Why Singapore Is (Nearly) A Perfect Retirement Choice
Nov. 21, 2011, Singapore: In many ways, Singapore is the most
appealing retirement haven in Southeast Asia. The only downside to
retiring to Singapore is the cost of living in Singapore. Singapore
is the most developed destination in Southeast Asia, but Singapore
is also the most expensive place to live in Southeast Asia.
Dear Live and Invest Overseas Reader,
“Singapore is the most developed country in Southeast Asia,”
writes Asia Correspondent Wendy Justice, “and, in many ways, it is
the nicest.
“Singapore is super-modern and squeaky clean, with parks dotting
the entire country, amazing shopping, pretty beaches, and enough
activities to keep you busy for a lifetime. Health care here is as
advanced as you’ll find anywhere in the world and very affordable.
The government is stable, and the economy is growing. Crime is
practically non-existent.
“Sounds nearly perfect, doesn’t it?
“Located at the southern tip of Southeast Asia, the city-state
of Singapore is less than 100 miles north of the Equator. As a
result, the weather is consistently warm, humidity is high, and
precipitation is frequent throughout the year. Temperatures are in
the high 80s to low 90s during the day, cooling down to the low to
mid-70s at night. The winter months see a little more rain than the
summer, but even this is a relatively minor variation. There are no
distinct wet and dry seasons.
“Mandarin and English are both official languages in Singapore,
and all school children are expected to become proficient in these
two languages in addition to any other language they may speak at
home. As a result, practically everybody speaks and understands
English. In public, though, you’ll hear a wide assortment of
languages spoken, including, most commonly, Mandarin, Cantonese,
Hokkien, Tamil, and Malay. Because so many foreigners live in
Singapore, most employed by multinational corporations, you’ll also
hear a range of European and Middle Eastern languages.
“Here’s the downside: Singapore is definitely not a budget
destination. With a cost of living slightly higher than that of New
York City, Singapore is, unfortunately, not a realistic option for
many. If, though, you can meet the income requirements and are
prepared to purchase real estate in the country, you’ll qualify for
a five-year renewable social visit pass. In other words, full-time
residency is an option if you’ve got the means.
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