The Republic of Singapore is a city, an island, and a country all in one. It is a top business destination seeing as it has one of the best economies in the world for business. Relocating anywhere in the world can be daunting, but if – like many SilverDoorians have done – you’re planning on moving to Singapore, these are basics you need to know before setting off. Read on to learn the best advice on relocating to Singapore from our very own Singapore team.
What To Pack
Singapore import restrictions are tight, so you'll need to verify the requirements if you're moving to Singapore with medication or a pet. It is generally a good idea to review the import guidelines before making travel plans, but you’ll be able to find most things you need after arriving in Singapore – even if you couldn’t pack them in your suitcase. As for what clothes to bring, Cecilia recommends a wardrobe suited to Singapore’s warm climate:
"Except for the infrequent rainy season, Singapore enjoys year-round summer, so don't take winter clothing with you. For women, jeans, T-shirts, and sundresses are the ideal casual attire; for males, Bermuda shorts and T-shirts are the ideal casual attire.” – Cecilia Cia, Partner Account Manager (APAC)
Weather
Living in Singapore means getting used to almost exclusively wearing light clothing as the city has a humid climate with an average annual temperature of 32 degrees. Although bear in mind that a light jacket or sweater might be helpful to keep you warm indoors as most malls, cafés, and offices have air conditioning. A portable umbrella is a good idea to carry in your bag as showers could occur when you least expect them, especially during the rainy season (usually from November to January). Low temperatures in Singapore only reach around 24 degrees as winter approaches, so there won't be any snow. Instead, there may be a lot of rain. Add a waterproof jacket to your packing list so you’re ready for a potential downpour.
“To stay hydrated in the heat, make sure to carry a water bottle and use it frequently. Additionally, make sure you take in enough fresh air to balance out the constant interior air conditioning.” – Hajar Mohddan, Guest Services Specialist (APAC)
Safety
The rigorous restrictions that are in place have made Singapore a safe city with low crime rates. Singapore expats are safe to wander the city and engage in activities day or night just as locals are.
“In this generally safe city, you could leave your phone or laptop unattended without worrying about anything bad happening to them. Additionally, it is safe to walk around at night as nobody will approach you.” – Daisy Vernon, Key Account Manager (APAC)
Culture and Language
When relocating to Singapore, you will find that the city is home to a multiracial, multireligious community where all ethnic groups coexist peacefully. Despite being acknowledged as the indigenous group, the Malays make up approximately 15% of the population. The population is also formed of 5% Indian and 75% ethnic Chinese. Due to the multi-cultural demographic, there are several holidays in the city during the year. Living in Singapore, make the most of celebrations for Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya, and Christmas. Their Independence Day, which falls on August 9th, is also celebrated with fireworks and a parade. Another expat tip is don’t be surprised if locals refer to you as "auntie" or "uncle", this is a common greeting in Singapore!
“Although most people in the city speak English, learning Singlish, or Singaporean English, would make it much easier to get by." – Gia Chua, Client Account Support (APAC)
Some of the common Singlish expressions used are:
Can lah – Yes
Can leh – Yes, of course
Can hah? – Are you sure?
Can can – Yes, go ahead
Can liao – It is done.
– Regina Tan, Client Account Support (APAC)
Laws in Singapore
Singapore is sometimes referred to as "The Fine City". The phrase refers to both Singapore's immaculate appearance and the wide range of fines the country imposes. For instance, you might be fined up to S$2,000 for using a mobile while driving, S$500 for running a red light, and S$5,000 for transporting flammable items. Additionally, you risk receiving a fine for littering, spitting, jaywalking, eating or drinking while using the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and public buses, and feeding pigeons. Furthermore, smoking is only permitted in specialised coloured boxes in popular outdoor tourist areas like Orchard Road and the CBD. The durian fruit is Singapore’s equivalent of the Great British Marmite debate – you either love it or hate it. Due to its strong scent, carrying this fruit is prohibited on public transportation in Singapore as well as many outdoor areas.
"Chewing gum is not permitted in Singapore, so leave it at home when you pack your bags. Chewing gum is prohibited from entering the country, even if it is not for sale, and it cannot be bought from stores. For first-time offenders, a severe fine of up to S$1000 will be assessed for transporting significant amounts of the prohibited commodity or illegally disposing of chewing gum.” – Julie Sekiya, Senior Client Account Support (APAC)
Transport
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is the Singapore’s subway system and it is a quick, clean, and affordable method of inner-city transportation. In Singapore, taxi apps include Grab, Ryde, Gojek, and Tada, all of which have rates that vary based on the weather and rush hour. In the city, morning traffic and congestion is common, so be sure to plan extra time for your trip. It's important to remember that the city drives on the left side of the road when moving to Singapore and the city prohibits the use of left-hand drive vehicles.
