First Week Checklist Singapore 2026

I'm Maya Thompson, a 30-year-old marketing consultant from Bristol. I recently relocated to Singapore for a new role at a tech startup. Moving abroad for a new job has been an exciting challenge. Here’s my week-by-week plan for settling in.

Upon arriving in Singapore, the first priority was to settle into my temporary accommodation. I booked an Airbnb in the Orchard area, which is central and well-connected. After dropping off my luggage, I took some time to explore the neighborhood. I recommend visiting a local food court to experience the famous hawker culture right away.

Once I was more settled, I began the process of setting up a local bank account. I chose DBS Bank because of its extensive network and good expat services. Make sure to bring your passport, employment pass, and proof of address. The process was straightforward, and I had my account active within a few hours.

Health is a priority, so I spent my second day registering for healthcare services. In Singapore, it’s crucial to have health insurance, especially as an expat. I opted for a plan that covers both outpatient and inpatient services. I went to a local clinic to get a health screening, which is often required by employers.

The clinic was modern and efficient, and I appreciated the multilingual staff, which made communication easy. I also downloaded the HealthHub app, which allows me to access my medical records and book appointments conveniently.

On my third day, I focused on staying connected. I visited a nearby Singtel store to get a local SIM card. The process was quick, and I was able to choose a plan that suited my needs, including data for navigation and social media.

I highly recommend comparing different providers like StarHub and M1 as well, as they often have competitive deals. Having a local number not only helps with communication but also makes it easier to sign up for local apps like Grab for transportation.

Singapore boasts an efficient public transport system, so I dedicated my fourth day to familiarizing myself with it. I purchased an EZ-Link card, which offers discounted fares on buses and the MRT. The MRT system is clean, safe, and easy to navigate.

I took a few rides to popular areas like Marina Bay and Chinatown to get a feel for the city. Public transport is not just economical; it’s also a great way to meet people and get to know Singapore’s diverse neighborhoods.

By the fifth day, I was ready to set up utilities for my new apartment. I contacted SP Group to arrange for electricity and water services. The online application was user-friendly, and I was able to schedule the connection for my move-in date.

I also looked into internet options and decided on a fiber broadband package, which is essential for my work. I recommend checking out different providers for the best deals and speeds.

After settling some practical matters, I spent my sixth day exploring different neighborhoods in Singapore. I visited Little India, which was vibrant and full of life. I enjoyed some delicious Indian food and bought some spices to cook at home.

I also checked out the East Coast Park, a popular spot for both locals and expats. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. Exploring neighborhoods is important to find out where I might want to live long-term.

On my final day of the first week, I focused on building my social network. I joined a couple of expat groups on Facebook and attended a meet-up event organized by an expat community. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet people who had gone through similar experiences.

Connecting with others not only helps with settling in but also provides valuable insights into living in Singapore. I learned about local events and tips for navigating the city.

One common mistake new movers make is underestimating the time it takes to set up essential services. I thought I could handle everything in a day or two, but the reality is that some processes take longer than expected. For instance, setting up utilities can involve waiting for connections.

Another issue is not budgeting enough for initial expenses. I recommend having a buffer in your budget for unexpected costs during the first month, such as deposits for utilities or groceries.

During my first week in Singapore, I kept track of my expenses to better understand the cost of living. Here’s a breakdown:

• Accommodation (Airbnb): £600
• Food: £150
• Transportation (EZ-Link): £30
• Utilities setup: £50
• Mobile plan: £20
• Healthcare screening: £100

Total: £950. This was manageable within my budget, but it’s essential to plan for the first month, as expenses can add up quickly.