Moving to Singapore
from Australia
Expats moving to Singapore will find themselves in a city credited with offering foreigners one of the finest lifestyles in the world.
The nation has an exemplary public transport system, excellent communications, top class healthcare facilities and a multi-ethnic and cosmopolitan culture that promotes tolerance and a good standard of life for its citizens. Not to mention, Singapore is incredibly safe.
Moving and Living in Singapore
Expats moving to Singapore will find themselves in a city credited with offering foreigners one of the finest lifestyles in the world.
The nation has an exemplary public transport system, excellent communications, top class healthcare facilities and a multiethnic and cosmopolitan culture that promotes tolerance and a good standard of life for its citizens. Not to mention, Singapore is incredibly safe.
Prudent measures by the government have ensured a stable economy, and with big names in business and trade establishing regional headquarters in the city-state, qualified expats will find plenty of professional opportunities.
Singapore has become home to a large percentage of high-earning expats, many who substantiate that they have access to much more disposable income than they did in their home country. That said, inflation continues to creep up, resulting in a higher cost of living than in many surrounding countries, and expats will need to make sure that they negotiate a salary that can cover the hefty rental costs for condominiums (apartments) or landed dwellings (house).
Raising children here is also ideal for parents, taking comfort in the knowledge that the city is almost crime-free, very clean and extremely safe. Furthermore, a variety of international schools provide a high standard of education and a variety of sporting opportunities ( e.g. Cricket, Rugby, Soccer, AFL, Swimming, Touch Football etc).
Not to mention, even though nearly 70 percent of the city is occupied by dense high rises and soaring sky skyscrapers, expats will find the government has balanced the concrete jungle with natural flora and fauna, including beautiful botanical gardens, zoos, waterfalls, vast parks, an extensive bicycle network and many outdoor recreation areas.
Coupled with the expertise and training of our staff, potential costly delays can be avoided. For your peace of mind and protection OSS World Wide Movers is a FIDI FAIM accredited company as well as being a member of the International Association of Movers (IAM).
Our network of FAIM/IAM accredited partners cover the whole of the South East Asian Region. As an independent Company we can choose the best and most suitable company to handle the clearance and delivery of your effects. Our partners in Singapore are well versed in all aspects of the requirements for importation of personal and household goods and are ready to meet your needs. This guarantees you a seamless, tailor made move right through to your new home on the other side of the world, for your personal effects, vehicle as well as your much loved pets.
Moving to Singapore from Australia with OSS
For over 50 years OSS World Wide Movers has been assisting individuals, business people, and Corporate clients relocate to Singapore. Moving to Singapore with OSS provides you with the professional service and advice that only comes from choosing a quality specialist international moving company.
Singapore’s highly efficient public transport system is world-renowned, making island exploration easy and convenient. Everywhere you go, you’ll be delighted by the impeccable cleanliness and order that have also become hallmarks of the island.
Moving your household goods to Singapore
Can I pack my own goods when I move to Singapore?
If you are sending items which have been packed by yourself “Packed by Owner” then they will attract a more stringent inspection by Customs on arrival in Singapore.
Providing a detailed carton by carton inventory will assist Customs in inspecting your effects, and may avoid unnecessary delays.
It is advisable to have your goods packed by OSS if you are looking at sending larger consignments, to ensure the clearance process can be conducted with minimum fuss.
Can I Move to Singapore with Pets?
How do I move my car to Singapore?
Moving a motor vehicle or motor bike to Singapore is possible, provided the many strict rules for importation of your vehicle into Singapore are adhered too and your vehicle is registered with the LTA. You must ensure that your vehicle meets the registration and technical requirements specific to the type of vehicle you are importing.
Our importation service is depot to depot, meaning your motor vehicle will need to be delivered to our depot (carriage can be arranged or self-deliver) and will be collected by you from our partners depot (carriage can be arranged or self-pickup) in Singapore following customs clearance.
Customs may require evidence that the owner of the vehicle has lived abroad for 12 months or longer, so a copy of your passport with date stamp showing arrival in Singapore, or copy of lease or rental agreement on in Singapore would be sufficient.
Tax implications when moving to Singapore
If you are considering a move to Singapore then it’s very important that you understand the tax differences between the two nations.
