Relocating To Singapore_ A Complete Guide
Singapore may be tiny but it can be overwhelming. This city-state provides fantastic living and working opportunities to expats looking to experience a vibrant life.
If you’re thinking of moving to Singapore, this guide is for you. We’ll take you through everything from the cost of living in Singapore to what kinds of visas you need and how to find somewhere to live.
We will also provide a wealth of information on what to expect when moving to one of the world’s most exciting cities.
So whether your ambition is to start a new career or just experience a different culture, our complete relocation guide can help make it happen.
Housing cost
Housing in Singapore can be quite expensive. Expenses such as rent, utilities, and property taxes can easily exceed 30% of your monthly income.
The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges between S$1500 and S$2,000, while the price of a two-bedroom apartment can run as high as S$3,000.
If you’re looking for an apartment in the city center, expect to pay at least S$4,000 per month.
Make sure you have a good grasp of your housing budget before choosing your ideal neighborhood so you can anticipate expenses and plan accordingly.
Another popular housing option are the short-term rentals in the city. Usually, these are furnished apartments that come fully serviced with amenities and include all the furniture and devices.
Though these properties can be quite expensive, it offers the flexibility of not having to buy furniture for your new home.
If you want to purchase a property, land here is at a premium which means that property prices in the city are very high. However, buying a home offers many benefits, such as stability and appreciation potential over time.
If you are able to qualify for a mortgage, make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the loan before signing anything.
Food in Singapore
Singapore is known as a food paradise, with some of the most diverse and delicious cuisines in the world.
Whether you’re a fan of seafood, Indian food, Westernized Chinese food or something entirely new, there’s a restaurant for you in Singapore.
There are also plenty of restaurants and food stalls available in every neighborhood, making it easy to find something to eat no matter what your taste.
If you’re looking to eat well while you’re in Singapore, here are some of the best places to start. The cheapest and most popular food in Singapore is hawker food. This means street food that is sold from temporary stalls, usually for under S$4 a plate.
There’s plenty of choices for hawker food, from cheap and cheerful fishball noodles to more filling options like char kway teow (a rice noodle soup with shrimp and cockles).
If you’re looking for something a little more formal and extravagant, head to one of the city’s many Michelin-starred restaurants.
You’ll be able to find everything from Chinese restaurants to international cuisine. Prices at these establishments can be expensive, but the quality of food is worth it.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a trip out to one of the many island towns in Singapore. There, you can sample regional Thai food, Malaysian food, or even Indonesian food.
Whatever type of food you’re after, there’s sure to be a place in Singapore that will satisfy your cravings.
Transportation
The best way to get around Singapore is by using the public transportation system. The city has an extensive and reliable transit system, with buses, MRT trains and light rail stations that run throughout the city.
And although it can be confusing at first, learning how to use these systems will make your life a lot easier. You can find timetables and route maps online or at the transit stations themselves.
Public transportation is affordable and convenient, but it can also be crowded during peak hours. If possible, try to plan your commutes around off-peak hours when traffic is lighter.
And if that’s not possible, consider using public transportation only during daylight hours when the temperature is cooler.
If you plan on driving, know that the roads are extremely congested during rush hour. And because parking is so expensive, it’s usually not worth trying to drive in the city. Besides, the cost of running and registering a car in Singapore is very high.
Healthcare
When it comes to healthcare in Singapore, you’re spoilt for choice. In fact, it has been ranked as one of the best countries in the world for healthcare.
The city is home to some of the best hospitals in the world, and the country’s medical system is highly efficient and affordable.
If you’re wondering how to move to Singapore and get your healthcare set up, here’s what you need to do;
First, get a visa. Singapore doesn’t recognize dual citizenship, so make sure you renounce your former citizenship if you have it.
Once you’ve obtained a visa, make arrangements to have your health insurance in place prior to moving. Your current insurer should be able to help transfer your coverage over to Singaporean providers.
Once you’re in Singapore, your first step is to register with the Ministry of Health. This process will require identification (such as a driver’s license or passport) and proof of residence (a recent bank statement or pay slip).
You’ll also need to provide your contact information and health history.
With a variety of hospitals and clinics, as well as a range of private healthcare providers, you’re sure to find the right care for your needs.
Conclusion
Moving to Singapore can be an exciting and daunting task, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth sailing.
We hope that our comprehensive guide has helped you make an informed decision about whether or not moving to Singapore is the right move for you.