It does not matter how excited we are about a move to a new country or a new city, we all worry about whether we are going to be able to get to grips with the new location and the new culture. If you are moving to Singapore this year, then the chances are that you will already know that you are moving to one of the world’s most exciting and unique metropolises. You will also have a lot of questions relating to your new home and the best ways that you can go about getting settled in.
Singapore is an incredibly welcoming city that has an enormous ex-pat community. It is full of wonderful ways to spend your leisure time, and you are never going to be short on different things to eat and drink. It’s also dedicated to becoming a greener city. But there are some things that you should probably think about ahead of time if you are moving there. Here are some tips and tricks that you need to know about.
There Are Several Languages, But English Is One Of Them
Singapore is world-famous for being a city of ex-pats. A result of this is that English is seen as the official language of business, so you do not need to worry too much about cramming in too many language lessons before you move to Singapore. The other languages you may hear while in Singapore include Malay, Tamil, and Mandarin. However, the one that you will probably hear most often is “Singlish,” which is a slang dialect that combines elements of English with local language.
The Humidity Is Real
If you are moving to Singapore, then one of the most important things you need to prepare for is the weather. The climate is tropical, and you can expect a daily temperature of somewhere between 22 to 34 degrees Celsius. A bigger factor than the heat is humidity. There are two monsoon seasons every year in Singapore and the humidity levels can reach 100%. If you are going to be heading out, make sure that you wear plenty of sunscreen, put a hat on, and take an umbrella with you.
You Need To Do Your Research Before Buying Property
We would all rather take our time before buying a home in an ideal world, but when you are relocating to another country time is not always on your side. As a foreigner buying property in Singapore, your options may be a little limited unless you are a Singapore Permanent Resident. You will also be facing significantly higher stamp duty and additional stamp duty on property purchases.
It is also worth noting that the numbers have changed since the cooling measures that were introduced in December 2021. To help you do your stamp duty calculation, PropertyGuru has put together a detailed guide to what you will be looking at. They also have comprehensive property listings to help you find the perfect home in Singapore.
Embrace Public Transport
If you are looking for ways to keep your costs down when you move to Singapore, you should seriously think about ditching your car. The first reason is that Singapore has an exceptional public transport system, led by the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) train line. The second is that buying and owning a car in Singapore is almost prohibitively expensive. Getting a taxi can also set you back a fair amount of money, too.
Cost Of Living Can Be Expensive, But It Doesn’t Have To Be
One of the things that you will hear most often when you tell your friends that you are moving to Singapore is that it is expensive. The truth is that certain things are very expensive, but it all depends on what you are buying and where you are buying it. For example, supermarkets aimed at affluent customers and ex-pats will have western items at high prices. If you shop elsewhere or buy your fruit and vegetables from one of the famous wet markets, then you will not spend anywhere near as much. It is also important to remember that alcohol is expensive in Singapore. If you enjoy a drink, then you will need to factor that into your budget.
Watch Out For Fines
Singapore has a somewhat deserved reputation for being a city heavy on fines, so it is important that you familiarize yourself with the rules. You can be fined for eating and drinking on the MRT, littering, spitting, jaywalking, smoking in areas where it is not explicitly allowed, and urinating in public. However, one of the benefits of these incredibly strict rules is that Singapore has a world-renowned low crime rate and is regarded as being one of the safest countries in the world. So, don’t be afraid to get out there and start soaking up the local culture.
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