Expats Moving to Singapore

We are continuously working on making the relocation process easier for our clients; therefore, we provide as many supporting services as we can to reduce your tortuous search for other essential elements when moving to a new city. Stated below is the list of services we currently provide to ensure you get settled into your new home in Singapore.

For More on Moving to Singapore, Click Here – Guide on Migrating to Singapore

School Finding

Expatriates moving to Singapore with families would want to find excellent education for their children. Singapore offers superior education where classes are focused on teaching students problem-solving skills.

The education system starts from preschool, where children learn basic language, writing skills, social skills, etc. They will also be taught two languages, English and a second language, commonly Chinese, Malay, or Tamil.

The primary schooling system in Singapore aims to ensure children apprehend the English language well, teach basic mathematics, and improve their second language. These schools provide a wide range of extra-curricular activities for your kids to participate in. Followed by the different forms of Secondary education. An express stream where students take a 4-year course leading up to the Singapore-Cambridge GCE O Level examination. The normal stream of 4-year course with the possibility of a 5th year before the O level examination. This stream is divided into two further categories, in which one takes technical subjects (ex. Design and Technology) and the other more academic ones (ex. Principles of Accounting). The final stream of schools offers Integrated Programme which leads to either an IB Diploma or Cambridge A level examination.

Singapore has earned the reputation of providing excellent higher education. There are top Universities and Polytechnics where international students join and continue to pursue excellent careers around the world.

Singapore also pays attention to special needs children by ensuring they have schools equipped and staffs trained to teach these children. Around 20 schools in Singapore are specialized in this field and will ensure your children will be given the style of education that works best for them.

Housing

You are planning to relocate to Singapore as an expatriate or have already relocated, finding suitable accommodation features most prominently on your agenda. Your choice of the house will make all the difference between having a fantastic expat experience and just about a mediocre one.

We all know that Singapore has been ranked the most liveable city for expatriates (ECA International’s global liveability index list) from other Asian markets for the 15th year running. According to a survey, its excellent infrastructure and amenities, low crime rate, and large expatriate community may be credited for this honor.

Housing in Singapore is an expensive proposition. Therefore, if you are looking for renting a room in a shared apartment, you will find some budget-friendly accommodations. Another relatively cheaper option would be to go for public housing known as the Housing Development Board (HBD). This housing often has all the facilities nearby. Rental costs for such HDB units for an apartment with 2-3 bedrooms would range between 1,800 SGD to 2,800 SGD, depending on location. Other options include private apartments, condominiums, and landed properties.

Demographically, Singapore is divided into 28 postal districts, so it is crucial to decide the neighbourhood you are willing to live in. For this it is also important that you consider commute time to work, necessary amenities nearby such as schools, parks, grocery stores, clinics, and public transport, etc.

Hence, housing is a very critical component of your experience in Singapore. It is very important that you evaluate your options thoroughly before settling for one.

Looking to Find a Short-term Stay in Singapore? Click Here – New Expats in Singapore 

Banking

Choosing a bank according to your requirements is another important task at hand as an expat. Singapore is a banking and financial hub and most of the world’s prominent banks have a presence here, besides a host of local banks. Hence you are spoilt for choice!

The country offers a plethora of choices when looking to open a bank account, from local banks to foreign banks. Not only this, local banks like Development Bank of Singapore (DBS) and Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) offer accounts specifically for foreign workers. Before this, you need to research the banks which accept foreigners as their customers.

Once you have zeroed on that, you need to gather other necessary information like interest rates, transaction charges, and minimum average daily balance requirement, etc. Each bank has its benefits and we will guide you in choosing the suitable one for you.

As foreigners, working in Singapore, you need to have a local bank account to receive your salary via bank transfer or cheque deposit. You could choose to open a local bank account with a local bank or a foreign bank. Please be in the know that foreign banks may have extra charges for international banking or a large deposit requirement.

Laws being quite stringent in Singapore, proof of your residence in Singapore, along with your passport and proof of employment, should be presented when opening a bank account. The latest copy of your IPA letter from MOM, Letter of employment/offer, local utility/telecommunication bill, latest payslip, or a letter issued by a government body will qualify for this proof. You would also be required to justify your need for a local bank account.

Once you have gathered all the necessary documentation you can visit a branch of the bank you choose or its website to register for the account. Choose a branch closer to home or office as you may be required to visit the branch as and when required.

Credit Card

In Singapore, your arrival & survival becomes a challenge if you don’t have a credit card. Not only it helps when you don’t have cash, but it also brings you cash backs, promotional offers, discounts, reward points, all in all, it rewards using credit cards in Singapore!

Make Best with Your Credit Card

With the cost of living in Singapore being high, it’s a good idea to get some gifts, offers, discounts, or cash backs while shopping with your credit card, which will enhance your shopping experience. Singapore has a few great options of Credit Cards made available to foreigners/expats offered by both local and foreign banks with some great customized offers.

While applying for a credit card, you should check about the credit limit, so that you know how much is your financial limit, to what amount you can spend. A credit limit refers to the maximum you can charge to your credit cards.

Though you may have multiple credit cards with your bank, they will all share the same credit limit. Credit limits are typically 2 to 4 times your monthly salary, but it is ultimately the bank’s discretion how it grants you.

Document Required:

Reason for getting a Credit Card: