So, you’re thinking about moving to Singapore? Perhaps you have family in the city? Maybe you have been offered a job opportunity that you simply cannot refuse? Irrespective of why you are considering relocating to Singapore, it is important to know as much about the destination as possible so you can be prepared for your big move.

There is no denying that Singapore is a place on the rise. There are so many great opportunities here work-wise. Moreover, it is a city that is going places. However, you do need to be prepared. Any move requires a lot of efforts and planning. Keeping that in mind, read on for some top tips and pieces of advice in regards to moving to Singapore.

Rent before you buy a property in Singapore

A lot of people recommend that you rent a property before you buy a property when moving abroad. Singapore is no different, especially when you consider the sheer diversity of properties available thanks to the high-rise buildings. You may rent a penthouse in Singapore, for example, only to decide that you would prefer a different type of property. This is why renting first always comes so highly recommended. This will enable you to get a real feel for the sort of place you want to live in, as well as the sort of area that is right for you.

Acquire international medical insurance before you move

It is always a good idea to take out a global health insurance policy prior to your relocation. By doing this you know that you will be covered if you are taken ill or experience a nasty injury whilst in Singapore. You can also be certain you will have access to the best network of hospitals and doctors as well. This gives you ultimate peace of mind, which is especially important during such a stressful phase in your life. After all, moving is rarely ever simple!

Discover whether you need to get your hands on an Employment Pass

In Singapore, to live here and work here, some industries and jobs require you to have an Employment Pass. This is something that has been designed for foreign professionals that intend on working in a specialized, executive or managerial job. If you already have a job lined up prior to moving to the city, acquiring your EP is something your employer should assist you with. You will need to have specialist skills and/or professional qualifications to acquire this pass. Each application is assessed on its own merit, there’s no set list of requirements.

Understand visa requirements

If you have an EP you won’t need a visa. However, there are some countries whereby you need a visa to enter the country. This includes Assessment Level 1 countries, such as Ukraine and India, and Assessment Level 2 countries, such as Egypt and Afghanistan. You can acquire either a social visit pass, which is intended for up to 90 days, or an LTVP, which is a long-term visit pass.

Budget effectively and work out approximate living costs

Last but not least, one of the biggest mistakes expats make is underestimating the cost of moving. Singapore is one of those places where you can live a life of luxury or you can live very cheaply. This is obviously a great benefit, but it means if you do not budget effectively you can easily end up spending more than necessary. You will also need to assess whether it’s going to be more beneficial to rent or purchase a house. House costs have decreased recently, so now may be a good time to capitalize on this.

As you can see, there are a number of different things you need to do in order to prepare for your move to Singapore. If you follow all of the tips that have been provided, you can make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Once you are in Singapore, make an effort to connect with the locals while also getting to know the expat communities. There are lots of forums online that will make this much easier for you, providing you with lots of insider tips. Embrace your new way of life and the amazing culture there too.

This post has been contributed by Ryan Gatt, it may contain affiliate links