The first 30 days in Singapore are about building foundations: finalising your work pass, settling into temporary housing, opening a bank account, getting a mobile plan and learning the MRT and bus network. Handle these in a sensible order and the rest of your move becomes much easier to manage.
Moving to Singapore is exciting, but the first month can feel fast paced and unfamiliar, especially for first-time expats. This guide sets out what to expect, week by week, with practical tips to help you feel organised from day one.
What should you do in your first 30 days in Singapore?
Work in order of urgency. In the first week, sort out your pass, temporary housing and a prepaid SIM. In weeks two and three, open a bank account and learn how to get around. By week four, you can focus on permanent housing, utilities and routines for your first 30 days in Singapore and beyond.
| Period | Priorities | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 to 7 | Pass formalities, temporary housing, prepaid SIM, transport card | Keep your passport and approval letters in your hand luggage |
| Days 8 to 14 | Bank account, work pass card, start the home search | Banks often need appointments |
| Days 15 to 21 | View long-term rentals, plan utilities and internet | Internet installation can take a few days to a couple of weeks |
| Days 22 to 30 | Sign a lease, schedule shipment delivery, settle into a routine | Check your shipment status with your mover |
How do you finalise your work pass after you arrive?
If you are relocating for work, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) process continues after you land. For an Employment Pass, the in-principle approval letter lets you enter Singapore, and your employer then has the pass issued while you are in the country. Follow your employer’s instructions and keep every letter safe.
According to MOM’s Employment Pass guidance, the in-principle approval gives the candidate 6 months to enter Singapore and have the pass issued. Once issued, a notification letter is sent by email and is valid for 1 month. It lets you work and travel while you wait for the card.
- Show your approval letter to the immigration officer on arrival and complete any medical examination it requires.
- If registration is required, register your fingerprints and photo within 2 weeks of pass issuance, by appointment at the Employment Pass Services Centre.
- MOM says the card is delivered within 5 working days after registration or document verification, and you can set up your digital work pass in the SGWorkPass app.
Rules differ for Dependant Passes and other pass types, and MOM can change its process, so check the current requirements for your own pass as of October 2026.
Where should you stay during your first 30 days in Singapore?
Most new arrivals spend their first 30 days in Singapore in temporary accommodation while they search for a long-term rental. Serviced apartments, short-stay condominiums and hotels are the common choices, particularly for corporate transferees and families. Pick a location close to your workplace or an MRT station so the commute does not add to your stress.
Many expats prefer central areas or neighbourhoods with established amenities such as supermarkets, clinics and dining options. Before you book, check exactly what the package includes.
- Housekeeping, utilities and internet are included in some serviced apartments and charged separately in others.
- Minimum stay lengths and cancellation terms vary, so confirm them before you commit.
- Ask how flexible the check-out date is in case your permanent home is not ready on time.
When you are ready to look for a permanent home, our guide to renting in Singapore explains how the process works, and Singapore housing types compares HDB flats, condominiums and landed homes. A relocation specialist can also advise on realistic timelines, as demand and availability vary through the year.
How do you open a bank account in Singapore?
Opening a bank account is generally straightforward in your first 30 days in Singapore, but requirements depend on your visa type and residency status. Banks typically ask for your passport, your employment pass or dependant pass and proof of a local address, which can sometimes be your temporary accommodation. Check each bank’s current requirements before you go.
Many expats are surprised by how efficient the banking system is, but appointments are often required for new residents. Some banks let you start the application online before visiting a branch in person.
During your first month, open at least one local account to receive your salary, pay rent and settle utilities. Digital banking is widely used in Singapore, so everyday payments become convenient once the account is live.
What mobile plan and utilities do you need?
Start with a prepaid SIM card, then move to a postpaid plan once your housing and employment are settled. Mobile plans in Singapore are affordable and widely available, from prepaid cards to long-term contracts. Utilities such as electricity, water and gas are usually arranged once you secure a permanent home.
Prepaid SIM cards suit your first few weeks, when you are still finalising housing and work details. Many expats later switch to postpaid plans, which often offer better value for data and international calls.
