Top tips for first three days

[24601]

Hey guys,

So I move to Singapore mid May having never been to the country before (yes I am either crazy, brave or downright stupid )

When I arrive my new company is going to put me in temporary accommodation for the first few weeks so at least that is sorted.

However, what I wanted to ask.... when I arrive I have about a week to 'settle' before starting work. Can anyone suggest what I should do first, best order or even where to get started!

For example I'll need a bank account and to pick up my work pass from MOM. But can I get the bank account before picking up my work pass (or before having a permanent residence). So things like this I don't know. Or should I just say screw it and spend the early days sightseeing!

All tips greatly appreciated!

K

[gravida]

Get your EP first.
It will make things easier with opening bank accounts, signing into mobile phone scheme etc. You will have to do it anyway and it used to be time consuming few years back (half a day), as first you have to wait until you will submit your documents together with passport and then return to collect it after couple of hours.

[BigSis]

I agree, employment pass first. When you go to do things like open a bank account, remember to take your passport with you as they always want to take copies of things like that (and they will want your employment pass details too). You will also need passport and EP when you sign up for anything new, especially when you move into an apartment or wherever - signing up for cable, phoneline, utilities etc - even going to the doctors or dentist for the first time they will want to see them. It's a bit of a pain having to take your passport everywhere with you but you'll get used to it (I think I even had to show mine when I joined the local video shop!)

You'll need quite a bit of money too when you get an apartment sorted out (I think they usually do 2 months deposit and then the first month's rent), so renting an apartment will be a big expenditure - don't blow all your first months wages down at the Dubliner



My Singapore tip of the day for newcomers is:

If you go to a restaurant or a bar, they often stick 10% service charge and 7% GST on top of the bill (some include it but most don't), so add about 20% on to whatever you think the bill will come to so you don't get a surprise (20% because I'm bad at maths and can't work out 17% LOL )

[24601]

Thanks guys. I'll try to set up an appointment with MOM before I leave for my first day then.

Thankfully my company are paying the deposit and agency fees upfront clawed back from wages over 6 months so at least this eases initial cash flow. I couldn't believe how much agency fees were, the tenant pays nothing or very little in the UK. So maybe just a few cheeky ones at the Dubliner (or more likely the Great Singapore Sale!)

K

[merichan]

Yep EP first...

If you have all their required documents... the appointement in itself is quick and smooth now with the EPSC

once you have the papers proving that you are in the waiting of going to pick up your EP card

you can start things like open a bank account or have a mobile phone with contract

[Zeenit]

Thanks guys. I'll try to set up an appointment with MOM before I leave for my first day then.

Thankfully my company are paying the deposit and agency fees upfront clawed back from wages over 6 months so at least this eases initial cash flow. I couldn't believe how much agency fees were, the tenant pays nothing or very little in the UK. So maybe just a few cheeky ones at the Dubliner (or more likely the Great Singapore Sale!)

K

Have your photos taken for ypur EP. Sort out a place to live and thats time consuming