For would-be PhD students considering their choices, one powerful factor in favour of Finland is price. PhDs are tuition-free, and PhD students receive a stipend to cover their living costs.
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Saudi Arabia Country Profile
Country fact file
- Capital city: Riyadh
- Population: 37 million as of March 2024
- Government: Unitary Islamic absolute monarchy
- Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)
- Main language: Arabic
- Main religion: Islam
Country profile
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia occupies the majority of the Arabian Peninsula. Sharing land borders with Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates, it also has extensive coastline on the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea. Much of the landscape is desert, and most of the population either lives in large cities or coastal towns. Since its unification into a single kingdom in 1932, the country has been governed by an absolute monarchy, with the current ruler King Abdullah ibn Abdilazīz taking power in 2005.
Culture
Saudi Arabia is an Islamic state and since 1992 the monarchy has been legally obliged to govern the country in accordance with Sharia law. Religious observance is part of everyday life for Saudis, who pray five times a day. Compared to most western countries and some of the more liberal nations of the Middle East, Saudi society can be restrictive, particularly for women who lack many freedoms allowed to their male counterparts. Men and women are also segregated in many situations. However, with a generous tax system making the financial rewards potentially lucrative, an increasing number of people have decided to accept these restrictions and work in Saudi Arabia.
Popular activities
As Saudi Arabia does not have bars or nightclubs, eating out is a great way to socialise and there is a thriving restaurant scene. Shopping is also a popular pastime – the Saudis are said to have perfected the art of the shopping mall, adding entertainment complexes such as ice rinks or sea life centres. Cinema is making something of a comeback after being banned for many years, although tickets remain limited and expensive. The national sport is football, with basketball also a popular spectator sport. The Red Sea coast is a hotspot for watersports, which Saudis and expats alike enjoy along with more traditional pursuits like horse racing, camel racing, falconry and hunting. Remember that access to spectator events may be restricted for women. However, expat community compounds often provide excellent leisure facilities which are accessible to all.
Food and drink
With its origins in the Bedouin nomadic tradition, Saudi Arabia’s cuisine centres on locally-sourced seasonal food. Similar in style to the cuisine of neighbouring Gulf states, the staple meats include chicken and lamb, while local produce like dates, beans, rice and yoghurt also feature heavily. International gastronomy is increasing in popularity, with large hotels usually offering the best choice. In line with Muslim culture, pork is not allowed and other meats must be halal. Alcohol is also illegal in Saudi Arabia. Although the police tend to turn a blind eye to alcohol consumption amongst expats in residential compounds, drinking is still illegal and being caught drunk outside the compound can land you in trouble.
Languages
Saudi Arabia’s official language is Arabic. The vast majority of Saudis speak either Hejazi Arabic or Nejdi Arabic, reflecting the pre-unification divisions of the country. Gulf Arabic, which is spoken in nearby countries like Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, is less common in Saudi Arabia. English is taught in schools and is widely used as an international business language.
Weather
The desert climate of Saudi Arabia is typically hot and dry with low humidity. However, as with most desert climates in the region, extremes of temperature are possible. Summers in the central regions of the country can often exceed 40°C (≈104°F). During the winter, temperatures can plummet and sometimes reach freezing point at night. Coastal areas are more temperate, with the cities like Jeddah usually remaining between 20°C (≈68°F) and 30°C (≈86°F) all year round. Rainfall is infrequent but can be heavy, and the south-west of the country sometimes experiences monsoons.
Safety and security
With the severe penalties issued under Sharia law, crime rates remain fairly low in Saudi Arabia, although people should be alert to the potential for petty crime. The fluid political situation in the Middle East does mean the country is at an elevated risk of terrorist activity, so visitors are encouraged to be vigilant, particularly in areas near the Yemeni border.
Although the strict regime serves as a deterrent against crime, the contrary side is that foreign nationals can unwittingly find themselves on the wrong side of the law. Alcohol and drugs are banned and drug smuggling carries the death penalty. Adultery and homosexual activity are both prohibited and can be harshly punished. Publicly practicing a religion other than Islam or failing to adhere to conservative dress codes are also illegal. The rights of suspected criminals are limited, so to avoid falling foul of the law, do your homework and try to live within local laws and customs.
System structure
Educational reform has been encouraged by the Saudi government as part of their Saudization employment initiative. Public education is free to all Saudi citizens through school (administered by the Ministry of Education) and university (the Ministry of Higher Education). The state school system is not usually accessible to foreign nationals, leading many parents to place their children at private international schools.
Academic year
The school year in Saudi Arabia typically runs from September through to June and consists of either two or three terms depending on the type of school. The day usually begins early and ends early, so working parents may need to make childcare arrangements for the afternoons.
Higher education
As the standards of education in Saudi schools have increased, so has the demand for university places and in response the Saudi Arabian government has opened a number of new establishments in recent years. The creation of private universities has also been encouraged to take some of the pressure off government universities. International students are welcome at Saudi universities, but it is fairly rare for the children of expats to continue into higher education in the country, particularly given that when boys turn 18 they are no longer covered by their father’s Iqama.
Funding
While Saudis are funded through university, foreign nationals must pay their way. The government does offer some scholarships to non-Saudis, although some of these offers may be subject to the student passing an Arabic exam.
Courses
Universities in Saudi Arabia typically offer associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctorates. Courses last for different lengths of time depending on the qualification level and subject. Undergraduate courses usually last four years, but some subjects may take up to six years. Although many institutions are segregated and there are some limitations on the types of course that women can take, enrolment rates for females are high and there are now some mixed universities.
Research
Research is a growing area for Saudi universities and is attracting considerable investment. For most information, consult the relevant university directly.
School education
State primary education begins at the age of 6 and lasts for six years, before three years of intermediate education and three years at secondary school. The curriculum is religious with teaching almost entirely conducted in Arabic and schools are segregated by gender. Exams are taken every two years to monitor progress. At secondary level, children have the option to go down a general educational route or to attend a more technical or vocational establishment. International schools tend to follow the structure of their home curriculum and offer qualifications to the same framework.
Preschool and childcare options
Preschool education is not compulsory in Saudi Arabia, but it is popular with Saudi families and expats alike and is increasingly viewed as an important period in a child’s development. Some employers provide dedicated pre-schools or crèches for the children of their employees as private enrolment can be very expensive. Alternatively, some families chose to hire a full-time nanny as labour rates are low and this can sometimes be the most cost-effective form of childcare.
Geographical variation
Typically the cost of living in Saudi Arabia is more expensive in the cities and suburbs. Although the country is reputed to have a low cost of living, prices for most goods are not really as low as they seem (with fuel being the notable exception). While locally-sourced produce is cheap, imported goods can be quite expensive. However, with low taxes, less entertainment facilities to spend money on and employers often subsidising housing or living costs, foreign nationals typically find their spending power goes up considerably compared to home.
Accommodation
The majority of foreigners in Saudi Arabia live in expat compounds, but this is not compulsory. Although foreign nationals are no longer banned from buying property in Saudi Arabia, it is not common practice as various permits are required and renting is usually a more cost-efficient option. Because most foreign workers are sponsored by their employer, many companies will arrange accommodation as part of the employment package, at least on a short-term basis. If not, a relocation allowance or the services of a relocation consultant may be offered instead. The transient nature of the expat population means some landlords will only deal with a local contact, so speak to your sponsor before searching for your own accommodation.
Rental deposit
A deposit of one month’s rent is usually requested as security in addition to the first monthly payment. However, some landlords will ask for advance payment of six months’ or even a year’s rent. In these situations, employers will normally cover the cost and enable you to pay monthly rent back to them.
Property tax
In some regions there is a local tax imposed on property. The baladiya covers the cost of local services like road maintenance and refuse collection. Some landlords include it in the rent while others leave it to the tenant, so make sure you ask ahead of signing a contract.
Utilities
In Saudi Arabia, utility costs are subsidised by the regional authorities through state-owned suppliers. Water is provided through the National Water Company and electricity through the Saudi Electricity Company. There is no mains gas supply, but bottled gas can be purchased fairly cheaply. Watch the electricity bill in summer though – air-conditioning costs can really add to your expenditure. The telephone, mobile phone, internet and TV service markets are more competitive, with state provider Saudi Telecom Company aiming to keep prices low and encourage investment.
TV licence
Saudi Arabia does not have a TV licensing system, but the state broadcaster only runs one English-language channel. However, paid and free-to-air services are available through companies like Nilesat and Arabsat, offering a greater choice of language services for expats.
Healthcare and medical costs
A good standard of healthcare is provided to Saudi citizens free of charge by the Ministry of Health. While expats are allowed to access the same healthcare facilities, they must pay for treatment which can be very expensive. As a result it is now compulsory for foreign nationals living in Saudi Arabia to have health insurance, but many employers will provide this as part of their proposition.
Shopping
Shopping choice is extensive in Saudi Arabia, with everything from the bargains of local souqs to practical supermarkets and high-end designer stores. Grocery shopping can be fairly cheap, as can white goods which have fairly low import duties. However, clothing can be expensive, and while they have a great choice, the top malls are not the place to go if you are looking for value for money.
VAT
In line with its low-tax policies, Saudi Arabia does not charge value-added tax (VAT) on goods and services.
Price guide
- Rent on 1-bedroom apartment in city centre – SAR3,674.73 (≈£761.77) per month
- Rent on 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre – SAR2,359.68 (≈£489.16) per month
- Loaf of bread – SAR3.49 (≈£0.72)
- Milk (1 litre) – SAR6.61 (≈£1.37)
- Bottled water (1.5 litre) – SAR2.18 (≈£0.45)
- Draught beer (0.5 litre) – SAR22.00 (≈£4.56)
- Packet of cigarettes – SAR28.00 (≈£5.80)
- Petrol (1 litre) – SAR2.27 (≈£0.47)
- Cinema ticket – SAR65.00 (≈£13.47)
Source: www.numbeo.com (accessed July 2023)
Driving
With extraordinarily low fuel prices, road transport is the primary form of travel in Saudi Arabia and the country has an extensive road network. Most is relatively new and well-maintained, although in more remote areas of the desert the road quality drops significantly. Road signs are usually in both Arabic and English, although again this is less common in remote areas. However, the country has notoriously high accident rates and many expats avoid driving altogether.
Should you choose to take to the road, the minimum age to drive in Saudi Arabia is 18 and cars are driven on the right. It remains illegal for women to drive, although there are plans to relax this law over the next few years. Depending on their nationality, some expats may be allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia on their home licence or on an international driving permit for up to three months. Once an expat has obtained an Iqama (residence permit), they must hold a Saudi licence to drive, so most long-term residents opt to switch shortly after arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Driving laws are strict in Saudi Arabia and you must carry your licence, Iqama, insurance documents, registration documents and proof of vehicle ownership at all times. Cars must have a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, spare tyre kit and a warning triangle. As alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia, there is no maximum blood-alcohol limit. Driving under the influence of drink or drugs carries heavy penalties.
Taxis
Taxis are a popular means of transport, particularly for women who are unable to drive in Saudi Arabia. Fares are based on distance travelled and should be agreed before the journey commences. As of 2012 you are not allowed to hail a cab in the street – everything must be prebooked. As a result, taxi booking apps are very popular in Saudi Arabia, so use these to compare prices.
Buses and coaches
The low fuel prices in Saudi Arabia mean that buses are cheap and therefore an important part of the transport infrastructure. Commuter services make regular trips to city locations while tourist-orientated buses run regularly between airports and city centres. Some hotels and residence compounds run private bus services. For intercity travel, coach services are available through companies like the Saudi Public Transport Company(SAPTCO). Although they take longer, they are significantly cheaper than domestic flights. Be aware that men and women must sit in separate areas of buses or coaches, and some services may be restricted to men only.
Trains
The railway network in Saudi Arabia is run by the Saudi Railways Organisation, but it is not as extensive as might be expected. The only operational line runs from Riyadh to Dammam, but there are plans for new railways lines, including a high-speed link from Jeddah to Mecca and Medina. To travel on the trains, you need to show your passport or Iqama when you buy your ticket.
Metro
Although there are no operational metro lines in Saudi Arabia, the Riyadh has begun construction of one and other major cities look set to follow suit.
Air travel
Saudi Arabia has a number of international airports, with King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh the two busiest hubs. Despite this capacity, Saudi Arabia’s tight immigration controls mean it handles less transfer traffic than the neighbouring United Arab Emirates. However, there is also a growing market for domestic flights as people are willing to spend more to save time compared to a lengthy bus trip. The national carrier, Saudi Airlines, has the largest share of this market, but budget carriers like Flynas are also starting to emerge.
Other ways to get around
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea ports of Jeddah and Duba offer ferry services to other major harbours including Suez and Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt and Aqaba in Jordan. There are also ferries to southern destinations, but the unstable maritime situation in the region means these are rarely used by international travellers.
