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7 things you need to know about the Singapore – Hong Kong air travel bubble starting on Nov 22

Apart from it being a hectic 11.11 promotions-filled day, out comes a piece of excellent news for people who are dying to travel. After the announcement of the in-principle agreement to establish a bilateral air travel bubble mid-October, it’s finally coming to play.

Here are 7 things you need to know about the Singapore and Hong Kong air travel bubble starting on Nov 22 (Sunday).

#1: One flight per day for a start

There will only be a flight a day going into Singapore and Hong Kong. Also, expect a limit of up to only 200 passengers each way. A little too scarce? Fret not. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said that from Dec 7, there would be an increase to two flights a day.

#2: Dedicated flights compulsory

Image Credits: Business Traveller

As it’s probably a given, travellers keen to fly via the air travel bubble will have to hop on dedicated flights. But thankfully, there will be no restrictions on your travel purpose or itinerary. With that said, there isn’t the need to serve any quarantine or stay-home notice.

#3: COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests required

As the world battles the pandemic, the situation might quickly escalate. So even without a controlled itinerary, COVID-19 PCR tests are required. You must test negative within 72 hours before your scheduled departure time.

#4: Take your PCR test at least seven days before departure

Suppose you’re departing from Singapore, you will need a confirmed flight ticket to Hong Kong before applying for approval to take the PCR test. And yes, you have to do it at least seven days before your scheduled departure date.

If you think it’s a hassle to seek approval, then you might want to arrange to travel from Dec 1. By then, you won’t need to apply for approval to take the test. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Tuesday (Nov 10), individuals will be able to get tested at approved clinics and providers.

#5: Cooperate to take another COVID-19 test at Hong Kong

Image Credits: Time Magazine

Upon reaching Hong Kong International Airport, you will take another COVID-19 test. Until you’ve received your negative test results, your movement will be restricted to only within the airport grounds.

#6: Upon testing positive for COVID-19

Should the unfortunate situation happens, COVID-19 positive travellers will have to bear the full cost of any medical treatment. Of course, this is subjected to prevailing medical and healthcare policies in the respective countries.

#7: Possible suspension of the air travel bubble

While arrangements are in place, there are still chances of a suspension of the air travel bubble. Specifically, if the weekly average number of unlinked COVID-19 cases is more than five in either country. When that happens, the air travel bubble will be deferred for two weeks.

Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung said, “The Singapore-Hong Kong Air Travel Bubble enables us to achieve two objectives at the same time – open up our borders in a controlled manner while maintaining safety in our societies.”

“While we may be starting small, this is an important step forward. I have no doubt both Singapore and Hong Kong will cooperate fully to make this scheme work.”

singapore-hong-kong-travel-bubble-graphic

Image Credits: CNA

Singapore – Hong Kong travel bubble to launch on November 22; air fares cost almost twice as much

You can soon travel to Hong Kong

Singaporeans will soon be able to travel to Hong Kong for leisure. This comes after Minister for Transport, Mr Ong Ye Kung, announced the launch of bilateral air travel bubble between Singapore and Hong Kong.

According to Mr Ong, travellers from both cities can travel without quarantine, stay-home notices or controlled itineraries. However, travellers must take a pre-departure Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 72 hours before departure, and must obtain a negative test result.

There will be no restrictions on the type of travel or itinerary. Whether you’re travelling for business, for leisure or to reconnect with family, friends and loved ones, you can get on the ‘bubble’ and travel between Singapore and Hong Kong, and vice versa.

For the start, there will be a quota of one flight per day with 200 travellers per flight.

Air Fares Jumps On Travel Bubble Plan

According to travel website, Skyscanner Ltd, the cheapest price return air tickets from Singapore to Hong Kong will cost S$330 via budget carrier Scoot. The most expensive ticket can cost up to S$770 for a return flight with Singapore Airlines Ltd.

Air Fares Chart via Skyscanner

What Are The Restrictions And Requirements

Who can travel

Anyone who has lived in Hong Kong or Singapore for the last 14 days will be eligible to travel with the exception of Work Permit and S-Pass holders working in the construction, marine shipyard or process sectors in Singapore. Persons travelling to Hong Kong under the ATB arrangement must ensure that they meet the entry requirements of Hong Kong.

What is required for travellers

Singapore to Hong Kong: Apply for approval to take a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test in Singapore here. Undergo a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test in Singapore within 72 hours before the scheduled departure time of the designated flight from Singapore to Hong Kong at one of the clinics or testing centres designated by the Singapore Government, and obtain a negative test result report. Once you arrived in Hong Kong, you are required to take a Covid-19 test on arrival at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
Hong Kong to Singapore: Travellers can take the test at recognised clinics. Download the TraceTogether app on mobile device and register mobile number and personal details on the app.

