Moving to Singapore as an expat? It’s a mix of cool, modern living and a really interesting culture. Often, people see Singapore as a top place for pros from all over, and it’s true you can have a great life there, but you gotta get used to a few things.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:
Day-to-Day Life: Vibe and Culture
Singapore has gone from a small trading spot to a major money hub. If you are an expat, this means you’re in a city that’s super safe, clean, and runs like clockwork. The local culture often focuses on being competitive (kiasu) and the Five Cs: cash, car, credit card, condo, and country club.
It’s easy to just hang out in expat bars, but you’ll get way more out of it if you check out the local areas and join in the many cultural festivals.
Money Matters
Singapore is often called one of the priciest cities on Earth, but it all depends on how you live:
- Housing: This will probably be your biggest cost. Expect to pay around S$3,000 to S$5,000 for a condo in a central spot with one to three bedrooms.
- Food: You could drop S$500 on a fancy dinner or just S$5 at a local food stall. Supermarkets aimed at expats like Cold Storage are pricey. To save money, many people shop at local markets for fresh stuff.
- Taxes: A big plus is that income tax is quite low compared to Western countries, which helps balance out the high living costs.
Work Life
Work in Singapore is fast and focused on results.
- Etiquette: English is the main language at work. Big international companies are trying to have better work-life balance, but many local companies still have a traditional structure where respecting your seniors is key.
- Work Permits: To work here, expats usually need an Employment Pass (EP). The government has rules about salaries (starting at S$5,000 and going up with age/experience) to make sure they only bring in skilled workers.
Getting Around
Buying a car in Singapore costs a ton because of the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), which can be super expensive. Luckily, the public transport (MRT and buses) is great, cheap, and goes almost everywhere. Most expats don’t even need a car.
Social Life, Dating, and Family
- Dating: Dating apps like Tinder and Bumble are common. Singapore is modern, but public affection is pretty low-key. The city is becoming more inclusive, but attitudes toward the LGBTQIA+ community are still more old-fashioned than in some Western places.
- Education: Most expat kids go to international schools, which have good programs but high fees.
- Helpers: Many expat families hire live-in helpers to help with kids and housework. It’s a common thing in Singapore.
Healthcare
Singapore has some of the best medical care around. But, if you’re an expat, you won’t get the same government help that locals do. So, it’s key to have good private health insurance, which is often part of your job package.
The Good and Bad
The Good:
- Safety: You can walk almost anywhere, anytime, without feeling scared.
- Travel: Changi Airport is close to the rest of Asia. quick flights to Bali, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- Runs Smoothly: Everything from government stuff to setting up the internet is easy.
The Bad:
- The Heat: It’s always summer, hot, and humid, with lots of rain.
- Cabin Fever: Because the country is small, some expats start to feel closed-in, so traveling outside the country is important.
- Fitting In: Can be hard to go beyond small talk and really get involved in the local scene.
Basically, Singapore is a lively, high-energy place that’s good for people who are focused on their careers and like city life. If you balance out the high costs by doing what the locals do —like eating at food stalls and using the MRT—expats can have a good time in one of Asia’s most stable and happening places.
Disclaimer: while we aim to spark your interest and keep things entertaining, please treat everything shared here as food for thought rather than a rulebook for life. Since we don’t have a crystal ball and your situation is as unique as a fingerprint, we cannot guarantee accuracy or specific results, nor should you rely on this as professional advice. Please take these insights with a grain of salt, do your own homework, and always consult a qualified expert before making any big moves—because what works for one person might not work for all!
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