There are very few things as exciting, or as intimidating, as moving to an entirely new country. When you are moving all the way around the world, you are going to be starting a new chapter in your life. Nothing can really prepare you for the experience of moving to a new country and diving into a new culture but doing as much research as you can beforehand is always the best place to start.
Singapore is one of the most popular destinations for businesses that have been drawn to its flourishing market. It is also incredibly popular with ex-pats, as it is a truly fantastic place to live. However, if you are relocating from the United States, it is fair to say that you will be for something quite different to what you have been used to. With that in mind, we have put together a handy list of the most important things that you need to know before you move. Let’s get started.
You Are Going To Feel The Heat
Many of us think that we now have some idea of what a tropical climate is going to feel like. However, until you step off the plane for the first time, there is nothing that can really prepare you. What you need to keep in mind is that you are going to be living in temperatures north of 30 degrees Celsius most of the time. You are also going to be dealing with the humidity that comes with a tropical climate. Now, it goes without saying that most of your business and leisure activities will be taking place in air-conditioned locations, but you are going to want to start buying shorts now. Think about ditching your dark colors, and remember to invest in some light shoes and flip-flops.
Find The Best Advice On Property
If you are looking to buy property in Singapore, then you are going to want to look for advice from a team that knows the area. We all know that looking for a home can be an incredibly stressful experience, and when you are trying to buy property in another country, there will always be even more hoops to jump through. There are also going to be a lot of costs associated with moving, so you are going to need to keep an eye on your mortgage and be sure that you can afford it. If you are looking for a mortgage calculator for Singapore, then you should head to PropertyGuru. They have the resources to help you find the perfect property for you in the right location, and they have all the local knowledge that you need to get you set up quickly.
Make Sure You Have Your Job Set-Up
This may sound like an obvious point, but if you are looking to buy property in Singapore or move there, then you need to have your job there set up beforehand. The visa requirements can be pretty strict, and you will need to be able to demonstrate your employment status. It is also important to note that your employer may be somewhat instrumental in making sure that you get settled in properly. They will be able to let you know where to find the essentials such as groceries and medicine.
Don’t Worry Too Much About The Language
It is very rare that we will have as much time as we would like to start learning the language before we need to move somewhere for work. The good news for you and your family is that you will generally find that English is very widely spoken in Singapore. It is described as the official language of business, so you should be totally fine while you get settled in.
Think About What To Do On Your Downtime
Singapore is a wonderful place to live, but you may not fully appreciate just how small it is before you move. After you have been there for a month or two, you may be looking for new weekend activities and new things to see to keep your family entertained. The good news is that Singapore is within a short flight’s distance from a huge number of amazing locations. You could travel to the beaches of Bali, explore Vietnam and Thailand, or travel to Malaysia.
Don’t Worry About A Car
One of the most stressful things about moving to a new country is wondering what you are going to do about driving. Well, there is good news when it comes to Singapore, as you will find that the public transport system is absolutely superb. It is also important to remember that the cost of owning a car in Singapore may be higher than you are used to.
