Sponsors
Abroad Experience specializes in connecting international professionals with exciting career opportunities in the Netherlands. With a focus on multilingual job seekers, we help candidates find roles that align with their skills, ambitions, and background.
From recent graduates to experienced professionals, we provide guidance throughout the recruitment process, offering job placements in fields such as customer service, finance, marketing, and more. Our goal is to make international job transitions seamless, ensuring candidates find the right opportunities while supporting them every step of the way.
It is of utmost importance to us that we offer a high level of service and build strong and trusting relationships with clients and candidates. As an international agency, we are devoted to international professionals in order to help them succeed on the Dutch labor market. As part of our recruitment services we can provide you with feedback on your CV & interview preparation sessions.
ActiveQuote is a leading comparison platform for health insurance, providing an easy way for individuals and businesses to compare health plans from a wide range of providers. With a focus on transparency, ActiveQuote helps customers find the best insurance coverage that suits their needs and budget, whether for personal or family health insurance, or for small businesses looking to provide benefits to employees.
By simplifying the process of comparing and purchasing health insurance, ActiveQuote offers a personalized experience, ensuring customers make informed decisions quickly and efficiently. With a commitment to excellent customer service and competitive pricing, ActiveQuote is dedicated to helping you secure the right health insurance coverage for your circumstances.
Aetna is a leading global health insurance company providing a wide range of health plans and services for individuals, families, and businesses. With a strong presence in both the United States and internationally, Aetna focuses on improving health outcomes by offering affordable and accessible healthcare coverage.
Aetna provides a comprehensive range of products, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as health management programs designed to support customers in leading healthier lives. With an emphasis on innovation and customer care, Aetna aims to deliver high-quality healthcare solutions that meet the needs of diverse populations worldwide.
GUIDE FOR
Moving to a new country is always an adventure, filled with excitement and challenges. If Singapore is your next destination, you’re in for a treat. Known as the "Lion City," this vibrant metropolis is a hub of culture, commerce, and innovation. From efficient public transport to diverse culinary experiences, Singapore offers a quality of life that’s difficult to match. Here’s a helpful guide to help expats, new residents, professionals, and students prepare for their move.
1. Immigration Essentials
Before moving to Singapore, you’ll need the right paperwork. Here's what you need to know:
Visa Requirements
Before packing your bags, ensure you have the right paperwork. Singapore has different visa options depending on your purpose for moving, common ones including the Employment Pass, S Pass, Student Pass, and Dependent Pass.
Tip: Start your application early and check the latest requirements on the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website.
Want a step-by-step guide on securing a visa? [Read our complete visa guide here.]
Start your application early and ensure that your documents are in order, including passports, educational certificates, and employment offer letters.
Customs Guidance
Singapore is strict about what you can and cannot bring into the country. Be mindful of restricted items like e-cigarettes, chewing gum, and any offensive materials.
Be sure to check out Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website for the most up-to-date information on visa types and customs regulations.
2. Finding Your New Home
Singapore offers diverse housing options, from public HDB flats to luxury condominiums. Rental costs vary widely based on location and amenities, so it’s crucial to plan your budget accordingly.
Quick Housing Snapshot:
HDB Flats: More affordable, with rental prices starting at around S$2,000 per month.
Condominiums: Offer premium facilities but come at a higher cost, with prices in central areas starting from S$5,000 per month.
Serviced Apartments: Great for short stays but can be pricey, averaging around S$7,000 per month.
Curious about the best neighbourhoods for expats? Check out our full housing guide.
3. Navigating Singapore’s Culture
Singapore’s rich cultural tapestry is what makes it unique, but it can also make it difficult to know right from wrong. Singapore blends multiple cultures into one with local traditions and local etiquette. Here’s what you need to know to settle in.
Languages
Singapore has four official languages:
English (widely spoken and the official working language),
Mandarin Chinese,
Malay,
Tamil.
Greetings and Communication
A handshake is the standard greeting, but some locals may prefer a slight bow or nod.
Addressing people with their honorifics (e.g., Mr., Mrs., or professional titles) shows respect.
Avoid overly direct language; Singaporeans often value politeness and indirect communication.
Religious and Cultural Sensitivity
Remove your shoes when entering temples, mosques, and homes.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Avoid public displays of affection, especially in conservative settings.