Working hours
The typical working week in Saudi Arabia is five or six working days and hours range from 40 to a maximum of 48 per week, although this is reduced during Ramadan. With Friday being the Muslim day of rest, the weekend is officially Friday and Saturday, although some private or international businesses and schools take Thursday as a day off instead of Saturday. Working hours can vary immensely, but government offices and banks tend to open early and close early.
Holidays
Saudi labour law grants a minimum paid leave entitlement of 21 days a year, rising to 30 days a year after five years of service. However, many employers will offer discretionary increases on this minimum, particularly when trying to attract employees from overseas. After two years of service, employees are also entitled to additional paid leave to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
Public holidays
Apart from Saudi National Day, which always falls on 23rd September, public holidays in Saudi Arabia are taken according to the major festivals of the Islamic calendar. Dates are announced by the government according to lunar observances, and public sector workers generally receive more leave for these festivals than those in the private sector, so ensure you check with your employer before making plans around them.
Public holiday dates
- Eid al-Fitr: 10-13th June
- Saudi National Day: 23rd September
- Eid al-Adha: 16-18th June
Visas and eligibility to work
Although foreign workers are usually welcomed by businesses in Saudi Arabia, the Interior Ministry imposes strict controls on the movement of foreign nationals and the Saudization policy actively promotes the employment of Saudis over foreigners. All visitors to Saudi Arabia, even those just passing through on connecting flights, require a visa to enter and exit permits to leave. Fines are imposed for even minor infringements so documentation must be vigilantly kept up to date. In some circumstances, business visas or other forms of visa may be available. These are simpler to obtain for short visits to the country and can also cover multiple entries.
It is very rare for foreigners to be granted Saudi citizenship, so many expats work there on a long-term temporary basis. To work in Saudi Arabia, you need a work visa and a residence permit (Iqama). To obtain these, a sponsor (usually your employer) must apply for a work visa on your behalf, so it is vital to find work and agree a contract before moving. Your employer will send you a contract of employment and an authorisation number for you to take to the Saudi Embassy in your home country when you make your visa application. You will also be asked for several other documents including various forms of identification, medical certificates and security clearances. Once you have travelled to Saudi Arabia, your residence permit provides a form of photographic identification and must be carried at all times.
Tax
Saudi Arabia is a famously low-tax country, and foreign nationals can live and work in the country paying little or no tax to the government. There is no employment tax and no social security deductions from wages, but those who are self-employed may be taxed on their income. Foreign nationals working in the country should always check the tax relationship between Saudi Arabia and their home country as some may require you to pay tax on foreign income.
Pensions
Saudi Arabia does not currently have a state pension scheme which is accessible to expats. Most foreign nationals living in the country either choose to continue paying into a state pension fund in their home country or take up a personal pension plan. Some employers will offer access to a pension scheme as part of their employment package, while other expats make their own pension arrangements, with many companies offering schemes to help foreign nationals maximise their low-tax salaries.
Benefits
The relatively small population and high GDP in Saudi Arabia enable the government to operate a number of welfare schemes without the need to tax workers in the country. However, like pensions, social security in Saudi Arabia is largely restricted to Saudi nationals, so expats will need to pay for any services used. It is compulsory for foreign nationals to have medical insurance. Be aware that the trade unions are illegal in Saudi Arabia.
Disability
Historically Saudi Arabia had very little legal provision to protect the rights of disabled workers. Recently there have been new initiatives to end discrimination on the basis of disability, including employer incentive schemes, but their impact is yet to be fully realised. Foreign nationals are not entitled to any kind of disability benefits in Saudi Arabia.
Organisational structure
Although some of the multinational corporations in Saudi Arabia may have a more international culture to them, business operations are usually very conservative and hierarchical. Showing respect for family and elders is paramount, so you will need to maintain the correct degree of formality. Older people and those in senior positions are treated with the utmost respect and their decisions are rarely questioned. The decision-making process can be very prolonged as Saudis like to take time to weigh up options and get to know people before accepting a proposition.
Management style
In Saudi Arabia there tends to be some distance between managers and subordinate staff. Managers reach decisions after lengthy discussions with major stakeholders, but once that decision is made, junior employees are expected to implement it without question. In general, Saudis tend to be quite risk averse and changes may take a long time to implement. Failure is seen as a reflection on both the individual and the group, which goes some way towards explaining the frequently lengthy deliberations.
Formality
Civility and manners are important in Saudi Arabia, so adopt a formal approach to make the right impression. Avoid abbreviating people’s names without invitation as this may cause offence. Before meeting a new contact, try to find out the correct form of address for them, particularly if they hold a title such as ‘Sheikh’, meaning ‘chief’. If in doubt, the usual form of generic address is ‘Sayyed’, meaning ‘Sir’ for a man or ‘Sayeeda’, meaning ‘madame’ for a woman, followed by their full name.
Relationships
Business in Saudi Arabia is a very personal affair. Face-to-face meetings are essential to developing the relationships you need to succeed there. Your sponsor may be able to help with introductions, but patience will be your best friend. Put aside plenty of time for meetings and social occasions as both are frequently interrupted. That said, Saudis enjoy taking the time to get to know you, and even though you may need to make several visits to achieve positive outcomes the effort will be appreciated.
Dress code
There is a tendency amongst Saudis to judge people on appearances, so it’s important to look the part. Wearing good-quality, conservative clothes will make a good impression. Most Saudi businessmen wear variants on the traditional thobe and keffiyeh for both business and leisure, although some choose western attire. Male visitors are not expected to wear traditional Saudi business attire, but it’s important to respect the conservative nature of society, so men should wear long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt if not a suit and tie. Saudi women wear the abaya in public, although many now choose western clothing at home. Women visiting the country must dress modestly, covering their shoulders, arms and legs at all times. They should also wear a headscarf in public as the police may stop women whose hair is not covered.
Greetings
The typical business greeting between two men in Saudi Arabia is a handshake. Two women may hug, but men and women who are not acquainted must not greet each other in public. Social situations will most likely be single-sex or segregated, however don’t be surprised if people stand very close to you as the concept of personal space is different in the region.
Punctuality
Appointment times are usually considered guides in Saudi Arabia as the culture is very fluid in timings. That said, you will most likely be expected to arrive on time even if your contacts are not! If you are working to strict deadlines, you will need to continually reiterate the timescales to have any chance of sticking to them.
Meetings
Small talk is common prior to meetings but you should always avoid personal questions such as enquiring about wives or children. Saudis are tough negotiators and will often start with an excessively low or high price in their own favour. Everything is considered negotiable, but high-pressure tactics are not welcome. Instead, repeat your main points as this will signify that they are true. There is a tendency for Saudis to avoid giving negative answers, so a verbal ‘yes’ may in fact only mean ‘maybe’ and decisions are easily overturned.
Cultural sensitivity
The Islamic faith is culturally bound to the Saudi nation and religion has a great impact on day-to-day life. Friday is the Muslim holy day and no business activities take place then. Muslims also pray five times a day, so be considerate of this when scheduling appointments. Although western visitors are not expected to fast during Ramadan, be respectful and avoid eating or drinking in public places during this holy month. Also be aware that Saudi society places numerous restrictions on the rights of women, so it is essential to understand the expectations of your hosts.
Business language
Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, but English is widely spoken, particularly in a business environment. As it is a compulsory second language in schools, many Saudis have at least a basic knowledge of English, but it’s still worth getting presentation materials professionally translated. Business cards are usually exchanged during meetings, so it’s useful to have one side of yours printed in Arabic.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia occupies the majority of the Arabian Peninsula. Sharing land borders with Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates, it also has extensive coastline on the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.
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Singapore Country Profile
Country fact file
- Capital city: Singapore
- Population: 6.4 million as of March 2024
- Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic
- Currency: Singapore dollar (SGD, SG$)
- Main languages: English, Malay, Tamil, Mandarin
- Main religions: Buddhism, Islam, Christianity
Country profile
Singapore is a prosperous city-state located just off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. With the exception of its occupation by Japan during World War Two, Singapore was under British sovereignty from 1824 until independence was declared in 1963. After a brief union with Malaysia ended in 1965, the country became an independent Commonwealth nation. Consisting of one main island and around 60 outlying islands, the whole country is just a few hundred square kilometres in area. However, its strategic location for shipping made it a commercial hub during the colonial era and Singapore remains a leading financial centre even today.
Culture
A popular destination for British expats as early as the 1920s, Singapore has a historically transient society. Following independence from Britain, the country welcomed large numbers of migrant workers from China, India and Malaysia, adding to the already diverse community. Despite this apparent lack of a single cultural identity, racial and religious harmony is valued highly in Singapore, and major festivals of several religions are celebrated nationally. Generally conservative in nature, modern Singapore has a reputation for being something of a nanny-state, with laws including a ban on chewing gum!
Popular activities
If you ask a Singaporean what the national pastimes are, you will most likely get the answer ‘eating and shopping’. Although this cliché is something of a joke, Singapore certainly boasts a thriving restaurant scene and bustling shopping precincts. However, Singapore has excellent facilities for sport and recreation, and the warm climate means outdoor activities and watersports are popular all year round. The main island is home to several sailing clubs, while golf, badminton, table tennis and shooting are also common. For more information about activities in Singapore, visit the YourSingapore website.
Food and drink
Most Singaporeans, as well as several outsiders, regard Singapore as Asia’s food capital. Dining out is a popular pastime and many celebrity chefs have restaurants in the country. All of the major cultural influences are well-represented on the culinary scene, so expect to find Chinese, Indian, Malay, Indonesian and European foods on offer, with vegetarian and halal options also readily available. Sweet teas and coffees are among the most popular drinks. Be aware that alcohol can be very expensive in Singapore.
Languages
Singapore has four official languages – English, Malay, Tamil and Mandarin Chinese. Of these, Mandarin is the most used as a first language as it is spoken by around half the households in the country, but English is the main language in schools and is widely used in business dealings. It is estimated that at least eight out of ten people in Singapore have at least some understanding of English.
Weather
Located almost exactly on the equator, Singapore has remarkably stable weather with no major seasonal changes. The average temperature is 23°C (73°F), with highs of around 32°C (90°F). However, as a tropical rainforest climate, the country does see significant rainfall and humidity is frequently between 90% and 100% in the mornings. Singapore has two monsoon seasons, from December to March and June to September.
Safety and security
Singapore has a strict judicial system which serves as an effective deterrent against violent crime. For minor offences, spot fines are enforced so it pays to be aware of local laws and customs. Foreign nationals should be aware of the risk of petty crime, but generally Singapore is a safe place to be. As a leading international centre of commerce, the country does attract fraudsters so be alert to the possibility of financial fraud and scams.
System structure
The education system in Singapore is managed by the Ministry of Education, which controls state schools and supervises the development of private schools. Private and international schools are regulated by the Council for Private Education. All children must attend six years of compulsory education at primary school between the ages of 7 and 12. Classes are taught in English, although most children are also required to learn a ‘mother tongue’ such as Malay, Tamil or Mandarin. After primary school children may enter different types of secondary school for four or five years depending on the type of studies, then go on to post-secondary and higher education.
Academic year
Term dates for most schools in Singapore are set centrally by the Ministry of Education. State schools follow a two-semester structure, with the academic year running from January to November. Many private institutions also stick to this system, but some international schools may take their term dates from their parent country’s education system instead. Extracurricular activities are heavily encouraged and in secondary school all children must take at least one, so the school day is usually structured to accommodate this.
Higher education
Although there are only a small number of autonomous public universities in Singapore, the number is growing as the government continues to invest in education. There are also large numbers of private universities and international campuses of foreign universities based in Singapore. Admission to university usually requires a minimum of 12 years of full-time education and a Singaporean High School Diploma or equivalent qualification. Other options for post-secondary education in Singapore include polytechnics, junior colleges and the Institute of Technical Education.
Funding
Almost all students in Singapore have to pay tuition fees at some level, but the costs for foreign students are significantly higher than those charged to Singaporean citizens and permanent residents. Some publicly-funded universities offer reduced fees to selected applicants, but not all institutions will make such offers to international students. Private universities are usually more expensive but also have more flexibility to support foreigners wishing to study there. There are several scholarships for to university students too, but again many are not available to foreign nationals.
Courses
Universities in Singapore offer a complete range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Undergraduate degrees typically last three or four years while postgraduate degrees range from a single year of studies through to five or six years. Although courses cover a large spectrum of subject areas, there is a strong emphasis on economic value in education planning in Singapore, so there tend to be more options on offer for science and business-orientated courses.
Research
While the older universities in Singapore are better established for research, there are more opportunities developing as the government continues to grow the higher education sector. For information about current research and potential grants, contact the National Research Foundation.
