For a long time, Singapore has been a popular destination for expats from around the world. Thai cities are global hubs for business, culture, and travel, known for their safety and high quality of cosmopolitan living. With clean streets, modern infrastructure, and a delicious food scene, Singapore attracts thousands of expats every year.
Before moving to this incredible city, it is essential to know what life as an expat is like there. Here are seven tips to know before moving to Singapore as an Expat.
1. High Living Cost with Great Quality
Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world, with housing, international school fees, and dining at fancy restaurants being exceptionally costly. However, the high cost of living in Singapore is justified by excellent public services, reliable healthcare, efficient public transportation, and an overall high quality of life.
When moving to Singapore, budgeting smartly by mixing street food with fine dining and exploring affordable housing options outside the central business district can make life more affordable.
Also Read – Why Singapore is a great place for expats?
2. Varying Housing and Neighbourhoods
Finding the right place to live is one of the first challenge when moving to Singapore. Some options range from affordable flats to modern apartments with pools and gyms. The most popular expat neighbourhoods are Orchard Road, Robertson Quay, and Holland Village, which have higher rents. Areas that are farther away from the center, such as Bukit Timah or East Coast, have more affordable and family-friendly spaces. Living close to the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) stations is also helpful, as it makes commuting much easier.
3. Efficient Public Transportation
Singapore’s MRT system is one of the world’s reliable transport systems. It connects almost every part of the island, and there are also buses and affordable taxi services.
Owning a car is expensive due to taxes and the COE (Certificate of Entitlement), which can be more costly than the car itself, making public transportation easier and more affordable. Most expats don’t use a car because of the fantastic public transportation system. If you are moving to Singapore, get an EZ Link or NETS card for everyday commuting.
4. Explore the Food Culture
Singapore has world-famous cuisine and is an integral part of daily life. There are street food spots to Michelin-starred restaurants around the city, and dishes for every budget and taste are fantastic. Some local favourites include Laksa, Chicken rice, Sayay, and Chilli crab. Hawker centers are the most affordable places to try different types of cuisines. Exploring Singapore’s culinary scene is the perfect way to socialize with friends, locals, and colleagues.
5. Be Respectful Towards the Local Laws and Cleanliness Standards
Singapore is known for having order and strict laws. Chewing gum, littering, smoking, or jaywalking in non-designated areas means facing a hefty fine. Drug-related crimes are taken very seriously, and offenders will face severe punishment. If an expat is moving to Singapore, the local laws may seem strict. However, they are the reason Singapore is known for being one of the world’s safest and cleanest cities. As long as you stay in line with the rules, your daily life will be smooth and secure.
6. World-Class Healthcare, but Expats Need Insurance
Singapore has a very advanced healthcare system, with skilled doctors and modern hospitals. While the healthcare quality is excellent, there can be a high cost for non-essentials. As Singapore does not offer public healthcare subsidies to expats, having health insurance is essential when moving to Singapore. Many employers will offer private insurance in expat packages, so be sure to double-check if they will cover family members and specialized treatments.
Also read – How Expats Can Save Money on Health Insurance
7. Diversity and Community Life
Singapore is known for its cultural diversity and serves as a melting pot for Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences, which can be found in neighbourhoods, festivals, and food. Expats moving to Singapore, find it easier to adapt and create social networks because of the city’s global outlook. There are international clubs, sports groups, and networking events that will help you meet plenty of people. Learning some local languages, such as Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil, can also make daily life easier when moving to Singapore.
8. Work-Culture and Respectful Work Environments
Singapore is a popular business hub, where expats move here for new career opportunities. The work culture is usually competitive, efficiency-driven, and fast-paced, but also includes respect, professionalism, and punctuality. In local communities, mainly, hierarchies are observed, so showing respect towards senior colleagues is much appreciated.
Singapore has a multicultural environment, so being respectful of different cultures is essential when working abroad, as you’ll be collaborating with people from various nationalities. Expats moving to Singapore who are flexible, respectful of cultural differences, and quick to adapt will thrive more easily in the country’s work environment.
Singapore offers a mix of opportunities, safety, and a fantastic lifestyle for expats. While there are strict rules and higher cost of living, it is worth being an expat here, as there is a wonderful job market, futuristic-looking infrastructure, a respectful work culture, an excellent culinary scene, and a welcoming multicultural community. With the right mindset and preparations, moving to Singapore as an expat will be rewarding and comfortable.
Before you move to a new country, it is crucial to purchase insurance coverage to easily access essential medical services, such as emergency care, hospital stays, doctors’ visits, and treatment for injuries or illnesses. With health coverage, you can enjoy life as an expat without worrying about a hefty medical bill.
Written by Mark T. – A passionate writer and history expert from Canada with extensive travel experience.
