Moving to Singapore: Things I Wish I Knew! | Insider Insights for Future Expats

📦🇸🇬 Moving to Singapore: Things I Wish I Knew! | Insider Insights for Future Expats
Embark on a time-traveling adventure as I revisit my move to Singapore in 2013 and share the invaluable insights that hindsight has gifted me. In this video, I candidly discuss the few things I wish I had known before making the leap to the Lion City. From cultural nuances to practical tips, this retrospective guide aims to ease the transition for future expats. Have your own lessons to add to the list? Join the conversation and let's create a collective pool of wisdom for those venturing into the vibrant tapestry of Singaporean life. Subscribe, share, and let's navigate the expat journey together! 🛫🏙️ #MovingToSingapore #ExpatsGuide #LifeLessonsInSingapore
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[@jaym6870]

I was born in 1952, and I can tell you two things that have changed. One, the temperature. Until recently, with all the effects of climate change, mornings and evenings were very cool. Most people didn’t have air conditioning then. We could play in the sun quite comfortably. You didn’t feel it burning your skin. Second, Singaporeans used to dressed well when going out (not only when going out to special events or functions)until about the 90s, I think. We really put on our Sunday best, and not only to church! Today, dressing is more casual, and I hate to say, sometimes sloppy. But we still do dress up when the occasion calls for it.

[@mohamedfouze1844]

And I'm born in 1963, I too totally agree with you 👍

[@evae.9424]

Interesting .. wish I was born in that era

[@zalaguet4852]

@@evae.9424 I was born in 1978, and I can still vouch for agreeable weather even in the 80s...we played in the sun all the time! the best childhood to be had!

[@ona2779]

Enjoy, have fun and be happy. Am sure you're doing very well for yourself with the right mindset, attitude and determination. Another tip to a happier life in Singapore: avoid the small group of people who love to complain non-stop on every issue. Good news is they are a tiny group of people who does not represent the majority local.

[@intheworldofmari]

Thank you, I will and yes it is a very small minority that complains and wants foreigners to leave...which is such a shame! but thank you for making me feel at home 😀

[@jadetan6875]

This is one of the best videos I have seen an expat describe Singapore.

[@seeweek409]

The "little red dot" title was actually tack on Singapore by a not too friendly neighbouring politician. He called our country a little red dot as depicted in the world map. Our PM at that time "run with the tack" and thats how this title stuck and we are now famously known as the Little Red Dot.😀😀

[@cheenangng4050]

now we upgraded to a postage stamp

[@Sgscouser]

Some Taiwanese politician labeled us as Boogers back in the 90s.

[@CrossbredmiMiyang]

Because we are so successful in almost every aspect, it do attract salty people with micro heart . Again because we are so successful and literally faultless in every aspect, the only way is to humiliate us which ever way , so long as we stand our ground and continue do what we do best and pays little attention to these haters we will be fine .

[@sktoh4469]

Ronald, Sinkapore should invade Johore and take over the southern half. That'll overcome the scarcity of land.

[@gw4518]

I'm a Singaporean guy and absolutely agree with you on everything you said from beginning to end. Spot on. I feel the same way too especially about the rain, it's so comforting. Most covered walk ways are one way that allows you to get from point A to point B in the case of a down pour.

[@intheworldofmari]

yes it is great that most walk ways are now covered which makes things so much better... and yes the rain is very comforting! 😀😀

[@eatdriveplay]

Born and lived in Singapore for nearly 4 decades and I haven't got used to the weather.. haha! And global warming is so real for us... Back in my school days, mornings were chilly and windy and kids will wear a sweater to avoid catching a cold. That's no longer the case in recent years...

[@intheworldofmari]

Oh wow! I cant even imagine that! but yes, sadly global warming is very real and we will experience the changes of it... have a lovely week!

[@katetoh314]

it wasn't this hot . 24degrees 20yrs ago was normal... unbelievable to many.

[@blilasg8956]

Yes! I've told nephews and younger friends this as well, but they never experienced that. even the monsoon seasons are haywire now. i remember a few days of full day downpour in wet Nov and my school shoes cannot dry in time but it's not like that anymore.

