Destinations, Travel tips, Festivals and Public Holidays
Moving to Singapore
Healthcare
Apr 7th
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Singapore has a world-class healthcare system, which is well respected throughout Southeast Asia. Most doctors speak good English and many have had training overseas. All private and government hospitals in Singapore are equipped with the most up-to-date diagnostic technology. Dental care, optometry and paramedical services, as well as speech, occupational, and physical therapy are widely available across the island-state. Most housing estates are serviced by government polyclinics as well as private clinics. |
The government has also introduced community hospitals for intermediate healthcare for the convalescent sick and aged who do not require the care of the general hospitals. The Ministry of Health is a good place to start for all healthcare enquiries.
Domestic Help
Apr 7th
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You can bring in foreign domestic workers either on your own or by going through an agency. All applications have to be submitted to the Work Pass Division (WPD) under the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). In general, employers cannot apply for a Work Permit (WP) for a foreigner who is on a social visit such as on holiday or short term visit to Singapore. If you are applying for a WP for a foreign domestic worker who has never worked in Singapore before, she must be 23 years of age or above and below 50 years old at the time of the application. Also, she must have received a minimum of 8 years of formal education. |
Please click on the following links for guidelines and requirements that you should note when employing foreign domestic workers:
- Guidelines for Employers
- Employers’ Orientation Programme
- Employers Who Change More Than Four Foreign Domestic Workers in a Year
- Maintain a Valid GIRO Account with a Bank for Payment of Levy
- Obtain for the FDW, a Personal Accident Insurance (minimum coverage of $10,000)
- Work Permit (WP) Application for Domestic Workers
- Obtain a Security Deposit of $5000
- Renewal of Work Permit for Domestic Workers
- Salary and General Terms of Employment
- Termination of In-Principle Approval and Work Permit
- Useful Publications and Resources
- Work Pass Legislation
- E-Services and Forms
Schooling
Apr 7th
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There is a strong focus on education in Singapore. Teachers are well-qualified while schooling facilities are amongst the best in the world. Please visit the Ministry of Education website for more information on the education system and the directory of schools in Singapore. Enrolment Procedure As a foreign student, your child may submit his or her application directly to the schools at all levels. Approach the schools for admission to kindergartens, private schools, universities or polytechnics. To study in Singapore, you are required to either apply for a Student Pass or a Dependant’s Pass. |
Please click on the following links for more information on:
Care Services
Apr 7th
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Child Care Child Care Centres (CCCs) generally provide half day and full day care programmes for toddlers from 18 months to children below 7 years of age. Infant Care services for younger babies may also be available for some of these centres. Besides providing working parents with reliable care services, these centres also aim to provide an enriching and up-to-date preschool curriculum in a conducive environment. The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) licenses CCCs which meet acceptable standards under the Child Care Centres Act and Regulation. |
If your child is a Singapore Citizen or a Permanent Resident (PR) infant or child below 7 years of age attending a licenced CCC, you are eligible for a monthly childcare subsidy of up to $150. Visit the MCYS website to find out more details, or to search through a comprehensive directory of child care services available in Singapore.
Student Care
Student Care Centres (SCCs) provide day care services for school children between the ages of seven (Primary 1) to fourteen (Secondary 2). Besides a safe environment, such centres do often provide tuition, homework supervision, enrichment and other recreational activities to ensure that a balanced social, emotional and intellectual development is achieved.
A fee subsidy Student Care Fee Assistance (SCFA) is provided for families whose household income is below $2,500 per month. Visit the MCYS website to find out more details, or to search through a comprehensive directory of student care services available in Singapore.
Care for Senior Citizens
The elderly, who are over 55 years of age, may want to join one of the senior citizens’ or retirees’ clubs run by the People’s Association. Some of the events organised range from social activities to sports and fitness programmes. Please visit the People’s Association website for more details.
Specialised elderly care services are also available, search through a comprehensive directory of eldercare centres on the MCYS website to locate the right one. Counselling and befriending services, day care and home care services are generally provided by such centres.
Getting Around
Apr 7th
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Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) & Light Rail Transit (LRT) The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) operates a network of trains, which serves 51 stations, covering most business, shopping and residential areas in Singapore. These trains are highly reliable, arriving every three to eight minutes from 5.30 am to 12.30 am daily. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) is a 7.8km feeder rail service of 14 stations, covering only Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang estates currently. Click here to find out more details on train routes, fares and travel times. To travel on both the MRT and LRT, you can either buy tickets at any train station, or pay using an EZ-Link cash card purchased at any station or bus terminal. You can use the same EZ-Link card to travel on public buses in Singapore. |
Buses
Public buses run daily from 5.30am to midnight, and their pick-up routes are extremely comprehensive throughout the island at regular intervals (less than 30 minutes between buses). There are also extended night services which cost slightly more. You can either pay via cash, or an EZ-Link cash card you can buy or top up value at any bus interchange or MRT station.
