Moving to a new country is always going to be a journey of discovery. Once you are off the plane, all moved in and getting ready to go to work, things will feel like they are moving very fast. It is the part before your arrival that can make some people feel a little nervous. There is no question that moving halfway around the world is going to be a major transition, and while you are preparing your move, you may find that the number of queries that you have starts to get a little overwhelming.
This is why it is so important to make sure that you do your research before you move. Remember that there is no such thing as a stupid question when you are thinking about making a transition this big. Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions that ex-pats have about what it’s like to live in Singapore, as well as some tips for important factors that you may not have thought of, to help you get settled in no time!
How Safe Is Singapore?
The good news for anyone, especially families, who are thinking about moving to Singapore is that it is a very safe place to live. Law and order are a point of pride here, and the crime rates are low. However, the fact is that, as with any major metropolis, there are going to be people on the lookout for unsuspecting tourists. Just as you would in somewhere like London or New York, make sure that you keep an eye out and think about what you are doing.
What Is The Property Market Like?
If you are looking for a home in Singapore, then you are going to need to get some help from people who know the market best. While it is fair to say that property markets around the world have been hot recently, it is important to remember that Singapore is a relatively small country, and real estate is in high demand. You may also be interested in learning more about home loans and how home loan refinance works in Singapore if you are going to be applying for a mortgage. There are several specifics that you will need to get acquainted with as there are rules for new residents, so get in touch with the team at PropertyGuru. They have the experience and the expertise to help you find the perfect property and secure the financing that you need.
Are There A Lot Of Other Ex-Pats?
The short answer to this question is yes, there are a lot! Singapore has been an attractive location for foreign businesses for many years now, and you will not struggle to find plenty of other people in your situation when you arrive here. Looking beyond your place of work, it is worth thinking about whether you would like to join one of the many ex-pat clubs in Singapore. Otherwise, you will be sure to rub shoulders with them at many of the malls and nightlife options here.
Do I Need To Learn A New Language?
If you are moving for work, you will notice very quickly that almost everyone you speak to at your job is speaking English. This is because English is the official language of business here, and it is one of the four official spoken languages in Singapore, along with Tamil, Malay, and Mandarin. You will also hear a lot of Singlish, which is the most spoken local dialect. This is kind of a combination of all four and has come about because so many different cultures have mingled in Singapore over the years. It is also worth noting that there are a lot of international schools to choose from.
Is There A High Cost Of Living?
This is a more complicated question than it may first appear to be. The short answer is yes, the cost of living is higher than you may be used to. However, there are plenty of ways that you can keep your costs down. The first thing to note is that owning a car in Singapore is a very expensive thing to do. Cars are expensive to buy, and registering them can be just as pricey. The good news is that there is fantastic public transport here, so you should be able to get everywhere you need to go by train, bus, or taxi. The second thing to note that one of the most expensive things in Singapore is trying to enjoy all the creature comforts of home. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the occasional night out at a hotel bar, but if you want to try and cut down on the amount of money you are spending, you can find excellent street food and experience the brilliant unique cuisine of Singapore.
