Pre-Move Considerations
Job Offer and Employment: Before moving, ensure you have a confirmed job offer or have thoroughly researched employment opportunities. Understand your employment contract, visa requirements, and whether your company offers relocation assistance.
Cultural and Emotional Preparedness: Prepare yourself for the cultural shift. Research Singapore’s customs, social norms, and language basics to ease your transition. Consider the emotional impact of leaving your home country, including saying goodbye to family and friends.
Managing Affairs in Your Home Country:
- Family: Discuss and plan the move with your family, considering everyone’s needs and concerns.
- Property: Decide whether to sell, rent out, or maintain your property back home.
- Insurances: Review and adjust your health, life, and property insurance policies as needed.
- Banking: Notify your bank of your move and understand how to manage your finances from abroad.
Financial Preparedness and Cost of Living: Research the cost of living in Singapore, including housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. Estimate your initial costs, including rent deposits and furnishings, and ensure you have sufficient savings to cover your relocation and first few months in Singapore.
Upon Arrival in Singapore
Housing and Accommodation: Choose a neighborhood that suits your lifestyle and budget. Consider proximity to work, schools, and amenities. Understand the rental process, including common practices and legal requirements.
Education for Children: Research international and local schools, considering curriculum, location, and fees. Understand the application and enrollment process, and prepare for possible waiting lists.
Transportation Options: Decide between using public transportation, which is efficient and affordable, and owning a car, which is costly due to high taxes and fees. Learn about Singapore’s public transport system and the process for obtaining a driving license.
Healthcare and Insurance: Familiarize yourself with Singapore’s healthcare system. If your employer does not provide health insurance, consider purchasing a policy that covers both local and international medical expenses.
Living in Singapore
Daily Life and Cultural Integration: Engage with local and expat communities to ease your integration. Participate in local festivals and events to understand and appreciate Singaporean culture.
Food and Dining: Embrace Singapore’s diverse culinary scene. Experiment with local dishes and explore food courts, hawker centers, and restaurants.
Domestic Help: Consider whether you need a domestic helper for household chores, cooking, or childcare. Understand the legal and financial responsibilities involved in hiring domestic help.
Financial Management: Open a local bank account and manage your finances efficiently. Budget for daily expenses, savings, and investments, keeping in mind the cost of living.
Conclusion
Moving to Singapore requires careful planning and consideration of various aspects, from employment and cultural integration to financial management and daily living. By addressing these considerations thoughtfully, expatriates can ensure a smooth transition and a fulfilling life in their new home.
