Singapore
Singapore
Relocation seems like a big word and may sound daunting at first, but with the appropriate preparation, avoiding cultural shocks and integrating yourself into the culture and local communities will be as easy as ABC.
This guide aims to provide you with the necessary information to help you prepare before the big move to Singapore, covering everything from basic facts to important rules for everyday life.
Read on to find out how you can navigate your new life on the sunny island.
Table of Contents
Singapore is a multicultural nation made up of approximately 74% ethnic Chinese, 13% Malay, and 9% Indian residents.
The country’s official languages are English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. However, in everyday conversation, you will often hear Singlish, which is a unique blend of English with elements of Chinese, Malay, and local dialects. As a result, even native English speakers may find it challenging to understand at first.
Common Singlish expressions include “lah,” which is used to add emphasis, and “aiyoh,” which expresses surprise or frustration. While its pronunciation and grammar may take time to get used to, many people find Singlish both fascinating and expressive once they become familiar with it.
Home to several different religions and cultures, Singapore thrives on racial harmony and mutual respect between its diverse communities. It is important in daily interactions that we are mindful and respectful when it comes to different religions and cultural backgrounds.
Take for example, in Singapore, you will often find ladies from the Muslim community wearing hijabs or clothing that covers the majority of the body. The wearing of hijab, also known as “tudung” locally, is one of the few ways that the female Muslims practice their faith.
Understanding the significance of such practices also reminds us that the way we dress can reflect respect for different cultures, traditions, and religious values.
Beyond the way we dress, understanding Singapore’s social etiquette also plays an important role in helping you blend into the multicultural society.
As a rule of thumb, punctuality is still very much valued in Singapore and always call ahead if you are running late. However, there might still be some flexibility depending on the person or situation.
In a fast-paced working environment like Singapore, clarity and conciseness are appreciated, as this helps save time and avoid miscommunication. Minor operational decisions usually can be concluded within 1–3 days while major strategic ones tend to extend to a month or more. Respect for hierarchy and roles is important, and showing consideration toward supervisors or decision-makers helps build trust and strong professional relationships.
Coming in after Hong Kong, Singapore ranks as the world’s second most expensive city according to the Worldwide Cost of Living Survey 2024. Despite this fact, food and daily expenses can still be managed with smart choices.
Reference: Worldwide Cost of Living Survey 2024 (Mercer) (Japanese Only)
As dining in restaurants can be costly, most locals will choose to either have their meals in Hawker Centres (large, open-air food courts) which offer a wide range of choices under SGD$10 or shop at local supermarkets/wet markets for fresh produce to cook at home.
Choosing local brands and products over imported goods and international ones will also help manage your expenses!
In addition, enjoying a cup of Kopi is a quintessential part of everyday life in Singapore. Unlike typical Japanese coffee, Kopi is rich, sweet, and made with condensed milk. It is commonly enjoyed at traditional local coffee shops known as Kopitiams, where locals gather to relax and socialize.
Here’s a summary of the typical daily necessities for reference.
| Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at Hawker Centre | SGD 5–10 | Affordable local food |
| Kopi (Local Coffee) | SGD 1.50–3 | Local Coffeeshops or Kopitiam |
| Bottled water (500ml) | SGD 0.60–3 | Cost more in convenience stores |
| Rice (5kg) | SGD 10–15 | Varies by brand |
| Laundry detergent | SGD 8–15 | Imported brands cost more |
| Shampoo | SGD 6–12 | Local brands are more economical |
| * | Estimates as of 2025. |
Housing in Singapore generally falls into two categories: private condominiums and HDB flats (public housing).
One notable difference from Japan is that most rental properties in Singapore are offered on a fully furnished basis, meaning that essential furniture and household appliances are typically included regardless of whether you choose a condominium or an HDB flat.
Condominiums are popular among expatriates due to their facilities and security features. Monthly rent for a one-bedroom unit typically ranges from SGD 3,000 to 5,000, with higher prices in central areas.
HDB flats are government-built housing primarily intended for citizens. They offer simpler facilities but more affordable rent, usually around SGD 2,000 to 3,500 for a one-bedroom unit.
If you would like to meet more locals, HDB flat is the way to go!
When choosing accommodation, consider your budget as well as commuting convenience and the surrounding environment. Initial costs usually include a one-month security deposit and agency fees.
| Item | Condominium | HDB (Public Housing) |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent (1-bedroom) | SGD 3,000–5,000 per month | SGD 2,000–3,500 per month |
| Shared facilities | Well-equipped facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, and tennis courts | Limited facilities (e.g., playgrounds, fitness corners) |
| Security | Gated access, security guards, CCTV | Relatively basic security arrangements (e.g., security cameras) |
| Typical residents | Expatriates and higher-income households | Majority Singapore citizens |
| Interior and fittings (Fully furnished units are common in Singapore) | Many units feature modern designs and high-end finishes | Generally simple and practical in design, can also be high-end depending on personal preferences |
| Location options | Wide range, from central areas to suburbs | Limited to residential estates primarily occupied by local residents |
| * | These are general market estimates as of 2025. Actual rent may vary significantly depending on location, building age, unit size, shared facilities, and lease terms (e.g., contract length, furnished or unfurnished). Initial costs such as security deposits and agent fees are not included. |
For families relocating to Singapore, education and healthcare often account for a significant portion of living expenses.
International school tuition varies widely, depending on the school, grade level, and additional fees such as enrolment charges, facility fees, and school transportation.
Foreign residents are generally not covered by Singapore’s public healthcare subsidies, so medical expenses are usually paid out of pocket. The actual cost will depend on whether employer-provided or private medical insurance is in place. Reviewing coverage details before relocation is strongly recommended.
Communication costs are relatively manageable and can be adjusted based on plans and promotions.
Below is a summary of the estimated costs.
| Category | Details | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Education | International school | SGD 25,000–50,000 / year |
| Healthcare | Local clinic (outpatient) | SGD 30–70 / visit |
| Private clinic (outpatient) | SGD 100–200 / visit | |
| Communication | Mobile plan | SGD 20–50 / month |
| Home internet | SGD 30–60 / month |
| * | Estimates as of 2025. |
Singapore is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the world. According to the Global Peace Index 2025, it ranks 6th out of 163 countries.
This high level of safety is maintained through strict laws, strong enforcement, and extensive use of surveillance cameras in public spaces, all of which contribute to crime prevention.
Although serious crime is rare, minor incidents such as pickpocketing can still occur, particularly in crowded MRT trains or hawker centres. Leaving phones or bags unattended to reserve seats can attract theft and should be avoided.
In tourist areas, illegal taxis or fake donation requests have been reported. To prevent getting scammed, use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like ComfortDelGro Taxi, Grab, TADA or Gojek, and avoid services without clear pricing.
Online scams, including fake delivery notices or fraudulent messages via messaging apps, have also increased. Do not click on suspicious links or share personal information.
For peace of mind, it is advisable to keep the following emergency contact numbers handy in case of an unexpected incident.
| Service | Contact Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Police | 999 | For crimes, security incidents, or emergencies requiring police assistance |
| Ambulance / Fire | 995 | For medical emergencies, fires, and rescue situations |
Singapore is often nicknamed the “Fine City,” a famous play on words that reflects both meanings of the English word “fine”: a city that is excellent and beautiful, and a city where fines are imposed for rule violations.
Known as one of the cleanest countries in the world, Singapore is supported by strict fines and regulations. From littering to vaping to eating and drinking on public transport, even a minor offence can result in hefty fines.
Take for example:
Even unintentionally carrying chewing gum can be considered an offense.
From 10:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., drinking or selling alcohol in public places is prohibited. Bars and restaurants with special licenses may serve alcohol beyond that time.
Bringing alcohol into public areas during restricted hours is illegal, and penalties apply. Drink-driving carries severe punishment, including heavy fines, imprisonment, and license suspension.
These laws stem from British legal traditions and the need to maintain order in a densely populated, multicultural society. In the past, violations have resulted in deportation of foreign residents.
Public transportation in Singapore is highly developed, making car ownership unnecessary for most residents.
The MRT system is clean, safe, and efficient, with trains running every 2–4 minutes during peak hours. Fares start at around SGD 1 and payments can be made using EZ-Link cards, NETS FlashPay, or contactless credit cards.
Bus fares average around SGD 2 per trip. When trying to board a bus, do flag it down when you see it approaching to signal to the driver, or the bus may not stop.
Since some buses also lack audio announcements, apps like SG NextBus are useful for tracking stops.
Taxis are affordable, with base fares starting from around SGD 5. Premium taxis cost more but are suitable for business use. Fares vary by time and location, with surcharges during peak hours, late nights, and airport or city pickups.
Ride-hailing apps such as Grab are also widely used, offering cashless payment options. Cash payments are possible but having small bills is recommended.
Seat belts are mandatory, doors are usually operated manually, and eating or drinking in taxis is not allowed.
Relocation to Singapore requires an appropriate work visa, such as an Employment Pass or S Pass, depending on role and salary. Visa eligibility criteria change regularly, so applicants will need to check the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website and coordinate closely with your employer.
Typical steps include selecting the visa type, preparing documents, applying online, receiving In-Principle Approval (IPA), and completing biometric registration after entry.
Start searching for housing and schools early through agents in your home country or in Singapore. Clarify your budget, preferred location, commuting needs, and family requirements.
When it comes to education, Singapore offers a wide range of international schools with diverse curricula and multicultural environments. These schools are well suited for families seeking English-language education and internationally recognized pathways, though tuition fees are generally high and waiting lists are common.
Given the high cost of healthcare, it is important to have adequate medical insurance. Review your employer-provided coverage and consider supplemental insurance if necessary. Before departure, also check the latest vaccination recommendations and requirements to ensure you are well prepared for the relocation.
For connectivity, major providers such as Singtel, StarHub, and M1 offer prepaid SIMs and monthly plans. SIM cards can be purchased easily at airports or retail stores. While public Wi-Fi is widely available, avoid transmitting sensitive information over unsecured networks.
This guide has outlined key information and practical advice for living in Singapore as an expatriate. Adjusting to a new environment requires preparation and an understanding of local culture, rules, and expectations.
By respecting local laws and customs and actively engaging with the community, you can enjoy a safe, enriching, and fulfilling life in Singapore.
What is the best solution for your problem?
Please consult a KDDI consultant.
