Citadines Singapore Mount Sophia review

If you are looking for accommodations in Singapore where you can both live and work, the Citadines Singapore Mount Sophia might just be your answer. The Citadines’ apartments are designed with enough space to both live in and work in comfortably by combining living space with a SOHO (Small Office Home Office).

Guests who have stayed at the Citadines have pointed out that it is located in a great location in a quiet area near Orchard Road, Little India and Bugis Street. Moreover, the Citadines is ideal if you have children who are studying at the Singapore Management University (SMU) or La Salle University. In addition, guests have commented that the Citadines room’s are great if you like big but you don’t need luxury.

Hence, if you are looking for a great no frills and no fuss accommodation that could double as a workplace for a few days or the long term that is in a central location, the Citadines Singapore Mount Sophia might just be what you are looking for.

 

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Should you rent a serviced office in Singapore?

If you are coming to Singapore to set up a new office or complete a short-term project or you are already in Singapore and your business is in a period of transition, renting a serviced office may be an option that you should consider.

Who should rent a serviced office in Singapore?

In general, you should consider a serviced office if you:

• Are a start-up, a consultancy, a representative offices or a project team.
• Need a temporary space as you plan to change locations soon.
• Want to have prestigious office address in a central location.
• Are unsure as to whether you will need to expand or contract the size of your operation.
• Have a short-term term project and need additional office space.

What are the advantages of a serviced office in Singapore?

There are several key advantages to renting a serviced office when in Singapore, namely:

• There will be little in the way of start-up costs for fit-outs or brokerage fees to pay.
• There will be little in the way of hidden costs that are associated with setting up or running an office.
• Lease terms are more flexible and can be short-term.
• You will likely have an address in a Grade A building in Singapore’s CBD.
• You will have onsite support services such as conference room facilities and admin help when you need it.

What are the disadvantages of a serviced office in Singapore?

However, there can also be some disadvantages to renting a serviced office when in Singapore, namely:

• Rental costs may be more expensive over the long-term.
• You will not be-able to extend your personal brand to your office space.
• There is less visibility for your business as it is unlikely to appear on the building’s directory. 
• Shared facilities may not be available when you need them.
• Some of your customers or clients may perceive your business to be unstable or small.

Rental costs and terms:

Most serviced offices in Singapore will ask you to pay a refundable rental deposit, usually 1-3 months, prior to occupation. Otherwise, the cost of renting a serviced office with vary according to:

1. Location of the serviced office
2. Size of the space
3. Duration of the lease
4. Types of additional services you use

Monthly rental costs will cover basic services/facilities while other additional services that are not covered in your rental fee will be charged on a pay-per-use basis. 

Some final advice:

If you are setting up a new office in Singapore or you are in a period of transition and want a convenient and flexible option for office space, than a serviced office may be the right option for you. However, it is still important to weigh the pros and cons of renting a serviced office, especially for the long term, and to fully understand the terms of the lease that you will end up signing.

Dress codes in Singapore

If you are traveling to Singapore, you may be wondering how to dress appropriately and how the dress code in Singapore compares with other countries you have visited. Hence, the Conde Nash Dress Code Guide (which is available on the Conde Nash website and is also downloadable in pdf format) offers a very handy and useful reference guide for how to dress appropriately in a number of countries around the world.

According to the guide, the dress code for business meetings in Singapore is actually super casual. Ties are rarely worn and jackets aren’t required while both men and women wear oxfords and slacks. For women, the wearing of trendy peg-leg pants is considered acceptable.

On the street, 20 to 30 years olds can be found wearing hot pants or board shorts, tank tops and flip-flops. Polo shirts by well known designers and anything from casual mass-market stores are also worn.

And finally, upper class party goers usually sport brand name items with women being known for collecting Hermès bags and wearing their hems high while men wear designer jeans such as G–Star Raw and Dr. Denim.

