Singapore Expatriate Guide: Essential Resources for New Arrival

Singapore Expatriate Guide: Essential Resources for New Arrivals

Singapore Expatriate Guide: Essential Resources for New Arrivals

Introduction

Moving to a new country is both exciting and challenging. As an expatriate relocating to Singapore, you'll encounter a unique blend of cultures, efficient systems, and distinctive customs that make this city-state one of the world's most livable places for international residents.

At d'Habitat Co-Living, we understand that a successful transition involves more than just finding the right accommodation. This comprehensive guide provides essential information and resources to help you navigate your new life in Singapore, from practical matters like visas and banking to cultural insights and community connections.

Before You Arrive

Visa and Immigration

Singapore has several visa options for expatriates, depending on your purpose of stay:

  1. Employment Pass (EP)
    • For foreign professionals, managers, and executives
    • Minimum monthly salary of S$5,000 (higher for older, more experienced candidates)
    • Usually valid for 1-2 years initially, renewable
    • Application must be sponsored by employer
  2. S Pass
    • For mid-level skilled workers
    • Minimum monthly salary of S$3,000
    • Subject to quota and levy requirements
    • Usually valid for up to 2 years, renewable
  3. Dependent's Pass
    • For legally married spouses and unmarried children under 21 of EP or S Pass holders
    • Valid for the same duration as the primary pass holder's pass
  4. Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
    • For common-law spouses, step-children, or handicapped children of EP holders
    • Parents of EP holders may also be eligible
    • Usually valid for the same duration as the primary pass holder's pass

Important Resources:

Pre-Departure Checklist

Before leaving for Singapore, ensure you have:

  • Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
  • Employment letter and visa approval documents
  • Certified copies of educational certificates
  • Birth and marriage certificates (if applicable)
  • Medical and vaccination records
  • International driver's license (if planning to drive)
  • Travel insurance for initial period
  • Arrangements for temporary accommodation if permanent housing isn't secured

What to Pack

Singapore's tropical climate influences what you should bring:

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing (the temperature rarely drops below 25°C/77°F)
  • Formal business attire for work (offices are air-conditioned)
  • Swimwear and casual wear for weekends
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Any specific medications you require (with prescriptions)
  • Voltage adapters for electronics (Singapore uses 230V, Type G plugs)

Tip: Many items can be purchased in Singapore, often at comparable or lower prices than in Western countries. Consider bringing only essentials and buying other items locally.

First Week Essentials

Arrival and Registration

Upon arrival in Singapore, you'll need to complete several administrative tasks:

  1. Register with ICA
    • Collect your Employment Pass/S Pass/Dependent's Pass
    • Required documents include passport, visa approval letter, and passport photos
    • Appointments are typically scheduled by your employer or relocation agent
  2. Register with your Embassy/Consulate

Banking and Finance

Setting up your financial life in Singapore is straightforward:

  1. Opening a Bank Account
    • Major banks include DBS/POSB, UOB, OCBC, and international banks like Citibank and HSBC
    • Required documents: Passport, Employment Pass, proof of address
    • Consider proximity to your home/workplace when choosing a bank
  2. Mobile Banking
    • Singapore has excellent digital banking infrastructure
    • Download your bank's app for convenient transactions
    • Consider apps like PayNow and PayLah! for local transfers
  3. Credit Cards
    • Useful for building local credit history
    • Many offer attractive rewards for dining, shopping, and travel
    • Compare options on comparison sites like SingSaver

Mobile Phone and Internet

Staying connected is essential:

  1. Mobile Service Providers
    • Major providers: Singtel, StarHub, M1
    • Budget options: Circles.Life, Gomo, TPG
    • Required documents: Passport, Employment Pass
  2. Home Internet
    • Fiber broadband is widely available and affordable
    • Major providers include Singtel, StarHub, M1, and MyRepublic
    • Most condominiums (including d'Habitat properties) include high-speed internet

Healthcare Registration

Understanding Singapore's healthcare system:

  1. Public vs. Private Healthcare
    • Singapore has excellent public and private healthcare facilities
    • Public hospitals provide quality care at subsidized rates for citizens and PRs
    • Expatriates typically use private healthcare or pay unsubsidized rates at public facilities
  2. Health Insurance
    • Check if your employer provides health insurance
    • Consider supplementary coverage if needed
    • International health insurance providers include AXA, Cigna, and Allianz
  3. Finding a General Practitioner
    • Establish a relationship with a local GP for routine care
    • Polyclinics provide subsidized care but may have longer waiting times
    • Private GP clinics are widely available in neighborhoods and malls

Important Resources:

Setting Up Your Life

Transportation

Singapore's public transportation system is world-class:

