Moving to Singapore opens up many career opportunities for professionals, expands your worldview, and provides a safe and efficient home for the entire family.
Whether you are here because our reasons to move to Singapore convinced you to commit to the relocation process or you made up your mind all on your own, there are things you should know beforehand.
This guide will help you understand cultural norms, living standards, and manage your overall expectations so you can move to Singapore with confidence.
Things to Know before Moving to Singapore
Weather
Singapore is situated near the equator, which means a tropical climate and abundant rainfall. The temperature is around 85°F (30 °C) year-round, with an average humidity of 84%. There are two weather forecasts depending on the season: sunny or rainy.
While sometimes the rain is too heavy to be outside, an umbrella will become your number one accessory for any weather. The runner-up is sunscreen, even on overcast days, and in third place is mosquito spray.
Some of us like it balmy, others will have a little adapting to do. But don’t fret, due to the constant heat, there is air conditioning everywhere. Unless you are purposely heading outside for exercise, there will always be AC escapes along your commute, at MRT stations, malls, and connecting walkways, so much so that you will make extra space in your bag for a fourth accessory – a shawl or light sweater.
Strict Rules
Singapore has many rules regarding public order and cleanliness, disobeying which can lead to hefty fines and other forms of punishment. Some are straightforward, like not bringing food or drinks into public transport, not smoking in public places, jaywalking, and littering. And others are not as common in some other countries, like feeding birds or animals.
The rule that most often alarms expats who haven’t done their research is the ban on chewing gum. While importing, selling, and manufacturing gum are illegal (activities you won’t be involved in), it’s the improper disposal of chewing gum that will actually get you into trouble. But it is thanks to these rules and regulations that the city-state is so clean, safe, and efficient.
Cost of Living
Singapore has the reputation of being one of the most expensive cities in the world. But if you compare expenses on Numbeo, it is still significantly cheaper than some cities in the United States. Singapore can be, however, as expensive as you make it, so it entirely depends on your lifestyle.
Some of your most significant expenses will be rent, entertainment, and eating out. If you are looking at condominiums with amenities and facilities right at your fingertips, then expect to pay American prices.
Eating out frequently at cafes, fancy restaurants, or those serving western food will add up quickly, especially if you factor in alcohol, which is expensive due to high taxes. It’s hard to resist, as eating out in Singapore is more about the experience than just food, but you can opt for the abundant hawker stalls serving local food across cultures at a fraction of the price.
Visa
Singapore has strict visa regulations and limited residency pathways. The most straightforward and secure way to move to Singapore is through employment. This means you have to find employment before you can begin applying for a visa. The job market is competitive, but the good news is that once you are hired, your employer will typically handle the application process or assist before you move.
Singapore is Small
When you first arrive, your jaw is likely to hit the ground. You’ll find yourself in awe of Singapore’s architecture, infrastructure, and efficiency, eagerly telling anyone willing to listen about the sheer variety of things to do. While there is always an event to attend and new people to meet, you will eventually realize that Singapore is relatively small.
Roughly the size of New York City but far more densely populated, most social life tends to concentrate in the same popular areas—particularly shopping malls, which can become crowded during peak hours. Fortunately, Singapore’s strategic location provides easy access to weekend getaways across Asia and beyond.
Language
Singapore is home to three main ethnicities: Chinese, Malay, and Indian, and a sizable expat community formed by many other nationalities. Since it’s such a multicultural city, English is one of Singapore’s official languages, making settling in and integrating easy for newcomers.
However, many are taken aback to discover that the English spoken outside formal or official settings is actually a dialect called Singlish. So while you don’t have to learn a whole new language, you will need to pick up some new lingo, lah.
Culture
Singapore’s social norms are shaped primarily by Asian cultural influences, emphasizing traditional values, clearly defined life paths, and a strong work ethic. As a result, colleagues and new acquaintances may initially seem more reserved, and workplace environments tend to be hierarchical and results-oriented.
High cultural diversity also means a rich calendar of celebrations and festivals, including Chinese New Year, Diwali, Thaipusam, and Hari Raya Puasa, among others. While this doesn’t translate into more public holidays, it does offer more opportunities to observe and participate in cultural events.
Final Thoughts on Things to Know before Moving to Singapore
With this information about Singapore, you should feel more confident about your decision to relocate. Does Singapore sound like the right fit for you? If so, read our article on how to plan an international move.