2009 Business Travel Awards: Top 10 best international airports

Conde Nash Traveler has recently released their twelfth annual business travel survey which included a section ranking the best international airports around the world. Frequent travelers to or around Asia will not be surprised to learn that Singapore’s Changi came out on top in all survey categories followed by Hong Kong International (Chek Lap Kok). Other Asian airports making it into the top 10 included Seoul’s Incheon and Tokyo’s Narita.

Top 10 Best International Airports

The Equinox Restaurant: One of Singapore’s most spectacular restaurants

If you are visiting Singapore and are seeking a spectacular view with a meal, look no further than the Equinox Restaurant. From its vantage point 226 meters above sea level, patrons will enjoy panoramic views of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Not only will one be amazed by the view, the interior of this three-storey 165 seat amphitheatre-style restaurant is also designed to impress with its four three-storey high teak and rice paper lanterns that are suspended from a wooden trellis inspired by the Ming dynasty. In addition, there is a floor-to-ceiling wall covered with mother-of-pearl that will nearly outshine the spectacular view from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

To complement both the extraordinary view and the impressive décor, the Equinox offers an Asian and Western inspired buffet and a la carte menu prepared by award winning chefs. The buffet lunch menu comes with an a la carte main course for S$59++ for adults and S$29.50++ for children (US$41++ and US$20.50++) and just some of the numerous delicacies to choose from includes Mousse from Foie Gras de Canard with Summer Truffle, Grilled Salmon Escalope with Golden Miso and Rhubarb and Strawberry Compote with Tahitian Vanilla Bavarois. During late afternoons, the popular Equinox High Tea (reservations are strongly recommended) offers both an a la carte and a buffet menu for S$38++ or S$52++ (paired with a glass of Champagne) for adults (US$26.40++ or US$36++) and US$19++ (US$13.20++) for children. For dinner, there is an a la carte menu, a five course tasting menu for S$140++ (US$97++) per person or S$240++ (US$167++) per person with wine pairing and a five course organic menu for S$110++ (US$76.50++) per person.

Thus and with its spectacular view, stylish décor and exquisite cuisine, the Equinox Restaurant will surely leave you with an experience worth remembering.

The Equinox Restaurant is located in the Equinox Complex (Phone: +65 6837 3322) at the Swissôtel The Stamford on 80 Bras Basah Road and is open from noon to 14:30 (Monday to Saturday), 11:00 to 14:30 (Sunday), 15:30 to 17:00 (Daily) and 18:30 to 23:00 (Daily). Attire is smart casual.

Singapore visa extensions for a short visit for business purposes

Should you need to visit Singapore for a short visit for business purposes and need an extension longer that the Visit Pass granted upon arrival, applying for an extension of stay (up to 30 days) is easy and can be done online via e-XTEND if you meet all of the following conditions:

• You are a national from one of the countries listed here.
• You have not previously sought/obtained an extension of stay on this trip. 
• You wish to extend your stay for not more than 30 days from the date of entry into Singapore. 
• Your Visit Pass has a remaining validity of not less than 2 days, excluding Sunday and public holiday. 
• You will not return to Singapore within 5 days from the departure date of your current trip.

A physical endorsement is not required for an approved application submitted via e-XTEND. However and if you are unable to fulfill all of the above requirements, an application for extension of stay must be submitted at the Visitor Services Centre (VSC). Should you need to visit the Visitor Services Centre (VSC) to submit your application, the following documents are required for submission of applications for extension at the Visit Pass Unit:

• A completed Form 14 signed by the applicant and a representative from the sponsoring company. 
• A completed Form V39I signed by a representative from the sponsoring company (Malaysians are not required to complete this form). 
• A letter from the sponsoring company, stating the nature of the applicant's business visit and providing a statement of undertaking for the maintenance and repatriation of the applicant. 
• Applicant's travel document (passport) with at least 6 months validity. 
• Applicant’s Disembarkation/Embarkation (D/E) card with a valid Visit Pass granted on entry into Singapore. 
• A confirmed onward/return ticket (for all non-Malaysian applicants).

