Singapore is one of the world’s most common destinations for workers living overseas.  With such a blooming expatriate population, Singapore is one of the best places to get to get to know other expats like yourself. However, expat life in Singapore isn't without its challenges. Here are some of the things you should know to make living and working abroad a pleasant experience.

1. Expat Life in Singapore

2. Singapore is one of the world’s most common
destinations for workers living overseas.
With such a blooming expatriate population,
Singapore is one of the best places to get to get to
know other expats like yourself.
However, expat life in Singapore isn’t without its
challenges. Here are some of the things you should
know to make living and working abroad a pleasant
experience.

3. Talk to Other Expats About Housing
• Before moving abroad, try spending time meeting
other expats, and ask for their experience and
knowledge on things like the best places to live,
shop, and meet other people.
• Don’t panic when you see your first rental agreement
in Singapore. You’ll find it includes items you’re not
used to seeing on rental agreements at home, such
as pest control or air conditioning.
• You can also ask expats about whether they think
it’s a good idea to drive or not while in Singapore. If
you do decide to drive (such as if your company
provides a vehicle for you), be sure to get a
quality overseas car insurance plan so you’re
protected from accidents.

4. It’s as Expensive as You Make It
• Singapore is known for being one of the most expensive
cities in the world. Don’t worry, it can be as expensive or
inexpensive as you want it to be.
• Housing costs depend on factors such as the age of the
property, closeness to the nearest city, accessibility to
recreational facilities, and the quality of the furnishings
provided in your housing.
• It might be worth considering renting your home while
abroad to help negate some of your living expenses.
• On the flip side, food can be relatively cheap in
Singapore. With such a large community of expats living
overseas in Singapore, there are several international
cuisines to choose from.

5. Learn Singapore’s Very Strict Laws
• Singapore is also known for being a country with unique
laws, cultures, and values. Having such a large expat
society, Singapore, is something known as Singlish.
• Some laws Westerners may find odd include:
– No chewing gum
– Paying a heavy tax for alcohol
– Zero smoking in public
• No public displays of affection (even between married
persons.
• But just like in every experience abroad, if you accept these
differences, you’ll find yourself transitioning to life in
Singapore much more smoothly. You may even forget that
hugging a friend in public is the norm back home.

6. Take Advantage of Singapore’s Great
Health Care System
• Despite the many differences Westerners find when they move to
Singapore, there are many benefits of living in Singapore. Health
Care is excellent in Singapore, which ranked sixth worldwide in a
2000 report by the World Health Organization.
• An expat health plan will help to ensure your own safety and
well-being, and Singapore thrives on making healthcare a priority
for all.
• Before traveling to Singapore, it is important to be prepared and
look into safety and security and other potential dangers. If you
are interested in learning more about Singapore, make sure to
visit Singapore’s risk assessment country guide.

7. THANK YOU
Call us today at +1.202.872.0060 or
800.872.0067
or e-mail request@clements.com to
discuss your needs.