[@dakomon]

You won me over with the weather and yes, for 40 years and on I still am NOT USED to hot & humid weather.

[@intheworldofmari]

hot.hot.HOT!

[@arwenmegan]

I agree with you about needing to have an umbrella handy. Singapore’s weather can be sporadic, and torrential rain can come and go, so having an umbrella can protect you from the rain. Great tip, Mari.

[@intheworldofmari]

Yes - an umbrella for the sun and an umbrella for the rain haha but even after 6 years of living here I still sometimes forget my umbrella haha

[@joshualee-gs9yv]

as all countries in those areas suffers from pop up storms! i learned that aswell even in philippines...

[@weathergirl79]

Love your energy! Keep up the good content! ☺️

[@intheworldofmari]

Thanks so much Simran.. really appreciate the kind comment 😁

[@entropicity]

Agree with you on the weather, though it never felt this scorching/humid 10-15 years ago... I remember hanging out with friends in the middle of a sunny day outdoors and not many people complained about the weather back then. When I was a teenager in the 80s/90s, I would spend entire days out under the Sun. Today I can feel the difference, the subtle effects of global warming are definitely there.

[@intheworldofmari]

yeah it is so sad.. global warming is very real... 😟

[@MrLee4747]

Remember the saying, make hay while the sun shine, it does not fail. Same as the extra mile walking make up for the laziness. I believe we can be very healthy if we change our way of seeing things at different angle. As for me is the extra mile is beneficial and erased the bad habit. Cheerio friends, have a nice day.

[@bigno1900]

As a Brit, i love the sunny 365 days weather here. Better than London!

[@intheworldofmari]

I can imagine...

[@FrizFroz]

Sunny... as long as it isn't raining! It rains more than Manchester!

[@sumit6190p]

What's up with brits and weather?

[@cyonnchan3587]

Hehehe omg only dis one or two month only ok ha

[@SuccessforLifester]

The National Service I feel also plays a part in instilling this habit of following rules. It may stifle creativity and character development though

[@intheworldofmari]

I do agree with you on that as well... that is why I really enjoy my job here in Singapore as it focuses on instilling creative and critical thinking :)

[@SuccessforLifester]

@@intheworldofmari yes merely looking at you doing a bouncing walk during hiking created a cognitive shift in me and some giggles.

[@yct3369]

I am totally disagree with your view that Sg's NS stifle creativities and character development. Boys start to serve NS only after they finished polytechnic or A Level.

[@SuccessforLifester]

@@yct3369 Unless they are in a leadership role, the bulk of the men are trained to be yes men. To obey in fear of authority

[@greenclouds1558]

As a Singaporean, i have to say that i totally agree with you! It just make a lot of sense, especially when you are covering the topic of Singapore weather which we need to adjust accordingly :)

[@intheworldofmari]

thanks! I am glad you enjoyed my video 😀

[@paulineng6177]

It is not really hot temperature wise but is the humidity that is killing us almost 100%.

[@intheworldofmari]

yes the combination of the two is a killer! haha

[@zinachia7009]

Welcome to the Singapore! Very nice video face interview!

[@dchey01]

I have to agree with you about never gonna get use to the weather in Singapore. I was born in Singapore and I am still not use to it, I just learned to tolerate and put up with it. Even at home, I have my fan going all day! only because I don't want to rack up the electricity bill running the air conditioner during the day (reserved only for bedtime). I have the privilege of spending some time living in cooler countries and I am able to compare. A typical sunny day and balmy night in Singapore would be considered a heat wave to those cooler countries. It also seem to be getting hotter as the years goes by. If it rains, it better be HUGE rain, otherwise it'll just be like a sauna afterwards and I'd be stuck to my light T shirt. Those who claim that you'll get use to it, have probably never lived anywhere else but Singapore.

[@sktoh4469]

The heat is OK but not the humidity. That's why I've lived in Summerlin NV for the past 10 years.

