Pokemon Go Singapore - Tips, Tricks and Best Locations

Pokémon Go is undeniably the biggest smart phone game to hit Singapore. Since its launch in August, people have been hooked on this innovative and conceptually different game. Well, i say 'different' because unlike the typical computer game, it actually requires you to go outdoors to play!

If you are a newbie like me, then lets get started on some of the tips, tricks and best locations that i have to share!

Radars

PokemonRadarGo

Aside from the regular 'hot' locations, one way to find out where the rare spawns will occur is by using an online tool called PokemonRadarGo. There is a caveat for this tool - Since it relies heavily on user logins and submissions, there may be a chance that user submitted entries are not accurate. 

It is the ultimate tool to finding the location of the next Snorlax or Dragonite spawn!

*Do not login to the website or app using your pokemon credentials.

Note: Pokemon Radar Go Alternative - When you need a second opinion :)
- SG Poke Map http://sgpokemap.com/
- Skiplagged https://skiplagged.com/catch-that/#1.303,103.862,16

Update (10-Oct-16): Due to changes in the Pokemon Go APIs, all trackers are down! :(

My Favourite Spots:

1. Custom House

Dratini / Dragonair (Hot spot)
Magikarp

2. Vivocity (Highly recommended!)

Aerodactyl
Magmar
Dratini
Kakuna
Magikarp

2-3 Poke-stops within close proximity.

3. Ion Orchard

Clefairy
Ivysaur
Eevee

3-4 Poke-stops within close proximity.



4. Blk 401 Hougang Ave 10

Snorlax
Dratini

3-4 Pokestops within close proximity



5. Bishan - Ang Mo Kio Park

Meowth
Onyx
Diglett

6. Bishan Active Park

Sandshrew (Nest)
Snorlax (Caught it on 24 Aug)

7. Universal Studios / RWS

Meowth

Pikachu

Magnemite
Voltorb

8. Marina Bay Sands (Highly recommended!)

Gyarados
Hitmonchan
Hitmonlee (Hotel/Rise buffet side)
Graveler
Seal
Seadra

9. Esplanade

Dratini

At the bay area towards the floating platform.


- Special Mention:

Abra (Nest) - Pearls Hill Park at Outram
Charmander (Nest) - Open field beside Marina Bay Financial Centre
Clefairy (Nest) - Milenia Walk, underpass towards Suntec
Exeggcute (Nest) - Botanic Gardens
Horsea (Nest) - East Coast Lagoon Food Village
Omanyte, Omastar (Nest) - Bukit Batok Nature Park

As you probably already know, the rare spawns of Snorlax and Dragonite are pretty much random (I personally caught a Snorlax in Punggol, and another one at my house). So just get out there, enjoy the walks and happy catching - who knows you might just get lucky!

Incense (30 minutes)

Use when walking - A Pokemon will spawn every 200m

When stationary - A Pokemon will spawn every 5 minutes

Tip (Incense Trick): There has been various reddit users that have found an interesting incense trick. This trick helps you to catch more unique/rare pokemons. 

In order to use this trick, you will need to find a location that does not show any gyms or Pokestops in its vicinity - ideally somewhere isolated. Pop your incense and start walking around. Uncommon and Rare Pokemon will reveal themselves. 

At the moment, i have not tested if this trick works. Perhaps i can find time to try this trick out on one of the coming weekends.

My brother managed to test and prove that this trick actually works. (Incense was used at Sungei Gedong). Give it a try !

Caught: Alakazam, Weepinbell x2, Bulbasaur, Exeggcute, Tentacool

Rare Pokemon Incense Trick

Lucky Egg (30 minutes)

Lucky egg grants you double XP for 30 minutes.

