Moving to a new country is always a leap of faith, but it is also one of the most thrilling and enriching things that you can do. As anyone who has worked in or moved to Singapore will tell you, this is an amazing place to live that is rich in culture and natural beauty. However, if you are moving from the west then you are going to experience a degree of culture shock. Things are a little different here, and if you are relocating then you need to make sure that you have done your homework first. It is a welcoming and wonderful place to live, so let’s have a look at some of the most important things that you need to know before you touch down!

Talk To Your Employers About Your Move

Let’s start with a tip that is always a good idea for people moving to a new country, regardless of where that is: use your employers to help. It always helps to have people who are already there who have already helped people acclimatize to give you some pointers, and they will be able to talk to you about the best places to live, the best places to shop, and the best places to eat. Be sure to take advantage of any opportunities that they provide to get to know the area and to get to know your colleagues. It is also very important to remember that Singapore work visas are very strict. So, make sure that all your paperwork is in order and that your employers have registered your right to work before you head over.

Be Ready For The Heat

Now, you probably will already have factored this in, but it is important enough to bear repeating. Singapore is very hot. There are consistently high levels of humidity, and you will typically be looking at temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. So, when you are packing to move, you may want to think about leaving that winter wardrobe home. Think light colors, light fabric, and be sure to pack some shorts for your weekends.

Find The Right Mortgage For You

If you are looking to buy property in Singapore, then you should be aware that housing can be quite expensive. Singapore is relatively small, so housing can be at a premium. With that in mind, you should make sure that you are saving for your move as early as possible, and you find a mortgage or home loan that suits you. Look for local mortgage providers who can talk you through the options available and help you to find a loan that is tailored to you. Property Guru offers a loan interest calculator to help you plan your monthly costs and ensure that you are not going over your budget. They also have plenty of resources to help ex-pats find the perfect property for them.

Get Out There, Meet People, Explore

One of the biggest concerns that a lot of people have when they move to a new country is that they will be lonely. However, Singapore has a thriving expat community, and you will not be hard pushed to find people who are in the same boat as you. With that being said, it can be too easy to end up in an expat bubble where you are not really experiencing everything that your new home has to offer. So, make sure that you are getting out of the city on weekends. You can also look at visiting neighboring countries, with places like Malaysia, Thailand, and Bali all within a few hours’ flight of Singapore. 

Get On Public Transport

Understandably, a lot of people still prefer to make sure they have a car when they relocate to another country in order to give them as much flexibility as possible. However, the fact of the matter is that Singapore has a fantastic public transport system. The aforementioned size of the country means that the government has invested a lot of money into public transport over the years, and the MRT trains are very reliable. It is also worth keeping in mind that buying and owning a car is not cheap in Singapore, so why not wait until you have lived here for a little while before you decide?

Remember To Eat Local

Because Singapore is an international metropolitan place, you will not be hard pushed to find the kind of food that you are used to. However, sticking to western cuisine will mean that you miss out on the amazing culinary experiences that Singapore has to offer. The local cuisine has a blend of the best things that the region has to offer, including Chinese-inspired dishes and spicy curries. Whether you are looking for five-star dining or delicious street food, you will never be short on options.