  1. EZ-Link Card
    • Essential for public transportation
    • Available at MRT stations and convenience stores
    • Can be linked to mobile payment apps
  2. MRT and Bus System
    • Download the SG NextBus or Citymapper app for navigation
    • MRT operates from approximately 5:30 AM to midnight
    • Night buses (NightRider) operate on weekends
  3. Taxis and Ride-Sharing
    • Grab is the dominant ride-sharing app
    • ComfortDelGro is the largest taxi company
    • Gojek and Tada are alternative options
  4. Driving in Singapore
    • Expensive due to Certificate of Entitlement (COE) requirements
    • Foreign licenses can be used for up to 12 months
    • Consider car-sharing services like BlueSG or GetGo for occasional use

Shopping for Essentials

Where to find what you need:

  1. Grocery Shopping
    • Major supermarkets: FairPrice, Cold Storage, Giant, Sheng Siong
    • Premium options: Market Place, Little Farms, Ryan's Grocery
    • Wet markets for fresh produce and local ingredients
    • Online options: RedMart, FairPrice Online, Amazon Fresh
  2. Household Items
    • IKEA (Alexandra and Tampines)
    • Courts, Harvey Norman for electronics and appliances
    • Neighborhood shops in Joo Chiat, Little India, and Chinatown for unique items
  3. Shopping Malls
    • Orchard Road for luxury and international brands
    • Suburban malls like VivoCity, Jurong Point, and Tampines Mall
    • Mustafa Centre in Little India for 24-hour shopping

Domestic Help

Many expatriate families employ domestic helpers:

  1. Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) Employment
    • Requires work permit application through MOM
    • Monthly levy of S$300-S$450 depending on concession eligibility
    • Employers must provide insurance, accommodation, and medical care
  2. Part-Time Cleaning Services
    • Alternatives include part-time cleaning services
    • Apps like Helpling connect homeowners with cleaners
    • No levy or accommodation requirements

Understanding Singapore

Cultural Norms and Etiquette

Singapore's multicultural society has some common courtesies:

  1. General Etiquette
    • Remove shoes when entering homes (if requested)
    • Avoid public displays of anger or excessive affection
    • Queue for services and respect personal space
    • Avoid discussing sensitive political topics in public
  2. Business Etiquette
    • Punctuality is highly valued
    • Business cards are exchanged with both hands
    • Respect hierarchical structures in organizations
    • Dress formally for business meetings unless specified otherwise
  3. Dining Etiquette
    • Communal dining is common; food is shared
    • Wait for elders or hosts to begin eating
    • Leaving a small amount of food indicates you're satisfied
    • Tipping is not expected but appreciated

Understanding Singlish

Singapore English (Singlish) combines English with elements of Chinese, Malay, and Tamil:

  • Common Phrases:
    • "Can" (Possible/acceptable)
    • "Cannot" (Not possible/unacceptable)
    • "Lah" (Emphasis particle: "Sure lah!")
    • "Makan" (Eat/meal)
    • "Kiasu" (Fear of missing out/competitive)

Public Holidays and Festivals

Singapore celebrates holidays from various cultural traditions:

  1. Major Holidays
    • Chinese New Year (January/February)
    • Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan)
    • Deepavali (October/November)
    • Christmas (December 25)
    • National Day (August 9)
  2. Cultural Festivals
    • Lunar Seventh Month (Chinese Ghost Festival)
    • Mid-Autumn Festival
    • Thaipusam
    • Vesak Day

Tip: Plan for reduced services and crowded attractions during major holidays. Many businesses close during Chinese New Year.

Building Your Community

Expatriate Organizations

Connect with fellow expatriates through:

  1. National Associations
    • American Association of Singapore
    • British Association of Singapore
    • Australian and New Zealand Association
    • Canadian Association of Singapore
    • And many others based on nationality
  2. Professional Networks
    • Chambers of Commerce (AmCham, BritCham, etc.)
    • Professional Women's Association
    • Industry-specific networking groups
  3. Social Groups
    • InterNations Singapore
    • Meetup.com groups
    • Facebook expatriate communities
    • Sports clubs and recreational groups

Family Resources

For expatriates with families:

  1. International Schools
    • American School
    • United World College
    • Canadian International School
    • Tanglin Trust School (British)
    • German European School
    • And many others catering to different curricula and nationalities
  2. Family Activities
    • Gardens by the Bay
    • Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
    • Universal Studios Singapore
    • ArtScience Museum
    • Jacob Ballas Children's Garden
  3. Parent Networks
    • PTA organizations at international schools
    • Expat parenting groups on Facebook
    • HoneyKids Asia website for family resources

