The Top 5 Reasons Why Singapore Remains a Popular Destination Among Expats in 2024

Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its diversity and futuristic architecture, is a prime destination for expatriates. Located in Southeast Asia on the Malay Peninsula, it boasts a significant expat population, with 29% of its residents classified as “non-residents.” 

What are the reasons behind its popularity among expats? To name a few, the country is a melting pot of cultures, is located in a strategic location for business, has excellent infrastructure, is safe, and has one of the most appealing cuisines in Southeast Asia. 

In this Pacific Prime article, we’ll go into detail on the reasons why Singapore is a top destination for expats, providing you with a glimpse of life in the Merlion city and what you’ll need to make it your new home. Let’s get started with the first reason:

1. No Barriers to Communication

In Singapore, language barriers are minimal. Although Malay is the national language, English is the primary language for government administration, road signs, and education. Not to mention, most expats you’ll meet in Singapore will speak English, resulting in convenient networking opportunities. 

As a result, this linguistic accessibility has earned Singapore an expat friendly reputation, as expats can easily navigate daily life without knowing an Asian language. Instead, they can take the time to learn additional languages in their free time, without pressure. 

The country’s ethnic diversity is reflected in its official languages, which include: Chinese, Malay, Tamil, and English. Singaporean children are educated in both English and their mother tongue, ensuring bilingual proficiency. The presence of Singlish also adds to the linguistic diversity. 

2. Strategic Location

Singapore’s central location in Southeast Asia makes it an ideal base for exploring neighboring countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. This prime location provides expats with unparalleled travel opportunities. But don’t just take our word for it; let’s look at the evidence. 

According to InterNations, nearly three-quarters of expats regard Singapore as a nation with very good travel opportunities. What’s more, with 11 public holidays annually, there’s ample time to explore. 

But that’s not all, the climate in Singapore is another draw, offering consistently warm and humid weather. If you’re from a country with a cold climate, the heat may take some getting used to, but fret not; most buildings are equipped with strong air conditioning. 

3. Outstanding Transportation

In Singapore, the public transportation system is an exemplary model of efficiency and convenience. It comprises an extensive network of trains, light rail, and buses, all meticulously maintained and air-conditioned to provide comfort in Singapore’s tropical climate.

The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, the backbone of urban transit, connects key areas of the city and operates with remarkable punctuality and frequency. This ensures that residents and visitors can traverse the city with ease and minimal wait times.

Furthermore, Changi Airport is rated the world’s second best by Skytrax. The airport’s efficiency, cleanliness, and extensive amenities provide a fitting introduction to the city-state’s broader transportation system. 

For payment, the EZ-Link card offers a hassle-free, contactless solution for all public transportation services. This card can be easily topped up online, at machines, or through mobile apps, allowing users to manage their travel expenses conveniently. 

The simplicity and efficiency of the EZ-Link card system contribute significantly to the positive experiences of commuters, with three-quarters of expats praising the country’s transportation infrastructure in surveys.

If public transit isn’t your thing, and you’re willing to spend more for comfort, Singapore offers a variety of taxi services and ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek, which further enhance mobility. Taxis in Singapore are known for being safe, clean, and relatively affordable. 

Most drivers are fluent in English, which adds an extra layer of convenience for expats and tourists. Moreover, many taxis now accept EZ-Link payments, providing seamless integration with the city’s public transportation system.

4. Unparalleled Safety

Singapore stands out as one of the safest countries for expats, offering a secure environment with low crime rates and a strong sense of public order. Violent crime and theft are rare, thanks to the city-state’s stringent laws and effective policing. 

The government’s strict enforcement of laws plays a crucial role in maintaining this safety. Offenses such as vandalism, public drunkenness, and littering are met with severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and caning. 

Moreover, Singapore’s safety measures extend to specific areas such as Geylang and Little India, which are designated as ‘Liquor Control Zones’ with strict regulations. The ban on smoking in public parks, beaches, and zones like Orchard Road also contributes to a clean and healthy environment.

As a result, expats in Singapore benefit from comprehensive safety measures that encompass not only physical security but also a robust legal framework protecting residents from cybercrime and scams. The country’s efficient law enforcement makes it an exceptionally safe place to live and work.

5. Diverse and Delicious Cuisine

In Singapore, food is a cultural cornerstone. The diverse population brings a mix of Malaysian, Indian, and Chinese cuisines, catering to all tastes. Hawker centers, with their affordable food stalls, are perfect for sampling a variety of dishes without breaking the bank.