Primary and secondary education
Schools in Singapore are characterised by streaming and frequent assessments, but standards of education are considered very high. Although the state school system is not free, fees are heavily subsidised by the government for Singaporean children and permanent residents. Unlike some countries in the surrounding region, Singapore’s state schools do allow the children of foreign nationals to attend, but the cost of tuition is much higher and the application process can be complicated.
Preschool and childcare options
Although not compulsory, preschool education is considered increasingly important in Singapore, and the Ministry of Education has created a Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) curriculum to supplement the central education system. As well as the new Early Childhood Development Agency, several kindergartens have been created as part of the scheme, but they are currently only accessible to citizens and permanent residents. There are plenty of private preschool and childcare options in Singapore though, most of which are willing to accept the children of foreign nationals.
Geographical variation
By reputation, the cost of living in Singapore is much higher than in many Asian countries, and the city-state regularly features in the list of most expensive cities to live in. With land at a premium, accommodation is particularly expensive compared to neighbouring Malaysia. The priciest places to live are in the Central Area, however there are some cheaper regions where larger or more affordable properties can be found. The costs of education and running a vehicle can also be high for expats, but the day-to-day shopping may be less expensive than you first anticipate.
Accommodation
The cost of accommodation in Singapore depends largely on the type of property and its location. Many expats choose to live in private condos because of the attached amenities, although these are usually more expensive to rent or buy than regular apartments. The cheapest housing available in Singapore is usually Housing and Development Board (HDB) property, but access to this scheme is restricted for foreign nationals so most properties of this type are occupied by Singaporeans.
Similarly, there are restrictions on foreigners purchasing property in Singapore, although these were relaxed in 2005. Non-Singaporeans can now purchase apartments or condos with few obstacles, but must still seek permission from the Singapore Land Authority to buy land or most types of detached housing.
Rental deposits
In Singapore there are several upfront costs associated with renting a property. The security deposit can be up to three months’ rent, while a ‘good faith’ fee is also payable, although this may become the first monthly rental payment after completion of the let. Tenants are also liable for stamp fees on a property.
Local taxes
Local and town councils usually charge Service and Conservancy Charges (S&CC) to cover the cost of amenities in the area. Rates vary across the country and also depend on property type and the residency status of the occupiers. Contact your local council for further details.
Utilities
Water supply in Singapore is regulated by the Public Utility Board (PUB), but billing is managed through Singapore Power (SP), which is the main provider for all other utilities in Singapore. This means that most of your utilities can be set up and managed through a single online application. Be aware that connection charges may apply and you will also need to pay a deposit, which varies according to the size of the property. For internet and telephone services, there is slightly more choice, so shop around for the best prices through providers like SingTel, StarHub and M1.
TV licence
The television licence was abolished in Singapore in 2011 and the public broadcaster MediaCorp provides a range of free-to-air channels, although paid cable and satellite TV services are also popular.
Healthcare and medical costs
Singapore has an excellent standard of medical care, although very few services are offered free of charge. Instead the system is funded by insurance, with Singaporean citizens and permanent residents paying their share through their Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions. Non-resident foreign nationals are often insured privately by their employer, but if not then it is advisable to take out a private health insurance scheme as although the costs of care are comparatively low, medical bills can mount up very quickly.
Shopping
As a self-confessed nation of shoppers, you will find no shortage of places to purchase essentials, while less essential items can also be bought at the impressive array of malls and shopping destinations around Singapore. For grocery bargains, try your local ‘wet market’ for fresh meat, fish and vegetables at very reasonable prices – you’ll need to get up early in the morning for the best choice though!
GST
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a value-added tax charged on the majority of goods and services in Singapore. For more information on GST, including rates and exemptions, visit the Inland Revenue Authority website.
Price guide
- Rent on 1-bedroom apartment in city centre – SG$4,667.11 (≈£2,733.06) per month
- Rent on 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre – SG$2,967.54 (≈£1,737.79) per month
- Price of apartment in city centre – SG$27,836.77 (≈£16,301.21) per square metre
- Price of apartment outside city centre – SG$15,626.09 (≈£9,150.64) per square metre
- Loaf of bread – SG$2.96 (≈£1.73)
- Milk (1 litre) – SG$4.16 (≈£2.44)
- Bottled water (1.5 litre) – SG$2.09 (≈£1.22)
- Draught beer (0.5 litre) – SG$5.37 (≈£3.14)
- Packet of cigarettes – SG$15.00(≈£8.78)
- Petrol (1 litre) – SG$2.88 (≈£1.69)
- Cinema ticket – SG$15.00 (≈£8.78)
Source: www.numbeo.com (accessed August 2023)
Driving
Singapore has a modern road network which is linked to Malaysia via the Johor-Singapore Causeway. To cut congestion, Singapore has a toll system called the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) scheme, which charges motorists for access to busier areas. The system uses a unit inside the vehicle to register charges, and it is illegal for vehicles not to be equipped with one. Short-term visitors to Singapore may drive on a foreign driving licence provided that they have an English language copy, but anyone entering the country on a pass or intending staying for more than 12 months must convert to a Singaporean licence, usually by passing a theory test.
In a nod to its British colonial past, vehicles in Singapore are driven on the left and most road signs are in English. Drivers must be aged 18 or over, and all vehicles must be taxed and insured to be road legal. It is important to note that seatbelts are compulsory for everyone in a vehicle and headlights must be switched on between the hours of 7pm and 7am. For more information on driving in Singapore, visit the Land Transport Authority website.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available across Singapore, with over 26,000 vehicles run by a variety of operators. Most are metered and the fares are relatively inexpensive, although buses and other forms of public transport are usually cheaper. Although you can usually either book or hail a taxi, there are some restrictions preventing pickups on major bus routes.
Buses
A modern, air-conditioned bus fleet provides a cheap and efficient way of travelling in Singapore. Routes are operated by SBS Transit and SMRT Corporation, and you can plan your journey and calculate the correct fare using the TransitLink Bus eGuide.
Trains
Singapore has two major national railway systems: Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT). Services are operated by SBS Transit and SMRT Corporation, and a map of both systems is available through the PublicTransportSG website along with a fare calculator. Rail services to Malaysia are also available via the Johor-Singapore Causeway, and a monorail service called the Sentosa Express provides a link to the southern resort island of Sentosa.
Air travel
Despite the country’s small size, Singapore is home to one of the busiest airports in the world. The impressively modern-looking Changi International Airport actually opened in 1981, but has been continually developed since to remain a key facility for flights across Asia. Over 50 million passengers pass through the airport each year en route to destinations in over 60 countries. The national carrier, Singapore Airlines, is one of many airlines to operate out of Changi as its central hub. Domestic flights are largely unnecessary, but some private services do operate out of Changi and the smaller Seletar Airport.
Ferries
Because of its convenient location and the country’s relative lack of natural resources, the Port of Singapore is among the world’s busiest in terms of shipping tonnage handled each year. Not so much a single port in the traditional sense as a collection of coastal shipping facilities, the Port of Singapore operates ferries to neighbouring islands as well as destinations in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Planning a journey
There are several season tickets and concessions available for both tourists and permanent residents in Singapore. For more information on getting around the main island, visit the TransitLink website.
Working hours
The normal working hours in Singapore are Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, although some companies also work a half day on Saturdays. The majority of workers in Singapore are covered by the Employment Act, which sets a maximum number of contractual working hours of nine hours per day or 44 hours per week. Overtime is permitted but must be paid, and every employee is entitled to at least one day of complete rest each week.
Holidays
In Singapore, statutory holiday entitlement is linked to length of service. Under the Employment Act, employees with over three months of service are entitled to annual leave. During your first year, the entitlement will be pro-rated according to a government-defined formula. At one year’s service, your minimum entitlement is seven days of leave, which rises by a day each year up to a maximum of 14 days for eight years of service. Sick leave and maternity leave are also paid, but some other forms of leave such as paternity or adoption leave may only be available to Singaporean citizens, unless covered by your employer.
Public holidays
Public holidays in Singapore reflect the country’s ethnic makeup, with major festivals from several cultures represented in the calendar. All employees who are covered by the Employment Act are entitled to 11 public holidays as paid leave. If an employer asks staff to work on a public holiday, they must either give a day off in lieu or pay an additional day’s wages to the employee or employees concerned.
Public holiday dates
- New Years Day 1st January
- Chinese New Year 10-12th February
- Good Friday 29th March
- Hari Raya Puasa 10th April
- Labour Day in Singapore 1st May
- Vesak Day (Birth of Buddha) 22nd May
- Hari Raya Haji (Feast of Sacrifice) 17th June
- National Day Singapore 9th August
- Deepavali 31st October
- Christmas Day December 25
Visas and eligibility to work
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Singapore. For a full list of countries requiring entry visas, consult the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority website. The government in Singapore is keen to monitor the number of foreign workers in the country and operates a system of levies and quotas for their employment. As a result, all foreign nationals working in Singapore must hold a valid Employment Pass appropriate to their circumstances. To find out which pass you should apply for, use the Pass Navigator tool on the Ministry of Manpower website. If you are planning to remain in Singapore for the long term, you may wish to consider applying for permanent residency or citizenship, in which case you will be issued with a National Registration Identity Card.
Tax
Singapore has very low income tax rates, with the highest earners paying tax at around 20%. For foreign nationals, the rates paid depend on both earnings and tax status. Your residency status for tax purposes depends on the duration of your stay:
- 60 days or less – you are non-resident for tax purposes and employment income is exempt from tax
- Between 61 and 182 days a year – you are non-resident for tax purposes and will be taxed at the higher of the progressive resident rates or 15%
- 183 days a year or more – you are resident for tax purposes and all your income will be taxed at progressive resident rates, although you may be entitled to claim tax relief
The tax year in Singapore runs from 1st January to 31st December. For more information on tax rates for foreigners, visit the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore website.
Pensions and benefits
Retirement pensions and other social security schemes including healthcare and family benefits are paid for through the Central Provident Fund (CPF). The CPF is funded by a combination of employer and employee contributions. Contributions are mandatory for Singaporean citizens and permanent residents. Foreign workers who are employed in the country on an Employment Pass are not required to contribute but are not ordinarily able to access benefits as a result.
Disability
Although Singapore has guidelines for respecting the rights of disabled workers under the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices, they are not legally binding. However, most companies are more than happy to make reasonable adjustments for disabled workers, so speak to your employer about your individual needs before accepting a position.
Organisational structure
Singapore’s multiculturalism means that business dealings are influenced by Malay, Chinese and Indian values, as well as the many other cultures represented in the community. Singaporean businesses are generally hierarchical, although some international companies based in the country may have a flatter organisational structure. Although managers try to be egalitarian, senior figures command a lot of respect and so decisions are usually made at the top. However at boardroom level a consensus is usually required before progress can be made, so decisions take time.
Management style
As in many Asian countries, the concept of ‘face’ – effectively your personal honour and dignity – is very important in Singapore. Within the hierarchical culture, this means that employees rarely ask questions of their managers as this would imply that their superior had failed to explain effectively. Managers may spend time writing detailed instructions to ensure everyone knows what is required. Lower down the ranks, employees at the same sort of level will work together to reach a successful conclusion. Many smaller businesses in Singapore are run much like a family, with the eldest and wisest typically managing the group. In general, the best managers are regarded as those who can create a harmonious, collaborative environment.
Formality
Politeness is valued very highly in Singapore, so take a formal approach when you meet new people. Use titles and surnames unless invited to do otherwise. Many Singaporean people who have a lot of international business dealings will adopt a western name and invite you to use that. First impressions count for a lot in Singaporean culture, so always try to make a good one.
Relationships
Business relationships with Singaporean contacts take time to develop. Always try to be patient, as rushing people into making business decisions may imply that you are out for short-term gains only and spoil your chances of building long-term relationships. Networking is important, and there are always several business events going on in Singapore.
Dress code
Business clothing is an important part of making a good first impression, although the exact dress code will depend on the event. It is generally better to err on the side of formal, so long-sleeved shirts with ties and dark trousers are appropriate for men. Women usually wear smart trousers or skirts with a blouse or smart top.
Greetings
A light handshake is the normal business greeting in Singapore, but be aware that this may vary for people from different cultural backgrounds. If you are not sure what the appropriate greeting will be, follow the lead of the eldest or most senior person in the room. Sometimes women in Singapore will be reluctant to shake hands with men, so if a woman crosses her hands in front of her body during greetings, do not offer your hand – the protocol is a slight shake of the head in acknowledgement.
Punctuality
Unlike some countries, such as neighbouring Malaysia, it is very important to be punctual in Singapore. Deadlines are taken quite seriously and nobody appreciates having their time wasted so always try to deliver on time.
