Your First 30 Days
in Singapore

Most Indian professionals come to Singapore on an Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass. Your employer applies on your behalf via the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) - you cannot apply yourself.

Processing typically takes 3–8 weeks for EP and up to 8 weeks for S Pass, though it can take longer if additional documents are requested.

As a foreigner on an EP, you can rent (not buy) HDB flats or private condominiums. HDB flats are Singapore's public housing - well-maintained, affordable, and spread across every part of the island. Condominiums offer more amenities (pool, gym) but at a significantly higher cost.

Areas popular with Indian families include: Little India / Serangoon East Coast (D15/D16) Tampines Woodlands Jurong East

Most leases are 12 or 24 months. The standard practice is to pay 1 month’s deposit + 1 month’s advance rent on signing.

Singapore is an expensive city by global standards, but many costs are offset by what you don't need: a car, private security, bottled water, or a generator. Public infrastructure is world-class and largely free or subsidised.

Open a bank account as soon as possible - you need it for salary crediting, rent payments and utility registration. Major banks are DBS, OCBC, UOB, Standard Chartered and HSBC.

Documents typically required: Passport + Employment Pass card (or IPA letter if pass not yet issued), local phone number, and sometimes an employer letter.

Set up PayNow once your account is active - it's Singapore's instant bank transfer system, used universally for splitting bills, paying hawkers and rent.

For sending money to India, compare rates on Wise, Instarem, and DBS Remit. Bank telegraphic transfers are significantly more expensive.

Singapore has world-class healthcare, but it is expensive without insurance. Most employers provide outpatient and/or hospitalisation insurance for EP holders. Check whether your policy covers dependants, dental and optical.

Polyclinics are government-subsidised primary care clinics. As a foreigner, you pay non-subsidised rates (S$40–S$100+ per visit) but polyclinics are still cheaper than private GPs. Find your nearest at HealthHub.sg.

Private GP clinics are found on almost every HDB block. Consultation fees range from S$50–S$120. Most accept walk-ins.

Singapore government schools follow the MOE curriculum and are significantly cheaper than international schools - but places for non-Citizens are limited. Contact MOE directly at moe.gov.sg.

Indian international schools catering to Indian families include:

• Global Indian International School (GIIS) - Two campuses: Smart Campus in Punggol and East Coast Campus. CBSE, Cambridge IGCSE and IB curricula.
• NPS International School - Bedok area. One of Singapore's top IB performers. CBSE and IB/Cambridge pathways.
• GIG International School - Central Singapore. Cambridge IGCSE pathway; smaller class sizes.
• DPS International - Kovan and Alexandra Road campuses. The only school in Singapore offering the ICSE/ISC board.
• Yuvabharathi International School (YBIS) - West Singapore. One of the most affordable options with CBSE and Cambridge.

For full school profiles, preschools, curricula comparisons and MRT directions, see our complete guide: Schools in Singapore for Indian Families →

Singapore's public transport - MRT and bus network - is fast, clean, air-conditioned and reliable. The EZ-Link card (or SimplyGo using your bank card) lets you tap in and out across both MRT and buses.

Grab is Singapore's primary ride-hailing app. Taxis are also widely available via app or street hail.

Owning a car is extremely expensive due to the COE system. A Toyota Corolla Altis can cost well over S$100,000. Most expat families find it unnecessary.

Finding Indian food in Singapore is effortless. Little India (Serangoon Road) is the heart of Indian dining and grocery shopping, but Indian restaurants and provisions are spread across the entire island.

For verified 100% pure vegetarian Indian restaurants across 7 areas - with Jain and Saatvik options marked - see our Pure Veg & Jain Restaurant Directory.

For Indian grocery stores including Mustafa Centre (open 24 hours), Tekka Market and suburban provision shops, see our Indian Grocery Stores guide.

Major chains Sheng Siong and NTUC FairPrice stock Indian staples - rice varieties, toor dal, MTR and Aachi ready mixes, Haldiram's snacks and Aashirvaad atta - at most outlets island-wide.

Electricity and water are managed by SP Group. Register via the SP app before or immediately upon moving in.

Average monthly utility bill for a 3-bedroom HDB flat: S$150 – S$250 depending on air-conditioning use.

Internet: 1Gbps residential fibre at S$30–S$50/month. Providers include Singtel, StarHub, M1 and MyRepublic.

Mobile SIM cards: Prepaid SIMs available at Changi Airport arrival halls from around S$15–S$30 for 30 days of data. Postpaid plans from approximately S$20–S$45/month.

SingPass is Singapore's national digital identity - you need it to access virtually all government services online. Register at singpass.gov.sg as soon as your EP is issued.

Singapore's workplace culture is professional, results-driven and multicultural. Standard office hours are typically 9am–6pm, though many MNCs and tech companies have flexible arrangements.

Written communication is formal even in organisations that feel relaxed in person. Email etiquette matters - reply promptly and use proper salutations.

Hierarchy is respected but collaboration across levels is expected. Decision-making can be deliberate and consensus-driven.

Singapore has 11 official public holidays, including Deepavali and Hari Raya Puasa.

The CPF (Central Provident Fund) applies to Singapore Citizens and PRs - as an EP holder, you are generally not required to contribute.

The Indian community in Singapore is vibrant, well-organised and spans Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayali, Gujarati and Punjabi communities. Festivals like Deepavali, Pongal, Navaratri and Holi are celebrated publicly.

Key temples:

• Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple - 141 Serangoon Rd (Little India). One of the oldest and most visited.
• Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple - 397 Serangoon Rd. Famous for Thaipusam procession.
• Sri Mariamman Temple - 244 South Bridge Rd, Chinatown. Oldest Hindu temple in Singapore.
• Sri Thendayuthapani Temple (Chettiars' Temple) - 15 Tank Rd. Important for Thaipusam festival.
• Siddh Peeth Shree Lakshminarayan Temple - 5 Chander Rd, Little India. Singapore's first dedicated place of worship for North Indian Hindus.

For general community, search "Indians in Singapore" on Facebook and Telegram for active groups covering housing leads, restaurant recommendations and more.

Singapore enforces its laws strictly. Ignorance is not accepted as an excuse. Refer to official sources for current information.

Always carry your Employment Pass card when outside. You can be asked to produce it by authorities.