Cleanliness
Singapore places great importance on its cleanliness and you'll see it reflected in its laws.
Harsh littering fines with even harsher fines for repeat offenders.
You cannot consume any food or drinks on public transport so make sure to finish them on time.
Chewing gum is entirely illegal except for some approved medicinal gums.
Smoking is banned in most indoor public spaces, including restaurants, malls, and bus stops. Designated smoking areas are clearly marked.
Holidays & Festivals
Singapore celebrates a variety of cultural festivals, like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali, and Christmas. Make sure to join the fun and explore the diverse traditions!
4. Practical Tips for Everyday Living
Adjusting to life in Singapore is easier when you know what to expect.
Transportation
Singapore’s public transportation system is world-class. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and buses are affordable, efficient, and reliable. Getting an EZ-Link card is essential for seamless travel.
Currency
The Singapore Dollar (SGD) is the official currency. ATMs are widely available, and credit/debit cards are accepted in most places. You may still want to consider carrying cash for hawker centres and similar areas.
Banks in Singapore
Singapore is home to some of the most reputable banks in the world, including DBS Bank, United Overseas Bank (UOB), and OCBC Bank. These banks offer a wide range of services, from savings accounts to investment opportunities. Opening a bank account in Singapore is a straightforward process, though you will typically need valid identification and proof of address. Mobile banking is also highly advanced, making it convenient for residents to manage their finances on the go.
Healthcare
Singapore’s healthcare system is exceptional but can be expensive. Ensure you have adequate health insurance.
Weather
Singapore is warm and humid year-round. With average temperatures around 31°C (88°F). Pack light, breathable clothing and an umbrella for frequent rain showers.
Food Scene
Singapore is considered a food haven because of the large variety of food options available, as well as the locals’ fondness for dining out.
Hawker Centres: These vibrant, open-air food courts are a cornerstone of Singaporean culture. They offer a wide variety of affordable and delicious local dishes under one roof. Whether you're craving Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, or satay, hawker centres are the go-to spot for authentic Singaporean flavours. Popular hawker centres include Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, and Newton Food Centre.
Local Dishes to Try: Don't miss Singapore's signature dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, chili crab, bak kut teh, roti prata and many more.
5. Next Steps: Planning Your Move
Now that you have a broad overview, it’s time to dive deeper into the specifics. Check out our more in-depth guides below.
Need help setting up utilities? Read our utilities guide.
Looking to manage your expenses wisely? Check out our budgeting guide.
Ready to start your relocation journey? Explore our moving checklist.
Need to open a bank account? Read our banking guide.
Searching for the best schools? Check out our school search guide.
Wondering how to handle taxes as an expat? Check out our tax breakdown.
Confused about visas? Read our complete visa guide.
Exchanging currency? See our currency exchange guide.
Looking for the perfect home? Explore our housing guide.
Moving to Singapore is a step into a city that thrives on innovation, diversity, and opportunity. Whether you’re aiming to develop your career or explore a new lifestyle, you’ll find plenty to love here.
If you’re ready to make Singapore your new home, take a deep breath and approach each step one at a time. Soon, you’ll be enjoying the Lion City in all its splendour!
Wishing you a smooth and exciting move!
Sponsors
Abroad Experience specializes in connecting international professionals with exciting career opportunities in the Netherlands. With a focus on multilingual job seekers, we help candidates find roles that align with their skills, ambitions, and background.
From recent graduates to experienced professionals, we provide guidance throughout the recruitment process, offering job placements in fields such as customer service, finance, marketing, and more. Our goal is to make international job transitions seamless, ensuring candidates find the right opportunities while supporting them every step of the way.
It is of utmost importance to us that we offer a high level of service and build strong and trusting relationships with clients and candidates. As an international agency, we are devoted to international professionals in order to help them succeed on the Dutch labor market. As part of our recruitment services we can provide you with feedback on your CV & interview preparation sessions.
ActiveQuote is a leading comparison platform for health insurance, providing an easy way for individuals and businesses to compare health plans from a wide range of providers. With a focus on transparency, ActiveQuote helps customers find the best insurance coverage that suits their needs and budget, whether for personal or family health insurance, or for small businesses looking to provide benefits to employees.