Managing Finances as an Expatriate

Banking and Investment

Optimize your financial situation:

  1. Multi-Currency Accounts
    • Useful for managing funds in different currencies
    • DBS, OCBC, and UOB offer competitive options
  2. Investment Opportunities
    • Consider speaking with financial advisors specializing in expatriate finances
    • Understand tax implications in both Singapore and your home country
  3. Retirement Planning
    • CPF (Central Provident Fund) is generally not applicable to expatriates
    • Consider offshore pension plans or investments in your home country

Tax Considerations

Singapore's tax system is relatively straightforward:

  1. Income Tax
    • Progressive rates from 0% to 22% for residents
    • Non-residents taxed at 15% or resident rates, whichever is higher
    • Tax year runs from January to December
    • Filing deadline is April 15 each year
  2. Tax Residency
    • Generally considered a tax resident if physically present for 183 days or more
    • Tax residents enjoy progressive tax rates and certain deductions
    • Double taxation agreements exist with many countries

Important Resource:

Healthcare in Detail

Understanding the System

Singapore's healthcare system combines public and private options:

  1. Public Healthcare
    • Polyclinics for primary care
    • Restructured hospitals (e.g., Singapore General Hospital, National University Hospital)
    • Subsidized rates primarily benefit citizens and PRs
  2. Private Healthcare
    • Private hospitals (e.g., Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles, Raffles)
    • Private GP clinics
    • Specialist clinics
  3. Emergency Services
    • Call 995 for medical emergencies
    • A&E departments at major hospitals
    • Private hospitals may charge significantly more for emergency services

Health Insurance Options

Ensure you have adequate coverage:

  1. Employer-Provided Insurance
    • Check coverage limits and exclusions
    • Understand if dependents are covered
  2. Private Health Insurance
    • International providers: Cigna, Allianz, AXA
    • Local providers: AIA, Prudential, NTUC Income
    • Consider coverage for evacuation to home country if needed

Leisure and Recreation

Exploring Singapore

Make the most of your free time:

  1. Nature and Outdoor Activities
    • Gardens by the Bay
    • Singapore Botanic Gardens
    • MacRitchie Reservoir TreeTop Walk
    • Pulau Ubin island
    • East Coast Park and Sentosa beaches
  2. Cultural Experiences
    • National Museum of Singapore
    • Asian Civilisations Museum
    • Peranakan Museum
    • Cultural districts: Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam
  3. Food Exploration
    • Hawker centers (Maxwell, Old Airport Road, Lau Pa Sat)
    • Michelin-starred restaurants and street food
    • Food tours and cooking classes

Regional Travel

Singapore is an excellent base for exploring Southeast Asia:

  1. Weekend Getaways
    • Bintan and Batam (Indonesia)
    • Johor Bahru and Malacca (Malaysia)
    • Bangkok and Phuket (Thailand)
  2. Travel Resources
    • Changi Airport connects to over 100 international destinations
    • Budget airlines like AirAsia, Scoot, and Jetstar
    • Singapore Airlines and regional full-service carriers

Practical Information

Emergency Contacts

Keep these numbers handy:

  • Police: 999
  • Ambulance/Fire: 995
  • Non-emergency ambulance: 1777
  • Police hotline (non-emergency): 1800-255-0000

Useful Apps for Singapore Living

Make your life easier with these mobile applications:

  1. Transportation
    • Citymapper or Google Maps for public transport
    • Grab for ride-hailing
    • CDG Taxi for traditional taxis
  2. Food and Delivery
    • Foodpanda, Deliveroo, GrabFood
    • Burpple for food recommendations
    • Chope for restaurant reservations
  3. Utilities and Services
    • SP Services for utilities
    • Carousell for secondhand items
    • Lazada and Shopee for online shopping
  4. Government Services
    • Singpass app for government services
    • OneService for municipal issues
    • TraceTogether for COVID-19 contact tracing (if required)

Conclusion

Relocating to Singapore offers an exciting opportunity to experience one of Asia's most dynamic and livable cities. While the initial adjustment period may present challenges, the city's efficiency, safety, and quality of life consistently rank among the world's best for expatriates.

At d'Habitat Co-Living, we're committed to making your transition as smooth as possible. Our co-living spaces are designed with expatriates in mind, offering not just accommodation but a ready-made community and support system as you establish your new life in Singapore.

We hope this guide serves as a valuable resource during your relocation journey. For more specific advice or to explore our co-living options, please contact our team. Welcome to Singapore—we're excited to help you make it your new home!

This guide is provided by d'Habitat Co-Living as a resource for expatriates relocating to Singapore. For more information about our co-living spaces designed for international professionals, please contact us.

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