The Ultimate Guide to Expat Living in Singapore: What You Need to Know
Topping both the world’s Best Business Environment Rankings and the Global Quality of Life Index, Singapore is a fantastic place for both life and business.
Whether you’re an entrepreneurial expat looking to establish yourself in the Singaporean corporate world, or a foreign employee planning to migrate with the entire family, there’s much to learn before you make the move to Singapore.
From language to housing, cost of living, education, job market, and beyond—this ultimate guide to expat living in Singapore will cover everything you need to know.
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Language and Local Culture
Singapore is a multilingual society and boasts four official languages—English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese, and Tamil. English is the predominant language for education, business, and daily interactions, meaning English-speaking expats will find it easy to integrate into Singapore life.
While most locals speak English, learning some basic Malay phrases or a few words in Mandarin will be helpful for everyday interactions, and is also likely to help you make friends and break ice with the locals.
You should also familiarize yourself with Singlish—Singapore’s blend of local Malay slang and English phrases—to help you navigate everyday conversations better.
Culturally, Singaporean people place a strong emphasis on career, achievements, and success, and school and work life are largely competitive. Kiasu (or the "fear of missing out") governs a lot of public life, and success in Singapore is humorously described as achieving the “five Cs”: cash, car, credit card, condo, and country club membership.
Despite being cosmopolitan, the country's culture is rather conservative, and many Singaporeans place a lot of value on public mannerisms and respectability. It is uncommon to be invited into a local’s house, and people tend to keep to themselves and do not often engage in conversation with strangers in public.
Still, the country has vibrant life, incredible food, and colorful festivals, as expats who make the effort to integrate are likely to discover.
Related: Top 10 Shopping Malls in Singapore
Local Job Market and Career Development
With one of the world’s strongest economies and an incredibly competitive job market, expats from all over the world flock to Singapore to establish their careers.
The city-state is generally welcoming to skilled foreign workers, but due to the high demand, you’ll have to ensure your skills and experience stand out in the competitive market.
Joining as an Employee
To begin employment in Singapore, expats need work permits from the Ministry of Manpower. Generally, it is easier to secure a job while in your home country and then move to Singapore to start your career.
However, if you’re looking to establish yourself after moving, you can use job search platforms like Jobslah, MyCareersFuture, and JobStreet, as well as recruitment agencies.
As of 2024, the most in-demand jobs in Singapore include medical specialists, investment bankers, marketing directors, management consultants, and IT cybersecurity managers.
Setting Up Your Business
If you’re looking to set up your business instead of joining a company, Singapore is the entrepreneur's dream. It has incredibly strong business laws, strict intellectual property enforcement, and an overall straightforward company incorporation process. This makes it the ideal place for entrepreneurial expats like yourself. You can reach out to Piloto Asia for help in integrating your business in Singapore.
Also, remember that networking holds extreme importance in Singapore’s professional culture, whether you’re an employee or a business owner. Be sure to attend professional events (advertised on platforms like Eventbrite and InterNations), meet for coffee or dinner with contacts, say yes to invitations, and follow up to build lasting relationships.
Schooling
Singapore’s education system is regarded as one of the best in the world. The curriculum and teaching is mostly in English, and the Ministry of Education mandates six years of primary school, four years of secondary school, and one to three years of post-secondary education.
For children of expats, there are two broad categories of schools—public schools and private international schools.
Public Schools
Public schools follow the Singaporean National Curriculum and are extremely rigorous and competitive. Enrolling your children in a public school is a great idea if you plan on living in Singapore permanently, since these schools focus mostly on local languages and culture.
Public schools also have lower school fees than private international schools. Government or government-aided schools charge between $440 and $520 per month, totaling approximately $24,960 over four years.
It can also be slightly difficult for expats to secure admission to local schools since they prioritize citizens and permanent residents.
International Schools
Many expat children attend international schools in Singapore. They are generally more accessible to families of diverse nationalities and offer a range of curricula, including the International Baccalaureate and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).
Some international schools are also hybrid—meaning they blend international curricula with the Singaporean National Curriculum. They are known for their high standards and excellent facilities, offering additional perks like advanced extracurricular programs, transportation facilities, and meals.
However, international schools come with a higher cost, with monthly fees ranging from $1,600 to $1,770, totaling about $84,960. They are also highly competitive. We recommend applying in the early admissions cycle for the best chances of admission for your children.
You can use this database of international schools in Singapore to find information on a good international school near you.