Meetings
Meetings in Singapore are typically quite well organised and structured, but the communication within them can be quite nuanced. People will typically save face rather than speak their minds, so you may need to read between the lines a little. Many Singaporeans will avoid confrontation and often won’t give a direct ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer for fear of offending the person who asked the question. As a result negotiations can be quite slow, but it is important to remain calm and patient throughout. Be sure to take time to consider a question before answering it as rushing into an answer can be viewed as dismissive. Similarly, if you are offered a business card, take time to look at it before putting it away, as again moving too quickly can appear disrespectful.
Cultural sensitivity
Maintaining face is hugely important in Singapore, both for you and your contacts. Expressions and body language are therefore vital – you should make an effort to appear interested at all times and not dismiss anyone’s opinions or ideas out of hand.
Business language
Although Singapore has four official languages, English is the most commonly used in a business environment. Most people in Singapore speak English fluently and many are also proficient in Malay, Mandarin or Tamil too, so the language barrier is rarely an issue for business dealings.
Singapore is a prosperous city-state located just off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Consisting of one main island and around 60 outlying islands, the whole country is just a few hundred square kilometres in area.
South Africa Country Profile
Country fact file
- Location: Southern Africa
- Capital City: Pretoria (administrative); Bloemfontein (judicial); Cape Town (legislative)
- Population: 61 Million as of March 2024
- Government: Parliamentary Democracy
- Currency: Rand (ZAR)
- Main Languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
- Main Religions: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Indigenous religions
South Africa is the southernmost country on the African Continent. It is a multi-ethnic, constitutional democracy which comprises a parliamentary republic and nine provinces. South Africa is governed by three official capitals, Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Cape Town. Despite not being a capital city, Johannesburg, situated in the inland province of Gauteng, is the country’s largest city and has a population of almost 4.5 million people. South Africa has a turbulent history, but since 1994, has been governed by the African National Congress (ANC) which scored its 5th election victory in 2014, and as a result, the lives of many citizens have improved significantly. However, despite having one of the largest economies in the African continent, the country continues to experience poverty, crime and unemployment.
South Africa is one of the most geographically varied countries on the continent, with a coastline that stretches 1,600 miles, vast desert plains and mountainous terrain. It is the world’s leader in mining and minerals and has nearly 90% of the platinum metals and 41% of the gold on earth. South Africa is also home to four of the five fastest land animals in the world – the cheetah, wildebeest, lion and Thomson’s gazelle and the country’s wildlife attracts millions of tourists each year.
South Africa is often referred to as the ‘Rainbow Nation’ – a term coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu – because of its cultural and racial diversity. Over 70% of South Africans identify themselves as black African, descended from tribal cultures from all over the African continent. The rest of the population is made up of Afrikaners (descended from Dutch settlers) and those of Indian and Asian heritage. The country’s colonial past means that Afrikaans and English is widely spoken compared with the rest of the continent. South Africa has a rich cultural legacy, with tribal traditions mixing with the more Westernised population. This melting pot of cultures has created a fascinating range of languages, music, cuisine, religion and art in one country.
Culture
South Africa is often referred to as the ‘Rainbow Nation’ – a term coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu – because of its cultural and racial diversity. Over 70% of South Africans identify themselves as black African, descended from tribal cultures from all over the African continent. The rest of the population is made up of Afrikaners (descended from Dutch settlers) and those of Indian and Asian heritage. The country’s colonial past means that Afrikaans and English are widely spoken compared with the rest of the continent. South Africa has a rich cultural legacy, with tribal traditions mixing with the more Westernised population. This melting pot of cultures has created a fascinating range of languages, music, cuisine, religion and art in one country.
Food and Drink
South Africa’s many nationalities and cultures are reflected in its cuisine, which has African, Asian and European influences. The South African diet tends to be meat-based but a wide variety of seafood dishes are available in coastal areas. Regional specialities include ‘bobotie’ (minced meat and baked eggs), potjiekos (slow cooked meat and vegetable stew) and ‘smoorvis’ (a type of fish kedgeree). Side dishes include ‘pap’ a traditional porridge and ‘chakalaka’ which is made with sliced green peppers and chilli. Street food is immensely popular and affordable all over South Africa, including bunny chow – a hollowed out loaf of bread filled with curry – to be found mainly in the city of Durban, which has a large Indian population. At weekends, South Africans like to relax by grilling chops, sosaties (spicy kebabs) and boerewors (spicy sausage) over a braaii (Afrikaans for barbeque).
South Africans are passionate beer drinkers and the sorghum-based Maheu is by far the most popular brand. In addition, the Western Cape vineyards produce some excellent wines, including Pinotage, a deep fruity blend of the pinot noir and hermitage grapes which is unique to South Africa.
Popular Activities
With its diverse geography, wildlife and temperate climate, outdoor pursuits make up the most popular activities in South Africa. The country is home to a number of wildlife reserves, where the ‘Big Five’ (Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino) can be observed on safari, or there is Great White shark cage-diving and bungee-jumping from the country’s numerous gorges for the more adventurous.
South Africans are extremely passionate about sport, particularly rugby, and the Springbok national team has near God-like status across the country. Cricket is also a favourite sport and a trip to a day-night game is a popular activity with South Africans of all ages. For more sedate activities, the country has a 1600-mile stretch of dramatic coastline for hiking, water sports and sunbathing.
In the larger cities, a thriving art and theatre scene can be found, where traditional African meets modern, as well as a rich mix of cuisines and raucous all-night bars and shebeens (traditional South African drinking houses). South Africans have no shortage of events with traditional and modern music and arts festivals held throughout the year. For more information consult the South African Tourist Board
Languages
South Africa has 11 official languages with geographical variations in each. The most widely spoken languages are Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans (a derivative of Dutch) and English. The African National Congress (ANC) promote English as the main language of government, although indigenous languages are still widely used in commerce and inter-province relations. Different languages are attributed to ancestral tribal areas, for instance, Zulu is mainly spoken by the Bantu people, who make up the largest ethnic group in South Africa.
Accents and dialects
With so many languages being spoken in one country, there are variations in the accent and dialects of each. There is also social and geographical variation in South African English, which is spoken by many in urban areas and has been adapted to suit each community. How English is spoken is considered an indicator of class and social status in South Africa, for instance, middle to upper classes speak with a cultivated English based on Received Pronunciation whereas in more impoverished areas there exists a ‘post-creole’ English dialect, which is often mixed with other languages.
System Structure
The education system in South Africa has been transformed since the abolition of apartheid, but this transformation has been slow – the South African primary and secondary education system is regarded as being of low standard and was listed in bottom place globally for maths and science by the World Economic Forum (2015). There remains a significant gap in education standards between rich and poor communities. Higher Education in South Africa, on the other hand, has seen heavy investment and now competes on the world stage.
South Africa has a three-tier education system of primary, secondary and further or higher education. The primary and secondary school sector is divided into; non fee- paying public schools, fee-paying public schools and private schools. Attendance at school compulsory for all children age 7-15. Lessons are taught in the official language of the province and learning English is mandatory.
Academic Year
The academic school year runs in four terms, from mid-January to early December. Students have ten days holiday at Easter, ten days in the spring term (September), 21 days in winter (May-June) and 40 days for Summer/Christmas (December-January). The university academic year is divided into two semesters, from February to June and July to November.
The school day starts at 8am and finishes at 1pm for primary school children and at 3pm for secondary school pupils
Higher Education
The South African government has made huge investment into developing their tertiary education sector in recent years, making universities more accessible to poorer students and significantly improving quality. South Africa has 26 publicly-funded universities, seven of which appear in the QS World University Rankings (the highest being the University of Cape Town, at 220th place). Universities are managed and funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training and are divided into three categories:
- Traditional Universities: academic in nature
- Technology Universities: vocational courses
- Comprehensive universities: offering both types of course
Admission into university for South Africans is by completion of secondary school (matriculation) up to the age of 18. Non-South Africans can complete an assessment form on the Universities South Africa (formerly HESA) website (https://www.usaf.ac.za/) to see if their qualifications are suitable.
Funding
South African universities are publicly-funded, but students are charged annual tuition fees. Fees vary widely between institutions and courses and international students are charged more, roughly between R75000 (£3556) for undergraduate and Honours degrees, and R47500 (£2251) for Master’s degrees. The South African government has a National Student Financial Aid scheme which distributes student loans and bursaries, but non-South Africans are very rarely eligible. However, some of the country’s major banks offer international student loans to cover fees and living expenses at competitive rates. Some South African universities also offer their own bursary schemes and scholarships to international students, so it is worth contacting the university to find out before applying.
Courses
There are a wide range of courses available at South African universities, with particular emphasis on medicine, engineering, and research. A full-time undergraduate Bachelor’s degree takes three years to complete. After three years students can choose to graduate with a degree certificate or take a further year-long ‘Honours’ course to gain a Bachelor’s degree with Honours. Postgraduate degrees take one to two years of study, depending on the course.
Research
University research and development is considered vital, and more than half of Africa’s top research universities are in South Africa, among them the University of Cape Town and the University of Witswaterand (known as ‘Wits’) in Johannesburg. The South African government has made significant investment into research and development in its higher education institutions, including the introduction of tax breaks to encourage private companies to partner with universities in research activities.
Primary and Secondary Education
Attendance at school in South Africa is compulsory from age 7 (grade 1) to age 15 (grade 9), although children are able to attend voluntarily from age 5 (grade 0 or reception). South African primary education begins at age 7 and ends around age 13. Secondary, or further education, is between the ages of 14 and 18 (grades 8 -12). Students can choose to leave education in grade 9 or continue on to take the matriculation exam, which is necessary to gain entry into university. There are three types of schools in South Africa:
- Public non-fee-paying schools: available in the poorest areas and completely subsidised by the government
- Public fee-paying schools: subsidised by the government but parents also contribute an annual fee (around R30,000 – £1281 – per year)
- Private (independent) fee-paying schools: privately owned schools, completely subsidised by fees (around R100,000 – £4270 – per year)
Primary and secondary education is overseen by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and each of the nine provinces have their own education departments and budgets. Lessons are taught in the official language of the province and class sizes range from 30 to 50 pupils in poorer areas.
Pre-school
Known as ‘kindergarten‘ in South Africa, pre-school care is available for children aged 3 to 7. The kindergarten sector is made up of publicly-funded institutions, which are regulated by the Department of Basic Education, and private and church pre-schools. Fees are payable at both types of pre-school but are cheaper at public kindergartens. The South African government implement an Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme which aims to guide kindergartens in teaching young children and also to encourage more children into early years education.
Geographical Variation
The cost of living in South Africa is cheap by international standards, yet prices have been slowly rising in recent years. A tough economy, high unemployment and the fluctuating Rand have pushed prices up, particularly for fuel and utilities and there is a noticeable divide between rich and poor across the country.
Prices for food and accommodation tend to be higher in the larger cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg, where jobs are easier to find and salaries higher. While the cost of living is cheap in South Africa compared with other developed countries, it is relative to the average monthly disposable salary of R14,662 (£626.07).
Accommodation
Accommodation costs have risen sharply in South Africa in recent years, particularly in the Western Cape and larger cities. However, property prices and rents remain cheap in comparison to Europe, Australia and USA. There are many different types of property on offer in South Africa – from city centre apartments to rambling country houses with land – at affordable prices. South Africans are a nation of homeowners and owning a property is seen as a sign of status. There are no restrictions for foreign nationals buying property in South Africa, yet potential buyers should take into account estate agents fees, taxes and registration costs associated with buying a house.
Many South Africans are unable to get onto the property ladder, so the country has a flourishing rental market. Rents are more expensive in the cities and along the tourist routes and coastline. Short-term rents (up to three months) are widely available and properties are advertised through the South African Tourist Board. Long-term rental properties can be found in newspapers, through estate agents and online, although it’s a good idea to be in South Africa when searching for rental accommodation.
Rental deposit
Tenants generally pay a security deposit upon signing a rental lease agreement in South Africa. The deposit can be one to three month’s rent in advance and by law the landlord or estate agent must place the deposit in an interest-bearing account. Landlords can deduct money from this account to cover damages when the tenant leaves.
Property Tax
Homeowners in South Africa must pay a property-related tax called the ‘municipal tax’. Payments are calculated based on the market value of the property and has sparked controversy in recent years due to poorer homeowners paying more than their wealthier counterparts. Owners and tenants are also required to pay monthly refuse collection and sewerage charges.
Utilities
Utility rates differ according to area in South Africa but are generally lower than in Europe and the USA. Electricity charges are based on usage and South Africa uses 230V mains electricity. The largest electricity provider, Eskom, is state-run and has a reputation for being unreliable, with residents experiencing frequent blackouts and inflated prices.
