ARRIVAL ADVICE
We asked our contributors for tips on what to do when you’re planning a move to Singapore or you’ve newly arrived on its shores.
Get your driving licence before the year’s out. No one told us!
Buy a Dyson hairdryer to help make blow-drying in the heat less painful.
Singapore is great for networking and it’s so easy to meet people. There’s loads of great business networks and ladies’ networks out there.
If you’re looking for furniture, you can scoop some bargains at IFFS in March (iffs.com.sg).
If you have kids, Little Village is a great preschool for those who don’t like being stuck inside in airconditioning. — Lisa
If you’re looking at schools, do your research and plan well in advance. The style of teaching can vary wildly and there are often long waitlists and hefty fees.
It is increasingly tough for foreigners to get working visas and jobs, so don’t take that for granted.
Facebook groups like Stork’s Nest, Singapore Expat Wives and several other groups can be an invaluable tool to get local insights.
Dress down; Singapore comes with a very casual dress code.
Always carry your visa card – you’ll need it for everything! — Sophie
Give yourself enough time in temporary accommodation.
Be aware of the upfront financial costs of settling in Singapore: for example, budgeting for three months’ rental deposit for accommodation, payments for enrolling in school, the cost of hiring or buying a car, and so on.
Pack summer clothes, as it’s always hot and humid here.
Once you’re here, get out and be social. I started a group called Coffee & Chat when I first moved to Singapore, purely for the reason that I was lonely and I didn’t know anyone here. It can be very up and down for the first 6 to 12 months if it’s your first time as an expat.
Join some of the Facebook groups as they are a wealth of knowledge. — Linda
It really is Groundhog Day weather-wise: hot, or hot and wet!
Leave most winter clothes at home. I didn’t wear jeans for the first four years.
Take up offers to meet new people.
Expat Facebook groups are a fountain of knowledge.
Get personal recommendations on different areas to live, and make a decision based on your needs, not pressure from an agent! — Beth
Try to visit Singapore before you move so that you get a feel of the place.
Reach out to people who live here to get recommendations.
It’s extremely helpful to join one to the many expat forums on Facebook.
Invest in a great sunscreen and a fancy umbrella. You’ll be using them a lot!
Alcohol is expensive here, so bring in your booze collection if you can! — Ankita The weather will be beautiful, but at times extremely hot and humid! Get a guide book to Singapore and go on a new adventure every week. Enjoy yourself and be open to new experiences. Join an organisation like the AWA for fun social, sport, special interest and community service events that are organised on a regular basis. Bring cool lightweight clothing. It’s all you’ll ever need! — Mel
Do your research on the area you want to live in. Walk the distance from home to the supermarket. Ask questions about the condo/area you’re interested in and get all the info.
Reach out to people before coming so you have coffee dates lined up early on.
Commit yourself to one of the many charities there are here. It’s a wonderful way to connect to both locals and expats, and to do good.
Make a bucket list of what you want to see and experience in your time in Asia. It will get you more excited about the adventure you are about to embark on.
Do you research on Singapore and its history. Watch documentaries and get a feel for the people and the culture. The island has so much to offer – especially when you dive a little deeper. — Alexandra
Research the banking options and limitations for transferring existing bank accounts.
Find a financial advisor who is well-versed in the laws in both your home country and Singapore.
Find a social organisation or club to join and pick an event or two to attend within the first few weeks of arriving. I immediately joined AAS and AWA and both were incredibly helpful in getting me out of the house and integrated into society. Even if it seems daunting, put yourself out there – you’ll thank yourself later!
Plan a trip to a nearby destination – Langkawi, Bali and Thailand are all easy and affordable options. Even if it’s only for a long weekend, it will give you something to look forward to and allow you space to decompress and recharge.
Schedule time to regularly communicate with your loved ones back home. Find a time that works for both parties. It can be for 20 minutes or two hours, whatever works best, and plug this into your calendar as a standing “appointment”. — Dana