The complete guide to moving to Singapore

Relocating to the bustling city-state of Singapore offers a truly thrilling and enriching experience. With its great quality of life, iconic landmarks, diverse cultural tapestry, and abundant prospects for education and employment, Singapore stands as a remarkable destination for personal and professional advancement.

However, just like any international relocation, moving to Singapore entails its own distinct set of challenges. As leaders in international removals to Singapore, Crown Relocations has put together a comprehensive guide that will give you essential insights for a smooth transition to Singapore. With our expertise, we are dedicated to ensuring your relocation journey is as seamless and successful as possible.

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Buying a House in Singapore

There are a few things to keep in mind before moving to Singapore and buying a house.

Firstly, you’ll need to have a good credit history and a steady income. This is important because securing a mortgage in Singapore can be challenging for expats who might not have an established local credit history.

Secondly, you should consider the costs associated with purchasing property in Singapore, which can vary based on the location you choose for your new home. These costs can include elements such as property taxes, legal fees, and other transaction-related expenses.

Thirdly, be prepared for the property buying process in Singapore, which can take time. This is due to legal procedures involved in property transactions and ensuring compliance with regulations. While the process is generally well-structured, it might take several weeks to complete.

If you’re contemplating buying property in Singapore, seeking guidance from a real estate professional such as a property agent or legal advisor is crucial. They can provide valuable insights, navigate legal requirements, and facilitate a smoother transaction process.

Setting up home

When it comes to finding a place to call home in Singapore, there are options available, from renting an apartment to buying a house. Numerous considerations come into play before finalising your accommodation choice, including your budget, preferred housing type, and desired location.

Once you’ve thoroughly evaluated these aspects and settled on your housing preferences, you can commence your search for the perfect home. There are several websites that can aid you in finding suitable accommodations in Singapore, such as:

PropertyGuru: This website serves as an excellent starting point for your housing search in Singapore. It features an extensive database of properties available for both rental and sale, accompanied by informative resources covering topics like renting versus purchasing.
co: Another online platform offering a diverse range of properties available for rent and sale in Singapore. 99.co offers a user-friendly search function, allowing you to filter properties by price, location, and various other criteria.
Roomgo: This platform is a valuable choice if you’re seeking shared living spaces with roommates. With a substantial database of available rooms for rent in apartments and houses across Singapore, Roomgo can help you find a suitable co-living arrangement.

These websites offer a comprehensive range of options to cater to your housing needs, ensuring a well-informed and efficient search for your new home in Singapore.

Transporting your belongings

Transporting an entire household of belongings to another country, such as moving from Sydney to Singapore, can be quite overwhelming. When moving to Singapore, you can rely on Crown Relocations as your trusted partner. Our team of experienced international removalists in Singapore is well-equipped to manage every aspect of your move, ensuring a smooth transition for you.

Transporting your belongings involves careful consideration of various factors, including the volume of items and the urgency of delivery. Depending on your needs, your possessions can be transported via sea freight or air freight. As a leading international removalist, Crown Relocations can secure competitive sea freight rates, offering you cost-effective solutions. Not to mention, our door-to-door air freight service that enables you to send essential items such as clothing, toys, or kitchen equipment ahead of your move.

Recognising that international relocation can be overwhelming, our aim is to provide you with peace of mind by meticulously handling every detail of your move. Whether you’re moving to Singapore for work or personal reasons, Crown Relocations is committed to ensuring a seamless transition to your new home.

Utilities

In Singapore, utilities are typically paid on a monthly basis and include a range of essential services. These services include broadband for high-speed internet access. Numerous providers offer unlimited data plans to ensure worry-free browsing. The broadband installation process is typically streamlined and timely.

Water, gas, and electricity services are managed by utility companies, and it’s crucial to consider different tariff options before making a choice due to varying prices. To assist in this decision-making process, platforms like uSwitch can be utilised to compare utility packages, helping you to make well-informed decisions about your services.

Finances

When moving to Singapore, it is essential to get your finances in order to ensure a smooth transition for you and your family.

Open a bank account in Singapore: Prior to moving to Singapore, take the time to research and select a bank in Singapore where you can open an account. This step will simplify financial management and transactions once you arrive.

Set a budget: The process of relocating to a new country can involve significant expenses. It’s crucial to set a budget and consider all your expenses, such as housing, transportation, meals, and leisure, and plan accordingly.

Monitor the exchange rate: Given the constant fluctuations in currency values, it’s important to keep an eye on the exchange rates and wait for the right opportunity to convert your funds. You can do this by employing currency converters or seek advice from financial experts to navigate this aspect effectively. For more information, visit our Foreign Currency Transfer.