Use when you have at least:

250 Rattata candies and 10 Rattata

120 Pidgey candies and 10 Pidgey

120 Weedle candies and 10 Weedle

120 Caterpie candies and 10 Caterpie

Evolve the Pokémon in this order:

- Pokémon that are new (Not in Pokedex)

- Pidgey, Weedle, Caterpie, Rattatas (Just to remove the 'pests')

Exp List

Catch a Pokémon: 100 XP*
Evolve a Pokémon: 500 XP*
Hatching a Pokémon: 200 XP
Heading to a Pokéstop: 50 XP

*(New Pokémon you haven't captured before will give you an added 500 XP bonus.)

Pokestop Trick

This trick will double your experience gained from spinning Pokestops, lots of items and an egg (if you have an empty slot)

Step 1: Locate an area with more than 10 Pokestops within walking distance (Close enough to reach within 10 minutes)

Step 2: Spin each unique Pokestop and move on to the next. On the 10th unique Pokestop, you will get >6 items (Potions, Balls, etc), 100XP and an egg.

* You can catch Pokemon along the way, but make sure you complete spinning 10 unique pokestops within 10 minutes.

Appraisals

The latest update (24 Aug) includes an exciting new appraisal feature. It allows trainers to check the IV (Internal Values) of their Pokemon - or at least a rough gauge. Trainers can now request for an appraisal of their Pokemon from their Team Leaders (Valor, Mystic and Instinct).

To get an appraisal done, go to your Pokemon screen and tap on the Pokemon you would like to know more about. Tap the round button in the lower right-hand of the screen to open the menu. Instead of trading the Pokemon in for candy, tap the Appraise option.

Your team leader, Candela, Blanche or Spark (Depending on your allegiance) will pop up on the screen and will ask if you want to know more about the Pokemon - he/she will then proceed to give you the appraisal.

The appraisal will come in the form of a comment and varies depending on the Team (Red, Blue, Yellow). You can use the following tables below to infer and find out the IV range as well as potential base stats. Sometimes they would tell you how fat/small they are - not like we do not already know! :)

Red (Valor)

Phrase:	IV Range
Overall, your (Pokemon Name) simply amazes me. It can accomplish anything!	82.2%-100% (37/45 - 45/45)
Overall, your (Pokemon Name) is a strong Pokemon. You should be proud!	66.7% - 80.0% (30/45 - 36/45)
Overall, your (Pokemon Name) is a decent Pokemon	51.1% - 64.4% (23/45 - 29/45)
Overall, your (Pokemon Name) may not be great in battle, but I still like it!	0% - 48.9% (0/45 - 22/45)
Pokemon Stats Analysis
Its Attack or HP or Defense is its strongest feature.
If a Pokemon's other stats are equal to its best stat, and then followed by...
I'm just as impressed with its Attack or HP or Defense.
Phrase	Reason
I'm blown away by its stats. WOW!	Pokemon has perfect IVs in at least one base stat.
It's got excellent stats! How exciting!	Pokemon has IVs of 13 or 14 in at least one base stat.
Its stats indicate that in battle, it'll get the job done.	Pokemon has IVs of 8 to 12 in at least one base stat.
Its stats don't point to greatness in battle.	Pokemon has IVs of 0 to 7 in at least one base stat.
if it's large or small...
Phrase	Size
Your (Pokemon Name) is gigantic—the largest I've ever seen!	XL
Your (Pokemon Name) is rather sizable, that's for sure!	Large
Aww, what a small (Pokemon Name)! It's rather cute, I'd say.	Small
Your (Pokemon Name) is so tiny, I almost didn't notice it!	XS
Candela leaves you with...
Hope I was able to help. Take care!

