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Moving to Singapore from the USA

Furniture Moving, Immigration and Lifestyle

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Moving your house to Singapore? As a US citizen, you will want to learn about immigration, and moving costs, and prepare your checklist for a smooth transition. Find it all here.

Cost of Moving from USA to Singapore

The average cost is $15,500 for a 1-bedroom move.

Depending on how much furniture you’re moving the costs will fluctuate. In the table below we break down the costs:

Furniture VolumeEstimated Cost
Few boxes$7,200
1-Bedroom worth$12,000 – $18,000
2-Bedroom house$18,000 – $22,000
3+ Bedroom house$24,000+

These are estimated prices, they can change according to your origin and destination, volume, seasonality or extra services.

Discover the volume of your move to get accurate quotes from moving companies.

Moving Services to Singapore

There are a few services you can opt for and hire from moving companies. Usually, these are the basic ones offered:

  • Packing – To save time, have security, and get professional packaging. Some companies will offer you packing material such as boxes, bubble wrap, etc.

😲 Where to get free boxes for moving to Singapore?

Try in supermarkets, local shops, and other retail stores. You can also find free boxes in recycling centers or near construction areas. Free boxes can come with defects, check them twice for possible rips, excessive weakness, or other damages.

  • Loading & Unloading – Carrying furniture can be tough, they will do it carefully from your origin to your destination.
  • Furniture disassembly/reassembly – Very useful for complex, large, or fragile items.

Some other additional services can be offered as well:

  • Storage – Movers can provide temporary storage in case you’re not ready to move into a place in Singapore.
  • Special item management – Piano, artwork transport, or even car transport.
  • Custom clearance – It can be a complex process that movers will coordinate from start to end.

Keep in mind hiring extra services will increase the moving costs. You will save time, but if you’re under a budget, you may want to consider doing some things yourself.

Moving Companies Singapore

Look at the following movers and find the best moving company for your relocation to Singapore:

How to Find a Cheap Moving Company to Singapore

  1. Read reviews and ask for opinions: Research opinions in comparison websites such as Sirelo or platforms such as Google Reviews or Facebook groups.
  2. Request multiple quotes: Reach out between 3 to 5 movers. Make sure to be precise with your moving details to get an accurate price.
  3. Compare movers: Affordability is important, but also their service quality, reliability, insurance coverage, or customer support.
  4. Search for qualified information: Ensure the company is properly licensed and is affiliated with verified moving associations.
Free Moving Quotes to Singapore
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Immigrating to Singapore from the USA

As an American citizen, you will need a visa to work and live in Singapore. Work permits are available for skilled and professional migrants, valid for up to 2 years.

The most popular work permits are:

The requirements may differ according to your field skills or situation. However, some of them general are:

  • Having a valid passport
  • Demonstrate financial stability and the right qualifications for the position
  • Have a job offer from a registered Singaporean company
  • Earn a minimum salary based on the tire of your industry

How to Apply for the Singapore Work Visa

The process to follow changes according to your permit. The usual process is as follows:

  1. Secure a job offer from a Singaporean company
  2. Identify the visa you need
  3. Your employer will apply for your work pass. As the candidate, you don’t need to be in Singapore to start the process, it can be applied from the USA.
  4. Wait the processing times – usually within 10 business days
  5. The employer will get the permit issued – You must be in Singapore for further processing
  6. Receive the card at your new address

For the EntrePass permit, you will have to apply yourself online.

Moving Back to Singapore

If you’re coming back, you must understand your residency status first. You can move freely if you still hold a residency permit or citizenship. However, if your permit has expired, you must see your returning resident options.

Moving Pets to Singapore

Moving dogs, cats, or other pets such as birds, is allowed and can enter Singapore. If you plan on coming with your pet, you will have to follow these steps:

  1. Check your dog’s breed is allowed
  2. Apply for an import license. Requirements:
    • Microchip
    • Vaccination against rabies and general vaccinations – and have the certificates
    • Health certificate issued by a licensed veterinary

For more detailed information, check out this flowchart with all the steps to import your dog or cat to Singapore.

Moving to Singapore with Family

Singapore offers a Dependant’s Pass for partners and children for those holding an Employment Pass or S Pass. The partners must be legally married and the children (legally adopted included) must be 21 years old.

A Long-Term Visit Pass is also available for parents, domestic partners, or disabled children of those holding the Employment Pass or S Pass.

Tips and Checklist Before Moving to Singapore

Not sure where to start? This checklist will help you with what to know and do before leaving:

  1. Prepare Documentation: Get your valid passport, work permit, and any other paperwork such as medical or educational certificates you may need.
  2. Plan Your Move: Hire a reliable moving company to ship your belongings and furniture. Make sure to do your research and request quotes first.
  3. Open Bank Account: To manage your daily expenses and receive your salary, you will need to open a Singaporean account. Some companies include DBS Bank or OCBC.
  4. Health Insurance: Singapore has a universal healthcare system called Medishield Life, but foreigners can’t qualify for it, as it only covers Singapore citizens and PR.

While there’s no mandatory health insurance coverage, having private health insurance is highly recommended to have peace of mind.

Living in Singapore

If you’re open to discovering a new culture and embracing a fast-paced life, Singapore can be your place. Keep reading to prepare yourself for the adventure!

US vs Singapore Cost of Living

The average living costs for a single adult in Singapore are $1,110 without rent and $2,500 monthly with rent included.
MetricSingaporeUS
Eggs3.35 $3.73 $
Restaurant Meal44 $35 $
Cappuccino4.79 $5 $
Single transport ticket1.48 $2.50 $
Basic utilities150 $205.61 $

Source: Numbeo

Living costs are almost 10% higher than in the US, however, it can be manageable with proper budgeting and planning. Salaries are also high and usually offer benefits to compensate for it.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Singapore

If you’re still balancing what are the best and worst things about moving to this country, this pros and cons list may be useful:

Pros

 Quality of life
 Safe and secure
 Hub for international business
 Efficient and achievement-oriented environment

Cons

 High living costs
 Limited space compared to the US bast areas
 Demanding work culture
 Strict social norms

Living Style in Singapore

The lifestyle here could be described as modern, multicultural, and vibrant. Besides hard work and efficiency, technology and innovation are a strong focus in their culture.

Singapore combines its influence from Western and Eastern cultures, reflected in its cuisine, people, and much more. The country is a multicultural center – 74% Chinese, 13% Malays, 9% Indians, and 3% of other ethnicities.

Its streets are clean and safe, the public transport is very efficient and you will find many green spaces to promote sustainability and good quality of life.

Living in Singapore as an American

As an American moving to Singapore, the cultural differences can be challenging. Relying on an expat community and meeting people through online groups can be a good way to start—for example, American Expats in Singapore on Facebook.

Frequently asked questions

How easy is moving to Singapore?

How much does moving cost in Singapore?