Your First Weeks in Singapore: What to Do and When

Singapore is one of the smoothest cities in the world to relocate to. The infrastructure is world-class, English is the language of business and government, and most processes are well-documented online. But there's still a checklist to work through when you first arrive — and getting it done early will save you headaches later.

Step 1: Get Your Employment Pass (or Dependant Pass) Card

If you've relocated for work, your Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass card is your most important document. While your employer handles the application, you'll collect the actual card from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) or have it mailed to your address. Do not leave Singapore for extended trips before your pass is activated and card received — re-entry can become complicated otherwise.

Step 2: Register Your Address with ICA

Foreign nationals are required to register their residential address with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). This can be done online via the ICA website. Your registered address is used for all official correspondence including tax notices, MOM communications, and banking.

Step 3: Open a Local Bank Account

You'll need a Singapore bank account quickly — for salary deposits, bill payments, and daily life. The three main local banks are:

  • DBS/POSB — largest network, highly integrated with government digital services (SingPass, PayNow)
  • OCBC — strong mobile banking, good for savings products
  • UOB — competitive credit card offers and investment products

Most banks require your passport, work pass, and proof of address (a tenancy agreement is usually accepted). Many now offer online account opening. Digital banks like GXS Bank and MariBank are also options for those who prefer fully app-based banking.

Step 4: Set Up SingPass

SingPass is Singapore's national digital identity system, and it is absolutely essential. Nearly every government transaction — from filing taxes to booking health appointments to accessing CPF — requires SingPass. Register at singpass.gov.sg and enable the SingPass app with your face ID for seamless 2FA login.

Step 5: Get a Local SIM Card

Singapore has excellent mobile coverage from three main carriers: Singtel, StarHub, and M1, plus a growing roster of MVNOs (budget carriers) like Circles.Life, Giga, and RedOne. You can pick up a SIM at Changi Airport, convenience stores (7-Eleven, Cheers), or telco shops. Monthly SIM-only plans start from around S$10–S$15 for decent data.

Step 6: Find Permanent Housing

Many expats arrive on a short-term serviced apartment before finding a permanent rental. Key things to know:

  • Most leases are 1–2 years with a diplomatic clause (allows early termination if you're repatriated with a month's notice after a certain period).
  • Popular expat neighbourhoods include Holland Village, Buona Vista, Novena, River Valley, East Coast, and Tanjong Pagar.
  • Budget around S$2,500–S$4,500/month for a 2-bedroom condo in central areas; HDB rentals are cheaper.
  • Use PropertyGuru or 99.co to search listings.

Step 7: Register with Your Home Country's Embassy

It's good practice to register with your home country's embassy in Singapore. This ensures you can be contacted in emergencies (natural disasters, civil unrest, evacuation situations) and simplifies consular services like passport renewal.

Step 8: Understand the Transport System

Singapore's MRT and bus network is excellent and affordable. Get an ez-link card or SimplyGo (using your bank card directly) to pay for public transport. Alternatively, grab-hailing (Grab is dominant; Gojek is the main competitor) is reliable and competitively priced. Car ownership in Singapore is very expensive due to COE (Certificate of Entitlement) premiums — most expats find they don't need one.

Cost of Living Reality Check

Singapore is one of Asia's most expensive cities. Budgeting for the following per month is a reasonable starting point for a single professional:

  • Rent (1BR condo): S$2,500–S$3,500
  • Food (mix of hawker and restaurants): S$600–S$1,200
  • Transport (public): S$80–S$150
  • Utilities + internet: S$150–S$250
  • Healthcare + insurance: S$100–S$300

Hawker centres are your best friend for affordable, delicious meals — a full meal typically costs S$3–S$6 and Singapore's hawker culture is UNESCO-recognised.

Final Thought

Singapore rewards those who take time to understand its systems. The learning curve is short, the city is safe and efficient, and most government processes are genuinely well-designed. Get the foundational steps done in the first few weeks, and you'll be settled and comfortable in no time.