Where can I take the pre-departure Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test?
Pre-departure COVID-19 PCR tests for your travel may only be performed at selected clinics as listed here.

For more information on the requirements, click here.

Consider these 6 kids’ subscription boxes from S$19.90 to keep the little ones occupied at home

Parents, caregivers, aunties, and uncles, this is a reminder that the school holidays are approaching very soon. Are you scratching your head desperately finding ways to keep the kids engaged over the month-long break? Then we think you’ve got to give a little thought to what we’re about to introduce to you.

Here are six kids’ subscription boxes from S$19.90 to keep the little ones occupied at home.

#1: One Happy Book

Price: from S$19.90; other subscription plans available.

Shanice and Shernice who are sisters and both mothers to young children are the creators of One Happy Book. They aim to offer an affordable reading experience to all mummies out there with kids. From their website, we saw a comprehensive range of subscription pricing based on a child’s age and the number of books. Click through the link to find out more.

#2: Josh & Cherie Books

Price: from S$31.90/box (12 months prepay); other subscription plans available.

Josh & Cherie Books is the brainchild of Cheryl and her husband, Julius. If you want your child to fall in love with reading, this is an excellent place to get your resources. Their lovingly curated books are targeted at children aged 0 to 7 years old. Be it board books, mandarin books, or picture books; your kids will find them oh-so-captivating.

#3: My Messy Box

Price: from S$32/box (12 months); other subscription plans available.

Back in 2013, when sensory play activities were tough to source for, Jeff decided to start My Messy Box for his then 2-year-old son. You can expect themed kits for children below six-plus years of age. You might be interested in their ‘A day in the life of a birdkeeper’ box if you want to start arousing the curiosity of your little ones with the flying creatures in the sky.

#4: Squizzel Box

Price: from S$37.90 (3 – 12 months prepaid plan); other subscription plans available.

Squizzel Box is all about fun, hands-on activities for children aged above three years old. Developed in consultation with teachers, you can look forward to play-based activities that will enhance your child’s learning. This month’s (November 2020) theme is about the water cycle and the exciting uses of water.

#5: DaBox by Da Little School

Price: at S$38/box (self-collection available)

So far, in this article, we’ve seen subscription boxes for children aged below seven. Parents with kids at lower primary will be glad to know that there are options! Consider getting the Home Edition (Advanced), Starry Edition (Advanced), or Sunflower Edition (Advanced) boxes! Gift your child the ability to explore through innovative crafts and nurture their creativity from young.

#6: EllieFun Box

Price: from S$53/box; subscriptions are open periodically.

Abigail and Matilda, both former teachers, are the inventors of EllieFun (a pun on ‘elephant’). Their child-centred and Montessori-inspired boxes are suitable for kids aged six years and below. We took a look at one of their latest packages, box 17, a nature-themed inspired box which contains a scratch-and-sniff book, a simple Science experiment guide, and more!

Invest Your SRS with MoneyOwl And Get Up To $200 Shopping Vouchers

The Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) is a voluntary scheme to encourage individuals to save for retirement. Unlike the Central Provident Fund (CPF), it is not compulsory to participate in the SRS scheme. A key benefit of SRS is that members can enjoy dollar for dollar tax relief, capped at $15,300 per annum for Singaporeans while saving towards their retirement goals. As a tax deferral scheme, when you subsequently withdraw from your SRS after the statutory retirement age, only 50% of the amounts withdrawn will be subject to tax. Individuals who would like to open an SRS account can do so with either DBS, UOB or OCBC bank.

Don’t leave your funds in SRS un-utilised

After transferring funds into your SRS account, don’t leave it un-utilised! According to Ministry of Finance (2019), over 28% of SRS contributions sit idle as cash balances, earning a low interest rate return of only 0.05% p.a.

There are many ways that you can utilitse your SRS contributions to grow your retirement funds, such as investing in unit trusts, ETFs, stocks, bonds (including Singapore Saving Bonds and Singapore Government Securities) and single premium insurance. A particular affordable and convenient way is to invest your SRS funds with MoneyOwl to boost your future retirement fund. Here’s why you should do so.

Invest your SRS with MoneyOwl

Investing your SRS funds with MoneyOwl starts from as little as S$50/month or $100 as a lump sum. This means that it is possible to start early without waiting for your SRS funds to accumulate to a substantial level. Besides, there is no platform fee so that more wealth is generated for the you in the long run. With MoneyOwl, you gain access to a globally diversified portfolio of companies with good growth potential at value prices.

