Living in Singapore as an expat can be rewarding, exciting and enriching. But before you move, make sure you’re well prepared with a job offer secured, international health insurance organised and accommodation secured.
Singapore has a rich culture, delicious food and is a safe country to raise families. It also offers excellent transport links and is a prime location to explore Asia.
1. Exceptional Quality of Life
The quality of life in Singapore is a key reason why expats are relocating to Singapore. It offers a rich culture, excellent public schools, affordable housing, and exceptional amenities. Moreover, it has a strong economy and is considered one of the easiest places to do business in Asia.
Expats living in Singapore are also able to take advantage of the city’s exceptional transportation system and world-class healthcare. Getting around is quick, convenient, and affordable with buses, trains, taxis, and ride-hailing services. In fact, many expats choose not to own a car due to the city’s small size and efficient infrastructure.
Additionally, Singapore’s low crime rate is a huge draw for expats moving to the city. The city has strict laws and a police force that is known to stop even minor offenses such as spitting or shoplifting.
The city’s diverse population also offers a rich tapestry of cultures that can be experienced in the local cuisine, festivals, and traditions. Moreover, with four official languages, language barriers are minimal. In addition, expats can find plenty of support for their relocation in the Singapore expat community. Sign up as an InterNations member to connect with fellow expats in Singapore and over 400 global cities, and to gain access to social and professional events.
2. Exceptional Education System
In Singapore, expats can find high salaries and excellent career prospects. The average annual salary for middle managers is SGD 325,000 (roughly USD 235,000) and graduates with a Master of Business Administration can earn SGD 111,000 (roughly USD 81,000).
The quality of the country’s education system is another top reason why expats choose to relocate to Singapore. The Singaporean education system is known for its discipline and impressive results, and expats have the option to send their children to international schools that follow American, British, and International Baccalaureate curricula.
Moreover, Singapore’s strong sense of public order is evidenced by low crime rates and effective law enforcement. In addition, the city-state’s advanced telecommunication infrastructure allows for easy internet access and mobile phone services. English is widely spoken in Singapore, which further reduces language barriers and increases convenience for expats.
Expats who are ready to move their careers to Singapore will want to be prepared with a job offer secured, international health insurance purchased and an apartment rented to help them settle in as quickly as possible. Once they’re settled, expats can enjoy this dynamic and fascinating country with its wonderful food and vibrant culture. And with instant remittance service providers like InstaReM, they can also easily send money home from Singapore without hurting their budgets.
3. Well-Connected Public Transportation System
When it comes to commuting in Singapore, expats find that public transportation is convenient and efficient. With a network of bus and train lines that span the entirety of the island, getting around is quick and affordable. Adding to this, the city-state’s compact size means walking can also be an effective form of transportation for short distances.
Additionally, a number of ride-hailing services are available for a more flexible and convenient way to get around the country. These options, coupled with Singapore’s extensive public transport system, help make car ownership unnecessary in the country.
Moreover, Singapore’s central location in Southeast Asia presents unparalleled travel opportunities. In fact, three-quarters of expats surveyed by InterNations reported that they consider the country to be a good base for exploring neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. In addition, there are eleven public holidays a year in Singapore, providing ample opportunities for adventure.
Expats also love the fact that English is widely spoken, making it easy for them to navigate daily life. Furthermore, the linguistic accessibility in the country allows them to learn additional languages without feeling pressured. They also cite the safety of Singapore as one of their top reasons for moving to the city-state.
4. A Vibrant Expat Community
The thriving expat community in Singapore is one of the reasons why so many people choose to relocate to this bustling city-state. Whether you’re moving solo or with your family, the vibrant community offers plenty of social opportunities to meet other expats and make lifelong friendships. From attending social events and joining clubs to embracing local culture and exploring the plethora of culinary options, you’ll be sure to find your niche in this dynamic city.
With English being one of the official languages of Singapore, language barriers are relatively minimal, allowing for easy interaction with locals and other expats. However, learning a few basic words of Malay and Mandarin can be beneficial for building relationships with locals and showing respect to the diverse cultures that make up the country.
Expats also enjoy a robust healthcare system, with public and private hospitals offering high-quality care at affordable prices. However, temporary residents do not fall under the public statutory health insurance program, so it’s best to have international healthcare coverage available.
5. Affordable Living Costs
Despite being one of the world’s most expensive cities to live in, Singapore offers reasonable living costs for expats. This makes it an ideal choice for families who want to enjoy all that this Asian city-state has to offer without blowing their budget.
According to the EIU report, a typical one-bedroom apartment in Singapore costs about S$1,268 per month. This is considerably less than what it would cost to rent a comparable home in other popular expat destinations, such as Germany, Denmark and Thailand.
Another factor that contributes to the affordable living costs in Singapore is the fact that residential taxes are usually included in the monthly rental fee. This makes it easier for expats to manage their budget and stick to their savings goals.
Finally, expats also find it easy to travel around the country because of the excellent road infrastructure and convenient public transportation system. In addition, almost three in four expats cite that Singapore’s central location within Asia makes it an excellent base from which to explore the region. With eleven public holidays per year, it is easy for expats to make the most of Singapore’s beautiful natural attractions and exciting local culture.
6. Exceptional Healthcare System
Singapore has one of the world’s best healthcare systems and is home to many reputable medical institutions. The country also boasts a strong work-life balance and provides ample opportunities for expats to pursue their passions.
According to a survey conducted by global bank HSBC, 62% of expats in Singapore say that their quality of life is better than in their native countries. The city-state offers a vibrant culture, excellent food, and affordable living costs. However, it’s important for expats to be well-prepared prior to their move, with a job offer, international health insurance and an apartment lined up.
The city-state’s low crime rate and heightened sense of public order makes it safe for expats and their families. Street and property crimes are rare, while offenses like littering or spitting can lead to fines and even imprisonment.
Expats also love the fact that they can easily navigate Singapore’s streets and public transportation system. The country’s road infrastructure is pristine and owning a car is a straightforward process. Moreover, the location of Singapore within Southeast Asia gives expats unparalleled travel opportunities. Nearly three-quarters of expats in the country agree that it’s a great base for exploring neighbouring countries.
7. Rich Tapestry of Cultures
The cultural diversity of Singapore is a major draw for many expats. The country is a melting pot of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures. This diversity is reflected in the food, festivals and cultural attractions. Expats can learn about the different traditions and customs, and even participate in some.
A downside to this rich tapestry of culture is that it can lead to a lack of communication amongst expats due to the use of different languages, accents and dialects. For example, the widely used Singlish is an English-based creole that may be confusing for those not familiar with it.
Another challenge is the hot and humid weather. For some, this will be a welcome change from cold climates, but others will find it difficult to adjust.
Despite these challenges, most expats would agree that Singapore is one of the best places in the world to live. With its high quality of life, affordable living costs and exceptional education options, it’s no wonder why the city-state is a top destination for those looking to build a new life abroad.