Cost of Living and Finances
In 2023, Singapore topped The Economist’s list as the world’s most expensive city to live in. As an expat, your living expenses in Singapore will likely be much higher than most other countries. With that said, most expats can live comfortably on a five-figure monthly salary as long as they budget well.
What's more, Singapore has a low tax rate and offers competitive salaries to both expats and local workers. The average skilled worker makes about S$5,783 a month, equating to S$69,396 a year.
Rent will likely be the biggest drain on your salary, with average rent ranging from SG$ 3000 to SG$ 5000 per month. On the other hand, transportation is relatively affordable. If you mainly use public transport and take an occasional taxi, expect to spend about SG$200 to SG$400 per month on getting around.
Food is a local obsession in Singapore, so there's no shortage of dining options catering to all budgets and tastes. While family meals at high-end restaurants easily cost hundreds of dollars, there are endless arrays of street food hawker centers with delicious snacks costing as little as SG$4 to SG$6 per meal.
Overall, a family can expect to budget around S$800 to S$1,200 per month for food, which leaves enough for groceries, an occasional dinner out, and regular street food snacks.
Housing and Accommodation
With low crime rates, easy access to amenities, and a thriving international community, Singapore’s housing areas are well-suited to expat life. From one-bedroom studios to luxury mansions, you have a variety of housing options catering to different lifestyles and budgets.
While it is possible to purchase property as an expat, the process is complicated because of Singapore’s strict housing regulations. If you’re a non-permanent resident, you can only buy private condominiums or privatized executive condominiums over ten years old. If you want to buy landed properties, you’ll require special permission from the Singapore Land Authority.
This is why renting may be a better option for expats until they decide to become permanent residents. However, rent can be extremely high and often takes up most of a family’s monthly budget. The rent for an average three-bedroom apartment is around SGD 5,840 per month, and prices go up for nicer areas with greater access to amenities.
To rent a property, you will need a photocopy of your passport, your employment pass, a signed tenancy agreement, and a “Good Faith” deposit, which is usually equal to one month’s rent.
Best Singapore Neighborhoods for Expats
Here are some Singapore areas popular among expats:
Orchard road
Central Business District
Holland Village
Tanglin
Novena
City Centre
Bukit Timah
Robertson Quay
Tiong Bahru
Woodlands
Sentosa Islands
Healthcare and Wellness
Singapore is renowned for its top-notch healthcare system, often regarded as the best in Asia. The country has a range of public and private medical treatment facilities, and most have English-speaking medical professionals who can cater to expats.
Expats in Singapore can access both private and public healthcare. Many expats prefer private healthcare because of the higher level of service and shorter wait times. However, keep in mind that you’ll likely be paying the same for both—although the Singapore government has subsidized public healthcare, most benefits apply to only citizens.
That's why we highly recommend purchasing an insurance health plan, especially if your workplace or company is not already providing medical insurance for you.
Buying private health insurance will give you and your family access to the best medical facilities the country has to offer. Many private plans in Singapore also include a global cover, guaranteeing benefits even when you travel abroad.
Keep in mind that expats are typically only eligible for private rooms in public hospitals. In case of a medical emergency, you can call 995 for an ambulance or visit a 24-hour clinic for immediate care.
Immersing in Local Food and Culture
Singapore’s local culture is a unique blend of Southeast Asian and Western influences, which you can experience in its food, architecture, and daily life.
Cultural festivals and events like Deepavali, Chinese New Year, Singapore Grand Prix, and the National Day Parade, happen throughout the year and are a great way for expats to immerse themselves in local traditions and celebrations.
The city's culture is also heavily shopping-driven, with Orchard Road as the epicenter. If you’re on the lookout for more lively markets, Chinatown and Little India are a local and expat favorite. These markets have strings of antique shops, jewelry, clothing, and decorations, as well as “wet markets” for fresh produce and hawkers with local delicacies like kaya toast, chili crab, and fish head curry.
Transportation and Getting Around
Singapore has an efficient public transportation system, with a comprehensive network of trains, buses, and taxis.
Here are some key modes of transport each expat should know about:
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
The MRT is the backbone of Singapore’s public transport, connecting six main lines: North-South, East-West, Circle, North East, Downtown, and Thomson-East Coast.
These trains are air-conditioned, reliable, and squeaky clean, operating from 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM daily. Fares are also low, ranging from $0.70 to $2.20.
Buses
Singapore has an extensive line of buses, with over 5000 stops covering every corner of the city. The fleet includes standard, double-decker, and premium buses, with special services like NightRider and Night Owl (for late-night routes) and Feeder Buses (for short-distance neighborhood loops).