[@intheworldofmari]

Yeah it is the humidity that makes the heat 1000% more unbearable... How are you finding life in NV? Missing SG?

[@sktoh4469]

@@intheworldofmari I'm retired now and taking it easy. Yes, sometimes I miss Singapore food. Fortunately, the recently opened Resorts World Las Vegas offers a selection of Singapore and Asian dishes in its Famous Foods Street Eats area. 🤣🤣

[@intheworldofmari]

@@sktoh4469 haha that’s at least something😂

[@HumdrumSingaporeanREACTS]

😇😇😇 thank you so much for this knowledgeable and informative video

[@HumdrumSingaporeanREACTS]

😸 cool

[@myoung1970s]

I don't feel Singapore is fast pace though.... I am a very relax person and loves to stay at home because of the temperature and I don't like crowds. LOL

[@intheworldofmari]

That’s great!! I have recently started to find that balance 😁 and I am avoiding crowds at all times now. So perhaps the pandemic had a positive impact in some way?😂

[@impopquiz]

Y’a… try HK! 😂

[@wyattearp88]

Ok now this is a seasoned foreigner that found the perfect timing to go out between 10~4pm, when I see those newly come foreigner going out when the sun is super hot and high up, I worry they get heat stroke … local normally come out for a jog is after 5pm ( after work ) , so this is one perfect timing, 4pm the sun still shining hot

[@intheworldofmari]

Yeah I really don't understand how people even dare to walk outside between 10-4pm hahaha

[@sowersmusic]

@@intheworldofmari that's why I cycle only at nite or super early morning like 4am to 8am or so...

[@sowersmusic]

@@intheworldofmari we say we also have 4 season -, hot, very hot, super hot and extreme hot!

[@CrossbredmiMiyang]

In Singapore we have 2 seasons , hot and hotter . As a native Singaporean , I still can’t get use to this damn climate. I misses the days when I use to live in London which the weather are mostly cloudy, wet & cold especially during the winter .. love it so much .

[@intheworldofmari]

same.. I really miss travelling just to get a break from the constant heat... hopefully soon!

[@michaels.9224]

I miss four seasons. But hey! At least we don’t need different sets of clothes that we can only wear for three months in a year

[@chowzisiong7800]

You're quite generous about your opinion of Singapore constantly growing economically. I think our economic model is in clear need of moderate to major changes. No doubt we do have our strengths as a financial hub, but there are other outstanding aspects that need to be improved to differentiate ourselves.

[@intheworldofmari]

I agree.. but coming from South Africa, I will always be in awe what Singapore has achieved in such short years...

[@Summerlife888]

Sun your laundries when it gets really 🔥 but hide in study room 2 eat ice cream! I was still 🙏 4 🌧 yesterday 😄. Gd thing about SG, we have plenty of shelters! But u need 2 look out 4 it. Cheers mate!

[@SuccessforLifester]

Yes. I have a friend that moved to Oz because of the weather here. And yeah, living here my whole life, I have not got used to the weather myself. Working people in offices at least got the air con for the bulk of the day.

[@intheworldofmari]

Having seasons really makes such a big difference... but I would rather have a year of summer than a year of winter... and at least we have aircon :)

[@SuccessforLifester]

@@intheworldofmari I have not gone through summer and winter before. Maybe after I go through it, I would have other complaints and appreciate the rather predictable weather here. 😄

[@1changi]

Singapore is really small. Try cycling around the island. It is only a couple of hundreds of kilometres. Just do it in the night to avoid heat stroke.

[@henrietta9206]

Mari you are stunning inside-out, and insightful!! loved your video about homeland.. Memories are a "feeling", sometimes...I agree how construction keep demolishing my memories!!! hah!...but the friends and good times stay... may u be blessed staying here❤ - bukitPanjang😉

[@intheworldofmari]

Thank you so much Henrietta for your kind words 😀and you are right - the friends and good times stay! have a lovely week and stay safe 😀

[@hujjatullahsahib380]

I love your presentation, your really bubbly personality, your frankness and above all your total honesty. Singapore is not problem-free though. You will have to mix closely with both veteran Singaporeans and freshy Singaporeans to understand the real Singapore which is just beneath the surface. Anyway, wish you an enjoyable stay there !

