Digital Nomad Singapore Guide
Coworking spaces, WiFi, cost of living, and visa options
⚡ Quick Take
Singapore is expensive but extremely convenient. World-class infrastructure, English everywhere, blazing fast internet, but expect to spend S$3,500-5,000/month minimum. Great for short stays, challenging for long-term budget nomads.
💡 Singapore's Digital Nomad Appeal
Ultra-safe, ultra-efficient, English-speaking, and positioned perfectly in Asia. If you work with clients in Asia-Pacific, Singapore's timezone is ideal. Just be prepared for the price tag!
🏢 Coworking Spaces
| Space | Location | Day Pass | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| WeWork | Multiple locations | S$50+ | S$500-800 |
| JustCo | CBD, Bugis, One-North | S$35-50 | S$350-600 |
| The Working Capitol | Keong Saik | S$45 | S$450-550 |
| The Hive | Lavender, Carpenter St | S$35 | S$380-500 |
| WORQ | City Hall | S$30 | S$300-400 |
💡 Pro Tip: Many coworking spaces offer free trial days. Book through their websites or platforms like Deskimo for day passes across multiple spaces.
☕ Laptop-Friendly Cafes
🏆 Best for Work
- Huggs Coffee (various) - Power outlets, fast WiFi
- The Coffee Academics - Scotts Square, spacious
- Starbucks Reserve - Jewel Changi, comfortable
- Atlas Coffeehouse - Bukit Timah, work-friendly
⚠️ Café Culture Notes
- • Many cafes have 2-hour limits during peak
- • "No laptop" signs at some popular brunch spots
- • Coffee typically S$5-8
- • Food courts - not ideal but cheap
📶 Internet & Connectivity
Singapore has some of the fastest internet in the world! 🚀
Average Speeds
- • Home fiber: 1Gbps common
- • Mobile 4G: 50-100 Mbps
- • Mobile 5G: 200-500 Mbps
- • Café WiFi: 20-50 Mbps
SIM Cards
- • Singtel, Starhub, M1 - Main carriers
- • Tourist SIM: S$15-30 at airport
- • Data: 100GB for ~S$20/month
- • Activation: Passport required
💰 Cost of Living
| Expense | Budget | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Accommodation | S$1,200-1,800 (room) | S$2,500-4,000 (studio) |
| 🏢 Coworking | S$0 (cafes) | S$400-600 |
| 🍜 Food | S$600 (hawker) | S$1,000-1,500 |
| 🚇 Transport | S$80-120 (MRT/bus) | S$200-300 (+ Grab) |
| 📱 Phone/Internet | S$20-30 | S$50-80 |
| 🎯 Entertainment | S$200 | S$500+ |
| Monthly Total | S$2,500-3,500 | S$4,500-6,500 |
💡 Budget Hack: Hawker centers are your best friend - delicious meals for S$4-6. Eat there 2x daily and save S$500+/month vs restaurants.
🏠 Accommodation Options
Short-Term (1-3 months)
- Airbnb - S$100-200/night (30% discount monthly)
- Serviced apartments - S$4,000-6,000/month
- Hostels - S$30-50/night (dorms)
- Co-living - Hmlet, Lyf from S$2,000/month
Best Neighborhoods
- Tiong Bahru - Hip cafes, central
- Bugis/Arab St - Vibrant, affordable
- Holland Village - Expat favorite
- East Coast - Beach vibes, quieter
📋 Visa Options
Tourist Visa (Most Countries)
30-90 days visa-free depending on nationality. US, UK, EU, Australia get 90 days.
⚠️ No Digital Nomad Visa
Singapore doesn't have a specific digital nomad visa. Working remotely on a tourist visa is technically a gray area. For long-term stays, you'd need an Employment Pass or EntrePass.
Long-Term Options
- • EntrePass - For entrepreneurs starting a company
- • Employment Pass - Requires job offer (min S$5,000 salary)
- • Tech.Pass - For established tech leaders (very competitive)
✅ Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- • Ultra-fast, reliable internet
- • English everywhere
- • Incredibly safe
- • World-class infrastructure
- • Great food scene
- • Gateway to SE Asia travel
- • Perfect APAC timezone
👎 Cons
- • Very expensive
- • Hot and humid all year
- • Small island, can feel limiting
- • No DN visa
- • Strict laws (chewing gum!)
- • High alcohol prices
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Last updated: December 2024.