Some of the key points of difference are that Singapore taxes its residents on a territorial basis where as Australia is on a worldwide income basis, there is no Capital Gains Tax and when it comes to the tax rate Singapore’s highest tax tier is significantly lower than Australian rates and the thresholds of taxation are vastly different to those in Australia. Refer here to visit the IRAS website to understand more about Taxation in Singapore.
It is vital that you understand and obtain specific accounting and taxation advice suitable to your individual circumstances prior to your arrival.
How long will my move to Singapore take?
When moving your household goods to Singapore by sea freight, this will typically take 6 – 8 weeks for an FCL service. For services such as LCL and shared container services (i.e. groupage), these will take longer to reach your destination as your goods will need to be consolidated with other consignments heading to the same destination. Please discuss these options & shipping times with your removal consultant, as shipping times will vary greatly for each destination when using this type of service over an FCL service.
What insurance should I have when moving to Singapore?
OSS offers a full range of moving insurance options depending on your needs.
Although your shipment to Singapore will be packed to export standards (designed to withstand the longest journey), the small cost of insurance gives you complete peace of mind with regard to the exposure and rigours that are always inherent when moving from one side of the world to the other.
Ask us about MoveCover, our Marine Transit Insurance product.
Restricted and Prohibited items when moving to Singapore
When looking to relocate to Singapore you will need to consider the extensive list of restricted and prohibited items. The following is a sample of the extensive list you can see via this PDF: Moving to Singapore – FIDI Guide
- Chewing gum (except approved oral dental and medicated gum)
- Chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco eg electronic cigarettes
- Shisha
- Cigarette lighters of pistol or revolver shape
- Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances
- Endangered species or wildlife and their by-products
- Firecrackers
- Obscene articles, publications, videotapes/discs and software
- Seditious and treasonable material
- Firearms
Items such as videotapes, laser discs, video discs, (visual) are allowed to be imported but are subject to screening. Nudity, strong language, culturally insensitive subject matter is more likely to be edited and editing charges will apply.
Electrical Goods and Compliance when moving to Singapore
In Singapore the power plugs and sockets are of type G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Type G: this type is of British origin. This socket only works with plug G.
Can I move my boat to Singapore?
The new craft licence application can be done on Digital Port which is via SINGPASS, and is for individuals. For corporate users, ensure you have a valid MPA account and Digital Port access prior to application of the new craft licence.
You may submit the new craft application after submitting your arrival declaration once the craft is in port. During the application you are required to submit the following documents in your application:
- Insurance Policy (Required for all mechanically propelled craft and non-motorised craft exceeding 7m in length)
- Mooring Letter (e.g. If craft is moored at a marina, a mooring letter from the marina would be required)
- Proof of Ownership (Certificate of Registry, Builder Certificates, etc.)
- Identification Proof for Owner of Craft (NRIC for Singaporeans/PR, Passport for foreigners, ACRA for companies)
- Proof of Arrival (For vessel enter Singapore via water, to declare arrival on Digital Port/For craft that is imported in, to provide cargo clearance permit)
- Proof of installation of Automated Identification System (AIS – Required for all power-driven pleasure craft)
Upon review of the above documents, the new craft licence application will be returned to you via Digital Port for your amendment with an issued craft licence number. You are then required to amend your application and upload the following document(s):
- Insurance policy to include the issued licence number
- Mooring letter to include the issued licence number
- MMSI Letter (Required for all power-driven pleasure craft)
- Arrange of craft inspection via Digital Port
For further information regarding moving your boat to Singapore, refer to the MPA site. Please be aware that all mechanically-propelled craft are to be driven by Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence (PPCDL) holders. Foreign boat driving licences are not convertible.
Visa and Immigration Information
When travelling or moving to Singapore, make sure your passport and visas are correct and valid. Check these links to find out some of the latest requirements.
