Thinking about migrating to Singapore: here are 7 things you should know. Source: pixabay.com
Singapore is a memorable mix of culture, modern convenience, food, and a promising future for everyone.
Expat life can be refreshing, enriching, and exciting. People who want to live outside their native country often look for places to unwind from the tension and monotony of regular life.
So, Singapore is a place where people often head to because they want to start their lives afresh.
If you are thinking of migrating to Singapore, you can take help from the Singapore Immigration Services. They can guide you thoroughly on what things you need to remember before you move to this new city.
So, let’s take a look at them here:
1. Language
English is the language of trade and commerce in Singapore, so if you speak English, you are all good to come to this expensive city.
However, alongside English, people also speak Mandarin, Tamil, and Malay in this city. They speak these languages in malls, restaurants, banks, and many other places because they also understand English.
For example, you are waiting in line for customer payment and see the lady there speaking Mandarin. Don’t worry; you can simply speak the unofficial dialect Singlish and communicate with the person.
2. Weather
Singapore is located only one degree north of the Equator, which means it’s hot over here. The high humidity is often a negative point for foreigners, but if you spend a few days here, you’ll get used to it.
All you need is a hat, plenty of sunscreens, your sunglass, and an umbrella to walk around the city and explore its different corners.
The heat is pretty much outside, so if you’re coming here from a cold region, you’re in it for a big surprise.
3. Transportation
People who move to Singapore for the first time tend to travel in public transportation systems. Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit is reliable, and on time, so people prefer taking it to work and back home.
You can own a car in thou city if you want, but it’s not going to come cheap. If you still want a car badly, you must be prepared to pay 10 times more for the same model you have back at home.
It means if you have the right budget and will to spend your days in Singapore, you will love this city. You will also find many people like you working and living their lives here happily.
4. Expat Bubble
According to 2019 statistics, there are 1.43 million ex-pats in Singapore, but by the end of 2021, the number declined to 1.2 million.
People who come to Singapore tend to work mostly in the educational, pharmaceutical, hospitality, tourism, and fintech industry.
They mostly stay in the suburban areas and make an active effort to talk to the locals. They also learn Singlish and dine at the hawkers because it makes them experience Singapore’s authenticity.
5. Food
SFA sets stringent food standards in Singapore and makes sure they are consistent with international standards. Singapore is popular for seafood, so when ex-pats come here for the first time, they tend to explore a lot of that.
Since the government makes sure there are updated legislations in place, and they are enforced through proper testing programs, the food quality never drops in this city.
Singapore is probably the last city where people suffer from food-borne diseases, so you can eat to your heart’s content when you step into this place.
Black pepper crab, chili crab, sambal stingray, and Hainanese chicken rice are some of the quintessential dishes here.
6. Shops
If you love retail therapy, Singapore should be your go-to spot.
There are multiple air-conditioned shopping malls that should be your best escape to dodge the heat outside and fancy yourself in luxury Singapore has to offer.
You can find ample shops for everything such as:
- Electronics.
- Soft toys.
- Clothes.
- Accessories.
- Shoes.
- Music records.
- Books.
- Skincare products.
There are plenty of luxury malls located in this city, and they can help you get the feeling of being in a ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ movie set.
Not only malls, but Singapore also offers markets led by local community people where you can get your hands on street food, knick-knack, and hundreds of other items.
7. Renting Cost
The property comes at a premium cost in this city because getting an empty piece of land is tough here. Since it’s a significant outgoing spot for ex-pats, the rent varies, and it mostly follows an increasing trend.
It costs SGD 700 per month, which rounds up to £370/$515 USD. You only get one room in a shared space with this money. However, for a 1 BHK apartment, you can expect to spend a hefty price of SGD 1500-SGD 4000 every month.
Since there is a new wave of ex-pats coming to Singapore every day, the renting cost is expected to go higher.
So, if you want to move to this city, do it NOW.
Closing Remarks
We have given you an honest review of how migrating to Singapore works and how you can be best prepared for this journey onboard.
Once you read this list, you should find yourself immersed in a wave of knowledge about this promising city, and that should help you make an informed decision.