Receive up to $200 eCapita shopping vouchers

MoneyOwl is offering a limited time SRS promotion valid till 31 Dec 2020*

Tiers	Qualifying Conditions*	eCapita voucher
1	S$1,000 to S$10,000 fresh funds invested OR;	$50
2	S$10,001 to S$50,000 fresh funds invested OR;	$100
3	S$50,001 and above fresh funds invested	$200

More details can be found on MoneyOwl’s website

*T&C:

This promotion is only valid from 9 November to 31 December 2020.
This promotion is only open to the first 500 people who successfully invest their SRS funds with MoneyOwl.
Promotion is valid for one-time top ups using SRS funds only. Regular savings plans/ monthly SRS investments are not eligible.
Promotion is not valid for cash investments and investments in WiseSaver portfolio.
You need to stay invested and not withdraw your funds for at least 2 months after the promotion period is over (i.e. till end-February 2021). Vouchers will be sent to you in March 2021.
Only new MoneyOwl clients are eligible for S$50 voucher redemptions.
Both existing and new MoneyOwl clients are eligible for the $100 or $200 voucher redemption.
MoneyOwl reserves the right to change these terms and conditions from time to time.

About MoneyOwl

MoneyOwl empowers and fulfils lives by helping people make wise decisions to achieve their financial goals. With one of the lowest fees in the market, invest your SRS funds with MoneyOwl today to boost your future retirement income.

7 Tiong Bahru cafes for a short work-from-cafe experience

Most of us are still working from home or at times, at the hotel. In need of a different work environment to shake things up a little? How about a brief work-from-cafe experience at one of the cafes located in Tiong Bahru? Get a morning cuppa, brunch bowl, or snack break while you answer a few work emails or get started on that weekly report.

Here are seven cafes in Tiong Bahru for a short work-from-cafe experience.

#1: Forty Hands

Image Credits: sg.openrice.com

Address: 78 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 163078

Forty Hands is open from 7am on weekdays, and 7.30am on weekends, so it’s perfect if you want to head out early to grab an ideal work spot. The cafe serves an all-day breakfast menu with prices starting from S$16. Pair your breakfast plate with a cup of hot coffee or iced beverage!

#2: PS.Cafe Petit

Image Credits: pscafe.com

Address: No. 41, Blk, 78 Guan Chuan Street, Singapore 160078

You can find PS.Cafe Petit along Guan Chuan Street. It’s just a few steps away from Forty Hands so you can cafe-hop conveniently. PS.Cafe Petit opens slightly later at 9am but closes late till 10.30pm. They have limited seats, so it’s probably okay if you’re looking to spend just a short hour or two away from home.

#3: Flock Cafe

Image Credits: lemon-film.com

Address: 78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-25, Tiong Bahru Estate, Singapore 162078

In close vicinity is Flock Cafe. It’s open from 8am daily, giving you ample time to settle in before clocking in at 9am for work. Similar to Forty Hands, they have an all-day breakfast selection, but we’re eyeing their delicious waffles with scrambled eggs & crispy bacon. Or should we go for the Pork Cheek Rigatoni?

#4: TIANN’S

Image Credits: TIANN’S

Address: 71 Seng Poh Road, #01-35, Singapore 160071

TIANN’S is situated opposite Tiong Bahru Market, along Seng Poh Road. They are open every day except on Mondays. No Monday blues for the team at TIANN’S, we guess? Ha! Anyway, if you’re a fan of Korean cuisine, their Grandma’s Bibimbap might win you over. It also comes with add-on options like kimchi pork stew and beef bulgogi.

#5: Tiong Bahru Bakery

Tiong Bahru Bakery along Eng Hoon Street

Image Credits: angieisagirl.wordpress.com

Address: 56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-70, Singapore 160056

Tiong Bahru Bakery along Eng Hoon Street opens daily from 8am. They have a range of viennoiserie, savoury treats, fresh pastries, and bread. Other than the usual coffee, tea, and juices menu, the cafe also offers exclusive beverages like beetroot roselle latte and turmeric ginger latte to awaken your taste buds.

#6: Caffe Pralet

Image Credits: hungrygowhere.com

Address: 17 Eng Hoon Street, #01-04, Eng Hoon Mansions, Singapore 169767

If Tiong Bahru Bakery gets too crowded, consider heading to Caffe Pralet, also located along Eng Hoon Street. Their opening hours are from 11am to 8pm from Monday to Saturday. They are closed on Sundays. We think you will be in love with their signature rice bowls, gourmet sandwiches, and monthly specials.

#7: Drips Bakery Café

Image Credits: Drips Bakery Café

Address: 82 Tiong Poh Road, #01-05, Singapore 160082

Drop by Drips Bakery Café if you want to get your hands on some sweet treats for a mid-day perk-me-up. Whether it’s a baked lemon tart or a choc truffle tart, the 10-year-old cafe is ready to welcome you daily at 9am. Before you leave, consider getting their signature mini tarts special (six in a box) to share with your loved ones!