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Taxis are a popular mode of transport for many expats since they help you avoid rush hours on public transport and provide a door-to-door service.
Popular taxi and ride-hailing services include Comfort and CityCab and apps like Grab and Gojek.
Most cabs have a base fare of around $4, with additional charges for peak timings and rush hours.
Transportation Tips for Expats
Here are some tips and guidelines to keep in mind when traveling in Singapore:
Use apps like MyTransport.SG or Google Maps to check real-time schedules, routes, and expected travel times before heading out. This will help you memorize important routes and stay aware of any delays or blockages.
The air-conditioning on Singapore's MRT trains and buses can sometimes be quite chilly, so bring along an extra jacket or shawl.
If you’re in a rush, avoid peak travel times (typically from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM), since trains and buses are usually crowded during these hours.
Instead of buying single-trip tickets, opt for a stored-value card like EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay. These allow you to top-up your balance, provide convenient tap-in and tap-out access, and may give you discounts on frequent travel.
Public transport in Singapore is generally quiet, so be mindful of your surroundings. Keep your phone on silent, talk discreetly, and use headphones if listening to music. Also be aware of seats reserved for the elderly, disabled, and pregnant women.
When using escalators at MRT stations, the unwritten rule is to stand on the left side if you're not in a hurry, allowing those who need to move quickly to pass on the right.
Some MRT stations are major interchanges where you can transfer between lines quickly. Try to familiarize yourself with the major interchange stations, like Raffles Place, Dhoby Ghaut, and Bugis, to make your travel more efficient.
Safety and Security
According to the Global Peace Index 2024, Singapore ranks as the fifth most peaceful country in the world. It has an extremely low violent crime rate, strict laws and regulations, and a strong police presence, making it an ideal city for expats looking to settle.
Whether you want to walk on the streets at night or comfortably use public transport, you can rest assured that you are in one of the safest countries in the world.
Still, it never hurts to take precautions to keep yourself safe, especially as an expat unfamiliar with the area and language. Here are some general precautions you can take:
Avoid leaving your bags and valuables unattended in public areas.
Lock your doors at night and keep valuable items out of sight.
Use well-lit and busy routes when walking at night.
Inform friends or family of your whereabouts if you’re out alone.
Avoid crowded or red-light areas like Orchard Towers and Geylang after dark to reduce risks of pickpocketing.
Look Out For Scams
As an expat, you may become an easy target for scammers in Singapore. While street scams are rare, fraudsters may target you on the phone or online. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
When renting accommodations, only deal with licensed property dealers. Scammers posing as landlords are a common scam in Singapore, so it’s good to be careful.
Never share your personal or financial information over the phone or Internet. Authentic banks and financial sites will never ask you for such details, no matter where you are in the world.
Follow The Laws and Customs
Singapore has many strict laws governing public life and behavior. Minor activities (like chewing gum in public) that seem regular to foreigners are considered highly inappropriate in Singapore. Breaking these regulations can incur fines, so it’s important for expats to adapt to these rules.
Here are some laws governing public life and behavior that are important for you to know:
Smoking indoors (and in some public spaces) is largely prohibited.
You cannot feed the pigeons, birds, or any wildlife in public or private spaces.
You cannot litter in public/private spaces—breaking this law can lead to a fine of 2000 SGD.
You cannot sell or import chewing gum.
Eating or drinking on public transport (such as buses or trains) is not allowed.
Playing musical instruments in public is considered a nuisance and can be fined.
Buying or drinking alcohol in public after 10 PM is strictly forbidden.
You cannot use someone else’s WiFi (even if it is public) without express permission.
If you follow these regulations and take necessary safety precautions, Singapore guarantees one of the most stress-free, secure, and comfortable living experiences in the world.
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Making The Most of Expat Living In Singapore
With its high quality of life and thriving business environment, Lion City has become the city of choice for entrepreneurial expats from around the world.
If you’re planning to join the growing number of entrepreneurs moving to Singapore, understanding its culture, local languages, and cost of living is important for integrating well.
While this expat guide is a good start, you’ll likely need a lot of help to fully establish yourself in the Singaporean entrepreneurial scene.
That’s where Piloto Asia comes in. From company incorporation to securing work visas and opening business bank accounts in Singapore, we specialize in simplifying the process for expats like you.
Ready to launch your business in Singapore? Book a free consultation today and let’s get started!