[@intheworldofmari]

thank you for your kind comments 😊Every country has its positives and negatives but so far Singapore out weighs with the positives.. have a lovely evening! stay safe!

[@evae.9424]

LKY wrote about the necessity for rules, being a very small country we need to have some basic rules in order to “tolerate” living with one another in such a small space. It makes sense to me and I’m glad for the rules.

[@nsyinggpeachy4263]

It gets hot. And you will finally know how the chicken felt when they are in the oven. We are literally chickens, in a giant oven. I love the rain . I really do. But I hate it when it rains and the sun comes out after and the heat raising from the pavement. Gosh.

[@kimhuat768]

Hope you enjoy your life in Singapore

[@intheworldofmari]

thank you so much Kim Huat! I really have been enjoying it! Stay safe! 😀

[@judyquek2362]

You love Singapore.

[@noorirwan686]

Its not that hot actually, just the humidity n no wind makes it feel like 35c.. We never had heat waves all our life. So yes its very uncomfortable weather especially between 11-4pm 😊 cant wait for dec-jan when temperature is around 23c

[@intheworldofmari]

yes I can't wait either!

[@eszeezee6967]

As a Singaporean, I agree with your observations.

[@intheworldofmari]

Thank you Eszee! Have a lovely week!

[@klching4741]

I was born in Singapore and I am still not used to the hot weather.

[@ashikdorjee891]

Helpful

[@intheworldofmari]

Thanks Ashik - glad you find it helpful!

[@sarahrnl]

Nothing more to add. You kinda nailed it.

[@intheworldofmari]

thanks Sarah! 😀

[@willleong253]

Fully agreed with the HOT... Air-con is the saviour! And that's why most Singaporean like to travel to cold countries for holidays... if not for covid... AARRRHHHH!!!

[@intheworldofmari]

I could really do with a winter break right now... I havent experienced winter in over 3 years!

[@jyt8689]

Really funny n authentic vid. 😂

[@intheworldofmari]

thanks so much JY T! :)

[@PurplePassion1260]

I’m a born Singaporean and yes the weather can be really hot sometimes. I will never go out during noon. Always evening or from late noon 4 onwards. Can’t stand the heat. The rain is unpredictable at all. It can suddenly rain so heavy like got no tomorrow.

[@intheworldofmari]

yes.. I went out at 17:00 today and it was still scorching hot for me haha

[@PurplePassion1260]

@@intheworldofmari it’s either hot, really hot or raining like crazy. It can be hot at that kinda time depends on which part of the year.

[@davidnhc]

Singapore is hot not just the weather try the foods.Singapore is small everything is within reach, Singapore is fast not just he people try the escalator too. Singapore all time fashion T shirt, shorts and flip flops honestly how much have you save on clothings. Singapore is constantly changing, true but not the government.

[@intheworldofmari]

thanks so much for the added list David! yesss! the escalators are super fast and by the chance I get one that is not as fast I find myself thinking - urgghhh why is it so slow??!!! but its just going at a normal escalator pace haha

[@zenweaver]

Even as local who does not travel much, i feel frustrated.Because my usual places, Bali and Phuket and Australia have been off limits for too long.

[@intheworldofmari]

I can't wait for the borders to open again! My heart years for a trip overseas 😬

[@Owleyes2019]

Yeah Singapore is sooooo humid.

[@intheworldofmari]

haha yes a sweaty sweaty sauna! haha

[@jellycode7460]

U can buy from Charles and Keith they have big sizes!

[@intheworldofmari]

I have tried their shoes but unfortunately their shoes always hurt my feet😂 I’m going for comfort now

[@nsyinggpeachy4263]

There was once I was in the mall and yeap, it's cold, obviously. But I think I wanted to throw something and I spot a bin at the roof top playground which is just outside the air-conditioned area. I stepped out, then sun hits me. And I cursed.

