Moving to a new country is an adventure of a lifetime, and you can fit right in when you are aware of all the norms and regulations to follow. It’s not even about being righteous but about avoiding culture shock and not offending the locals.
If you are in the middle of booking a moving company in Singapore and packing for the big move, you are not prepared until you learn these 6 dos and don’ts. The nation is notoriously known for its strict laws, and moving into a new estate also comes with another set of rules.
Dive in to know what to expect and how to prepare for the move. This blog will help you prepare even if you’re moving with assistance from some of the cheapest movers in Singapore.
Estate Rules and Management (MCST & HDB)
DOs
Book the service lift and submit the required MCST/HDB moving permit at least 1-2 weeks before the move. The process is well organised but takes time as several move applications are submitted to the estate office every week.
DON’Ts
Attempt to move outside the permitted hours– 9 to 5 on weekdays; half a day till 1 pm on weekdays; and moving on Sundays and public holidays is not allowed. Moving on after the stipulated hours or on the restricted days will result in hefty fines.
Customs, Shipping, and Prohibited Imports
DOs
Declare all the household goods to Singapore’s Customs and apply for GST relief if you qualify as a new resident. This is necessary for clearing customs smoothly and to avoid shipping any banned items.
DON’Ts
Pack banned or restricted items like chewing gum, e-cigarettes, firecrackers, or controlled medication in your shipment. Importing banned items can result in fines, the consignment being seized and further legal action.
Pet Relocation Regulations
DOs
Apply for an AVS import permit, obtain a dog license, and verify microchip details well before travelling. Also, only hire a pet-friendly moving company in Singapore so that your pet can be safely moved to the country.
DON’Ts
Bring any prohibited breeds of dogs like Pit Bulls and Akita. Also, the HDB restricts one small dog per household and up to 3 in private condos from a list of pre-approved breeds. Also, the pet must have the necessary medical certificates and complete quarantine.
Tropical Climate and Packing Logistics
DOs
Use waterproof packing materials and silica gel packs to protect clothes and electronics against intense humidity and rain. Also, afternoon showers are common in Singapore, so plastic wraps are a default.
DON’Ts
Avoid shipping heavy winter wardrobe or bulky wool furniture that will warp, mould, or stay unused in tropical Singapore. Since the country is close to the equator, it’s almost summer throughout the year, so there’s no need for heavy winter clothes.
Local Laws and Public Transit Etiquette
DOs
Get an ET-Link or SimplyGo card and follow strict public transit etiquette like keeping left on escalators. Also, the speed of the escalators can be shocking at first, so board them carefully until you are used to it.
DON’Ts
Eating, drinking, smoking and taking pictures on the MRT/buses is absolutely prohibited. Such civic infractions carry immediate, heavily enforced fines. Be mindful of noise levels in the MRT as well; use headphones when using your phone and avoid talking loudly on the phone.
Lease Agreements and Deposit Safety
DOs
In addition to seeking some of the cheapest movers in Singapore for the move, ensure you perform a thorough check before signing the lease. Take a photo-documented condition inventory during key collection and ensure a Diplomatic Clause is included.
DON’Ts
Make structural alterations, paint walls without the landlord’s consent, or skip minor servicing contracts required by leases. When leasing a home in Singapore, you have to maintain it rigorously so that you don’t get fined or have to forfeit your security deposit.
FAQs
What passes or visas are needed to legally work and live in Singapore?
Expat professionals typically require an Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass sponsored by a local employer, while eligible spouses and children hold a Dependant’s Pass.
Am I eligible for GST relief when importing household items?
Yes, new residents can apply for GST relief if they have owned the items for at least 3 months and import them within 6 months of moving.
Are there restrictions on bringing pets into Singapore residential properties?
HDB flats allow only 1 approved dog breed, while private condos permit up to 3 dogs/cats; specific restricted breeds like Pitbulls are banned.
Can I transport my furniture using standard moving trucks during weekends in condos?
For most private condos, MCSTs prohibit moving on Sundays and public holidays, strictly restricting transport to weekdays and Saturday mornings within reserved lift slots.
What items are strictly prohibited from being packed in my Singapore relocation shipment?
Prohibited items include chewing gum, e-cigarettes/vapes, firecrackers, controlled drugs, and pirated media, all of which face severe customs penalties.
Takeaways
Therefore, when you move to Singapore, ensure that you follow the norms and rules. Singapore locals are laid-back and welcoming, but you must prepare for the above-listed social norms so that you can settle down easily.
Now you can hire a moving company in Singapore with the knowledge of all that you can do and must avoid when in Singapore. So, prepare your move accordingly so that the transition goes seamlessly and you can move past the culture shock.
