Interesting loopholes....

[offshoreoildude]

I love learning about loopholes, especially little known ones... just like some people like learning about shortcuts on the roads in Singapore (pro tip - a motorbike is a great way to find them). Here's some of mine that have recently come up;

1. If you, or your partner, are a US Citizen you can escape paying the additional stamp duty on property in Singapore under the free trade agreement provided his/her name is on the title.

2. If you're a US citizen, like wise in Thailand, you can register a company with a sole US director, no need for a local Thai. (I wonder if this applies to Singapore)

3. If you have a Scottish PHD you can become a Scottish J.P. very easily - I believe it's just a registration excercise.

4. You can 'buy' a Dato/Datin title in Malaysia.

5. I love the old squatters rights law - it has been used as recently as a month or two ago in Singapore to take adverse possession of land.

6. Everyone and his dog knows about the ABTC card now - except some of us have yet to realize that it can get you through the crew lane in US airports.

7. If you're a pilot (certified) you can request a 'jump seat' on an overbooked flight (might not be valid anymore - I don't know anyone who has tried it).

Do you have any to share?

[nakatago]

Loopholes tend to get plugged when pointed out, especially in a government-monitored site.

[Strong Eagle]

I love learning about loopholes, especially little known ones... just like some people like learning about shortcuts on the roads in Singapore (pro tip - a motorbike is a great way to find them). Here's some of mine that have recently come up;

1. If you, or your partner, are a US Citizen you can escape paying the additional stamp duty on property in Singapore under the free trade agreement provided his/her name is on the title.

2. If you're a US citizen, like wise in Thailand, you can register a company with a sole US director, no need for a local Thai. (I wonder if this applies to Singapore)

This was true under the Thai/American Amity Treaty. Now that Thailand is part of the WTO, this treaty is no longer operational (died in 2009, I believe), and you cannot create such a company as the playing field has been leveled. I have a treaty company and my wife and I are sole shareholders. Any American wish to buy? Let's you own Thai property.

With respect to Singapore, any foreigner can be a director with an work pass or DP that gives them the right of residence. As soon as I became an EP I dumped my nominee director and became one myself.

3. If you have a Scottish PHD you can become a Scottish J.P. very easily - I believe it's just a registration excercise.

4. You can 'buy' a Dato/Datin title in Malaysia.

5. I love the old squatters rights law - it has been used as recently as a month or two ago in Singapore to take adverse possession of land.

6. Everyone and his dog knows about the ABTC card now - except some of us have yet to realize that it can get you through the crew lane in US airports.

7. If you're a pilot (certified) you can request a 'jump seat' on an overbooked flight (might not be valid anymore - I don't know anyone who has tried it).

Since 9/11 you won't get anywhere near a jump seat. Access to the cockpit is strictly regulated by all the airlines... too many liability issues... even though... way back when... I got to sit in the jump seat of a 727 making final approach into SFO at night... way cool... but not anymore. Check out PPRUNE for more info.

Do you have any to share?

I know a few... but none that I will share as they would soon disappear.

[sundaymorningstaple]

As well......

[zzm9980]

The first one isn't really a loophole, as it is explicitly spelled out in a URA document as to how to apply for an exception to the stamp duty. It also applies to a few other nationalities besides Americans.


What's up with the ABTC card? I can't get the APEC Business travel card; APEC rules state citizens or residents of APEC countries are eligible, but Singapore only allows citizens. How do I actually get one?

All applicants must have a valid Singapore passport.

From: https://www.psi.gov.sg/NASApp/tmf/TMFSe ... eload=true

[sundaymorningstaple]

If you are not a citizen of Singapore, it's not going to happen. Each country has a right to have it's own limitations. Not only is it limited to Citizens in Singapore, it's also limited as to what citizens can have one.

[offshoreoildude]

The first one isn't really a loophole, as it is explicitly spelled out in a URA document as to how to apply for an exception to the stamp duty. It also applies to a few other nationalities besides Americans.


What's up with the ABTC card? I can't get the APEC Business travel card; APEC rules state citizens or residents of APEC countries are eligible, but Singapore only allows citizens. How do I actually get one?

All applicants must have a valid Singapore passport.

From: https://www.psi.gov.sg/NASApp/tmf/TMFSe ... eload=true

Some countries MFA (or equiv) are more obliging than others in issuing these. Australia has been ok towards Australians wanting one up until Nov 2011 when they tightened the criteria. My current application is pending...

As for loopholes - some have been around for an awful long time and often new legislation / rules / regulations create new loopholes.

[zzm9980]

Some countries MFA (or equiv) are more obliging than others in issuing these. Australia has been ok towards Australians wanting one up until Nov 2011 when they tightened the criteria. My current application is pending...

As for loopholes - some have been around for an awful long time and often new legislation / rules / regulations create new loopholes.

So it's not really a loophole then in Singapore, and it's an old/already fixed loophole in other places it seems. Guess I'll be content with my HKG eChannel passport barcode :/

[guyg]

Re jumpseat. I know it is still allowed. I got the last seat on a BA flight back to London from Kiev during euro 2012 only because the check in staff bumped up a travelling BA pilot from a passenger seat to the jumpseat. I turned up at the airport 30mins before departure and with only a BA ticket for a week or so time... They didn't even charge me extra you wouldn't get that kind of service at heathrow.

[offshoreoildude]

If you buy and read a kindle book on the wifi kindle - you can refund it under 'manage my kindle' online if you do it within 48 hours AND you don't buy another book in the meantime.

Using a kindle in Singapore requires some finessing of course.

[Strong Eagle]

Re jumpseat. I know it is still allowed. I got the last seat on a BA flight back to London from Kiev during euro 2012 only because the check in staff bumped up a travelling BA pilot from a passenger seat to the jumpseat. I turned up at the airport 30mins before departure and with only a BA ticket for a week or so time... They didn't even charge me extra you wouldn't get that kind of service at heathrow.

BA pilot on BA airline. Won't happen any other way.

[zzm9980]

If you buy and read a kindle book on the wifi kindle - you can refund it under 'manage my kindle' online if you do it within 48 hours AND you don't buy another book in the meantime.

Using a kindle in Singapore requires some finessing of course.

I don't think that's a loophole so much as fraud. You know, like the people who used to buy the priciest TV or laptop they possibly could at CostCo, and return it one day short of two-years for the 100% 'no reason' refund, and buy another one. Rinse and repeat every ~1.999 years.

[the lynx]

4. You can 'buy' a Dato/Datin title in Malaysia.

Not gonna deny this one.

[v4jr4]

4. You can 'buy' a Dato/Datin title in Malaysia.

Only for supreme rich guys, yes?

But in Singapore, with a competitive selection for PR(s) and new citizens, I assume gahmen will do some RnD first.

[offshoreoildude]

4. You can 'buy' a Dato/Datin title in Malaysia.

Only for supreme rich guys, yes?

But in Singapore, with a competitive selection for PR(s) and new citizens, I assume gahmen will do some RnD first.

I've seen some pretty dubious awards given out in Singapore (and some well deserved ones as well).