[@intheworldofmari]

happens daily hahah

[@VincentChua]

Welcome to singapore 🇸🇬

[@intheworldofmari]

thank you Vincent 😀

[@hafiizrahman3067]

Even as a Singaporean I forget how hot the ground can get. I've actually had to resole a lot of my shoes because they've actually melted on hot concrete.

[@intheworldofmari]

oh my... that is crazy!

[@jwonwolf]

As a Singaporean that studied overseas and came back, I realized a lot of Singaporeans follow the rules so strictly sometimes until they have to be given instruction on what to do in order to do something.

[@intheworldofmari]

haha quite true!

[@fba90130]

Singaporeans are uniquely adapted to life in the tropics. It's hot and wet and feels like the entire country is situated in a giant Swedish sauna. Wear anything thicker than a light shirt and walk on outside. 10 minutes later you'll also be wearing half your bodily fluids in your soaked shirt. We scuttle from air-conditioned oasis to air-conditioned oasis via sheltered walkways. These adaptations are NECESSARY to have anything close to a decent quality of life. Honestly, the natives had it right. They used to walk around wrapped in just a single piece of cloth called a sarong. But then humanity invented air-conditioning and our story changed. Honestly I would walk out there wrapped in just my bath towel if I thought I could get away with it.

[@intheworldofmari]

Haha agree!!

[@impopquiz]

How dare you! Crocs is the fashion cardinal sin! 😂

[@simroysten7963]

Arn't you glad you are here with the unrest in SA at a dangerous level.

[@intheworldofmari]

my heart really breaks for everyone back home - it is so sad what is happening and I really hope that things can soon settle down...

[@timothywoo7994]

hahaha....yea...even I am a true blue local Singaporean I am still not used to the HOT HOT HOT weather but I am use to just HOT. I miss winter freezing cold. Well only photos will keep the memories, so next time take more photos before it dissappear in a blink of an eye. In Singapore you could do anything you want too, we have FREEDOM too but just don't get CAUGHT, once caught be a man to face up whatever CONCEQUENCE you need too. Foreigners that I know always say Singapore can't do this can't do that but I will always tell them this golden rule. Do anything you like just don't get CAUGHT.🤣

[@intheworldofmari]

hahah thanks Timothy! yes! I miss winter too - I never thought I would say it but I haven't experienced winter in over 3 years now!

[@shan7540]

Its not hot... its SCORCHING HOT.. I only like our weather here when I m doing loads of laundry

[@intheworldofmari]

hahaha I agree!

[@kakkay898]

Little red dot... Was originally a remark by late Indonesian President Sukarno, he looked down on Singapore he said 'who are they? They are just a little red dot!'. Well red dot proved him wrong.

[@Chew81]

Your view on dressing is spot on! But there are still wannabe fashionistas in our midst who love to criticise the way we dress. Lol.

[@intheworldofmari]

haha always... but I have learned that I couldnt care less.. I care more about comfort haha

[@leongyet9896]

You are right,dressing up is overrated! That's such an understatement here lollll Flip flops,shorts and singlet is the way to go.

[@intheworldofmari]

I love not feeling pressured to dress up - dressing for comfort and the weather is so much better 😀

[@RyanTeo]

@@intheworldofmari Should try batik too, quite suitable for this tropical climate.

[@jsanon1634]

People adapt to "hot" or "cold" when they live in a country long enough and change the mindset. There are many other countries which are hot and hotter, like in Africa, yet people live normally there. Many expats love the hot weather they enjoy like the summer season all year round and go for outdoor adventurous activities. Some hate the cold weather in other countries and appreciate the hot weather in SG. Its like some people love to bask in the sun, enjoy sun sand and sea. Others hate it. Especially those fair skin ladies LOL So if one want to enjoy Singapore, one word adapt to what one cant change.

[@intheworldofmari]

yup you learn how to tolerate the weather but you never really get used to it haha

[@sriisland9856]

👋👋👋

[@intheworldofmari]

👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻

[@2649scottie]

If you dress properly no worries. Also we do have 3 seasons. Hot, Hotter Hotest, Wet, Wetter, Wetest!