"Unless you absolutely need a car, wait and see before investing in one. Singapore is a small nation with an excellent public transportation system, so getting around is simple without a car. Even if you don't think you'll drive, it would be a good idea to transfer your driver’s licence within a year.” – Jessica Carlson, Senior Account Support (APAC)
Food and Drinks
You could never get bored of mealtimes in Singapore due to the countless restaurants, food stalls, bars, and eateries serving many cuisines. When relocating to Singapore, take advantage of the fact that many restaurants are open 24 hours a day, and the Grab app is available for food delivery at any time. Tipping in Singapore is discretionary and remember drinking alcohol is prohibited in public places after 10:30pm.
"Durians are the world's most smelliest fruit, but Singaporeans adore their durian season, and every household will have them. A tip for this is to just eat it without giving it a sniff.” – Jayanthi Michael, Guest Services Team Leader (APAC)
Coffee and Tea
Here is our expat tip on how to order local coffee or tea in the city if you're living in Singapore and want to enjoy your caffeine dose.
- Coffee or kopi (pronounced "kaw-pee") usually has condensed milk and sugar in the bottom of the cup by default.
- Kopi: Black Coffee with condensed milk.
- Kopi O Siew Dai: Black coffee with less sugar.
- Kopi-O: Sweet black coffee.
- Kopi-Kosong: Unsweetened black coffee.
- Kopi Po: A weaker coffee with condensed milk.
- Kopi Gau: Strong coffee with condensed milk.
“With local coffee at a $2 compared to a Starbucks coffee at $7, Hawker Centres are definitely more wallet friendly and the place to go to for delicious local delicacies.” – Nora Majid, Account Manager (APAC)
Things to do
So, you’re armed with all the tips and tricks for relocating to Singapore but what activities should make it onto your itinerary as a Singaporean expat? With it spectacular Night Safari and River Safari, the Singapore Zoo is one of the top places to visit after moving to Singapore. You may also visit Level 33, the highest urban microbrewery in the world, to experience the award-winning rooftop dining concept, or Longbar (Raffles), for the renowned Singapore Sling. Not to mention, you can make the most of neighbouring nations like Thailand, Bali, and Vietnam as short-haul trips.
"Singapore has its very own Universal Studios, and the island itself is home to a huge number of smaller islands with amazing beaches that are well worth exploring. Who would have known considering that Singapore is such a small city?” – Jasmine Jeeven, Client Account Support (APAC)
Hawker Centres
Hawker Centres are open air marketplaces with a variety of relatively affordable food stalls. Numerous local and international cuisine delicacies are available in this foodcourt-style layout and two of the most popular Hawker Centres for Singaporean expats are Lau Pa Sat and Newton.
"Chope tables - This is the practise of marking your territory at restaurants and Hawker Centres with anything from a pack of tissues, your backpack, or even your mobile phone (Singapore has minimal crime hence some individuals are willing to risk it!). To avoid having a tray of food or beverages and no place to sit, do this before placing your food order. Ask Singaporeans to show you all the delicious foods at the Hawker Centres.” – Sophie Brinsley, Vice President (APAC)
Shopping
Haji Lane is well known for having many shops in addition to having some of the top food spots in Singapore. With practically anything you would need after relocating to Singapore, Vivo City and Orchard Road are also two of the city's best known shopping areas. Another piece of advice for expats living in Singapore is to pack a sweater and wear jeans to the movies because the air conditioning in theatres is always on full blast.
"Orchard Road is Singapore's equivalent of Oxford Road in London, 5th Avenue in New York, and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California. So be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore this shopping district.” – Jonathan Lim, Client account Support (APAC)
Moving to Singapore can be an easy transition with friendly locals, top quality of life, and impressive architecture. It is simple to establish friends as an expat in Singapore thanks to the abundance of Facebook groups that are useful for seeking assistance or guidance on things to do around the city. Planning an upcoming trip or relocating to one of the world's cleanest cities? View some of our finest serviced apartments in Singapore before you set off.