Consulate / Embassy in Australia
Contact the Singaporean Embassy by visiting 17 Forster Crescent Yarramumla, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia. Phone +612 6271 2000 Fax +612 6273 9823 Email singhc_cbr@sgmfa.gov.sg or follow this link to the Embassy website:http://www.mfa.gov.sg/
Visa Information
General visa information can be found here: http://www.mfa.gov.sg/
Passport Information
Passport information can be found here: http://www.mfa.gov.sg/
Immigration Information
Immigration information can be found here: http://www.ica.gov.sg
Citizenship Information
Citizenship information can be found here: http://www.mfa.gov.sg/
General Information
Please click this link: http://www.mfa.gov.sg/
Social Media Links
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/
All about Singapore – Moving to a new lifestyle
Singapore is a city-state, located at the southern-most tip of Malaysia. Modern Singapore was established in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles as an outpost for the British East India Company. At that time Singapore, was a small island only 710 square kilometres, it was home to a simple fishing village of just 1,000 inhabitants. Today, Singapore’s population has grown to approx. 5.7 million, making it the world’s second most-densely-populated country – and one of Asia’s most successful economies.
The city’s rich mixture of Asian and Western cultures offers visitors a truly unique experience. Boasting four official languages – English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil – Singapore’s multi-cultural community lives in harmony, celebrating all major cultural festivals and ultimately combining to form a unity of excellence.
Singapore’s highly efficient public transport system is world-renowned, making island exploration easy and convenient. Everywhere you go, you’ll be delighted by the impeccable cleanliness and order that have also become hallmarks of the island. Visitors are struck by this the moment they arrive at Singapore’s modern Changi Airport. In the city, there is no need for a car. Public transportation is excellent and walking is a good way to explore the city. All major attractions are also accessible by tour bus. Since the city is only 140kms from the equator, the tropical temperatures do not vary much and rainfall is fairly evenly distributed through the year. Visitors will be struck immediately by Singapore’s abundance of parks, nature reserves and lush, tropical greenery.
The highways leading to the city are likewise neat and trim, lined with majestic palm trees and colourful bougainvilleas. Offshore, vessels from all across the globe queue up for their turns to load and unload in one of the world’s busiest container ports.
Singaporean food is legendary. The city’s distinctive hawker centres, coffee shops and food courts line the streets and malls, offering an abundance of sumptuous local fare and unique tastes of colourful local culture. Eating happens to be one of Singapore’s favourite pastimes, a fact reflected in the city’s amazing diversity of celebrity-chef restaurants, to the famous local Hawker Centres.
Another favourite pastime is exploring the city’s glitzy, vibrant and fancy shopping malls. You’ll find entire roads dedicated to shopping, with such an astonishing variety of malls, department stores and designer boutiques that you’ll find yourself looking for a spa at day’s end, just to soothe your happily tired feet.
Singapore’s skyline has grown enormously over the past few years. Marina Bay Sands – a world-class luxury hotel and casino – is just one of the many highlights, joined by such iconic establishments as the Esplanade, the Fullerton Bay Hotel and the Singapore Flyer. Yet in contrast and complement to all the dazzlingly modern structures, lovely historic shop houses in areas such as Chinatown, Arab Street and Little India retain their timeless charm, and are well taken care of by the Singaporean government.
While much of the city has enjoyed a remarkable burst of new construction in recent years, half the country is still wrapped in lush greenery, offering abundant opportunities for lively jungle hikes and serene nature walks. Mischievous monkeys, colourful birds and impressive water monitor lizards are common sights in the island’s many well-kept nature reserves.
This island country is actually not limited to just a single island. In fact, it is officially composed of a total of 63 islands – though there is only one among them that is developed and a major attraction: The island-resort of Sentosa – whose name means “peace and tranquility” in the native Malay language – is well worth a visit. It offers gorgeous beaches, five-star hotels, beautiful golf courses, and major theme parks, Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A Aquarium, Singapore Cable Car, Bunge Jumping, Casinos and lots more.
Like most of Southeast Asia, Singapore is generally hot with high humidity. Sitting just 137 km North of the Equator it’s warm and humid year round, with the temperature almost never dropping below 20°C (68°F), even at night, and usually climbing to 30°C (86°F) during the day. Recent times, it even reached 35°C.
November and December is the rainy season. June-August is considered to be the best time to visit, but even then it rains often. Don’t let the climate stop you from going, however. Most buildings are air-conditioned (to the point that you may want to take a jumper), and when it does rain, it’s generally pours only for a short period of time.
For over 50 years OSS World Wide Movers has been moving individuals, business people, and Corporate clients relocate to Singapore. Moving to Singapore with OSS provides you with a professional service and the advice that only comes from choosing a quality specialist international moving company.