Internet installation can take a few days to a couple of weeks, so plan ahead. Your landlord or a relocation consultant can usually guide you through the setup and recommend providers.
How do you get around Singapore as a newcomer?
Use the MRT and buses from week one. Singapore’s public transport network covers most of the island, so many residents do not need a car. A contactless bank card or an EZ-Link card works across buses and the MRT, and you can buy and top up EZ-Link cards at stations and convenience stores.
- Signage and announcements are in English, and route-planning apps make journeys easy for newcomers.
- Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available and give you flexibility while you explore different neighbourhoods.
- Try your commute at peak time before you commit to a home, so you know what the daily journey really feels like.
What surprises expats most during their first 30 days in Singapore?
In the first 30 days in Singapore, most newcomers are surprised by three things: the speed at which processes such as immigration, banking and leasing move, the heat and humidity, and the cultural diversity. All three are manageable if you expect them and give yourself time to adjust.
- Pace of life: Singapore is highly efficient, which is mostly positive but can feel overwhelming if you are unprepared.
- Climate: Lightweight clothing, plenty of water and time to acclimatise help, especially if you arrive from a cooler country.
- Culture and rules: Singapore is home to a mix of cultures, languages and cuisines, and it places a strong emphasis on order and compliance, so learn the local rules early.
What happens to your shipped belongings in your first 30 days in Singapore?
If you ship household goods, they usually arrive after you do, so plan for a gap. Customs requires the Declaration of Facts to be submitted before the goods arrive. Talk to your mover about timing early, and pack essentials in your luggage for your first 30 days in Singapore.
The Singapore Customs guidance on unaccompanied items says a late declaration is rejected and GST must then be paid, and that freight requires a GST relief permit applied for within 10 working days of approval. For an overview of how a move is handled, see moving to Singapore with CM Relocation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to settle in during the first 30 days in Singapore?
Most people have the essentials in place within the first 30 days in Singapore: pass formalities, a bank account, a mobile plan and a transport card. Permanent housing and internet can take longer, so treat the first month as the foundation and keep temporary accommodation flexible.
Do I need a Singapore bank account straight away?
You should open one during your first month. A local account makes it easier to receive your salary, pay rent and settle utilities. Banks usually need your passport, your pass and a local address, and appointments are often required, so book early.
Should I use a prepaid or postpaid SIM when I arrive?
A prepaid SIM is the easiest start because it needs no long contract while you finalise housing and work details. Once you are settled, many expats move to a postpaid plan, which often offers better value for data and international calls.
Do I need a car in Singapore?
Many residents manage without one. The MRT and bus network covers most of the island, and taxis and ride-hailing are widely available. A contactless bank card or an EZ-Link card pays for most public transport, so you can delay any car decision.
When do I need to register for my Employment Pass card?
MOM says that if registration is required, you must register your fingerprints and photo within 2 weeks of pass issuance, by appointment at the Employment Pass Services Centre. The card is then delivered within 5 working days. Check MOM for your own pass type.
Where should I stay when I first arrive?
Serviced apartments, short-stay condominiums and hotels are common for the first weeks. Choose a spot near your workplace or an MRT station, and check what is included, such as housekeeping, utilities and internet, so there are no surprise costs.
What should I pack in my luggage for the first 30 days in Singapore?
Pack documents, approval letters, medication, lightweight clothing, chargers and basic work items, because your shipment may arrive later. Singapore is hot and humid, so breathable clothing helps. Keep your passport and permits in hand luggage rather than in any shipped box.
Can a relocation company help with the first 30 days in Singapore?
Yes. A relocation provider can advise on housing timelines, local setup and the delivery of your shipped belongings. CM Relocation offers local expertise and practical guidance for newcomers, so you can focus on starting work and learning your new neighbourhood.
Plan your move to Singapore
Starting life in Singapore has many moving parts, and good preparation makes your first 30 days in Singapore calmer. Planning a move? Request a quote from CM Relocation and we will talk you through the next steps.