1. Relevant Singapore Laws

Driving Licence
To drive a vehicle in Singapore, you must possess a valid Singapore driving licence for the class of vehicle that you want to drive. This requirement applies to all citizens and permanent residents of Singapore and also foreigners who are residing in Singapore for more than twelve (12) months. Foreigners who reside here for less than twelve (12) months must possess a valid foreign licence and International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by an authorised body in their country of origin e.g. the Automobile Association (AA). If an International Driving Permit is not available, an official translation of your foreign licence in English is required. Driver from ASEAN member countries only need to possess a valid driving licence issued by the relevant driving licence Authority in order to drive in Singapore without IDP.

Drugs and Alcohol Abuse
Possession of Controlled Drugs is presumed to be for trafficking, an offence which can carry the death penalty. Any offense committed while being intoxicated (drunk) is punishable under the law. Drunk driving is serious offence. For more information, please visits Singapore Police Force.

Employment for Foreign Students
Students of foreign nationality are not allowed to work in Singapore during term time or vacation time unless they are granted Work Pass exemption under the Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Pass Exemptions) Notification.

For more information, please visit Ministry of Manpower (MOM)

Smoking
Smoking in enclosed areas, such as school, cinemas, public transport, offices, indoor restaurants, etc are not allowed. Warning signs are displayed on these places.

Traffic
Jaywalking is an offence.

Littering
Littering, spitting and vandalism (with graffiti) in public areas are serous offences

Rough Sleeping
Rough sleeping is an offence

Report of Change of Residential Address
Failure to report to ICA on changes to residential address is a serious offences

2. Accommodation, costing of living and General Healthcare Service

Accommodation

Students who need help in sourcing for an accommodation in Singapore, can approach our help to recommend or introduce an accommodation that suits your preference.

Accommodation options:
– Homestays / Hostels
– Rental of housing development board (HDB) flat / room
– Rental of private flat / room

The estimated rental rate per month ranges from $500 to $1,500 per month. Students must also bear in mind to set aside expenses for food, transport, entertainment and miscellaneous.

Cost of living in Singapore

The standard of living in Singapore is amongst the highest in Asia. Compared to countries in western continents, the cost of living here is relatively low, and basic items like food and clothing are very reasonably priced.

When planning your budget, you will need to cater for accommodation, food, transport, clothing, telecommunication, books & stationary, medical insurance and other personal expenses. An international student in Singapore spends on average about S$750 to S$2,000 a month on living expenses.

General healthcare services in Singapore

Students who are not feeling well and need to seek medical help, can:
– Visit a polyclinic nearby
– Visit a private clinic near where you stay
– Visit a hospital’s Accident and Emergency Section (A&E) in the case of emergencies
– Dial 995 if you need an ambulance (the emergency ambulance service operated by the Singapore Civil Defence Force) urgently, otherwise dial 1777

Birmingham Academy Pte. Ltd. provides protection to our students for hospitalization and surgery with its Group Hospitalization & Surgical Insurance, which is fully compliance with the guideline set by CPE (Committee for Private Education) for EduTrust. This insurance for students covers up to S$20,000.00 (annual limit per person), which is sufficient for students in most cases.

3. Useful Telephone Number

Embassies & Consulates in Singapore

SOS
Police 999（Free）
Fire Engine 995（Free）
Ambulance 6281 8111

Other Useful Number
Non-emergency Ambulance 1777
Directory Enquiry Service 100
Flight Information Inquiry 1800542 4422(Automated）
Weather 6542 7788

Taxi Booking
Comfort/ CityCab 6552 1111
Trans Cab 6555 3333
SMRT 6555 8888

Hospital
Singapore General Hospital 6222 3322
Tan Tock Seng Hospital 6252 9919
Changi General Hospital 6788 8833
National University Hospital 6779 5555

Telecommunication Service
SingTel 1626
M1 1627
Starhub 1633