The following fees (which are payable by NETS or CashCard) are applicable for visa extensions:

• S$40 for an extension of stay accumulating to a period of 3 months or more from the date of entry/issuance of pass. This fee is applicable for every subsequent extensions of stay accumulating to 3 months or more.
• A visa fee of S$30 is applicable if the applicant has resided in Singapore beyond the visa-free period.
• Some applicants may be requested to furnish a security deposit in support of the application for extension. Where applicable, the local sponsor should furnish the required amount in the form of a Banker's Guarantee, Cashier's Order or NETS.

In addition, visitors who are performing Work Pass Exempt Activities (MOM website) within the validity of their current visit pass and not exceeding a 60-day period, are required to submit an e-Notification (MOM website) to inform Ministry Of Manpower before engaging in these activities.

The address for the Visitor Services Centre (VSC) is:

Visitor Services Centre (VSC)
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
4th Storey, ICA Building
10 Kallang Road
(Next to Lavender MRT station)
Singapore 208718

Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday : 8.00 am to 4.30 pm
Saturday : 8.00 am to 12.30 pm

Should you need to visit the Visitor Services Center (VSC), peak periods to avoid are Saturdays, the eves of public holidays and the day after public holidays and between 11:00 to 14:00 on Mondays through Fridays. 

Singapore Airlines Suites: A class beyond first

In case you are not lucky enough to have experienced one of the 12 new Singapore Airlines Suites available on the A380, here is a quick peek at what you are missing. In this promotional four minute video along with pictures from their website, Singapore Airlines will show you why they call the Singapore Airlines Suites “a class beyond first:”

Seats are up to 35-inches across and are hand-stitched by master Italian craftsmen Poltrona Frau.

Or if you prefer to sleep, a standalone bed (not converted from a seat) is available along with full-sized pillows along with pajamas and beddings designed by Givenchy.

Also, the cabin is laid out to offer plenty of stowage space, including a full length wardrobe, for all of your carry-on baggage and personal items.

Passengers will enjoy a menu created by the Singapore Airlines International Culinary Panel and meals are served on elegant tableware that was specially designed by Givenchy.

And finally, passengers will enjoy a huge range of entertainment options, including 100 movies, more than 180 TV shows, 700 CDs and over 20 radio channels. Or for passengers who prefer to work while they travel, a multi-port with power supply, USB ports and headphone connection is also available.

Singaporean Singlish Kills The English Language Funny Talk

For anyone who has visited Singapore, you may have noticed that many Singaporeans have a unique way of pronouncing English. So on your next trip to Singapore, don’t be surprised if you are asked “wat u wan ar” to eat – whether “fly rice,” “beef fly rice,” or “chicken kali”; and “wat u wan ar” drink – whether some “flu jus” or some “c***” (either medium or big….)

Tipping in Singapore and Malaysia

If you are traveling to Singapore or Malaysia, you may be wondering how much of a tip to leave and how tipping compares with other countries you have visited. Hence, the Conde Nash Traveller Tipping Guide (which is available on the Conde Nash website and is also downloadable in pdf format) offers a very handy and useful reference guide for tipping in more than 35 countries around the world.

According to the guide, travelers visiting Singapore should note that a 10% tip is included in the meal and leaving extra is not expected. However, if your hotel concierge has performed a special favor for you such as securing hard-to-get dinner reservations, a tip of up to US$10 is warranted. For bellboys, a standard US$1 per bag is sufficient while cleaning staff could be left with a few dollars per day if you wish (but this is not expected). And if a guide is taking you out for a full day, a tip of US$15 to US$20 per person should be expected (this will be split with the driver) while just rounding up the fare and leaving the change is sufficient for tax drivers.

For travelers visiting Malaysia, a 10% tip is included in the meal and Malaysians will usually round up the bill and leave the change. Hence, you may choose to do the same or leave an extra 10 to 15% if you wish. At hotels, the standard tip for bellboys is US$1 per bag but this is not actually required while private guides and drivers should get between US$5 to US$10 per person per day.

And remember, although US$ is acceptable, it is always better to tip in the local currencies in both Malaysia and Singapore as locals will consider it an unnecessary hassle to exchange small amounts of foreign currency.

