Settling In

Settling Into Life in Singapore

tips to make the transition a little easier

If you are new to Singapore, the AWA Magazine staff welcomes you, and offers some hints for getting settled, finding the things you need and meeting people in the community. Amanda Jaffe: If you are a reader, get a library card. Expats pay an annual fee, but the availability of both hard copy books, electronic books and audiobooks is incredible and more than pays for itself if you’re a regular user. Andrea McKenna Brankin: Apps such as CityMapper, GoThere.sg, and SG Map are helpful for getting around town on the MRT, by bus, as well as on foot. They give bus arrival times and stops, show how much you have to walk in between train or bus rides and give alternative routes. Tanya Arler: If you’re using Grab, Gojek or taxis, remember to include an extra 15 minutes in your planning time when it rains. Jenni Lee: Just about the most important part of settling in a new place is finding your community. My strategy has always been to join everything in the beginning, then start to pare down to those activities or groups that resonate with me. Lorraine Graybill: One of the most helpful things I did was to join the AWA Walking Group. It was a great way to get to know my new home, and the advice I received from members on these walks was invaluable. Emily Oberton: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. It’s amazing how much more water your body needs with the heat and humidity. Tori Nelson: With the heavy humid climate, it’s imperative to get some kind of dehumidifier so you don’t get mold and mildew. You can get a machine or small disposable containers. But make sure not to put it too close to anything leather; a friend’s lovely leather shoes shrank badly when she did this! Christin Gustafson: When stores are unfamiliar, it isn’t always obvious where to buy things. Ask other expats where to find the items you need. Also check out

Written by Christin Gustafson

shops in the HDB blocks near you. They may have just what you’re looking for at half the price. Gina Vono: When shopping in a department store, know that individual clerks work for a brand, not for the store itself. It is their job to sell that brand, not help you find more options. You'll need to look around on your own as they will not point you in another direction. Celine Suiter: Get an EZ Link card at an MRT Station. The card costs about $5 and then you can just top it up when it gets low. You must use it to tap in when you get on a bus or MRT and also tap out when you

get off. Pro tip: When you get on a bus in Singapore, enter through the door by the bus driver and exit through the door at the back of the bus. Helena A. Cochrane: Even as a foreign resident of Singapore, you are eligible for a Passion Card. This card gives you access to the People’s Association and the discounts, offers, community center courses and programs that it offers. In addition, the card can be used as an EZ-Link card for bus and MRT fare. To apply for your card, bring your Singapore Identification Card to the community center nearest you. Christi Elflein: If you need to move furniture, Gogo Van and Moovit are helpful. Their apps are easy to use and moving items is reasonably priced. Meg Sine: Be aware that many stores do not allow returns, only exchanges, and you need to have the receipt. Silvia Fernandez: Opening hours of shops and businesses in Singapore are later than in other parts of the world. Always check the hours before setting off on an errand.

Christin is a seasoned expat who enjoys learning how others adjust to their adopted hometown. She is a member of the AWA Writers' Group, is a busy mom of two sons and has lived in Singapore since 2018.