Gas is not supplied to households in South Africa and most residents cook and heat their homes with electricity. However, there is now a growing trend in using LPG gas canisters in the home, which are supplied by Eskom and offer a cheaper alternative to rising electricity prices. Water rates are managed by the South African Association of Water Utilities (SAAWU). Charges are imposed on a sliding scale according to consumption and prices are kept at a low level. Tap water is safe to drink in urban areas but is best avoided in rural areas. Expats moving to South Africa can expect to pay an average R1,700 (£72.59) per month for basic utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse and sewerage).
South Africa has a telecommunications network coverage of around 99.9% and Internet access is fast and reliable in urban areas. Phone and broadband packages are often charged at a flat rate and you can expect to pay around R733 (£32) per month for a 10mbps connection.
TV Licence
If you own a television in South Africa, by law you must pay a TV licence fee of R265 (£21), per year, which is used to fund programming at the South African Broadcasting Association (SABC).
Healthcare and medical costs
South Africa has a two-tier system of public and private healthcare. The public healthcare sector is chronically understaffed and of poor quality, while the private healthcare sector has modern hospitals, facilities and highly trained medical professionals. There is a large gap in the quality of services between the two systems, with wealthy South Africans able to afford private healthcare and poorer communities having less access to suitable medical treatment.
Public healthcare in South Africa is billed through the Uniform Patient Fee Schedule (UPFS) and differs according to the patient, their health needs and financial situation, but the cost of hospital treatment or visit to a GP is generally very low. The South African Government is currently fast-tracking a National Insurance scheme which it hopes will make the system more equitable and raise standards. A private health insurance policy is a must for expats moving to South Africa and is relatively cheap. Popular choices for insurance for non-South Africans are Bupa Global or South Africa’s largest provider, Discovery Health.
South Africa has regulated prescription medicine prices and a Single Exit Price (SEP) states the maximum price a medicine can be charged at. Pharmacists often charge a dispensing fee on top of prescriptions. More information about prescription medicines in South Africa can be found here.
Shopping
South Africa has numerous large shopping malls in urban areas and chain department stores such as Woolworths which sell everything, from food to clothing. There are a variety of large supermarket chains such as Shoprite and Pick n Pay, and traditional markets selling fresh produce in urban and rural areas. Some of the larger supermarket chains now offer online shopping and delivery services. Food and clothing are relatively cheap by international standards, with prices for clothing and homeware being higher in the more exclusive department stores and boutiques. Most shops are open between 9am and 6pm, with limited opening hours on Sundays and public holidays.
Sales Tax
Most goods and services in South Africa are subject to VAT (Value Added Tax), which is currently set at 14%.
Price Guide
- Rent on 1-bedroom apartment in city centre – R7,561.91 (£332) per month
- Rent on 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre – R6,258.38 (£267) per month
- Price of apartment in city centre – R16,878.59 (£720) per square metre
- Price of apartment outside city centre –R12,794.94 (£546) per square metre
- Loaf of bread – R15.86 (£0.68)
- Milk (1 litre) – R17.70 (£0.76
- Bottled water (1.5 litre) – R16.13 (£0.69)
- Draught beer (0.5 litre) – R21.89 (£0.93)
- Packet of cigarettes – R50.00 (£2.10)
- Petrol (1 litre) – R23.00 (£0.98)
- Cinema ticket – R100 (£4.27)
Source: www.numbeo.com/ (accessed June 2023)
Budgeting and Savings
South Africa has a number of price comparison websites in English which help consumers switch and save, such as www.pricecheck.co.za and www.kompare.co.za.
Weather
South Africa has a temperate climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. It is a sunny country (8-10 hours of sunshine a day) and has a lower than average annual rainfall of 450mm. During the summer months (October to February) temperatures can reach 35°C, with brief but intense thunderstorms. In the winter months (May to July) temperatures drop to around -2°C. Winters are crisp and dry but heavy snowfall can be expected in the mountainous areas of the Western and Northern Capes.
Safety and Security
South Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the world, and although the crime rate has slowed in recent years, problems persist in the densely populated urban areas on the edge of cities (called townships). The tourist zones of Cape Town and Durban are more heavily policed, making them significantly safer for travellers. It is advised never to stop for people in the road and also to keep valuables out of sight at all times. It is also wise not to stray out of the main metropolitan areas and only venture out in groups after dark.
Working Hours
South Africa follows much of the rest of the developed world, with the majority of employees working 45 hours a week, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm. Employees can agree to work up to a maximum of 10 hours overtime a week, paid at time-and-a-half, but can only work a maximum of 12 hours a day. Employees are usually paid double time for working on Sunday. This may differ if the worker’s job normally requires them to work on Sundays, however. People working between 6pm and 6am must receive an allowance and have transport provided for them to travel to and from work.
Salaries range from around R9,660 (£412) per month for factory and warehouse jobs, to over R45,000 (£1,921) per month for managers, professionals and skilled workers.
Holidays
Holiday entitlement is relatively low in South Africa, with workers commonly receiving 21 days, including weekends, which is the equivalent of three weeks paid leave per year. In addition, workers are entitled to between 12 and 13 paid public holidays a year. If workers are employed for less than a year, they are entitled to one day of holiday for every 17 days worked or one hour for every 17 worked. Employees must be given holiday by law and bosses cannot offer to pay workers paid leave instead.
Public Holidays
There are 13 main public holidays in South Africa but this may vary according to province.
Public holiday dates:
- New Year’s Day: 1st January
- Good Friday: 29th Marcb
- Family Day: 1st April
- Freedom Day: 27th April
- Workers’ Day: 1st May
- Youth Day: 16th June
- Women’s Day: 9th August
- Heritage Day: 24th September
- Human Rights Day: 10th December
- Day of Reconciliation: 16th December
- Christmas Day: 25th December
- Day of Goodwill: 26th December
Visas and Eligibility to Work
The government tightened the laws on people travelling to South Africa in 2014 and the changes came into effect on 1st June 2015. The biggest change is that children are now required to have their own passport. To enter South Africa people with certain nationalities must apply for a visa which allows them to visit the country for business or tourism purposes for up to 90 days. There are many countries which are exempt from applying for a South African visa, this list can be found here: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries. More information about visas to South Africa can be found at southafrica.info, the country’s principal information gateway.
Following the initial three-month visiting period, expats must apply for a residence permit in order to stay in South Africa. There are four main types of temporary residence permit which foreigners can apply for and they are primarily aimed at tackling the labour shortages across the country.
A quota-work permit is available for those with particular jobs such as engineers, craftsmen, and those with technical skills. Workers must provide proof of employment to the Department of Home Affairs within three months or have their visa revoked. Proof of employment is required every year after the initial three-month trial. Permits are also issued to those with general skills, and exceptional skills and to those who have moved to the country with their existing company on an intra-company transfer work permit. Corporate, business and exchange permits are also available, depending on the reasons for staying in the country.
Once in South Africa, any queries regarding permits can be made to the local offices of the Department of Home Affairs, based in most large towns and cities.
Tax
The South African tax year runs from 1st March to 28th February. Tax return forms, known as ITR12, must be filed between July and November every year. All individuals resident and employed in South Africa are liable for income tax and this is taken through the employer. There are two main tax payments, one made to central government and the other to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) which is the local government.
Central government tax is made up through income tax which is set at 18% to 40% according to income, VAT, corporation tax and fuel duty. SARS payments are made up of grants from central government and local rates. If you earn less than R350,000 (£16,502) per year before tax you are exempt. Anyone earning more than this must submit an ITR12. Tax returns can be submitted online through eFiling through the website www.sarsefiling.co.za. You must have a SARS tax code which can be obtained when registering in person at a SARS Branch with a valid ID. Businesses file tax returns at the end of the tax year by submitting an ITR14 form.
Pensions
Middle earners in South Africa contribute to employer-based retirement plans with monthly contributions coming out of wage packets of up to 10% of earnings.
The State Pension, known as the Older Person’s Grant, is available for people when they reach 60. The grant is available for citizens, long-term residents, and refugees. It is means-tested by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and takes into account a person’s income and assets. The amount changes each year but currently the maximum a person receives is R2,080 (£88.82) per month and R2,100 (£89.69) for over 75s. The pension is not available for people earning more than R R78,120 (£3,335.72) per year or for married couples with a combined income of more than R156,240 (£6,671.45) per year.
To apply, you must fill in a form at your local SASSA office and provide ID, proof of address, income, and assets.
Benefits
The South African social security system is a free service controlled by the SASSA and is open to foreigners who fulfil certain criteria. Foreigners should make it a priority to obtain a social security number (from the SASSA local office) by filling in a SS-5 Social Security form.
Foreigners working on contracts or people on commission or working less than 24 hours a month cannot apply for unemployment benefit. Everybody can claim sickness benefits. Visit the SASSA website to find out more.
Disability
Since the Constitution came into effect in 1996, citizens have a right to freedom from discrimination based on disabilities. Employers now have a legal requirement to make practical changes to support disabled workers. Events, such as Disability Rights Awareness Month, also attempt to promote inclusive working practices.
Organisational Structure
The landscape of business in South Africa has changed dramatically since the 1990s. Nowadays, business culture in South Africa is much more inclusive and organisations have been encouraged to adopt an equal and democratic management style. However, it is important to remember that although a great deal of progress has been made in equal opportunities, there is still a way to go.
South Africa has a number of large global corporations and medium-sized and small enterprises. The country’s principal trading partners are Germany, USA, Japan, China, UK, Spain and the rest of the African continent. Business and management culture is not dissimilar to Europe and the USA, with open communication between workers and informal management techniques.
Management Style
South African management style has changed considerably and companies are now under legal obligation to be more representative and adaptable in the management of their workforce. Managers are much less authoritarian than they were previously and business is seen as a ‘hands-on’ team effort with transparency between managers and workers. Generally speaking, South Africans are strong communicators and love to talk so management teams tend to be informal and approachable.
Formality
How formal a workplace culture is depends on the type of company, but South Africans are known for being laid back and like to use humour to break the ice. However, although South African business can be a relaxed affair – sloppy dressing, not showing respect to elders and touching (apart from a handshake) would be considered unacceptable. South African people are very direct communicators and like to get straight to the point so try not to take offence if a business associate says what is on his/her mind straightaway.
Relationships
Networking and relationship-building are essential if you wish to be successful in business in South Africa. South Africans like to establish a certain level of trust before they commit to business contracts and negotiations. Initial meetings should be more about getting to know one another on a personal level before business is discussed.
South Africans place great emphasis on family groups and friendship networks and this culture influences overall business practice. Co-workers often become friends and socialise together, or know each other from previous walks of life. South Africans generally like to do business face-to-face and are reluctant to deal with people they don’t know or have not met before in person. Although mixing business with personal or intimate relationships is inevitable in the workplace, it is best avoided.
Dress Code
Business attire in South Africa is generally a suit, tie and shirt for men and a trouser or skirt suit for women. Revealing or outlandish clothing is frowned upon and South Africans place great importance on presentation, so clothing should be ironed and shoes polished at all times. Warmer business clothing is needed in winter (between June and August), whereas short-sleeved shirts and blouses are acceptable in the summer months (November to January).
Greetings
The accepted business greeting in South Africa is a firm handshake. Some women will nod in greeting and you should only shake hands with a woman if she extends her hand first. Business associates who know each other rarely use titles but addressing a woman as ‘miss’ without knowing her marital status may cause offence. In a university, legal or healthcare setting, titles such as ‘professor,’ ‘judge,’ or ‘doctor’ are used as a sign of respect.
Punctuality
South African punctuality depends on cultural heritage and varies between those who like to be on time, particularly English-speaking business people, and those who are more time-flexible. Be prepared to wait for people to turn up to meetings – it is wise to make sure everyone knows the exact time and place well in advance. Sometimes lateness is often unavoidable in South Africa as serious traffic congestion in the larger cities can pose an impediment to getting somewhere on time, despite best intentions.
Meetings
South Africans prefer to do business face-to-face rather than by phone or video conferencing. Meetings tend to be informal with some degree of small talk permitted before getting down to business. South Africans are warm and gregarious people and dispensing with social niceties, even in business meetings, would be considered ill-mannered and over-aggressive. It is often difficult to schedule business meetings between mid-December and mid-January as this is when most South Africans take their holidays.
Cultural Sensitivity
South Africa’s turbulent history is a sensitive subject which is discussed but not dwelled on today. Foreigners are advised against bringing race or politics up in a business setting as South Africans can become touchy about the issue.
In terms of communication style in meetings, this can differ significantly depending on a person’s cultural heritage. For example, there are differences between the way a black South African communicates to that of a white South African (and further differences between different cultural backgrounds). You should not generalise according to race when dealing with South Africans in business.
Business Language
Although South Africa has 11 official languages, business is generally carried out in English. Most South Africans will switch to English when there is someone present who doesn’t speak their language. Most people involved in business speak a good degree of English, sometimes with a heavy accent. In these circumstances it is acceptable to politely ask the speaker to repeat anything not understood.