Latest Cathay Pacific promotional airfares

In case you are an expatriate based in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific is offering a Singapore Smart Saver fare from HK$1,500 or US$193.50 (the fare is inclusive of the Hong Kong Security Service Charge but is subject to applicable taxes and other surcharges). The travel period is from September 7–19, October 2-22 and December 29-31 and the offer expires November 30. Other Cathay Pacific Smart Saver deals include:

Frankfurt/Europe Smart Saver from HK$4,850 or US$626

UK/Europe Smart Saver from HK$4,430 or US$571

USA Smart Saver from HK$5,060 or US$653

Canada Smart Saver from HK$4,950 or US$639

New York Smart Saver at HK$5,900 or US$761

Japan Smart Saver from HK$2,100 or US$271

All of these Cathay Pacific promotional deals are for economy class and come with blackout dates. Thus, if you are based in Hong Kong and can be flexible with travel dates, some of these deals might be worth checking out.

Singapore Airlines Economy Class promotional video

Singapore Airlines has a well earned reputation for comfort in the air – especially its business, first or suites classes. However, given the state of the global economy and corporate cost cutting, some business travelers may find it hard to justify flying business or first class these days. Nevertheless, a short Singapore Airlines promotional video uploaded onto Youtube shows that flying new economy class on Singapore Airlines is NOT the equivalent of taking coach (aka steerage) on another airline. According to the video, passengers have “your own space created around you” as all new economy class seats are equipped with USB data ports so that passengers can do work as they fly or they can choose from a variety of 3D games and movies from their own personal entertainment systems that are equipped with 10 inch screens.

So don’t worry if you cannot justify flying business or first class on your next Singapore Airlines flight as their new economy class will still get you to and from your destination in comfort and style.

Buying gold jewelry in Singapore

Business travelers to Singapore may be surprised to learn that Singapore is actually a mecca for purchasing gold jewelry – especially for Indians. In fact, even Indians living as far away as Australia or even New Zealand will fly all the way to Singapore to purchase wedding jewelry to take back home with them or to take to relatives living in India. Why go all the way to or make a detour to Singapore? Simply put, Singapore is a well-regulated city state and thus, you can be confident about the purity and the quality of the gold jewelery that is sold there.

Hence, many gold jewelry shops can be found in Singapore’s Little India neighborhood and especially along Serangoon Road near the the Little India MRT station. One of the more popular destinations for gold jewelry buyers is Mustafa’s – a 6,300-square-meter department store that has a huge jewelry department and is open 24 hours a day. Other popular jewelry shops include retail chains such as Lee Hwa, Goldheart and Soo Kee which have branches all over the city.

When shopping though, shoppers should check to see if the shop they plan to patronize is participating in the GST Refund Scheme for tourists. Such shops will display signs such as 'Global Refund' or 'Premier Tax Free' while other shops like Mustafa’s will administer their own refund scheme.

Also, gold jewelry is sold by the weight and is based on the current price of gold. Hence, shopping for gold jewelry is a matter of picking out a design and then placing it on a scale to determine its value. And even if you are not in the market for the more unique and elaborate ethnic designs or wedding ensembles, Singapore’s jewelry shops offer a wide selection of rings, pendants, earrings and gold bracelets to choose from.

Thus, should you find yourself in the market for gold jewelry and you plan to take a business trip to Singapore or reside there as an expatriate, consider allocating some time for browsing the local jewelry shops.

Singapore’s Orchard Road: Asia’s Rodeo Drive

Once lined with nutmeg orchards, including one owned by someone with the last name of Orchard, Singapore’s Orchard Road is now the retail and entertainment heart of the city-state. In fact, no trip to Singapore would be complete without spending at least one evening in the area – especially around the Christmas holidays when reindeers and snow topped gingerbread houses are set among the street’s palm trees and flower beds.