Signature dishes include Singapore Chili Crab, Hainanese chicken rice, and nasi lemak. Vegetarians and vegans will find plenty of options, thanks to the city’s religious and cultural diversity. 

Listed below are some dishes that are worth trying at Kopitiam in Singapore: 

• Hainanese Chicken Rice: Steamed chicken served with rice cooked in chicken stock. This dish is beloved for its flavorful and aromatic rice. Adding dipping sauce enhances the chicken’s taste.
• Chilli Crab: Hard-shell crabs cooked in a semi-thick tomato chilli gravy. Despite the name, it’s not overly spicy. The dish is best enjoyed by soaking up the gravy with bread.
• Laksa: Rice noodles in a spicy coconut curry soup with shrimp, fish cakes, egg, and chicken. Singapore’s variant, katong laksa, features cut-up noodles. Sometimes includes cockles and tofu puffs.
• Char Kuay Teow: Broad white noodles stir-fried with black soy sauce, bean sprouts, fish cake, clams, and Chinese sausage. This dish is notable for its smoky flavor, achieved by cooking at high temperatures.
• Hokkien Prawn Mee: Stir-fried Hokkien noodles with prawns, chicken or pork, squid, and fish cake, seasoned with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili. Served with sambal sauce and a lime wedge.
• Barbecued Stingray: Stingray meat slathered in sambal sauce and grilled in banana leaves. This seafood dish is a hawker stall favorite.
• Fish Head Curry: A large fish head and vegetables cooked in curry, served with rice or bread. Often paired with calamansi juice. Features South Indian origins with Chinese and Malay influences. 
• Satay: Skewered grilled meat served with rice cake (ketupat), peanut sauce, and cucumber-chili relish. Popular choices include pork, chicken, beef, or mutton, marinated in turmeric. 
• Char Siew Meats on Rice or Noodles: Barbecued red pork and roasted pork belly served with either rice or noodles. The meats are prepared in front of you and topped with a thick sauce. 
• Oyster Omelette: An egg omelette mixed with flour, fried with oysters, and garnished with coriander leaves, crispy bean sprouts, and a sweet, spicy sauce. Can be served soft or crispy based on preference. 

Embrace Singapore: Your New Home

Whether it’s the strategic location, seamless communication, outstanding transportation, unparalleled safety, diverse cuisine, or the vibrant expat community, Singapore offers a welcoming environment for expats from around the world.

But before you plan your relocation, don’t forget to contact a broker for health insurance. When you contact Pacific Prime, a team of experts will be ready to assist you in comparing health insurance plans from leading insurers in Singapore and globally. 

Additionally, our brokers will provide impartial advice to ensure that you make informed decisions, at no additional cost, ensuring your expatriate journey is smooth, from start to finish. 

Get in touch with us today to begin the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Singapore an attractive destination for expatriates? 

Singapore is a popular destination for expats due to its cultural diversity, strategic location, excellent infrastructure, safety, and delicious cuisine. The city-state’s minimal language barriers, travel opportunities, and efficient public transportation system further enhance its appeal. 

How does Singapore ensure a safe environment for expats? 

Singapore is renowned for its low crime rates and stringent laws, contributing to a highly secure environment. The government’s strict enforcement of laws, such as those against vandalism and public drunkenness, ensures public order and safety. 

What culinary experiences can expats expect in Singapore? 

Singapore offers a diverse culinary scene influenced by its multicultural population. Expats can enjoy a variety of dishes, such as Hainanese chicken rice, chilli crab, laksa, and satay. The city’s hawker centers showcase the rich blend of Malaysian, Indian, and Chinese cuisines.

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Piyanat Jantharot

Content Writer/Marketer at Pacific Prime

Piyanat is a Marketer and SEO Content Writer with an affinity for storytelling and marketing. He works with a team of experienced professionals at Pacific Prime who create a range of engaging and informative content aimed at helping both individuals and companies understand the importance of and benefits of insurance.

Upon graduating from Mahidol University International College’s International Relations program, he spent his career in marketing and business development, working for an international subcontractor, a marketing research firm, an international news agency, a software development company, and a creative agency. His journey now continues at Pacific Prime, where he hopes to make an impact by simplifying insurance and writing a gargantuan amount of SEO articles to draw in billions of leads.

In his free time, Piyanat is an avid martial artist and musician, spending most of his time at boxing gyms in Nakhon Pathom and music studios with his friends in the music industry.

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