Yellow (Instinct)

Overall Pokemon Analysis
Phrase:	IV Range
Overall, your (Pokemon Name) looks like it can really battle with the best of them!	82.2%-100% (37/45 - 45/45)
Overall, your (Pokemon Name) is really strong!	66.7% - 80.0% (30/45 - 36/45)
Overall, your (Pokemon Name) is pretty decent!	51.1% - 64.4% (23/45 - 29/45)
Overall, your (Pokemon Name) has room for improvement as far as battling goes.	0% - 48.9% (0/45 - 22/45)
Pokemon Stats Analysis
Its best quality is its Attack or HP or Defense.
If a Pokemon's other stats are equal to its best stat, and then followed by...
Its Attack or HP or Defense is great, too!
Phrase	Reason
Its stats are the best I've ever seen! No doubt about it!	Pokemon has perfect IVs in at least one base stat.
Its stats are really strong! Impressive.	Pokemon has IVs of 13 or 14 in at least one base stat.
It's definitely got some good stats. Definitely!	Pokemon has IVs of 8 to 12 in at least one base stat.
Its stats are all right, but kinda basic, as far as I can see.	Pokemon has IVs of 0 to 7 in at least one base stat.
if it's large or small...
Phrase	Size
Your (Pokemon Name) is just HUGE!	XL
Your (Pokemon Name) is a BIG one!	Large
Your (Pokemon Name) is a little small for its kind, don't you think?	Small
Wh-whoa. That's the tiniest (Pokemon Name) I've ever seen!	XS
Spark leaves you with...
That's what I think! See ya!

Blue (Mystic)

Overall Pokemon Analysis
Phrase:	IV Range
Overall, your (Pokemon Name) is a wonder! What a breathtaking Pokemon!	82.2%-100% (37/45 - 45/45)
Overall, your (Pokemon Name) has certainly caught my attention.	66.7% - 80.0% (30/45 - 36/45)
Overall, your (Pokemon Name) is above average.	51.1% - 64.4% (23/45 - 29/45)
Overall, your (Pokemon Name) is not likely to make much headway in battle.	0% - 48.9% (0/45 - 22/45)
Pokemon Stats Analysis
I see that its best attribute is its Attack or HP or Defense.
If a Pokemon's other stats are equal to its best stat, and then followed by...
It is matched equally by its Attack or HP or Defense.
Phrase	Reason
Its stats exceed my calculations. It's incredible!	Pokemon has perfect IVs in at least one base stat.
I am certainly impressed by its stats, I must say.	Pokemon has IVs of 13 or 14 in at least one base stat.
Its stats are noticeably trending to the positive.	Pokemon has IVs of 8 to 12 in at least one base stat.
Its stats are not out of the norm, in my opinion	Pokemon has IVs of 0 to 7 in at least one base stat.
if it's large or small...
Phrase	Size
The size of your (Pokemon Name) is... colossal. This is indeed exceptional. Fascinating!	XL
Your (Pokemon Name) is above average in size.	Large
Your (Pokemon Name) is below average in size.	Small
Your (Pokemon Name) is tinier than any we have on record. Astounding.	XS
Blanche leaves you with...
This ends my analysis. Farewell.

Credit: (Pokemongo Gamepress)

The PERFECT (95-100% IV) Pokemon is found when you have the following combination:

Example: Blue (Mystic)

1. Overall, your (Pokemon Name) is a wonder! What a breathtaking Pokemon!
2. I see that its best attribute is its Attack.
3. It is matched equally by its HP
4. It is matched equally by its Defense.
5. Its stats exceed my calculations. It's incredible!

Pokemon Buddy

The latest updates on 13-Sept, allows you to walk your Pokemon! More reasons to hit the road with your favourite Pokemon. According to a patch release by Niantic, your Pokemon buddy grants you helpful bonuses like candies.

Here's a few screenshots of the new Pokemon Buddy feature.

Adding a Pokemon Buddy

Swapping out my Dratini

Walking around (check out the dratini)

Walking your buddy for candies

New Minor Updates - Happy Halloween (23-Oct-16)

The latest updates on 23-Oct, promises more Ghastly, Haunter, Gengar, Zubat (Too many!), Golbat, Drowzee and Hypno encounters. You will earn double the amount of Candy every time you catch, hatch or transfer a Pokémon. Your Buddy Pokémon will also earn Candy four times faster than normal.

There are also some minor updates to the visuals of 2km (green), 5km (yellow) and 10km (purple) eggs. Element icons have also been added to the Pokemon information page.