Orchard Road’s primary attraction and activity is shopping. Just some of the malls lining the road worth noting include Ngee Ann City (the largest mall on the road which contains numerous upscale boutiques, Japanese department store Takashimaya and Books Kinokuniya - Southeast Asia’s largest bookstore), Wheelock Place (home to Borders bookstore and a Marks & Spencer), Paragon (also home to a Marks & Spencer, a Metro and a Toys 'R' Us), the Hilton Shopping Gallery (branded boutiques) and The Centrepoint (home to a Robinsons and another Marks & Spencer). Furthermore, access to the area is easy via the MRT as there are major stations (Orchard, Somerset and Dhoby Ghaut) in the Orchard Road vicinity while a number of bus lines along with plentiful cabs operate in the area.

For business travelers and expatriates who want to stay on or just near Orchard Road, the Pan Pacific Serviced Suites is conveniently located right next to the Somerset MRT station and offers amenities such as fully-equipped kitchens, world class entertainment systems, a fully equipped gym and hydro-therapeutic spa with a mineral water pool. And for those who will be needing office space in the vicinity, the Ann City Tower B is located above Ngee Ann City on the heart of Orchard Road and offers serviced offices, customized virtual office packages and meeting room space.

Hence, whether you need to shop or are looking for a place to both work and stay, look no further than what Orchard Road has to offer.

Balaclava: Where Suntec City goes after work

Located inside the Suntec City Convention Centre, Balaclava is a favorite upscale after work gathering place for the office workers of Suntec City. In fact, expect Balaclava to be packed on a Friday night with bankers, corporate high rollers and convention goers relaxing on its cushy armchairs or high stools.

For business travelers and expatriates conducting business in Suntec City or using serviced offices in Suntec Tower One, Suntec City Tower Two or Suntec Tower Three, Balaclava is a particularly convenient after work watering hole. The bar usually opens mid afternoon and stays open late (1 to 2 am) and due to its popularity, reservations are required (sometimes days in advance) in order to reserve a seating area on popular nights.

So if you want to socialize with Singapore’s business high flyers or just have a drink with your coworkers and new business acquaintances, Balaclava is the place to be.

Singapore’s Riverside area: The center of it all

For business travelers and expatriates who want to be in the center of it all, the Riverside area of Singapore has everything one could possibly want – entertainment and cultural attractions combined with ease of access to the main commercial and office districts of the central business district and Orchard Road. At Riverside’s heart lies the Singapore River where, on the north bank, Raffles landed and officially founded the colony.

Today, the river is lined with entertainment and nightspots, especially along riverside streets such as Robertson Quay, Boat Quay and Clarke Quay. In addition, most of Singapore’s historical (the famous Merlion statue, the Peranakan Museum and the Asian Civilizations Museum) and cultural (the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall and the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay) attractions are found in this area.

For the short (minimum of a week) or long-term business traveler and expatriate, the Fraser Place Robertson Walk offers 161 fully furnished apartments with separate living, dining, kitchen and bedroom areas. Amenities include a complimentary shuttle service, baby-sitting, pool, fitness, steam and sauna facilities.

In addition, short (minimum of a week) or long-term business travelers and expatriates also have the option of staying at the Somerset Liang Court which is conveniently located above the Liang Court Shopping Centre. On offer are fully furnished and self-contained apartments with living, dining and fully-equipped kitchen areas plus communal amenities such as a fitness center, pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.

So whether your stay is only for a week or for several months, the Riverside area offers everything a business traveler and expatriate could possibly want.

Wine and tapas at Singapore’s Changi Airport

Located on the 3rd level of the Departure/Transit Mall in Terminal 3 of Singapore’s Changi Airport, the iL Lido Wine and Tapas Lounge offers the unhurried business traveler or expatriate a place for a leisurely business meal or drink while watching the planes take-off.

In fact, iL Lido offers more than 50 high quality wines by the glass to choose from and a complete hot and cold tapas menu that includes specialty hams and cold cuts, cheese boards, and seafood tapas. And for business travelers seeking a full meal, iL Lido offers such delicacies as smoked salmon with cream cheese and red onion, Mediterranean vegetable stew, resaola with parmigiano shavings, manchego with Alpacarrones capers, and grilled artichoke hearts.

Hours of operation are from 6 am to 1 am daily and expect prices in the S$25 to S$35 per person range.