Whether it is the exciting career prospects or the high-paced lifestyle you are drawn to, Singapore is a great place for expats! However, unlike moving with your family, relocating by yourself can be a little overwhelming. Luckily, the team at Allied Singapore has gathered all our experience of helping individuals relocate to Singapore to provide you with some useful tips and advice. Read on to learn more about making the move to Singapore alone.
Advice for moving to Singapore by yourself
Taking the leap to move overseas alone can feel both frightening and exhilarating. But, you don’t need to move feeling completely in the dark! We put together some advice on moving to Singapore alone so you can be prepared for your new adventure.
Organise your documentation early
No move is without documentation, and relocating to Singapore is no exception! Once you decide to move to Singapore, we recommend collating your required documentation to move. This will include ensuring that your passport is up to date, applying for the relevant visa and immigration pass, and arranging any medical and moving insurance. Don’t forget to update your immunisations and have appropriate records of all required vaccinations, such as COVID-19. Follow our helpful international moving checklist as a guide when preparing for your move.
Expect a high cost of living
One important thing to be aware of before you move to Singapore is the high cost of living. While the average salary can seem incredibly high, Singapore is regularly listed as one of the most expensive places in the world! Before you move, research the cost of living in Singapore and ensure that you will be able to adequately support yourself. Numbeo estimates that a single person's average monthly expenses (not including rent) are approximately SGD$1,555 (or USD$1,152).
Find work before you relocate
As Singapore is strict about their employment laws and who is eligible for their work permits, you will need to ensure you have secured employment or have proof of self-employment prior to moving. Ensuring you have employment before you move is also important as the cost of living can be quite high (as mentioned above). The work culture in Singapore is a mix of both Western and Eastern values, and due to the competitiveness of the job market a strong and dedicated work ethic is expected.
Find a suitable neighbourhood
Deciding where you’d like to live in Singapore will definitely impact your overall experience. Living in areas popular with expats is an easy way to meet other people as well as ensure a great quality of life. Some favourite areas in Singapore include Orchard Road, Holland Village, and River Valley.
Understand the culture
Singapore’s diversity and multiculturalism mean that it is pretty easy for expats to feel at home. You will find a wide range of cuisines, traditions and holidays celebrated in Singapore. The low level of crime and high safety rating in Singapore is due to the strict laws which should be taken incredibly seriously and are routinely enforced. Smoking in public, chewing gum and littering are all prohibited and can come with a heavy fine. There is also some censorship in regards to freedom of expression, with some publications and art banned or censored.
Do a ‘trial run’
Moving to a new country which you have never been to before can feel incredibly daunting. If possible, visit Singapore for a week or month before you decide to relocate. This will enable you to understand what life is like in Singapore so you can understand if it is the right decision for you. Although living somewhere is different to taking a holiday, you will find that your expectations will be more in alignment with reality once you move. It’s also a great opportunity to check out different areas and decide where you might like to live.
Pack strategically
Our years of experience in moving means we know how common it is for people to leave their packing to the last minute! We recommend getting started on packing early and taking a strategic approach to your list. Think about which items you can replace after you move and which furniture and belongings you can’t live without. As Singapore’s temperatures rarely stray from 25℃ to 30℃ (77℉ to 86℉, you likely won’t need your big winter coat. You may also need to check what is restricted or prohibited in Singapore to avoid any issues when entering the country. To help speed up the packing process, it’s best to use professional packing service to ensure your items are safe for the journey to Singapore from overseas.
Connect with other expats
Many expats struggle with loneliness after relocating overseas by themselves. Being in a new place by yourself means you don’t have your support network around you and it can take time to create new relationships. Connecting with other expats is a great way to develop new friendships with people who are having a similar experience. You can meet new people in Singapore by joining a sports club, local group or by joining a social media group and through websites like MeetUp.
Move with the right international moving company
As relocating overseas is already such a stressful experience, you can make it easier by using an experienced international moving company. When choosing your movers, choose a reputable company which can provide a strong track record of international moves to Singapore and has quality assurance processes in place, such as accreditation for ISO 9001. Ideally, your moving company will have a global network of movers so you don’t have to deal with multiple moving companies and can enjoy a seamless move.
If you are ready to make the move from overseas to Singapore? The highly skilled and experienced team at Allied Singapore can make your move as stress-free as possible! Receive your
free quote which is specific to your move today