Can't say i am too excited about this update...

Yet Another Minor Update - 1.15.0 (03-Nov-16)

Hey Pokemon Trainers ! This update features a daily reward for Pokemon trainers.

500XP

600 Stardust

If you catch a Pokemon for seven days straight, you will earn a bigger bonus of:

2000XP

2,400 Stardust

You also get additional bonuses on your first Pokestop spin. On top of this, there is a built-in pause to prevent your gym from being stolen (after you defeat it).

Update - Ditto! 1.17.0 (20-Nov-16)

Hey Pokemon Trainers ! Have you caught your Ditto ?

This Ditto did not show up on my map like how a typical Pokemon does. In fact, it was actually a Pidgey ! (Sneaky) 

It took 10 Great Balls before it got caught. After catching it, the screen shows 'Oh?'

Then this appears !!!

CUTE !!! :) Time to catch those annoying Pidgey & Rattata!!!

Update - 100s of New Pokemon! Coming Soon

Stay tuned for the December update by Niantic - Sources have confirmed that 100s of new Gen2 (Silver/Gold) Pokemons will be released in this update!

Niantic will release more information on their social media channels on December 12th for details about the first addition of more Pokemon to PoGo! :)

Have fun and go Catch Em All!

Cheapest Funeral Services in Singapore

Death may be a taboo word, but lets face it, everyone born into this world would eventually leave it one day. Not everyone of us are prepared to deal with the loss of a loved one, much less know what to do in the event of their passing. So please do read on, to find out how you can make it hassle and fuss free.

Immediately after passing:

Step 1

• If the death occurs in a hospital:

Obtain the Certification for Cause of Death.

• If the death occurs at home:

Call family doctor / police where applicable.

Obtain the Certification for Cause of Death

Step 2

Engage a funeral director. (See Funeral Services below)

Step 3

Register the death at: 

- Any Police Post (NPP)

- The Registry of Births & Deaths (ICA Building)

Things to bring:

Certificate of Cause of Death (From Step 1)

Identification papers of deceased and informant. eg. NRIC / Passport / Certificate of Registration of Birth / FIN card

Obituary:

Most funeral services will assist to settle the obituary portion of the deceased. But in the event that they don't, then here is the online link.

SPH Obituary Services

Funeral Services:

Many of us do not consider the costs of a funeral service and would gladly leave it to the hands of the funeral director / undertaker, only to realise later that they have been grossly over-charged for things like peanuts, fridge rental and porta-loos. 

Here are some very reasonably priced recommendations (*Christian funeral services were used for our examples, but the costs should be more or less the same across other religious beliefs).

$3,300-3,700 (3 Days Funeral - With add-on for specific dialects)

http://www.income.com.sg/value-added-services/referral-services/funeral-services

$4,000 (3 Days Funeral)

http://sgbs.com.sg/christian-funeral-package/

$4,100 (3 Days Funeral)

http://simplicitycasket.com.sg/christian-r-catholic-free-thinker/

$5,300 (3 Days Funeral)

http://www.casketfairprice.com/

There are many other reputable casket/funeral services available in Singapore, but i have selected those that have clearly listed their charges online.

It is also worthwhile to note that most of the funeral parlors provide similar products and services. Yet, the prices of their packages can vary by at least a few thousands of dollars. So do choose wisely and according to the needs of your family (or the deceased, if a will was drawn).

Indeed, the most important point in life, is to treasure our loved ones when they are still alive! 

List of Associations of Funeral Directors

POSB 1.55% Fresh Funds Promotion

<< Update (5-Aug): The POSB 1.55% promotion is over ! >>

POSB is currently running a 1.55% for 6 months 'fresh funds' promotion. The interest rates of 1.55% is comparable with the best interests rates savings account in the market. The only drawback is that the funds will be ear-marked for 6 months, rendering it unusable for the period. If you have existing spare cash and would like to earn some returns, this promotion would be ideal for you!

