๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Singapore ยท First days

First 48 hours in Singapore

The first two days in Singapore, in priority order: what has to happen, what should, and what can wait. Tick things off as you go.

For Singapore
How long you are staying

Must do

  • Singtel, StarHub, M1 and SIMBA sell prepaid SIMs at Changi and convenience stores against your passport. A local number is needed for Singpass and banking.
  • Check the date your employer has booked at the MOM Services Centre for fingerprints and a photo, or at ICA for a Student's Pass, and bring the IPA letter and passport.
  • Within 14 days of signing, through the IRAS e-Stamping portal. The duty is 0.4% of the total rent for leases of up to four years, and normally paid by the tenant.

Should do

  • 995 for an ambulance or fire, 999 for the police. 1777 calls a non-emergency ambulance, which is charged.
  • Try the walk from the flat to the station in the afternoon downpour before you sign. Covered walkways make some estates far easier than the map suggests.
  • DBS, OCBC and UOB open accounts in their apps for pass holders using Singpass and Myinfo. Before that, the IPA letter and passport usually work at a branch.
  • As soon as your pass card is issued, online, with your FIN and local phone number. Set up the app and Myinfo.
  • Electricity, water and gas in one account, with a deposit that varies by pass type and home type. Open it before you move in, or the power goes off.

Nice to do

  • Pick a table, leave a packet of tissues on it to show it is taken, then queue at the stall with the longest line. Return your tray: it is the law.
  • Most embassies run an online registration or alert service for nationals living in Singapore.
  • Private GP clinics are on almost every street and see you the same day. Pick one your insurance covers before you need it; polyclinics are not subsidised for pass holders.
Your first 48 hours in Singapore0/110% done. Ticks are saved on this device.
  • Must do0/3
  • Should do0/5
  • Nice to do0/3
Emergency999
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