It’s time for you to take a leap of faith and move to your dream country. Singapore is a rich country, both economically and culturally. It’s highly suitable for expats who seek to advance their careers or pursue higher studies. It’s time for you to take a leap of faith and move to your dream country.
If you are among them, you can start planning and hire a reliable moving company in Singapore for the big move. Several things are going through your mind for a foreign country, and trust me, half of it might be fake, unheard of or simply a myth.
Read this blog as we debunk all the myths that expats are associated with before moving to the country. Learn all the facts and prepare accordingly before you hire movers in Singapore, and make this transition seamless.
Cost Of Living And Lifestyle
Myth
“Singapore is very expensive for expats, and they might find it very difficult to settle in culturally & socially.”
This myth derives from a general conception of the country. Singapore is Asia’s richest country and is considered a first-world country. Therefore, many expats believe that they will have a hard time financially and socially.
Fact
The truth is, they are indeed among Asia’s top-tier nations. However, if you plan to live like a local, it is incredibly affordable. You can have delicious world-class meals and travel with convenience in the MRT at very affordable prices.
Besides, the entire travel arrangement in the country makes having a car redundant. Everything is well-connected and fairly cheap.
Also, nearly 40% of the country’s population is made up of migrants from other countries, especially Malaysia. So, the locals are very welcoming. The locals are very helpful and direct; if you are even slightly outgoing, you will fit right in.
Language And Communication
Myth
“You need to learn Mandarin to get by.”
Since most Singaporeans have their ancestry in the Southern Chinese lineage, it is a standard language that is majorly spoken in the country. Also, government affairs and schools use Mandarin as an official language.
Fact
It is indeed an official language. But it is among the four officially spoken languages. So, you can get by here easily if you speak English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. Besides, having a minor understanding of these languages or being proficient in basic English will be enough.
The country is a melting pot of cultures, and the variety of languages represents that flawlessly. Moreover, the locals are very patient, so they’ll converse with you no matter the different accents or even with minimal understanding of the language.
Moving Process
Myth
“When hiring local movers, you have to leave a lot of things behind.”
Often, expats feel anxious about the import duties and moving costs, so they hire unreliable movers. This ended up costing them more, and having to leave a lot of things behind. You may feel this way due to the poor experiences of people on the internet.
Fact
If you hire a reliable local moving company in Singapore, your move will be smooth. Relocating involves complex logistics and meticulous paperwork. The local movers know it better than anyone out there.
Professional moves have dedicated consultants to help you through the paperwork and filing for permission.
You get end-to-end delivery and quick connectivity just a phone call away. Also, reliable services help you schedule your move and navigate Singapore’s traffic routes, ensuring an efficient transition.
Norms & Etiquette
Myth
“The rules and laws in Singapore are very strict. You can get fined or caned for minor disobedience.”
The laws in Singapore are indeed strict, and you might have to pay a hefty fine for missing out on a payment. Even chewing gum is banned. At least you cannot have them or throw them recklessly in public spaces.
Fact
But caning is strictly reserved for severe crimes. It is considered almost criminal to drink in public, regarding hygiene issues. This can be a great challenge if you are entirely unaware of these rules.
Do your research or refer to your move consultant about it when hiring movers in Singapore. Also, even though the country is infamous for its strict laws. You won’t get arrested for breaking small rules you are unaware of, so don’t fret.
Housing Customs & Estate Rules
Myth
“You can move in/out of your home at any time of the day or night in Singapore.”
For many countries, this may seem bizarre, but there is a pre-defined schedule for moving in. In several countries, it is fairly normal to move with a “two men and a truck” setup. So, this myth is a social construct that many accept as a norm.
Fact
You cannot just move in. There are estate rules established by the government housing association. Especially if you are moving into an HDB, you will need to submit an application to the MCST for booking service elevators and parking spaces.
Besides, the move timing can be different for various neighbourhoods, but in general it’s accepted as 10 am – 5 pm on weekdays and banned on Sundays & public holidays.
Adhere to these schedules and rules so that you do not cause any inconvenience to your neighbours. As an expat, you need to make sure you get by quietly until you are settled.
In Short
There you have it, the myths, facts and the urban legend of everything you need to be aware of before moving to Singapore. You can be an experienced mover, but it never hurts to know and learn all about the societal norms of the country you are moving to.
Hopefully, this blog comes in handy and helps you prepare for your next move. Also, when you hire a moving company in Singapore, you are now informed about everything you need to ask. Go ahead, plan your move because you are now well-equipped to make informed decisions!