Here are some of the important facts:

Promotion Period: 25 July 2016 to 4 August 2016

Fresh Funds Amount: Capped at S$50,000, with no minimum amount required.

Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation insures this account for up to S$50,000.

Step 1

Open a POSB Fresh Funds Account online by 4 August 2016.

If you have iBanking: Apply via iBanking
-> Apply -> Deposit Accounts -> 'POSB Fresh Funds Account"

If you do not have iBanking: Apply via ATM

- You will have a 'Fresh Funds' Bank Account Number which you can now deposit your S$50K.

Step 2

Deposit fresh funds* into your POSB Fresh Funds Account by 4 August 2016, 3.30pm.

During the POSB Fresh Funds Account opening process, you will be prompted to select an existing POSB/DBS Current or Savings Account to be used for signature reference. This same account will be used for the crediting of the Cash Gift Interest.

*Fresh funds refers to funds deposited through cheque(s), cashier's order(s), demand draft(s), cash deposits, FAST credit, telegraphic transfer, share payment, IBG funds transfer and MEPS receipt.

Note: You cannot use cash from existing POSB/DBS accounts. 

Step 3

Maintain the fresh funds deposited in the account for 6 months until 4 February 2017.

Step 4

The Cash Gift Interest will be credited into your reference account by 15 March 2017. Your POSB Fresh Funds Account will thereafter be auto-closed and the funds will be credited into your reference account.

Illustration of interest earned (S$10k and S$50k):

SGD $10,000 x 1.55% p.a. x 184/365 days = SGD$78.14

SGD $50,000 x 1.55% p.a. x 184/365 days = SGD$390.68

It is worthwhile to note that successful customers will receive a confirmation SMS within 5 working days from the point of account opening. So do take note of this SMS and check with POSB if you have done the application steps listed above but did not get a confirmation. It took 1 working day for my fresh fund account to be created. I got my SMS notification on the 2nd working day.

Important side note:
Auto-closure of the account will only happen on 15-Mar. To prevent idle funds from sitting in the account (Roughly 39 days), i would suggest to make a trip down to POSB/DBS to close the account after 04-Feb-17.

Happy Saving! 

Previous POSB CNY Promotion

Credits: 1.55% POSB Fresh Funds Promotion

Best Apple Pay Promotions and how to setup your eWallet

If you are someone who enjoys using the PayWave feature for contactless credit card payments, you will be happy to hear that most credit and debit card users in Singapore can now tap and pay with their mobile devices - an added convenience for those who dislike bulky wallets filled with credit cards!

Introducing Apple Pay, a contactless payment wallet that uses wireless near-field communication technology to transmit payment data between your mobile device and a contactless payment reader.

Most major banks in Singapore - POSB, DBS Bank, OCBC Bank, United Overseas Bank and Standard Chartered Bank, have signed up to the Apple Pay e-Wallet system and have already started deploying to merchants.

So why not start using Apple Pay to make use of the promotions available!

Here are the list of the promotions available to date:

OCBC

• 3% Rebate on purchases

POSB/DBS

• DBS Apple Pay launch promotion. 20% CashBack ($10 cap)

SCB 

• 20% CashBack promotion ($50 cap)

Setting up your Apple Pay eWallet

1. Add Your Card Details To "Wallet" App on Device

You must first add your credit card details to a digital wallet stored on the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.

Currently supported handsets include the iPhone SE, iPhone 6, iPhone 6S, iPad Pro, iPad Air 2 and Apple Watch (Paired with iPhone 5 or later). 

To set up, click on the "Wallet" app in the device, then select "Add a card".

Position the credit card you want to add in the camera frame on screen.

The 16-digit number will be automatically captured. Then enter the card's expiration date and CVV number. The bank which issued the card will also send an SMS with a six-digit OTP code, which you will need to enter into the setup screen.

2. Tap Your Finger To Authorise a Payment

To pay, hold the phone close to the contactless reader. Place your finger on the iPhone's or iPad's fingerprint sensor to authenticate the transaction. Voila!