South Africa is the southernmost country on the African Continent. It is a multi-ethnic, constitutional democracy which comprises a parliamentary republic and nine provinces. South Africa is governed from three official capitals, Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Cape Town.
South Korea Country Profile
Country fact file
- Capital city: Seoul
- Population: 51.75 million as of March 2024
- Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic
- Currency: South Korean won (₩) (KRW)
- Main languages: Korean, Korean Sign Language
- Main religions: Christianity, Protestant, Catholic and Korean Buddhism
Country profile
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and lying east to the Asian mainland. South Korea lies in the north temperate zone and has a predominantly mountainous terrain. It comprises an estimated 51.74 million residents distributed over 99,392 km2. The capital and largest city is Seoul, with a population of 10 million.
Culture
Historically, Chinese and Japanese influences were notable in South Korean art. However, it has nevertheless managed to develop a unique cultural identity that is distinct from its larger neighbour. Its rich and vibrant culture has resulted in 19 Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity awards, the third highest total in the world, along with 12 World Heritage Sites.
Popular activities
The most popular activity for Korean Nationals is hiking, which, due to the country’s abundance of mountains and national parks, has become the national pastime.
Soccer is one of Korea’s most popular sports. The K League (Korea Professional Football League) runs from March to November each year, with fierce competition among 12 regional teams. The number of people who have joined grassroots football teams stands at around 500,000 nationwide. The popularity of baseball in the country is very similar to that of football and there are a total of ten teams in the KBO league.
Food and drink
Korean cuisine is largely based on rice, noodles, tofu, vegetables, fish and meats. Traditional Korean meals are notable for the numerous side dishes, banchan (반찬), which accompany steam-cooked short-grain rice. Kimchi (김치), a fermented, usually spicy vegetable dish is commonly served at every meal and is one of the best known Korean dishes.
Languages
Korean is the official language of South Korea. Korean uses an indigenous writing system called Hangul. Although not directly related to any Chinese languages, it incorporates a number of words that are Chinese in origin. Korean spoken in South Korea also uses a significant number of loanwords from English and other European languages.
Almost all South Korean students currently learn English throughout their education, with some optionally choosing Japanese or Mandarin as well.
Weather
South Korea has a humid continental climate and a humid subtropical climate largely affected by the East Asian monsoon. Precipitation is heavier in summer during a short rainy season called jangma (장마), which begins at the end of June and lasts through to the end of July. To monitor the approaching storms, the Korean Meteorological Administration website can be used.
Safety and security
Crime against foreigners is rare but there are occasional isolated incidents. While most reported crimes are thefts, there have been some rare cases of assault, particularly around bars and nightlife areas.
Take good care of passports, credit cards and money in crowded areas and be careful in areas with high levels of tourism. When travelling alone at night, only use legitimate taxis or public transport. Find out more information on gov.co.uk
System structure
Education is of great importance in South Korea. With the growth in industrialisation, the need for highly qualified employees emerged as an important factor to cope with scarce capital and resources. Children’s education is considered a top priority for many families and this has resulted in a large number of well-educated people. This has helped South Korea succeed in its aim of rapid economic growth.
Standard school education includes kindergarten (1 to 3 years), elementary school (6 years), middle school (3 years), high school (3 years), and university. There are also junior colleges (2 or 3 years) and graduate schools (for masters and Ph.D. degrees).
Academic year
In most schools, the academic year lasts for approximately six months. Fall semester typically runs from September to December and Spring semester begins in January and ends in April.
Higher education
The 370 official higher education providers in Korea include six top-20 entries and 57 representatives in total among Asian Universities, and 29 included in the QS World University Rankings 2019.
South Korean universities produce many highly educated people specialising in disciplines seen as essential for economic growth and prosperity, namely physics, electronics, mechanical engineering, business management, economics, and accounting. English is a relatively common language among educated adults, with some also speaking a further foreign language.
Funding
The cost of courses can vary depending on the university. Private universities are generally more expensive and one semester for an undergraduate degree can range from £2100 to £4300 and £2600 to £5000 per semester for graduate degrees. Public and national universities in South Korea are less expensive than private universities. An undergraduate degree at these types of institutions usually range from £1400 to £3200 per semester, and postgraduate degrees can cost anywhere from £1700 to £3600 per semester.
Courses
South Korean higher education is divided into 2-3 years, junior colleges program, 4-year universities program and graduate schools. The development of information and communication technologies has led to an increase in online universities that deliver e-learning courses. Master’s and doctoral degree programs are normally provided as university courses, however, separate ‘graduate schools’ are also being established to offer exclusively graduate programs with no affiliations to universities.
South Korean universities are divided into 3 tiers, national universities, which are those established and operated by the central government, public universities, those established by local governments and private universities which are founded by private non-profit educational foundations.
Primary and secondary education
South Korean education is a single-track system with six years of elementary school, three years of middle school, three years of high school, and four years at the undergraduate university level. Nine years of education is a compulsory minimum, including the six years of elementary school and three years of middle school. Each academic year has two semesters, the first semester is from March to August and the second from September to February. School vacations in summer run from July to August and in winter from December to February.
Preschool and childcare options
Korean is the most common language in preschool although English-taught curriculums are offered in some private kindergartens. The programs are classified by age groups (from three to five). The approximate cost of public kindergarten is around £38 per month while private and English kindergartens approximately require between £300 and £550. This fee normally includes the tuition fee, studying materials, food and transportation to and from kindergarten.
Accommodation
If accommodation is not arranged by your employer, there are a few options available to explore. For renting from a landlord, there are two types of property rental contracts. The most common contract is a “jeonsei” which requires the tenant to pay a specified sum to the landlord (usually 30-80% of the cost to rent the property). The ‘jeonsei’ contract is also abided to by short-term tenants. The second type of contract is called “wolsei”, where the tenant pays a monthly fee to the owner.
There is a third option available where the two rental contracts are combined. The tenant is required to pay a large sum upfront and continue with small monthly payments.
Most rental contracts last for an average of 2 years and the tenant is responsible for seeking the landlord’s consent to renew the contract.
Other accommodation options include hotels, which are more expensive but safe and comfortable, or hostels, which are cheaper dependent on quality.
Local taxes
The income, corporation and value-added taxes contribute to the majority of the South Korean tax revenue. In addition, revenue is also collected towards government programmes through transportation, education and rural development tax.
Utilities
It is important the rental contract is checked for information on utilities (including extras such as the internet and phone). The majority of apartment complexes and villas have utilities set up in advance, where the bill is split among the residents. If the information is unclear in the contract, you will need to contact utility companies and arrange the service on the day before you arrive.
TV licence
In South Korea, the TV licence fee is collected by the Korean Broadcasting System and Educational Broadcasting System.
Also, if there are particular services that require more time for installation, please consider and plan accordingly. Extras such as cable TV and the Internet will not automatically be provided by your landlord. English teachers or tutors living in a pre-arranged residence should already have the basics set up by their employer.
Healthcare and medical costs
Generally, medical and dental care in South Korea is of a high standard. Hospitals have advanced medical equipment and facilities readily available. Staff may not always speak English however, and the treatment can be relatively expensive.
Throughout the year, especially during spring months, air pollution, including yellow dust pollution, is common in South Korea, this mostly affects the elderly and those with respiratory problems. Please follow local media reporting and the Korean Meteorological Service website for the latest advice.
Shopping
South Korea is one of the world leaders on credit card usage. By law, all merchants have to accept them. You can pay for an amount as low as 2,000 won (equivalent to £1.50) at convenience stores using a credit card. One of the main benefits of using credit cards is that you will receive a tax refund for usage, so you will find most people use credit cards for nearly 100% of their purchases. However, many merchants (especially Dongdaemun clothing retailers) can offer a discount up to 10% if you pay in cash. This does not apply to major department stores like Lotte and Shinsegae.
Sales tax
The standard VAT rate is 10%. Except where a specific exemption is provided, VAT is levied on the importation and supply of all goods and services into South Korea.
Price guide
- Rent 1-bedroom apartment in city centre – ₩653,079.01 (£397.07)
- Rent 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre – ₩471,539.53 (£286.70)
- Price of apartment per square metre in city centre – ₩15,904,962.42 (£9,670.22)
- Price of apartment per square metre outside city centre – ₩10,532,244.47 (£6,403.60)
- Loaf of bread – ₩3,731.00 (£2.77)
- Milk (1 litre) – ₩2,939.98 (£1.79)
- Bottled water (1.5 litre) – ₩1,402.24 (£0.85)
- Domestic Beer (0.5 litre bottle) – ₩2,857.55 (£1.74)
- Packet of cigarettes – ₩4,500.00 (£2.74)
- Petrol (1 litre) – ₩1,866.08 (£1.14)
- Cinema ticket – ₩15,000.00 (£9.13)
Source: www.numbeo.com (accessed August 2023)
Driving
To drive legally in South Korea an International Driving Permit is required. Driving licenses may be attained at age 16 for cars and motorcycles. Traffic can be relatively intense in the cities. There could also be serious penalties or even criminal charges when accidents result in injury, even if guilt is not proven.
Taxis
English speaking taxi drivers are not very common. Ilban (regular taxis) can cost about ₩3300 (£2.5) for the first 2km with a 20% surcharge from midnight to 4am, while the pricier mobeom (deluxe taxis; black with a yellow top) that exist in some cities cost around ₩5500 (£4) for the first 3km with no late-night surcharge.
Buses
The buses in the cities are well-developed and not expensive – from ₩1200 (less than £1) a trip. However, rural buses generally run on an hourly or half-hourly schedule. All timetables, bus-stop names and destination signs are usually in Korean. Sometimes the best way to find the right route is to ask in a local tourist information center, generally, these will have a member of staff that speaks English, or use a smartphone app, such as Naver Map, which is available in English.
T-Money Cards
For the most common categories of public transport, it is handy to have T-Money or Cash Bee card. Buses, taxis, subways and trains accept both of the cards, however, T-Money is more common. An added bonus of the card is it provides a ₩100 discount per trip. The basic card can be bought for a nonrefundable ₩3000 (£2) at any subway station booth, bus kiosk or convenience store displaying the T-Money logo, which are widely available across the country. Cards can also be used to buy goods in vending machines and convenience stores.
Train
The South Korean railway system is well-developed and easy to travel. There are two main train operators in South Korea: the more expensive Korea Train Express (KTX) and Saemaul. However, KTX regularly offers a wide range of discounts and special offers, for example, reduced costs if buying the tickets from 30 to 7 days before the journey, or half-price on the tickets for children.
Air travel
South Korea has 8 international and 6 domestic airports. The national carrier is Korean Air. Generally, airports are modern and well-connected. Incheon International Airport (ICN) near Seoul is the largest airport in South Korea. Other large airports are Gimpo Airport (GMP) in Seoul and Jeju International Airport (CJU) in Jeju Province.
Ferries
The Republic of Korea includes many small islands alongside the southern and western coasts of the country which are served by ferries. In addition, the larger offshore Jeju and Ulleung Islands are also served by ferry. The main centers for ferry service are Incheon, Mokpo, Pohang and Busan, as well as China and Japan.
Working hours
South Korea has recently introduced a 52-hour maximum working week. The change was introduced to improve employee’s work-life balance. Overall, South Koreans are allowed 40 hours of regular work, as well as 12 hours overtime.
National Holidays
The following five national holidays are the most popular in South Korea:
- Independence Declaration Day (Samiljeol), which commemorates the March First Movement
- Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol) celebrated on 15 August. It marks the national liberation from Imperial Japan in 1945
- National Foundation Day, marks the foundation of Gojoseon, the first state of the Korean nation, on the 3rd day of the 10th lunar month, 2333 BCE
- Hangeul Day (Hangeullal) 9th October, commemorates the invention and proclamation of the Korean writing system
Public holidays
- New Year’s Day: 1st January
- Seollal: 9-12th February
- Movement Day: 1st March
- Children’s Day: 5th May
- Buddha’s Birthday: 15th May
- Memorial Day: 6th June
- Liberation Day: 15th August
- Chuseok: 16-18th September
- National Foundation Day: 3rd October
- Hangeul Day: 9th October
- Christmas Day: 25th December
Visas and eligibility to work
South Korea requires a visa to visit the country, to study or to work there. In the education sector, the most common are E-5: Visa for professionals, E-1: Visa for Academics and E-3: Visa for conducting a research project.
As the requirements can vary for different citizenships holders, it is worth visiting the official resource Hi Korea. This is the main site of the electronic government for foreigners, created by the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy and the Ministry of Labor.
