a quick intro
climate
Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate with stable non-distinctive seasons, uniform temperature and pressure, high humidity, and abundant rainfall. Temperatures range from 25 to 35 °C (77 to 95 °F). There is also a wetter monsoon season from November to January. (source: Wikipedia)
time zone
Singapore does not observe daylight saving time (DST), it follows the GMT+8 time zone, one hour ahead of the typical zone for its geographical location. (source: Wikipedia)
public transport
Singapore boasts an efficient & well connected public transport system with deep networks of buses, taxis, private hire cars and the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), all well oiled and integrated to serve residents better.
Install transport apps for private hire vehicles such as Grab & Gojek.
rent a car
To hire a private car, go check our car rental guide. To drive legally, you need a valid Singapore's drivers' licence.
Owning a car is an expensive venture, and we recommend that you choose to hire over owning a car during your time of transition, this gives you the time and living experience before you make that investment of owning a car in Singapore. Be sure to look out for that Electronic Road Price (ERP) system if you intend to drive around Singapore.
healthcare
Singapore boasts of medical & health services ranging from primary to state-of-the-art medical services. Expats can be assured of finding that specialist care which includes Cardiology, Gynaecology, Orthopaedic Surgery, Oncology, Urology, Neurosurgery, in addition to the usual General Surgery and General Medicine. There are two categories of hospitals in Singapore - private and public hospitals. All hospitals have 24-hour emergency and accidents facilities (A&E departments).
essentials
(source: visitsingapore, singapore tourism board)
currency
The Singapore dollar is used here and notes come in denominations of S$2, S$5, S$10, S$50, S$100, S$1,000 and S$10,000. Coins come in 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and S$1.
language
You will be able to speak English to Singaporeans, most of whom are fluent in it. Many Singaporeans also speak an additional language, usually Mandarin Chinese, Malay or Tamil.
weather
Singapore is hot and humid all year-round, with temperatures usually reaching over 30°C. You should be prepared for rain at any time, which can be torrential but usually brief.
power
The standard electrical current used in Singapore is 220-240 volts AC (50 cycles) and you can use power plugs with three square prongs here.
no smoking
You are not allowed to smoke in all air-conditioned places, such as malls and eateries. There are designated smoking areas in some entertainment outlets and open-air eateries.
no tipping
Tipping is not essential but is encouraged when you experience good service, and this would be above the standard 10 percent gratuity to your bill added by some restaurants and hotels.
safe drinking
You can drink water straight from the tap as the water in Singapore passes World Health Organization standards. You can also buy bottled water easily.
consumer advisory
For a pleasant shopping experience, compare prices, enquire about refund policies and check the invoice as well as the warranty of the product before making a purchase.
bonus
- Explore Singapore. Singapore is safe. Get around on foot & the public transport system especially in the cooler evenings. Explore local neighborhoods, other than the usual expat areas, for there're plenty of gems that may just surprise you.
- Go for local eats. Get groceries from wet markets and supermarts such as Fairprice, Sheng Siong, Hao Mart or Giant; they have the freshest vegetables, meats, seafood & fruits. Have a local friend go with you for your initial trips there.
- Distances here is no issue if you come from bigger cities, do not let this hamper your home hunting or school search because Singapore is small and public transport is good.