The two main bus operators in Singapore are SBS Transit Ltd and SMRT Buses Ltd. Visit their websites for more information on respective bus routes and fares.
Taxis
Over 19,000 taxis ply the streets of Singapore round the clock. You may flag down a taxi from the street, queue for one at a taxi stand, or make a booking through the taxi company’s hotline or website. Taxis carry a maximum of four passengers by regulation in Singapore. Other than the travel fare, surcharges may include Electronic Road Pricing (ERP), peak hour and public holiday charges. A surcharge is also imposed by taxis for picking up passengers from the Changi International Airport.
To find out more details or to book a taxi, please contact the respective taxi companies:
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6552 2222 |
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6552 1111 / 6552 2222 |
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Premier Taxis Pte Ltd |
6476 8880 |
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6299 1551 |
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6555 8888 |
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6287 6666 |
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6552 1111 / 6552 2222 |
Driving in Singapore
Cars in Singapore are on right-hand drive, driven on the left side of the road. If you find it too expensive to own a car, leasing a car from major companies like Avis and Hertz is another option.
If you are here on a Social Visit Pass, all you need is an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by the Automobile Association of Singapore (AAS). This Permit is valid for a year. Visit the AAS website for more details on how to apply.
However, if you are a Permanent Resident or have been in Singapore for more than twelve months, a Singapore driving licence is required by the Traffic Police. You need to obtain a Class 3 licence for cars and a Class 2 licence for motorcycles. To convert your foreign driving licence, please contact any of the following driving centres:
While driving in Singapore, it is of utmost importance that you adhere to local traffic rules, such as putting on your safety belt, avoiding the bus lane during certain hours, or using your mobile phone without the hands-free device. Visit the Singapore Police Force website for a complete guide to local traffic regulations and penalties.
Buying a Car
The number of vehicles on Singapore roads is carefully controlled by the Vehicle Quota System. The Land Transport Authority determines the number of new vehicles allowed for registration every year, and administers this quota through the release of Certificates of Entitlement (COEs) every month. A prospective owner is required to go through a tender process to bid for one, in order to register his new car.
Visit the Land Transport Authority One Motoring website for more details on how to:
- Bid for a COE
- Bid for a Vehicle Number
- Calculate Car Cost including Road Tax
- Calculate your Monthly Fuel Consumption
- Self-import and Register your Vehicle
- Install your Vehicle License Plate
Please visit the Land Transport Authority website for more details on vehicle ownership, policies and schemes
Communication
Apr 7th
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Telephone and Mobile Phones There are three main telecommunication providers in Singapore, namely Singtel, Starhub and M1. All three are offering competitive subscription plans for mobile phones. Currently, only Singtel offers fixed line services to homes and offices. If you are in Singapore for the short term, you can either use your existing roaming-enabled mobile and SIM card, or opt to purchase a pay-per-use SIM card with a local number. The latter offers the obvious advantage of being much cheaper since you are effectively paying local rates. Click here to find out more about other interim mobile service plans for visitors to Singapore. |
Public Payphone Services
Public payphones are operated by credit card or stored-value phonecards. They can be used to make both local and international calls. Public payphones can be found in most shopping complexes and MRT stations, and local calls are charged at 10 cents per 3 minutes.
Stored value phonecards are available in denominations of Singapore dollars 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 at post offices and convenience stores. Click here to find out the locations of these post offices.
Internet
Broadband or wireless services are widely and easily accessed through three main Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Singapore, namely Singnet, Starhub, and Pacific Internet.
Other than ISPs, the other option is to log on to Wireless@SG. This is a nationwide programme where users can enjoy free indoor and outdoor seamless wireless broadband access with speeds of up to 512kbps at most public places. Click here to register or find out more details about coverage areas.
Postal Services
SingPost operates a network of more than 60 postal outlets and 200 Self Automated Machines (SAMs) conveniently located throughout the island. Fax and air-parcel postage services are available at all outlets. Visit the SingPost website for more information.
Banking
Apr 7th
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Each bank has different requirements for opening an account. The minimum balance and account charges may differ from bank to bank. Apart from filling an account application form, you have to present your passport and Employment Pass for identification. Each bank has different requirements for opening an account. The minimum balance and account charges may differ from bank to bank. |
Before opening an account, it is advisable to check for the bank’s specific services and associated fees. Services usually include:
- Savings accounts
- Fixed deposits
- Mutual funds or trusts
- NETS (cash withdrawal) cards that allow for electronic payment for goods and services
- Credit card facilities
- Crediting foreign checks
Leading consumer banks in Singapore include ABN AMRO, Citibank, DBS, HSBC, OCBC, Standard Chartered and UOB.
An online currency converter service is available at Asia One.
Settling-In
Apr 7th
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After spending some time in Singapore, you may decide that you love it here and wish to make Singapore your home.