Tax
The tax year in South Korea runs from Jan 1st to Dec 31st. The level of tax paid on earned income depends on the individual resident classification, with all residents, including foreigners, having to pay a resident surtax of 10% of their taxable income.
Foreign employees, who choose the flat rate option for their individual income tax, would then pay 18.5% when the resident surtax is added. Those who choose the progressive rate would pay 6%, 16.5%, 26.4%, 35% or 41.8% when the resident surtax is added.
Employers are required to deduct withholding tax from each employee’s salary each month. Employers must withhold the taxes for each employee to NTS by the tenth day of the following month. Employers who have less than 20 employees can, with the permission of the tax office, pay the taxes withheld twice a year instead of every month – although the tax will still be deducted from each pay.
Pensions and benefits
The pension in South Korea is an earnings-related scheme with benefits based on both individual earnings and the average earnings of the insured individual as a whole. Currently, the pension age is 61 with at least ten years of contributions, although this is gradually increasing and will reach 65 by 2033. The early retirement age is also gradually increasing from 56 to 60 years.
Disability
The rights of disabled workers in South Korea are defined under the Anti-Discrimination Against and Remedies for Persons with Disabilities Act 2007, with employers legally obliged to promote access to the workplace for disabled people.
Organisational structure
Companies in South Korea traditionally have a high degree of both centralisation and vertical hierarchy. Most large businesses are family affairs with the founder’s family being the main executive authority. This has resulted in a system where decisions are made at the top and delegated downwards.
However, this approach to business has started to be challenged with the introduction of modern, western management theories frequently from American-educated Koreans.
Management style
The management style is predominately hierarchical and paternalistic and is significantly influenced by Confucianism.
Confucianism stresses the importance of obedience and loyalty and this is present in manager/subordinate relationships. Managers are very helpful and supportive as long as they are treated with loyalty, respect and obedience and employees are expected to work hard and be prepared to make the necessary sacrifices to succeed in their job. There are frequently team-building exercises to promote harmony in the team and to build staff loyalty.
The paternalistic management style here results in strong emotional ties between managers and subordinates. Organisations are often seen as an extension of the family and, therefore, relationships within an organisation are similar to those within a family.
Titles are very important among South Koreans and therefore it is very important to use professional and honorific titles when addressing someone in business. It is also important to bear in mind that Korean names are written as Surname and then their Given Name.
Relationships
Building relationships is an essential part of conducting business in South Korea. Relationships are often developed through informal social gatherings at bars and restaurants. Gatherings like this present a good opportunity for both sides to discuss business matters in a more relaxed and friendly surrounding.
If you are invited out for dinner or drinks it is advisable that you accept this as these occasions are often used to determine whether they would like to do business with you.
Dress code
Dress code is very important in South Korea and therefore it is important that you look smart at all times. Business attire is quite conservative and dark suits and white shirts are common for both men and women. Smart business dresses are often favoured by women.
The winters are very cold in Korea and it is therefore essential that you also take a smart coat, scarves and gloves. On the other end of the spectrum, the summers are hot and you will also need a lightweight suit.
Greetings
The bow is the traditional way to greet people in South Korea. Handshakes also often accompany bows but this is much more common for men than for women.
If you would like to offer a business card then this should be handed over with both hands and face up so that it is easier to read. When you receive a business card, you should take a moment to examine it and then store it neatly. It is considered very rude to put a card away without looking at it.
Punctuality
Punctuality is very important, and observing correct meeting times is a sign of respect. You should never be late for meetings, however, if it is unavoidable, always call the person you are meeting with to let them know, even if it is just a few minutes. Korean executives may arrive a little late due to being extremely busy and this is acceptable.
Meetings
All meetings should be booked well in advance with date, time and location confirmed by email. Generally, communication in meetings is formal but friendly.
Keeping in mind the top-down style of management in South Korea, it is important that the most senior person in the team enter the room first and leaders should sit opposite each other around the table.
The exchanging of gifts is also common when conducting business in Korea, and helps build relationships. The host will present a gift first, which must be received using both hands, then gifts are given in order of seniority.
Cultural sensitivity
When shaking hands, or passing out business cards, use two hands, or support your right arm with your left.
It is worth keeping in mind that in a South Korea business setting, saying ‘no’, or declining directly can be considered as poor etiquette. South Koreans avoid confrontation, and strive for harmony in all relationships, business or personal. In order to ‘save face’ they will opt for a less defining answer, such as ‘I’ll try’ when unsure if they can fulfil requests.
It is worth remembering that Korea should be acknowledged for its distinctiveness and difference from other East Asian cultures, so avoid drawing parallels between the Korean culture and language with Japan.
Business language
Although Korean is the official language, English is widely used in business settings, so it is not unusual to meet people who are fluent in English. Depending on the region and the nature of your business, you could also encounter Chinese or Japanese speaking people, so check ahead to find out if translation will be required.
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and lying east to the Asian mainland. South Korea lies in the north temperate zone and has a predominantly mountainous terrain.
Spain Country Profile
Country Fact file
Capital city: Madrid
Population: 47.4 million as of March 2024
Government: Unitary parliamentary democracy, constitutional monarchy
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Main languages: Spanish
Main religions: Catholicism
Occupying the majority of the Iberian Peninsula and sharing land borders only with France, Andorra, Gibraltar, and Portugal, Spain is one of only three countries to have both Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines. The country also has numerous island territories including the Balearic Islands of the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands located off the southwest Moroccan coast, and several exclaves in North Africa. After spending much of the twentieth century as a dictatorship, democracy was restored along with the monarchy in 1975 and Spain has since developed into a tourist haven.
Culture
Spain’s ancient history has seen many cultures pass through and there are definite Roman, Moorish, and Catholic influences present today. Modern Spaniards have a reputation for being relaxed and welcoming, and quality of life is an important commodity within the country. The population is predominantly made up of ethnic Spaniards, but regional identities are strong and several areas continue to seek autonomous rule.
Popular activities
From tiny villages to sprawling cities, Spain is known for its vibrant party spirit. Several fiestas are celebrated around the year, bringing people together for fireworks, parades, and other celebrations. Family is at the heart of Spanish society and it is not unusual for several generations to get together regularly for meals. Football is the country’s biggest spectator sport, but cycling, basketball, and golf are also popular and the more controversial tradition of bullfighting continues to draw crowds. The extensive coast and northern mountain ranges mean Spain is also home to watersports and winter sports. There are also hundreds of arts and cultural destinations all around Spain.
Food and drink
Spanish cuisine has much in common with other Mediterranean nations, but regional influences are distinct and the way even simple dishes are prepared varies hugely across the country. Tapas-style meals are the traditional way to enjoy Spanish food, and great for tourists wishing to sample the many meats and cheeses of the country. Seafood is important to the Spanish, and seafood paellas are popular sharing dishes. Garlic is also prevalent in Spanish cooking. Typically Spaniards eat late, often arriving at restaurants at 11 pm or later. Morning and evening coffee is a ritual, although it is typically rather strong! Spain also produces a large selection of wines, beers, and sherries.
Languages
The official language of Spain is Spanish, which is among the most widely spoken languages in the world. However, Spain is extremely multilingual as a nation, and while Spanish (known as Castellano) is intelligible by most Spaniards, there are many other languages spoken around the country. Four are co-official languages of their respective regions: Euskara (Basque), Catalan and Aranese (Catalonia), and Galician (Galicia). Three more, Aragonese (Aragon), Asturian (Asturias), and Leonese (Castile and León) are recognised as languages but are not official, while several other minority languages and dialects still exist but are considered endangered.
Weather
The famous Spanish sunshine is what brings tourists in, and Spain certainly enjoys more than its share of sunny spells. The majority of the country enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with dry summers. Don’t believe anyone who says that Spain has year-round sunshine though – winters can be unsettled and stormy. Northern areas such as the Basque region see greater rainfall, and places like the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada mountains have their unique climates.
Safety and security
Spain is usually a safe place to live and work. Although various separatist groups have been active in the country over the last few decades, recent years have seen little violent activity. The country remains on alert due to the ongoing threat from Islamic extremists, but generally speaking, this threat has little impact on day-to-day life. Tourists and expats are advised to be wary of petty crime, particularly at airports where it is not uncommon for thieves to attempt to steal passports. Scams such as fake timeshares and lotteries are also not uncommon, but as long as you remain wary the risks are fairly low.
System structure
The education system in Spain is known ‘Ley Orgánica de Educación’ (LOE), and students of foreign nationals are welcome at state schools. Schooling is compulsory and free for children aged between 6 and 16, while free preschool is optional from the age of 3. Private fee paying establishments are also available, and these include the international schools popular with expats. Students must complete primary and compulsory secondary education before deciding whether to continue into post-compulsory secondary education from the ages of 16 to 18. To continue post-16 they must achieve their secondary education certificate, and at 18 they can take a university entrance exam.
Academic year
The school year in Spain is usually divided into three terms of 10 to 12 weeks. These run from September to June with holidays for Christmas, Easter, and the summer break. School hours vary depending on the region and the individual institution, with some opening from around 9am to 4pm with a lunch break and some finishing at 2pm without a break. Universities typically run two semesters with an exam period in June.
Higher education
Spain has just under a hundred higher education institutions, with the majority state-funded and a smaller number operated by private enterprises or religious institutions. Although Spanish universities are perhaps yet to take a place amongst the world’s most famous, there is a long history of academia in Spain and teaching standards are considered good. Demand for university places is proportionally high for the country’s population, but with soaring unemployment in recent years, young people are increasingly keen to take higher qualifications to attempt to improve their future employment prospects.
Funding
With relatively low tuition fees, Spanish universities are an attractive proposition for students from around Europe. Most EU citizens may attend university in Spain at the same cost as Spanish students and can often access grants and scholarships too. Fees are usually calculated on a cost-per-credit basis, with public university rates set by the government and private institutions setting their own fees.
Courses
Universities in Spain offer a range of courses and qualifications in both Spanish and English. Since 2006, Spain has adopted the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) standards and as a result, universities can confer either official degrees or non-official degrees. Official degrees are those which conform to the EHEA standards and are divided into three types:
- Bachelor’s degrees or ‘grado’ – undergraduate degrees typically taught in three or four years and requiring 240 credits
- Masters degrees or ‘posgrado’ – postgraduate qualifications of one or two years and 60 to 120 credits
- Doctoral degrees or ‘doctorado’ – typically lasting three to five years and incorporating extensive research
Non-official degrees are awarded by individual universities and typically support a specific vocation or skill. They are also awarded at different levels and can be powerful tools in the Spanish job market.
Research
Research is a growing area in Spain and the National Research Council, the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) is among the largest public research institutions in Europe.
Post-16 education
When compulsory education is completed at the age of 16, students in Spain have the option to continue their studies with a Spanish Baccalaureate or ‘bachillerato’ qualification. This two-year period of study encompasses a broad range of subjects designed to prepare young people for either university or work.
Primary and secondary education
Children in Spain attend six years of primary school and four years of secondary school to complete their secondary education certificate. Although some expat families prefer their children to attend private international schools to take qualifications more relevant to their home country, Spanish state schools have a good reputation for welcoming foreign children and helping them to learn Spanish effectively, so they are certainly worth considering.
Preschool and childcare options
Although preschool is not part of compulsory education in Spain, it is provided free for children aged between 3 and 5 years old and is therefore very popular with around 90% of children attending some form of preschool. Private options are also available for any child under the age of 6 and can be quite reasonably priced. However, make sure you understand what level of care the establishment provides as some nurseries are childcare centres only and do not deliver the educational content expected in preschools.
Geographical variation
The cost of living in Spain is noticeably cheaper than many other western European countries, but it retains a degree of variation. Property prices have dropped in recent years, but the more desirable tourist and expat areas remain more expensive and this has a knock on effect on the price of goods and services in those areas. Cities and coastal resorts are typically the most expensive places to live, while rural areas represent the best value for money although the provision of goods and services there can be more limited.
Accommodation
Most of the rental accommodation in Spain is apartments, but there is no shortage of living space available and the costs are very reasonable. However, finding the right place to live can be a daunting prospect. Some universities will provide accommodation for new academic staff, but other options include long-term lets of holiday properties owned by expats, as well as local lettings by Spanish landlords. There are typically two types of contracts:
- Temporada – a short-term deal aimed at the holiday market and lasting just a few weeks
- Vivienda – a longer-term agreement that is aimed at residents and is normally cheaper
It can be useful to take a temporary contract for a period when you arrive to enable you to find a more permanent solution. Many people also lodge with families in Spain for short to medium periods. If you are working there in the longer term, it is certainly possible to buy property in Spain. As well as arranging the mortgage, you will need to pay the notary to conduct the transaction and settle the relevant tax bills, so it is worth taking professional advice.
