Moving to Singapore from Australia: What to Expect

Updated January 2026

Singapore ranks as one of the world’s top expat destinations for good reason. Australian expat families find the transition smooth thanks to close trade ties, English as an official language, and a thriving expat community of over 50,000 Australians. The cultural diversity, global economy, modern amenities and tropical climate attract thousands of Australians each year.

This guide covers what Australian families can expect when relocating to Singapore, from lifestyle benefits to practical considerations. For detailed budgeting information, see our cost of living comparison between Australia and Singapore.

Australia vs Singapore at a Glance

	Australia	Singapore
Population	26.5 million	5.9 million
Land Area	7.69 million km² (4,000 km wide × 3,700 km long)	734 km² (50 km wide × 27 km long)
Official Languages	English	English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil
Currency	Australian Dollar (AUD)	Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Time Zone	UTC+8 to UTC+11	UTC+8 (same as Perth)
Climate	Varied (tropical to temperate)	Tropical (25-32°C year-round)
Flight Time (Sydney/Melbourne)	—	7-8 hours direct
Flight Time (Perth)	—	5 hours direct
Driving Side	Left	Left

Why Australian Families Choose Singapore

Singapore offers a unique combination of Asian culture and Western convenience. Australian expat families benefit from:

English widely spoken across business, education, and daily life
World-class healthcare and education systems
Strategic location for travel throughout Asia-Pacific
Strong legal system and low crime rates
Modern infrastructure and efficient public services
Diverse international community with established Australian networks

Many Australian professionals relocate for career opportunities in finance, technology, healthcare, and regional management. Singapore’s low personal tax rates and business-friendly environment make it attractive for both employees and entrepreneurs.

Singapore vs Australia: Lifestyle Comparison

For Australian expat families considering the move, understanding how daily life differs helps set realistic expectations. While both countries offer high standards of living, your routines will change in ways that most families come to appreciate.

Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance in Singapore has evolved significantly. While the city once had a reputation for long hours, many multinational companies now offer flexible arrangements. Australian expats often find that efficient MRT commutes (typically 20-45 minutes door to door) leave more family time than car-dependent Australian suburbs ever did. You trade the stress of traffic for reading time on the train.

Weekend Adventures

Weekend routines shift in unexpected ways. Beach trips and bushwalks give way to regional adventures. Singapore’s location means your family can explore Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, or Malaysia on long weekends. Many Australian expat families say this access to Asia becomes a highlight of their Singapore years, creating travel memories their children carry forever.

Dining and Food Culture

The dining culture offers a pleasant surprise. Hawker centres provide affordable, delicious meals that make cooking optional several nights per week. A family dinner out might cost less than groceries would back home. Many families find they eat better and spend less than expected.

Domestic Help

One lifestyle change transforms everything for many families: domestic help. Live-in helpers are common and affordable in Singapore. They provide school pickup, homework supervision, meal preparation, and household support that most Australian families could never afford back home. For working parents, this single factor often improves work-life balance more than any policy change could.

Social Connections

The established expat community means your family won’t feel isolated. School networks, sports clubs, and social groups create connections quickly. Most families find their calendar fills within months of arrival.

Travel and Location

Singapore’s location makes it the gateway to Southeast Asia. Weekend getaways become part of your lifestyle, with popular destinations within a short flight:

Bali, Indonesia: 2.5 hours
Phuket, Thailand: 1.5 hours
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: 1 hour (or 4 hours by car)
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: 2 hours
Manila, Philippines: 3.5 hours

Direct flights to major Australian cities take 7 to 8 hours from Singapore (or just 5 hours from Perth), making visits home convenient for school holidays and family events. Changi Airport consistently ranks among the world’s best airports, making travel stress-free for families.

Safety and Quality of Life

Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world. Australian families appreciate the peace of mind that comes with low crime rates and a secure environment.

Safety Metric	Australia	Singapore
Global Peace Index 2024	Ranked #19	Ranked #5
Violent Crime Rate	Low	Very Low
Property Crime	Moderate (varies by city)	Very Low
Children on Public Transport Alone	Less common	Common and accepted
Walking Alone at Night	Generally safe, varies by area	Very safe throughout

Australian expat families consistently highlight safety as one of Singapore’s greatest advantages:

Children safely using public transport independently
Clean streets, parks, and public spaces
Strict enforcement of laws creating an orderly environment
Well-lit public areas and 24-hour convenience stores
Responsive emergency services

Many parents find peace of mind knowing their children can walk to school, visit friends, or take the MRT without the safety concerns common in larger cities.

The Australian Expat Community

Singapore hosts one of Asia’s largest Australian expat populations. An estimated 50,000 Australians call the city home, creating an established expat community that welcomes newcomers warmly.

Professional Networks

Professional networks thrive here. The Australian Chamber of Commerce Singapore (AustCham) connects Australian expats across industries through regular events, business lunches, and networking sessions. Whether you work in finance, technology, or education, you’ll find Australians in similar roles willing to share advice and connections.

Family and Social Life

For families, the social side matters most. The Australian Association Singapore hosts year-round events from family barbecues to trivia nights. Aussie expat parents connect through groups like Aussie Mums Singapore, while kids find friends at sports training and school events. State-based groups help Victorians, Queenslanders, and others maintain ties to home.

Sports and Recreation

Sports keep the Australian expat spirit alive. The Wanderers Rugby Club, various AFL teams, and cricket clubs welcome players of all levels. Kids join junior leagues where they’ll train alongside other Australian expat children and make friends who understand their experience.