Becoming a Permanent Resident (PR)
Obtaining PR for a Family |
If you wish to make an application while overseas, you can do so via Singapore Overseas Missions.
Becoming a Singapore Citizen
For information on Citizenship application procedures, please visit the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website.
Obtaining Citizenship for Spouse and Children
The spouse and/or child of a Singapore citizen who has been a PR for at least two years may apply to become a Singapore citizen. All applications are subject to approval from ICA. It generally takes between three to six months to process an application. More information is available on the ICA website.
For assessment of your eligibility for Permanent Residence or Citizenship, click here.
Overseas Singaporeans
Moving back to Singapore ? Click here.
Accommodation
Apr 7th
There is a wide variety of short-term accommodation available in Singapore to suit all budgets and personal preferences, ranging from budget hostels, service apartments to world class five-star hotels.
Please visit the Singapore Tourism Board website to access a comprehensive directory of places to stay and their estimated price range.
If you are looking to stay in Singapore for a significant period of time, long-term public and private housing for rental, and limited sale of certain private properties are available for foreigners.
If you are looking to rent, public housing apartments built by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) located all over the island is a good option. These government-subsidized flats are located in convenient, self-contained neighbourhoods with basic amenities such as supermarkets, food centres, clinics, schools, malls, libraries as well as access to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system. Click here (link to below) to find out how you can rent one of these flats.
Private apartments, condominiums and houses are also available for rental. Rental rates depend on the location, such as proximity to the MRT station and amenities, size and condition of the flat or house, the facilities provided and whether the place is furnished, unfurnished or partially furnished. Click here (link to below) to find out how you can rent or buy a private property under Singapore regulation.
Most Singaporeans live in apartments built by the Housing and Development Board (HDB). These government-subsidized flats are located in housing estates all over the island. Each estate is a self-contained neighbourhood with basic amenities such as supermarkets, food centres, clinics, schools, malls, libraries as well as access to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system.
A major advantage of the HDB accommodation is the reasonable rental. The flats range from one-room to five-room and executive models. Please click here to find out the latest rental estimates in each neighbourhood.
By regulation, to rent a HDB flat, you must be either a:
- Singapore Citizen or
- Singapore Permanent Resident or
- Non-citizen legally residing in Singapore (holder of Singapore blue Identity Card, Employment Pass, Work Permit or Student Pass).
Please visit the HDB website for further details on rental eligibility.
If you prefer private housing, take your pick of private apartments, condominium units or houses listed in the classified advertisements of the Straits Times, or approach a housing agent for the rental and purchase rates of private property.
Rental rates depend on the location, such as proximity to the MRT station and amenities, size and condition of the flat or house, the facilities provided and whether the place is furnished, unfurnished or partially furnished.
If you are interested in renting an apartment, you need to:
- Sign a lease with the owner. This is a legal contract between you and the owner, which sets out the duties and responsibilities of both parties;
- Sign an inventory, listing all the items provided by the owner, including their condition;
- Pay rent in advance;
- Put down a deposit or “security bond” equivalent to one month’s rent if your lease is for one-year period, which will be returned when you leave unless there are rental charges or other costs outstanding.
Under the Residential Property Act (RPA), foreigners can buy restricted properties only with approval. Restricted properties are landed properties as well as apartments in non-condominium developments of less than 6 levels. Please visit the Urban Redevelopment Authority website for more details on foreign ownership of residential properties under the RPA.
Customs
Apr 7th
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There is no limit to the amount of money you may bring into Singapore. However, customs/immigration may question you on the purpose of the money that is being brought in. To ensure hassle-free clearing of customs, you are advised to declare it to the immigration and customs officers on duty. Travellers who require customs services or to pay duty and/or GST on their goods may proceed directly to the Customs Duty Office at the Checkpoint. |
Dutiable Goods
There are 4 types of dutiable goods in Singapore in general. For a full list of dutiable goods, please refer to the Singapore Customs website.
- Intoxicating liquors, including spirits, wine, beer, ale and stout;
- Tobacco, including cigarettes and cigars;
- Motor spirit; and
- Motor cars and motorcycles/motor scooters.
For more information with regards to clearing the Singapore Customs, please click on any of the following:
Useful Contacts
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Animal, Meat and Seafood Regulatory Branch 5 Maxwell Road #02-00 |
Centre for Animal Welfare and Control Agri-food And Veterinary Authority |
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Petmovers (S) Pte Ltd No. 4 Pasir Ris Farmway II |
Agri-food And Veterinary Authority Tower Block MND Complex |
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Films & Publication Department 45 Maxwell Road |
Singapore Customs #10-01, 55 Newton Road |
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Airports Customs Duty Office Terminal 1 |
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore Suntec Tower Three Website : www.ida.gov.sg |
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Singapore Police Force Block J, 3 Ladyhill Road |
Health Sciences Authority |
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Division of Manufacturing and Quality Audit Centre For Pharmaceutical Administration |