Important: Losing your card or iPhone

Security is of the utmost concern for most ePayment users. For Apple Pay users who lose their phones, the security of their physical credit cards will not be compromised. This is because the devices only stores an encrypted version of a unique digital identifier, created based on the actual credit card number. As such, there is virtually no way for the credit card details to be obtained by a 3rd party.

Aside from the need for biometric authentication during payments, if you lose your device or phone, fret not - as you can login to "Find My iPhone" to turn on "Lost Mode" and it will automatically deactivate Apple Pay on your AppleId. 

Credits: Apple Pay (Apple SG)

Highest Interest Rates Savings Accounts Comparison

For less than S$50-60k,

3.55% pa, BOC Smartsaver
Pros: Highest Interest Rate (Spend $500, Giro salary and Pay 3 bills)
Cons: Bank's web interface is dated

3.25% pa, OCBC 360 (Varies 2.25-3.25%)
Pros: Best for people who spend on dining (365 Card). High Interest Rate (Spend $500, Giro salary and Pay 3 bills)
Cons: Need to invest to get the additional 1%, otherwise interest rate will be 2.25%

3.06% pa, Maybank SaveUp
Pros: Highest Interest Rate  (Spend $500 on Card, Giro salary, Giro $300 payments)
Cons: Credit card not one of the best in terms of rewards

2.43% pa, UOB One
Pros: Highest Interest Rate among Local banks (Spend $500 and Giro salary/3 Giro payments)
Cons: Need to spend consistently using the One Card every 3 months additional yearly rebates up to $200

2.5% pa, Citibank Interest Plus (Not recommended - Due to investment components)
Pros: Highest Interest Rate (Insure, Invest and Spend)
Cons: Need to buy a Citi Insurance, Need to invest in Regular Savings Plan and Spend $25 per month on Credit Card.

Alternatives

2.08% pa, DBS Multiplier
Pros: Best if high income ($20k and above) and do not want the hassle of credit card spends.
Cons: Difficult to reach $20k (Combination of salary, investing and credit card spends per month).

1.55% pa, SCB eSaver
Pros: Best for people with No cc, no Giro, No salary crediting, No min sum, No need for withdrawals.
Cons: Applicable only to Fresh funds / Incremental Balances. ~

1.15% pa, Maybank iSsavy
Pros: Promotional rate of 1.15% for first S$50k
Cons: Applicable only to Fresh funds / Incremental Balances. ~

1.00% pa, CIMB FastSaver
Pros: No gimmicks, flat 1% on first S$50k.
Cons: Not many ATMs, Web interface is dated.

0.88% pa, UOB Uniplus
Pros: Local Bank, Promotional rate of 0.78% for first S$50k
Cons: Applicable only to Fresh funds / Incremental Balances. ~

~ Moving balances between banks once every 2 months, will constitute the monies as fresh funds, enabling you to qualify for the 'Promotional' interest rates.

For any other amounts above S$50-60k*,

1.98% pa, Bank of East Asia (BEA) - Best 1 Year Fixed Deposit
1.80% pa, Maybank iSsavy Time Deposit - Fixed Deposit
1.75% pa, Singapore Savings Bond (May 2016) - Singapore Government Bond
1.70% pa, SCB eSaver - Amounts up to S$200k
1.60% pa, UOB High Yield Account - Amounts up to S$350k
1.40% pa, Maybank iSsavy Savings - Amounts above S$200k
1.28% pa, UOB Uniplus - Amounts from S$100k - 1Mil
1.00% pa, CIMB FastSaver - Savings Account

Realistically, it would not be difficult to get between 1-2.25% on your Savings. Why leave your money idling, in a bank that gives 0.0275% interest p.a, when you can make it work! Hopefully the list above can help you make a choice on some of the best interest rate savings account available in the market today.

Read more on the Best Savings Accounts in 2016.

*Do note that the interest rates promotions may change with time. So do refer to the date that this page is updated.

Last Update: 05-Aug-2016

- Added Maybank SaveUp