[@intheworldofmari]

hahaha indeed!

[@humanshieldz]

It's a red dot cos they needed something to show on the map else by scale, we won't even be a dot lol There's a reason why Singaporeans don't dress well cos of the weather 😂 Even a singlet feels overdressed sometimes

[@intheworldofmari]

Hahahaha agree!

[@poseidon61]

10am to 4pm is reserved only for indoor activities. You are going to "melt" if you are out. hahaha

[@intheworldofmari]

so true haha

[@judycheng5931]

One word to describe Singapore - convenience. Public transport is one of the best and you can transfer from one mode to another easily. In terms of weather, it is true that Singapore is hot at certain months of the year and most places are well sheltered otherwise bearable. I think knowing how to get around to places will certainly make a difference. If you ever been to Brunei, you will know what I mean (hot, little shelters and trees). While you live in Singapore and when COVID is over, do make a point to visit Asia countries near Singapore. Last but not least, Singapore is safe for women to travel alone at night. Enjoy your time in Singapore.

[@CrisostomoIbarraMI6]

You are so beautiful

[@shutengloke5907]

2. Singapore is hot. Any country in this region is hot. And you can never get used to it, not even if you have been here for your entire life.

[@intheworldofmari]

very true... this region is HOT! When I travelled to Vietnam a few years ago the pavement was so hot that it burned through my sandals! luckily in Singapore we have aircon mostly everywhere..

[@NicovdH]

Kan nie wag om te kom nie veral nou met alles wat hier aan gaan..Sal jou later weer msg.Goed gaan

[@intheworldofmari]

Ai ja dinge lyk nie goed in SA op die oomblik nie🥺😔 dis so hartseer! Sterkte daar!!

[@NicovdH]

@@intheworldofmari dankie man..ons moet maar net moed hou

[@alexong6646]

We’ve been trained since young to be a good civil society……

[@intheworldofmari]

very true...

[@RonLarhz]

I wish 3rd world sgreans isn't a problem. I came to feel like too many channels are saying the same "safe" things. Regards, A sgrean trying not to be 3rd world.

[@ycfavourites]

Singapore's weather is constant with temperature around 30C+_, as compared to other countries' summer as high as 50-70C. Besides there are typhoon, hurricane and floods in those counties, causing major destructions to human. Appreciate your protected lives here.

[@lancevictor4131]

Idont think you know what you are talking about.. it topped with humidity.. maybe you should start to read up on what is called appreciation too.

[@zlee4019]

Singapore is a very nice country in many ways, but there are 2 reasons for which I would not consider Singapore. It's a concrete jungle without much heritage buildings...and...

[@intheworldofmari]

and?

[@zlee4019]

@@intheworldofmari and it's a bit crowded. It's quite a lovely place though. By the way, it's NOT easy to get approved to immigrate to Singapore. I'm wondering on what ground was your application based?

[@ip3vk]

Well, Singaporeans work fast & they deliver. Dilly-dallying or procrastinating is not the norm here. So, if foreigners who are used to a slow pace lifestyles, this is not the country for them. As for the weather, this little red dot is getting hotter (due to global warming) but it weren't that hot during the 1950s, '60s & '70s as far as I can remember.

[@intheworldofmari]

agree- Singaporeans work FAST! 😀Global warming is becoming very evident - so very sad!

[@cyonnchan3587]

Hey girĺ u d best girl dat i c u ha hehehe bye

[@leonardtan4601]

This week's is hot hot n hot😓

[@intheworldofmari]

very hot indeed!

[@cck53sg]

sauna like hot

[@intheworldofmari]

very much! haha

[@palmtree_]

Because of the pandemic I'm worried that the race issues and the class war will drag Singapore and Singaporeans down a bit.

[@gimhulber2716]

One of the reasons I relocate from Singapore to UK is the hot weather.

[@intheworldofmari]

haha so you enjoy the winter months more?