What Expats Need to Know Before Moving to Singapore

Gleaming skyscrapers, world-class food and a melting pot of cultures from across Asia and beyond: it's easy to see why Singapore consistently ranks among the top destinations for people starting a new chapter abroad.

Whether you're relocating for a job, following a partner, chasing a change of pace, or simply drawn to the Lion City's reputation for safety and opportunity, you're joining a genuinely global community of people who've made the same leap.

Moving to a country you don't know well can feel daunting at first, but with the large number of expats from around the world already calling Singapore home, you're sure to find a group of like-minded people from your home country.

Finding expats with shared interests and backgrounds can help you settle in more comfortably. Allied can help you with most aspects of your move, from preparation and packing to documentation and visas, so if you're planning to relocate to Singapore, get in touch and we can help prepare your itinerary.

• Be Prepared For Culture Shock
• Get Your Employment Pass Sorted Early
• Look Into Pet Relocation Services & Local Laws
  
• Convert Your Driver's Licence
• Use Only Reliable Singapore Movers

It sounds worse than it is, but "culture shock" is something most expats go through on some level. After a few months of excitement in your new environment, you'll settle in and become more familiar with your surroundings. It's normal, after the initial high of arriving, to experience a low.

This is often when homesickness or irritation sets in. You may start to notice that certain things are done differently than they were at home, and find yourself picking faults with local methods.

Rather than trying to change the people around you, the best way to combat negative thinking is to set up a daily routine that suits you and stick to it. Learn to adapt to and accept the changes in your lifestyle, while looking for the positives.

Stay busy by checking out local restaurants and finding a favourite, one you can return to on a set night each week. Joining a gym is another good option, both to get your endorphins moving after a busy day at work and to meet new people, since many expat clubs run their own gym facilities.

Remember, your new city won't be just like home, and that's the point.

It can be tempting to sit back and enjoy your new home when you arrive, but getting your Employment Pass (EP) sorted early helps you start work as soon as possible.

Most employers will handle this before you arrive, since an EP application must be submitted by an employer or an appointed employment agent through the Ministry of Manpower's myMOM Portal. Candidates cannot apply for an EP on their own behalf. So, if you're planning to look for work after you arrive, you'll need a confirmed job offer before an application can be lodged.

You'll also need your EP before you can open a bank account or access credit within Singapore, so it's worth treating this as a priority rather than something to sort out later.

Singapore has strict animal control rules, and the correct paperwork will be required to bring your furry friends into the country, including a valid import permit and vaccination records.

If you're planning to live in an HDB (public housing) flat, be aware that HDB rules limit the number and size of dogs allowed per unit, so it's worth checking the specific restrictions for your building before you commit to a lease.

Given how specific these requirements are, it's worth speaking with a professional pet relocation service early in your planning to make sure everything is in order well ahead of your move.

If you want to drive in Singapore, you can generally do so on your foreign licence for up to a year after becoming a resident. After this, you'll need to convert it to a Singapore licence.

Depending on where your original licence was issued, this may be a straightforward conversion or may require you to sit a local test, so it's worth checking the requirements early and starting the paperwork well within your one-year window to avoid a gap where you're unable to drive.

Allied Singapore transports personal and business property across the globe daily.

We help expats move to Singapore and relocate with their pets, and we're experienced in international removals, offering advice and services that include packing your property, preparing customs lists, and drawing up documentation for every aspect of your move.

If you want an experienced team behind you, contact an Allied moving consultant today to discuss your specific relocation requirements and receive a free quote.