Considering making the international move from Hong Kong to Singapore? Many Hong Kong residents are choosing to relocate to Singapore for various reasons, including career opportunities and lifestyle benefits. As Allied Moving Services has helped thousands of individuals and families make the move, we’ve compiled the top reasons and some helpful tips on ensuring your move is a success.
Why move to Singapore from Hong Kong?
Relocating internationally isn’t a decision to be taken lightly! As moving from Hong Kong to Singapore is a time-consuming and sometimes expensive process, you want to be entirely sure that it is the right decision for you. We’ve listed some common reasons why it is worthwhile to move from Hong Kong to Singapore.
High salaries
A huge advantage of relocating to Singapore is that you can earn a higher salary compared to Hong Kong. BudgetDirect reports the average monthly salary after tax in Singapore is HKD$32,071 compared to Hong Kong’s average of HKD$24,185.
Lower cost of living
Aside from the increased salaries, Singapore also has the advantage of a lower cost of living compared to Hong Kong. ECA International reported that Hong Kong is the second most expensive city in the world, compared to Singapore which sits at number eight on the list. However, keep in mind that this can fluctuate so it’s best to research the cost of living comparison as close as possible to when you are moving.
High level of education
Although they are fairly evenly matched in terms of education, Singapore often tops the list of highest-performing students across the globe. This high level of education means Hong Kong families are often keen to make the move to Singapore to ensure their children are learning among the best of the best.
Less pollution
One of the downsides of living in Hong Kong is the high levels of pollution which affects the air and overall quality of living. According to IQAir, Hong Kong ranks 33 in most polluted cities and Singapore is slightly lower at rank 44.
Tips for moving from Hong Kong to Singapore
Now that you know why so many Hong Kong residents are deciding to relocate to Singapore, it’s time to begin making your dream of moving a reality! Here are our helpful tips to ensuring your relocation to Singapore is smooth sailing.
Choose the right housing
Generally speaking, rent prices tend to be similar in Singapore, if not lower than those in Hong Kong. Housing & Development Board (HDB) housing is one of the most affordable options when moving from Hong Kong to Singapore. These are blocks of flats built by the government. Although it is not a common choice among expats, they are often close to the MRTs (Mass Rapid Transit for bus, rail or taxi) and wet markets. HDB properties tend to be a good option if you want to get a feel for Singapore before committing to leasing an apartment.
Private condos are usually the preferred property choice of expats because of their larger size and additional features such as swimming pools, gyms and tennis courts. These benefits mean private condos tend to be a more expensive option and they are sometimes located further from the MRTs which is important to keep that in mind when choosing where to live.
Real estate agents might charge a different price for the same property so be prepared to look around. Having a Singapore agent you can trust is very important, so if you’ve started your new job, ask work colleagues for a referral or perhaps join an online expat support group to get a better idea. Rent prices in Singapore are often negotiable, so don’t be afraid to ask for a better deal.
Organise your documentation early
As soon as you know your move date, you need to get started on organising your documentation such as applying for your visa, cancelling your utility contracts, and ensuring you have moving insurance. It can be tricky to understand exactly what you need to get ready in preparation for your move to Singapore - if you’re finding it hard to keep track on what to prepare, you can follow our international moving checklist as a guide.
Consider storage
Not sure what you will take with you to Singapore? We recommend using a secure storage service to provide you with maximum flexibility and convenience during your international move. This can give you time to settle into your new home before receiving all of your belongings and furniture, which is particularly important if you need to move in a tight time frame. It’s best to use a storage service which has 24/7 monitoring, a flexible range of storage options and can deliver your things to you when you require them - just like Allied Moving Services does.
Use a professional packing service
Moving to Singapore from Hong Kong is no small feat so we recommend using a highly experienced moving company to ensure the relocation goes smoothly. As we are part of a global network of movers, we also have a team in Singapore ready to assist with your move once you arrive. This means you won’t have the added stress of dealing with multiple moving companies and will have a seamless relocation experience from start to finish.
Our skilled team of international movers have the right expertise, experience and equipment to handle every aspect of your move. We can help organise your customs paperwork and, more importantly, we can manage the packing, transportation and storage of your belongings thanks to our wide range of moving services. Whether you need pet relocation, vehicle transportation or comprehensive insurance policies, you can trust Allied Moving Services!
Ready to book your international move from Hong Kong to Singapore? Receive a free quote which is specific to your unique move today!