Lifestyle

Getting around

Getting around Singapore is easy and enjoyable, thanks to its excellent public transport system. Whether you’re in busy areas like Singapore City, Jurong, or Tampines, their efficient public transportation makes exploring simple. The roads are well-maintained and offer scenic views of the city and nature. Dedicated cycling paths and walkways also support eco-friendly travel, in line with the city’s sustainability goals.

Exploring outside the city is just as convenient, with options like public transport, car rentals, and guided tours. If you’re into island-hopping, Singapore’s efficient ferry network provides peaceful trips across the waters. Those who love water activities can enjoy bays, lakes, and coasts.

Whether you’re into city vibes, leisurely drives, or nature adventures, Singapore’s transport system caters to all your exploration preferences.

Everyday life

Singapore is a cosmopolitan city, and you’ll find that there’s a lot to do and see. There are world-class museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene.

You’ll also find that there’s no shortage of shopping options. Whether you’re looking for luxury brands or local markets, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for. There are some incredible shopping malls to enjoy.

Singapore is also a food lover’s paradise, and you’ll be able to find cuisine from all over the world.

This is also a great destination for families and there are lots of family-friendly attractions and activities, including parks, playgrounds and child-friendly museums.

Transport

Can I drive in Singapore?

If you’re moving to Singapore from another country, you’ll need to check whether you can use your driver’s licence for up to 12 months without obtaining a Singapore driver’s licence. It’s also recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country’s driving authority before your arrival; this can minimise inconvenience for drivers in countries where English is not commonly spoken. Staying updated with the latest regulations and requirements through the Singapore Police Force or relevant authorities is essential.

Education

School options in Singapore

Singapore’s education scene offers a variety of options. The government mainstream schools are both affordable and high-quality. There are also private schools available, providing alternative curriculum, while international schools offer foreign systems like IB or British curriculum, often chosen for their global focus. Specialised institutions, including art, vocational, and religious schools, provide unique pathways. Singapore prioritises education quality and consistently ranks well globally. When selecting a school, factors like curriculum, location, facilities, and costs play a crucial role.

Legal System

The legal system in Singapore is based on British common law. This means that some of the laws and procedures may be unfamiliar to you if you’re coming from a different legal system. It’s well-regulated, focusing on the rule of law. The highest court is the Court of Appeal, which handles final appeals for civil and criminal matters, followed by other courts, including a juvenile court and a district court. Singapore’s legal system is efficient and fair, with an independent judiciary. Commercial disputes often use arbitration, and Singapore is known for international arbitration. The legal system has strict rules for areas like drugs and public order. Overall, Singapore’s legal system aims to ensure justice, order, and a business-friendly environment.

Employment, Visas and Permits

Securing employment is a crucial aspect of moving to Singapore, and the positive news is that numerous job opportunities are available, particularly if you possess skills in fields such as technology, finance, and healthcare.

The most effective approach to finding a job is through a recruitment agency specialised in matching your skills and experience with suitable positions. You can also explore job listings online via platforms like JobStreet and LinkedIn.

Before you commence work in Singapore, it’s essential to hold a valid work visa. The specific type of visa required depends on your nationality, the purpose of your stay, and the duration of your intended stay. You can find comprehensive information about available visa types and the application process on the official website of Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

Working conditions in Singapore are generally favourable, and employees are entitled to various benefits, including paid annual leave, medical leave, and contributions to the Central Provident Fund (CPF), a mandatory savings scheme for retirement, healthcare, and housing needs.

Keep in mind that the standard working hours in Singapore are typically reasonable, with the standard workweek set at 44 hours. However, certain roles might entail longer working hours.

Salaries in Singapore are generally competitive and vary based on your skill set, experience, and location. Salaries in the Central Business District of Singapore, such as the Marina Bay area, tend to be higher compared to other parts of the country.

Keep in mind that the cost of living in Singapore is relatively high, especially in metropolitan areas like Singapore City. Expenses like housing, dining, and transportation can contribute significantly to your overall budget.

Health

Singapore has a highly regarded healthcare system known for its efficiency and quality. The country offers a mix of public and private healthcare services, providing residents with accessible and comprehensive medical care. The public healthcare system is supported by government initiatives and institutions like the Central Provident Fund (CPF), which helps citizens save for healthcare expenses. They also have access to subsidised medical treatments and a network of well-equipped hospitals and clinics. The healthcare system emphasises preventive care, and the country’s commitment to healthcare research and innovation contributes to its reputation as a leader in medical advancements.

Moving to Singapore with Crown Relocations

Moving to Singapore with Crown Relocations ensures a seamless transition for your international relocation needs. With expertise in house removals to Singapore and international relocations, Crown Relocations offers tailored solutions to make your move to Singapore stress-free. From packing and secure transportation to navigating customs regulations, their dedicated team is equipped to handle every aspect of your move. With a deep understanding of the logistics of moving to Singapore, Crown Relocations provides the necessary support and guidance to settle you comfortably into your new home in this vibrant and dynamic city-state.

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