Do your research on the area you want
to live in. Walk the distance from home to
the supermarket. Ask questions about the
condo/area you’re interested in and get all
the info.
Reach out to people before coming so you
have coffee dates lined up early on.
Commit yourself to one of the many
charities there are here. It’s a wonderful way
to connect to both locals and expats, and
to do good.
Make a bucket list of what you want to see
and experience in your time in Asia. It will get
you more excited about the adventure you
are about to embark on.
Do you research on Singapore and its
history. Watch documentaries and get a feel
for the people and the culture. The island has
so much to offer – especially when you dive
a little deeper. — AlexandraThe weather will be beautiful, but
at times extremely hot and humid!
Get a guide book to Singapore
and go on a new adventure every
week.
Enjoy yourself and be open to
new experiences.
Join an organisation like the
AWA for fun social, sport, special
interest and community service
events that are organised on a
regular basis.
Bring cool lightweight clothing.
It’s all you’ll ever need! — MelTry to visit Singapore before
you move so that you get a feel of
the place.
Reach out to people who live
here to get recommendations.
It’s extremely helpful to join
one to the many expat forums on
Facebook.
Invest in a great sunscreen and
a fancy umbrella. You’ll be using
them a lot!
Alcohol is expensive here, so
bring in your booze collection if
you can! — Ankita
It really is Groundhog Day
weather-wise: hot, or hot
and wet!
Leave most winter clothes
at home. I didn’t wear jeans
for the first four years.
Take up offers to meet
new people.
Expat Facebook groups
are a fountain of knowledge.
Get personal
recommendations on
different areas to live, and
make a decision based on
your needs, not pressure
from an agent! — BethResearch the banking options
and limitations for transferring
existing bank accounts.
Find a financial advisor who is
well-versed in the laws in both your
home country and Singapore.
Find a social organisation or club
to join and pick an event or two to
attend within the first few weeks
of arriving. I immediately joined
AAS and AWA and both were
incredibly helpful in getting me out
of the house and integrated into
society. Even if it seems daunting,
put yourself out there – you’ll thank
yourself later!
Plan a trip to a nearby destination- Langkawi, Bali and Thailand are
all easy and affordable options.
Even if it’s only for a long weekend,
it will give you something to look
forward to and allow you space to
decompress and recharge.
Schedule time to regularly
communicate with your loved
ones back home. Find a time
that works for both parties. It can
be for 20 minutes or two hours,
whatever works best, and plug this
into your calendar as a standing
“appointment”. — Dana
SINGAPORE HACKSCITY GUIDE 2018 31