While moving to a new country can be a little scary, it is also a very exciting experience to explore somewhere new and settle into a new country. In recent years, Singapore has become a popular place for expats as it has a very high standard of living and can provide a wealth of opportunities to those who choose to move to the country.
If you are considering moving to Singapore, then it is important you do some research beforehand and find out a bit about the country before you make the commitment to move.
In this article, we will go over 5 different things you need to know before you move to Singapore, so keep on reading to find out more.
Be Prepared For The Climate
If you are moving from the UK to Singapore, then you must prepare yourself for the change in the climate. Because Singapore is situated near the equator, the climate in Singapore is typically tropical, which is a huge difference from the cold and rainy climate that is found in the UK. Being in this climate 24/7 can take some time to get used to, so make sure that you pack plenty of loose-fitting clothing and always carry a bottle of water with you. As well as the heat and humidity, Singapore is always known for a lot of rainfall, so it would be beneficial to invest in a light raincoat that you can carry around with you. Ultimately, you will acclimatise to the weather in Singapore, but it is still important to be prepared so that you are not caught out by the difference in the climate.
Secure A Place To Live
When moving to a new country, it is important that you secure yourself a place to live beforehand, as this will make things a lot easier to settle in once you arrive. The cost of living in Singapore is quite high, so you must ensure that you have enough money aside to find a nice place for you to live. In terms of real estate in Singapore, there are lots of options to choose from, so perhaps have a think about what area you would like to live in, and then find a house or an apartment that suits your needs. When looking for somewhere to live, you should look into what sort of mortgage you can reasonably afford and consider what properties are available in your price range. Once you have your home secured, you can start planning your move a bit more.
Brush-Up On Some Language Basics
There are three main languages that are spoken in Singapore: English, Malay, And Tamil. While people will not expect you to be fluent in Malay or Tamil, it would be beneficial for you to learn some basic words and phrases to help you get by. Knowing some common phrases will help you integrate into the country as you can use them to communicate with people in shops or restaurants. English is spoken widely across Singapore but having some phrases that you can use confidently will show people that you are willing to put in the effort to fit in in the country. If you struggle with learning languages, then use some language apps or even Google translate to help you get started.
You Must Have A Job Before You Move
Having a job before you move is a very important as not only will you need the money to help you afford to live, but Singapore has strict visa and employment laws, which dictates who is allowed to live and work in the country. You must have a job secured before you move, or, at the very least, have a firm job offer in place that you can show to officials. Although this may sound a little daunting, Singapore is a country that has an abundance of fantastic job opportunities, so it is unlikely that you would not be able to find job that you like.
Familiarise Yourself With The Laws And Customs
When moving to any new country, it is important that you familiarise yourself with the laws and customs of that country, so that you can integrate yourself within your new home. The first thing to know is that Singapore, as a country, is extremely clean, so you can be fined for littering or spitting in the street. Additionally, due to Covid, they also now have very strict rules on mask-wearing, so it is important that you stock up on masks before you move. Another important rule to be aware of is that it is against the law to eat or drink on public trains and failure to uphold that rule could potentially get you a hefty fine.
