$0.60) for 3
Coke S$0.55 (US$0.35) per can

(Source: NTUC FairPrice)

21" Colour Television S$400 - S$500 (US$250 - US$350)
Hi-fi Set S$250 - S$750 (US$156 - US$656)
Washing Machine S$500 - S$1000 (US$313 - US$813)
Personal Computer S$2,500 - S$5,000 (US$1563- US$3125)
Refrigerator S$800 - S$1,300 (US$500 - US$813)
Microwave S$200 - S$700 (US$125 - US$438)

(Source: Mustafa Centre)

EATING OUT

FOOD : Every regional cuisine is available in Singapore, particularly Chinese and Indian. Hawker centres are kept quite clean. Food Prices: Bowl of noodles $2 - S$3.50 Hamburger S$1.30 Burger, fries and a drink from S$5.00 Fast food ranges from S$3 to S$6 per person. Mid range restaurants can cost about S$20 per person. Upmarket S$80 per person. Most dining bills come with a 10% service charge, 1% food and drink cess and a 3% Goods & Services Tax.

TOP