3 month Student Pass - Is it worth it?

[dough]

I am coming to Singapore to study Mandarin on a 3 month intensive programme. I can get a 90 day permission to stay in Singapore with my passport, but I am also eligible to apply for a Student Pass. Clearly, the Student Pass option would be more expensive, but I am conscious of doors closing if I don't hold one.

Would you recommend me to apply for Student's Pass? Will it have influence on the accommodation I can rent? Does it allow me to enter contracts that would otherwise be closed? (e.g. mobile phone, internet, part-time work)

[beppi]

- If you come without Student Pass (i.e. on a Social Visit Pass - SVP) you CANNOT rent a flat or room - you have to stay in a hotel or Serviced Apartment.
- You CANNOT work (even part-time) on either SP or SVP.

Unlike some other countries, it is definitely NOT a good idea to violate these rules in Singapore!

[dough]

Thanks for your advice @beppi.

It has occurred to me, that I will need a bank account while in Singapore for that duration. Is a Student's Pass required for opening a bank account? How about proof of address? I'm guessing that a hotel or Serviced Apartment address would not be accepted.?

[beppi]

There is no rule against foreigners who don't live in Singapore opening bank accounts, but the banks don't like to do so.
Some require a recommendation letter by an existing customer, some need just a bit of convincing. Just try a few bank branches and you will eventually get an account opened.

But note that you won't have any use for a local bank account, unless you earn money here (and there is no legal way to do that on SVP/SP).