Singapore
Moving to Singapore
Last updated on Nov 27, 2021
Summary: Moving to Singapore? Expats talk about what you need to know before moving to Singapore.
What do I need to know before moving to Singapore?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Singapore, they said:
"Choose a place that's reasonably close to both your work and your kids' school. Depending on whether you drive a car or take the MRT, adjust accordingly. Either way, the objective is to keep travel time to a minimum, especially for the kids. Second, try to find a place that's not too noisy or too hot. Facing away from both the sun and traffic is ideal. Find a reliable agent, preferably through a reference, because a good agent can save you lots of time and plenty of frustration," remarked another expat who made the move to Singapore.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
How do I find a place to live in Singapore?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"I selected my house on its proximity by the sea. I called a property agent; he turned out to be a great help in getting me the unit I'd set my eyes on," remarked another expat who made the move to Singapore.
What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Singapore?
"I stay in a condo. Yes, most expats prefer a condo, although some live in landed properties. It should be said that nowadays more and more expats stay in HDB flats too," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Singapore.
What is the average cost of housing in Singapore?
If you are thinking about moving to Singapore, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"Housing costs tend to be higher here than in Holland. Average cost of housing in Singapore is hard to say, but generally you won't find anything decent below S$1500,-," explained one expat living in Singapore, Singapore.
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What should I pack when moving to Singapore?
We asked people living in Singapore to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:
"1. Licorice
2. Nutricia Chocolate milk
3. Flake bars
A. Denim jeans
B. Long-sleeved shirts
C. Shoes,"
mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Singapore.
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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Singapore?
We asked people in Singapore if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:
"I tried to say words in Chinese at times which came out as different words due to the tonal aspects of the language," remarked another expat who made the move to Singapore.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