By simplifying the process of comparing and purchasing health insurance, ActiveQuote offers a personalized experience, ensuring customers make informed decisions quickly and efficiently. With a commitment to excellent customer service and competitive pricing, ActiveQuote is dedicated to helping you secure the right health insurance coverage for your circumstances.
Aetna is a leading global health insurance company providing a wide range of health plans and services for individuals, families, and businesses. With a strong presence in both the United States and internationally, Aetna focuses on improving health outcomes by offering affordable and accessible healthcare coverage.
Aetna provides a comprehensive range of products, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as health management programs designed to support customers in leading healthier lives. With an emphasis on innovation and customer care, Aetna aims to deliver high-quality healthcare solutions that meet the needs of diverse populations worldwide.
Our life is full of metaphors; sometimes we don’t even notice them. However, if you look at today’s world through such a metaphorical lens, you understand why it can be compared to the river. It is dynamic, it is fast moving, every day it gets filled with new streams of ideas, tendencies, and innovations. Then, we can consider different organizations as banks of that river. They all have their traditions, cultural colors, and shades. That’s why there must be something to connect these banks, to make them united by common desires, ideas, business, strategies, language, etc. Therefore, our company come to serve as the bridge for that; we can build a connection between people, business organizations and various establishments. This singular belief makes ourselves and our clients’ products/services and international brand distinguishable amongst all of the rest.
AIMS is a leading immigration and relocation consultancy based in Singapore, specializing in visa and residency solutions for individuals, families, and businesses. With a strong presence across Asia, AIMS provides expert guidance on immigration programs, investment migration, and global mobility solutions.
From securing work permits and permanent residency to facilitating business expansion through investor visas, AIMS offers personalized services to help clients navigate complex immigration processes. With a commitment to professionalism and efficiency, AIMS ensures a smooth transition for those looking to live, work, or invest abroad.
Global Health Insurance, 100% Online – Anytime, Anywhere!
Whether you're an expatriate, student, frequent traveler, au pair, or business, we offer flexible insurance solutions for anyone traveling abroad. From registration to reimbursement, we make it easy to manage your health needs worldwide!
As a global leader in international health insurance, APRIL International provides comprehensive coverage for individuals, families, and businesses. Specializing in expatriate insurance, we offer tailored health plans that ensure access to quality healthcare—whether for short-term trips, long-term stays, or corporate needs.
With a strong focus on innovation, digital services, and customer support, APRIL International simplifies international health coverage, giving you peace of mind wherever you are. Our commitment to accessibility and personalized service makes us a trusted partner for those living, working, or traveling abroad.
Apt Wealth Partners is a trusted financial advisory firm based in Australia, providing expert wealth management, financial planning, and investment solutions. With a client-first approach, we help individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals through tailored strategies and long-term planning.
From retirement planning and superannuation to tax-effective investment solutions, Apt Wealth Partners offers comprehensive financial guidance designed to build and protect wealth. Our focus is on delivering financial advice that allows us to become your personal CFO. Your finances will be tailored to your needs, allowing you to concentrate on living the life you want. We're privately owned and focus on providing the most transparent advice possible.
The AvD is the most traditional automobile club in Germany. Many things that are taken for granted today has been actively promoted and shaped by the AvD. To this day, the AvD is associated with the driver's license, the zebra crossing, the IAA and successful petitions, among other things. The AvD is committed to road safety, Motorsport and the preservation of historic vehicles. Today and in the future.
We’re AXA – Global Healthcare, and we’re experts when it comes to healthcare around the world. We use AXA’s resources around the world to help our members access quality medical care whenever they need it. We do that by matching them up with international health insurance that suits them, and by keeping them supported before, during and after treatment.
We help our members to live life to the fullest, knowing we’ll be here to help if they need us.
Bambridge Accountants provides expert accounting and tax services to individuals and businesses, helping them navigate complex financial landscapes. Whether you're managing personal finances or handling corporate tax obligations, our team offers tailored solutions to ensure your financial success.
With extensive experience in UK and international tax issues, we simplify the most challenging financial matters. From tax planning and financial compliance to corporate advisory, we guide you towards achieving your financial goals with clarity and confidence, delivering personalized service every step of the way.
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