What to know as new resident in Singapore: Understanding local laws and regulations. Cost of living considerations. Public transportation options. Healthcare system and insurance. Cultural norms and etiquette. Housing and accommodation options. Food and dining scene. Weather and climate adaptation. Opening a local bank account. Employment and work permits.
Understanding local laws and regulations
When moving to Singapore as an expat, it's essential to understand local laws and regulations to ensure a smooth transition. New residents should familiarize themselves with immigration regulations such as the Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass for work, and the Dependent's Pass (DP) for family members, all of which are sponsored by the employer and issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). For those considering permanent residency and citizenship, compliance with specific eligibility criteria, application processes, and associated fees is crucial. This also includes understanding the requirements like National Service for male citizens and permanent residents, alongside the Singapore Citizenship Journey programme for successful applicants. When entering the country, meeting general entry requirements such as passport validity, visa needs, and the submission of the SG Arrival Card is mandatory. Be aware of customs declarations and prohibited items to prevent any legal issues. Furthermore, expats should learn about the Employment Act, which governs employer-employee relationships, covering aspects like working hours, rest days, and employment termination procedures. For a comprehensive understanding of these processes, the Expat Guide to Moving to Singapore provides valuable insights on navigating these regulations effectively.
Cost of living considerations
The cost of living in Singapore is significantly higher than in many Western countries, primarily due to high rental prices, which are almost three times more expensive than in the UK. However, skilled workers can earn substantial salaries, making the cost more manageable, with average monthly rents for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre around SGD 4,000 and essential items like food and public transportation relatively affordable. For more detailed insights, you can explore the comprehensive analysis on the Expat Cost of Living in Singapore by William Russell.
Public transportation options
Public transportation in Singapore is highly efficient and comprehensive, featuring the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, an extensive bus network, and readily available taxis and ride-hailing services. The system is well-integrated, with apps like MyTransport and Singabus to help plan journeys, and it is highly accessible for people with mobility issues. For more detailed information, you can visit the Public Transport Singapore page. This ensures that both residents and visitors can navigate the city with ease and convenience.
Healthcare system and insurance
As a new resident in Singapore, it is crucial to comprehend the division of the healthcare system into public and private sectors. The public healthcare is subsidized for citizens and permanent residents through schemes like Medisave, Medishield Life, and MediFund. Expatriates, on the other hand, typically require private health insurance, which can either be employer-sponsored or independently purchased to cover medical expenses. This is particularly important since they are not eligible for the subsidized public healthcare services. For a deeper understanding of this system, check the details on Singapore's Healthcare System for New Residents.
Cultural norms and etiquette
In Singapore, it is crucial to respect cultural norms such as forming orderly queues, addressing elders with titles like 'Uncle' or 'Auntie', removing shoes before entering homes or places of worship, avoiding pointing with the finger, and not touching someone's head. Additionally, practices like not sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl, not tipping at restaurants or hawker centres, and adhering to strict laws against littering and smoking in public areas are important to follow. For more detailed insights, feel free to explore the Culture of Singapore, where you can discover how these customs shape everyday life in the city-state.
Housing and accommodation options
As a new resident in Singapore, you have various housing and accommodation options, including subsidized new and resale HDB flats with available housing grants, short-term stays in serviced apartments and co-living spaces, and public rental housing schemes such as the Single Room Shared Facilities Scheme for vulnerable singles, with many of these options designed to be affordable and convenient. For more detailed information on these housing solutions, you can visit the A Home for Everyone: Singapore's Public Housing page, which provides comprehensive guidance on how to navigate your housing journey.
Food and dining scene
As a new resident in Singapore, you should know that the food scene is incredibly diverse, featuring a wide range of dishes such as Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chili Crab, Laksa, and Char Kway Teow. These delightful dishes are often found at hawker centers, food courts, and coffee shops, which offer a blend of Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Western culinary influences. For more information on these culinary delights, you might want to explore this Singapore Food Guide to help navigate the vibrant food culture in this bustling city.
Weather and climate adaptation
In Singapore, one can expect a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 23 to 33 degrees Celsius. The country experiences no traditional seasons but does have distinct dry, rainy, and monsoon seasons, accompanied by high humidity throughout the year. Singapore is proactively implementing extensive climate adaptation measures to address rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and increased rainfall. These measures include coastal protection and innovative farming techniques as outlined on the Singapore Time, Climate, and Weather website. Such efforts highlight Singapore's commitment to resilience in the face of climate challenges.
Opening a local bank account
To open a local bank account in Singapore as a new resident, you will need a valid passport, proof of residential address, and a relevant pass such as an Employment Pass, Student Pass, or Long-Term Visit Pass. The process involves choosing a bank, preparing the necessary documents, submitting the application, completing verification, and making an initial deposit. For more detailed guidance, visit the Statrys Guide to ensure a smooth and successful account opening experience.
Employment and work permits
As a new resident in Singapore, you need to understand that all foreigners must obtain a work permit or pass, with main types including the Employment Pass (EP) for professionals and managers, the S Pass for mid-level skilled workers earning at least S$3,150 per month, and the Work Permit for semi-skilled workers in labor-intensive sectors. Each type has specific eligibility criteria, application processes, and requirements such as salary thresholds, educational verification, and quota restrictions. For more detailed information, you can visit the Remote blog to better navigate these requirements.