What to Expect in SG!

Here are some of the things you need to know if you plan to stay in SG:

Weather:
Everyday is moderately cool. Sometimes it rains, but no strong winds or typhoons whatsoever. The sun sets very late, it's normal to see sunlight even after 7pm.

Transportation:
MRT - most convenient, a lot of stops has a mall beside it. The more famous lines are the Red line (where Orchard is), Green line (most of the offices are in this line), the Purple line (going to Sentosa)
Bus -good airconditioning system. They have this button in several poles for you to push if you want to alight. Be sure to tap in and tap out your Ezlink card, or else you'd be charged the whole trip.
Taxi - very safe. Though fares can go double after 12midnyt.
Get an Easylink card, it can be used for both MRT and buses, (I think even taxis).
Dont eat inside an MRT or bus, you'll be penalized!

Food:
Hawker - is everywhere. The cheapest option. Each meal would cost you 2-5SGD. The most common of course is the Hainanese or Roasted Chicken rice, Asado rice.
Food Court - all malls have food courts, around 4-8SGD
Restaurant - all set meals will definitely go higher than 7SGD, averaging 10+ to 20+.
Types of food: Chinese, Indian, Malay
By default: usually they will put sauce on top of your rice. (which I prefer hehe) But I always just order 2 dishes (meat+veggie) for rice toppings, so if you order 3 dishes they're also going to pour the each type of sauce all over and it's not so desirable to see/taste sauces overlapping.
Take-out is take away or ta pao. Dine-in is for here or having here/eating here.
There is no tissue provided, bring your own.

Rental:
HDB - government owned, averaging 400-600SGD per room. A whole unit with 3 bedrooms would cost 2K.
Condo - averaging 500-800SGD per room.
All rental fees either HDB or condo have been rising since last November.
All units for both HDB and condo are furnished (most of the time), there should be a washing machine, sala, beds, closets, some tables and chairs, aircon, water heater, sometimes even TV. If none, negotiate for one.
When you start renting, the rule is expect to pay 1month advance+1month deposit + additional 50% of the monthly deposit for your agent's fee. Assuming it's a 3bedroom condo worth 2K for a 1yr contract, each person will be shelling out (2500*2.5)/3 = 2084SGD per pax. It's on contract basis usually tied for a year or 2 years.
It's not so easy to move out, the ethical rule is that you find your own replacement. Your housemates wont be paying for your share.
As much as possible choose housemates of the same race, for convenience, less adjustments.
Normally, no maids, so do your own chores, laundry, ironing, cleaning and cooking.

Shopping:
Orchard - huge chain of malls
Bugis or Chinatown - for tiangges
Bargaining is not 'in', pirated stuff are not allowed.

Race: (roughly)
50% local Singaporeans
30% Indians
20% Filipinos+Malays+Chinese(Mainland)+etc.

Culture/Traditions:
Disciplined, no singitan in queues.
The elders are called 'uncles' and 'aunties' (for tindera, drivers, etc)
Singlish (singaporean english) - 'can can'.. they like that expression meaning 'pwede'.

Cost of living:
Food and Transpo: Low
Rent: High
Pampering stuff: High as well! Cheapest haircut sa tabi-tabi by unknown barbero is 10SGD. A facial or spa will cost 80-100SGD. Dental check-up or tooth extraction, medical consultation - at least 50SGD.
For your 'start-up cost', bring enough money to tide you over your first month. 50K php should be more than enough. If you can stay in a friend's house, then 20-30K probably should be fine.

Hope this helps!

P.S. I'll write another one about work.