Rental deposit
Typical rental deposits in Spain consist of a month’s rent, although you are usually asked for the first month’s rent in advance too. If properties are bigger or extensively furnished, the deposit may be two or three months’ rent. Letting agents usually ask for a month’s rent in fees too. Bear in mind that Spanish law does not offer a great deal of protection for landlords, so it is not uncommon to be asked for various documents such as proof of earnings or a bank guarantee letter.
Property tax
Local authorities in Spain charge a municipal tax, the ‘Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles’ (IBI) which is the contribution of residents towards local services. It is usually calculated based on the rental value of the property. Different regions also have a range of other local taxes, so check with the landlord or agent to estimate what the rates will be.
Utilities
If you are renting a property, remember to check whether utilities are included in the rent. Utility bills in Spain are not exceptionally cheap, but work out lower than in many European countries. In most areas, you will have a choice of electricity supplier so you can shop around for the best rates, but water supply tends to be administered through local authorities. Mains gas is not that common in Spain, so you will most likely need to purchase gas bottles.
TV licence
Spain does not require people to buy a television licence as there is no central broadcasting authority. Channels are funded by advertising, and there are over thirty terrestrial channels as well as numerous pay-per-view services on offer.
Healthcare and medical costs
Provided that they are contributing to social security payments, foreign nationals working in Spain can usually access free or low-cost medical care on the same basis as Spaniards, so contact your local social security office to check your eligibility. Healthcare in the country is generally of a good standard, but waiting lists can be long so some expats prefer to take out private medical insurance. Visitors to Spain may claim back healthcare costs using a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but be aware that this is not intended for long-term residents’ use and may not entitle you to free care.
Shopping
Spain has a good choice of supermarkets and smaller specialist shops and the cost of grocery shopping is comparatively low. Although larger supermarkets can be cheap, it is usually worth checking local shops, particularly for fresh produce as locally sourced food can be much cheaper. Other items, such as clothing and white goods, can be less cheap than you might expect so again look for local brands to find the better deals.
Sales tax
A value-added tax called Impuesto al Valor Agregado (IVA) is charged on transactions in Spain. There are three levels of payment, but some services are also exempt from the tax. IVA is not applied in the Canary Islands, which hold a special economic status and therefore have their own Impuesto General Indirecto de Canarias (IGIC) tax instead.
Price guide
- Rent on 1-bedroom apartment in city centre – 751.52€ (≈£643.61) per month
- Rent on 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre – 602.03€ (≈£515.58) per month
- Price of apartment in city centre – 3,113.10€ (≈£2,665.85) per square metre
- Price of apartment outside city centre – 1,979.52€ (≈£1,695.34) per square metre
- Loaf of bread – 1.12€ (≈£0.96)
- Milk (1 litre) – 0.92€ (≈£0.79)
- Bottled water (1.5 litre) – 0.65€ (≈£0.56)
- Draught beer (0.5 litre) – 0.99€ (≈£0.85)
- Packet of cigarettes – 5.10€ (≈£4.37)
- Petrol (1 litre) – 1.63€ (≈£1.40)
- Cinema ticket – 8.00€ (≈£6.85)
Source: www.numbeo.com (accessed August 2023)
Driving
In the late 1990s, the Spanish government unveiled a large project to improve road safety and made extensive improvements to the network infrastructure. As a result, Spain has a good national network with the majority of major cities linked by modern motorways. There are two types of motorways in Spain: autopistas, which are usually toll roads; and autovias, which tend to be older roads with steeper gradients and tighter turns. Vehicles are driven on the right-hand side of the road and the maximum speed limit is 120kph (≈73mph).
To drive legally in Spain, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid licence, and have car insurance and road tax. You also need to carry your vehicle documents and some photo ID at all times, along with two EU-approved warning triangles. Depending on where your licence was issued, you may be allowed to drive in Spain for a defined period, but some foreign nationals will need to exchange their licence for a Spanish one or take a Spanish driving test to qualify. For more information, consult the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) website.
Taxis
Taxis are considered quite reasonably priced in Spain and are a popular way to make short journeys. Services are operated by several companies, but all should have a taxi licence clearly displayed and charge fares based on a meter. Standard rates should also be displayed in the car. Although it is not illegal to hail a taxi, it is usually easier to wait at a designated taxi rank.
Buses and coaches
There are several bus and coach operators running services in Spain and the standards of both are usually very good. Even the public buses are usually air-conditioned and fares on local services are often heavily subsidised. Punctuality is generally considered good, although this is perhaps not so true in smaller towns and rural areas. Information about routes and timetables is available from central town bus stations. Some of the main intercity coach companies include ALSA, Avanzabus, Eurolines, and Movelia, and competition between these operators means prices are quite reasonable.
Trains
The Spanish railway network is operated by the state-owned company RENFE and offers very cheap fares compared to most of Europe. It consists of several different services from modern high-speed intercity links to far more ponderous local lines. High-speed services are understandably more expensive than the regional rail routes, but they are also less crowded as commuters tend to stick to the local services. It is usually advisable to book seats on any service if possible.
Trams and underground rail
Light rail and metro systems are very popular and affordable means of cutting the traffic in Spain and almost all major conurbations have some form of tram or underground. Some regions, such as the northern Basque Country, also have narrow gauge services running independently of the main lines.
Air travel
With tourism such an integral part of the Spanish economy, it is no surprise that there are a large number of busy commercial airports located around the country, with Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport and Barcelona-El Prat Airport carrying the largest number of passengers. Domestic services are also important in Spain as they are the quickest and usually the cheapest way to reach the Spanish getaway spots of the Balearic and Canary Islands as well as the Spanish enclaves in Morocco. Flying between cities in mainland Spain is also a viable option, but it is worth comparing the speed and price carefully against rail and coach services before choosing to do so. Major carriers include Iberia and Air Europa, while budget airlines like Vueling have an increasing market share.
Other ways to get around
With its extensive coastline and strategic location, Spain is an important maritime power with sea links around the Mediterranean and North Africa as well as across the Atlantic. Ports and harbours play a significant part in Spanish cargo transportation and there are many passenger ferry routes, including to the Balearic Islands. Cycling is a very popular sport in Spain but is not generally acknowledged as a viable means of transport, so don’t expect to see extensive cycle routes.
Working hours
The Spanish working day traditionally starts between 9am and 10am and ends in the middle of the evening to accommodate the famous ‘siesta’ period of two or three hours in the hottest phase of the day. However, some companies have recently begun to fall more in line with the rest of Europe and adjusted this break time to an hour with an earlier finish. Employment law in Spain states that normal working hours should not exceed 40 per week, with any more than 9 hours of work per day. Overtime should not exceed 80 hours a year.
Holidays
Full-time employees in Spain are generally entitled to a minimum of 30 days of paid holiday each year in addition to public holidays. Time off may also be granted to accommodate a number of special circumstances including moving house, getting married, celebrating births, and mourning bereavements. Sick leave, maternity leave, and paternity leave are also offered.
Public holidays
In Spain, there are both national and regionally celebrated public holidays. National holiday dates are announced annually in a government bulletin. Depending on the region, the number of holidays may rise as high as 14 days. For more information on holidays in your region, check the Ministry of Employment and Social Security website.
Public holiday dates
New Year’s Day: 1st January
Good Friday: 29th March
Labour Day: 1st May
Assumption of Mary: 15th August
Spanish National Day: 12th October
All Saints Day: 1st November
Constitution Day: 6th December
Christmas Day: 25th December
Visas and eligibility to work
Spanish immigration documentation can be lengthy and complex, with most only available through personal application at the local police station, immigration office, or labour office, so always take advice from your local contacts. While freedom of movement within the European Union means citizens of many countries can enter Spain without a visa, some nationalities must still apply for such documentation. Full entry requirements are available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation website. Whether you are an EU or a non-EU citizen, you will need a long-term visa or residence certificate to remain in the country from more than 90 days. If you wish to work in Spain, you may also require an employer-sponsored work permit and an identity card. Citizenship can usually be obtained after ten years of continuous residency, although in some cases this time may be reduced.
Tax and social security
Foreign nationals living, working, or owning property in Spain must have a ‘Número de Identificación Extranjeros’ or ‘NIE’. Issued as part of the residency certification, this foreign identity number will appear on all official documentation for your time in Spain. It serves as your tax identification number and enables you to receive your salary, and will also be required for many everyday activities such as opening a bank account. The tax year in Spain runs from January to December and you are considered a resident for tax purposes if you remain in the country for over 183 days in a year. Spain operates a Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) system, so depending on your earnings income tax ranging from 24% to 43% is deducted directly off your wages, although a tax free personal allowance is also granted. There are some regional variations in tax rates and you may need to submit tax returns each year.
Pensions and benefits
Depending on their immigration status, foreign workers in Spain are usually required to make social security contributions at the same rate as Spanish citizens – approximately 6% of your income, although this is heavily supplemented by your employer. Compared to some countries, access to pensions and benefits for foreigners in Spain is quite generous; however, some may be restricted according to the length of your stay in the country. For more information, consult the Ministry of Employment and Social Security website.
Disability
Spain has a number of laws in place to protect and promote the rights of people with disabilities to work in the country. Anti-discrimination measures are enshrined in recruitment law and both private and public sector employers are obliged to employ a certain number of disabled people and adapt their workplaces as required. Employers who take on those with disabilities may benefit from government funding, while disabled people who choose to work enjoy tax advantages not available to those on benefits.
Organisational structure
Traditionally, Spanish businesses were quite hierarchical, and in many companies, this structure remains today. There are often many levels of management and there is a definite divide between staff members across these levels. Senior decision-makers will rarely engage with more junior colleagues, instead acting on the information provided to them and giving instructions to be carried out. If possible, less senior members of the team will try to solve problems without involving their manager so as not to disturb them.
Management style
Although senior management plays little part in the day-to-day lives of their subordinates, team managers may take quite a paternalistic attitude toward their employees, often offering advice that goes beyond the professional concerns of the workplace. Employees want to respect their managers and believe they are in charge because they have the ability and experience to be successful. Conversely, managers will assign employees tasks that suit their skill sets. With every employee having a clearly defined role, independent working is valued so individual responsibility and personal accountability are important.
Formality
Because of the separation between ranks, communication with managers tends to be quite formal in nature. However, communication amongst peers or colleagues of the same level of authority tends to be quite relaxed and informal. When meeting Spanish contacts or colleagues, use polite and formal terms, to begin with, and try to gauge the relationships of the people around you before relaxing your tone.
Relationships
People in Spain often prefer to work with people they know or have a personal recommendation of, so you will need to spend a long time developing these relationships. Face to face meetings are much more productive than telephone or email communication. Networking plays a huge role in Spanish business dealings so trade associations and professional groups can be an excellent way to build the contacts you need to be successful in Spain.
Dress code
As with many European countries, dressing the part is important in Spain and you should take care to make a good first impression. Business dress should be stylish yet relatively conservative. Men typically wear smart full-length trousers and a shirt. Suit jackets may also be appropriate, but are not essential, particularly in the heat of summer. Women may wear business suits or dresses but should dress modestly to create a professional image.
Greetings
Spaniards usually shake hands and exchange business cards when first meeting business colleagues. Unless you are aware that they hold academic titles and can use them, address your male contacts as ‘Señor’ and female contacts as ‘Señora’, followed by their surname.
Punctuality
The Spanish ‘mañana’ attitude may be exaggerated, but it’s fair to say that Spain has a time-fluid culture. It is not unusual for meetings and appointments to start quite significantly late, so factor this in when planning your schedule. This is no excuse for you to be late though – keep to your appointment times, just expect to be patient when you arrive. It is usually more productive to schedule meetings in the morning before siesta time as people tend to be running more to time then.
Meetings
Meetings in Spain are usually formal in structure but expect to make some small talk at the beginning. Spaniards are proud of their culture and sport and will enjoy visitors taking an interest in them. Although oral agreements are important in Spain, making deals is not considered to be the main purpose of meetings. Instead, they are viewed as a platform for discussion and often you will come away with no indication of the outcome. Proposals will be reviewed by all the stakeholders and you might have to go through several meetings before a deal can be reached, with the ultimate decision being made and communicated outside of the meeting room.
Cultural sensitivity
Although the rights of female workers are protected by Spanish law, workplaces in the country still retain some historical gender divides. Traditionally, Spanish women did not hold management roles and it is only recently that ladies were encouraged to strive for such positions. Although there are many women in middle management now, boardrooms in Spain can still be quite male-dominated and ‘machismo’ in nature.
Business language
Most business language is conducted in Spanish, although some international companies may work in English. Check ahead of your meeting to see if translation or interpretation is required.
Occupying the majority of the Iberian Peninsula and sharing land borders only with France, Andorra, Gibraltar and Portugal, Spain is one of only three countries to have both Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines. The country also has numerous island territories including the Balearic Islands of the Mediterranean.