What Expats Need to Know Before Moving to Singapore
You’ve applied for a promotion and with that comes a move overseas for work. You’ve been keeping your fingers crossed and have finally heard from your boss that you’ll be relocating to Singapore within the next few months. After all the excitement settles down of your anticipated move to become a Singapore expat, you’ll need to organise your international move.
Moving to Singapore may seem daunting at first but with large numbers of Singapore expats from around the world already singing the praises of the Lion City, you are sure to find a group of like-minded individuals from your home country.
Finding expats with shared interests and backgrounds may help you settle in more comfortably. Allied international movers can help you with most aspects of your move – from preparation, packing, documentation and visas, so if you are looking to emigrate to Singapore, contact us and we can help prepare your itinerary.
Be Prepared for Culture Shock
It sounds worse than it is, but “culture shock” is something most expats will go through on some level. After a few months of excitement in your new environment, you may settle into your new home and become more familiar with your surroundings. It’s normal after the big high of your initial arrival to experience a low.
This is often when homesickness or irritation may set in. You may start to realise that certain things are done differently than they were at home and you may try to pick 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 and accept the changes in your lifestyle, while trying to find the positives.
Stay busy by checking out local restaurants and find a favourite, whereby you can enjoy trying dishes on the menu one night of the week. Join a gym to get your endorphins moving and help destress after a busy day at work. Many international expat clubs have gym facilities and this is a great way to meet new people. Remember you moved to Singapore for an adventure, so your new city won’t be just like home.
Get Your Employment Pass Early
It can be easy to sit back and enjoy your new home and surroundings when you arrive but getting your EP when you arrive can help you find work or start your new job as soon as possible. Most employers will help you obtain your EP before you arrive, but if you are looking for work after you’ve made the trip, you want to obtain an Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate from the Ministry of Manpower. You will need your EP before you are able to open a bank account or acquire credit within Singapore.
Bringing Pets
Singapore has strict animal control rules and the correct paperwork will be required to bring your furry friends into the country. The number of dogs and their sizes are restricted depending on the size of your new home and the type of dwelling you will be living in. Allied Pet Relocation Services can help Singapore expats bring their beloved pets with them, simply ask us for more information.
Convert Your Driver’s Licence
If you want to drive a car in Singapore, you can do so on your foreign licence for up to a year. After this, you will need to convert your licence. So it makes sense to begin the paperwork for your conversion well within your time limit of expiry to avoid being unable to drive in the interim after the year is up.
Use only Reliable Singapore Movers
Allied Singapore transports personal and business property across the globe on a daily basis. We help Singapore expats move to their new country and relocate with their pets. We are experts in international removals and offer advice and services, which include packing up your property, creating lists for customs and drawing up documentation for every aspect of your move. Contact us via the contact form on our website or call us to discuss your needs.