Annual Traditions

Annual traditions anchor the expat community calendar. Australia Day celebrations draw thousands, while the ANZAC Day dawn service at Kranji War Memorial brings the community together in remembrance. Australian film festivals and cultural events appear throughout the year.

At the Australian International School, children share their Aussie expat experience with classmates whose families face similar transitions. Parents meet through school events, sports sidelines, and the active parents’ association. Many families report making lifelong friends within their first year.

Food and Dining

Singapore is a food paradise. The multicultural population creates one of the world’s most diverse dining scenes:

Hawker centres serving affordable local dishes from SGD 4 to 8
Over 50 Michelin-starred restaurants
Chinese, Malay, Indian, Japanese, Korean, and Western cuisines
Australian-style cafes serving familiar brunch favourites
International supermarkets stocking products from home

Eating out is common in Singapore. Many families enjoy hawker centre dinners several times per week, offering variety and convenience at affordable prices.

Climate and Outdoor Living

Singapore’s tropical climate means warm weather year-round. Temperatures stay between 25°C and 32°C with high humidity. Australian families enjoy:

No seasonal wardrobe changes required
Outdoor activities available every day
Swimming pools open year-round at most condos
Well-maintained parks and nature reserves
East Coast Park beaches and cycling paths
Botanic Gardens, MacRitchie Reservoir, and Southern Ridges trails

Brief afternoon rain showers are common but rarely disrupt plans for long. Air conditioning is standard in homes, offices, schools, and shopping centres.

Sports and Entertainment

Singapore hosts world-class events and offers excellent recreational facilities:

Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix (night race through the city)
International concerts at Singapore Indoor Stadium and National Stadium
Theatre productions, musicals, and cultural performances
Golf courses, tennis centres, and swimming complexes
Kids sports leagues for football, rugby, swimming, and cricket
Universal Studios, Singapore Zoo, and Gardens by the Bay

Most condominiums include gyms, pools, tennis courts, and BBQ areas. Community clubs throughout the island offer affordable sports programs for children and adults.

Getting Around Singapore

Singapore’s public transport system is clean, safe, and efficient:

MRT train network covers most of the island
Air-conditioned buses connect to MRT stations
Monthly transport pass costs approximately SGD 128
Grab ride-hailing available 24/7
Taxis affordable for families

Owning a car in Singapore is expensive due to the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system. Most Australian expat families rely on public transport, school buses, and occasional Grab rides. This works well given Singapore’s compact size.

For detailed transport costs, see our cost of living guide.

Living with Pets in Singapore

Many Australian families bring pets to Singapore. Key considerations:

Dogs and cats can be imported with proper documentation and quarantine
HDB public housing restricts dog breeds and sizes
Private condos often allow pets (check individual rules)
Dog parks available at Bishan, West Coast, and Punggol
Pet cafes popular for families without space for their own pet
High-quality veterinary care widely available

Singapore’s Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVS) provides detailed import requirements. Start the process early as documentation and vaccinations take several months.

Housing in Singapore

Singapore is a densely populated city, so most expats live in high-rise apartments or condominiums. Many complexes include pools, gyms, playgrounds, tennis courts, and BBQ areas.

Rental prices are comparable to Sydney. Most Australian families rent rather than buy due to property ownership restrictions for foreigners.

Popular neighbourhoods for Australian expat families include:

East Coast: Beach access, cycling paths, relaxed vibe
Bukit Timah: Greenery, near top international schools
Holland Village: Cafes, restaurants, expat community
Tanglin and Dempsey: Central location, near Botanic Gardens

Many families choose housing based on proximity to their preferred international school. For detailed rental costs and budgeting, see our cost of living comparison.

Career Opportunities for Australians

Singapore’s job market offers strong opportunities for Australian professionals. Hundreds of multinational companies base their Asia-Pacific operations here, creating consistent demand for experienced managers, specialists, and executives.

Key Industries

Australian expats find particular success in finance and banking, where Singapore rivals Hong Kong as Asia’s financial hub. Technology jobs are expanding rapidly, with Google, Meta, Grab, and numerous startups hiring for regional roles. Healthcare and biotechnology sectors actively recruit qualified professionals, and Australian medical qualifications are generally recognised.

Education represents another strong career pathway. International schools and universities value native English speakers with Australian teaching credentials. Legal and consulting jobs benefit from Singapore’s common law system, familiar to Australian-trained professionals.

Family Relocation

Many Australian expat families relocate through internal company transfers. The accompanying spouse often finds career opportunities too, using the Letter of Consent work permit available to Dependant’s Pass holders. This allows both partners to maintain professional momentum.

Compensation

Salary packages are typically competitive, and Singapore’s lower personal tax rates (0-22% progressive, versus Australia’s higher brackets) mean more take-home pay. Many employers offer relocation packages covering housing allowances, school fees, and annual flights home. For detailed cost information, see our cost of living comparison between Australia and Singapore.

International Schools for Australian Families

Singapore’s public school system is difficult for expatriates to access. Most Australian expat families enrol children in international schools offering globally recognised curricula.

The Australian International School (AIS) is the only southern hemisphere school in Singapore offering an Australian curriculum-based education. AIS caters to students from 2 months to 18 years, providing continuity for families planning to return to Australia.

Benefits of an Australian Curriculum School

Familiar teaching methods and assessment standards
Smooth transition back to Australian schools
Australian teachers and school culture
Recognition by Australian universities
IB Diploma Programme option in senior years

International school fees represent a significant expense. Many employers include education allowances in relocation packages. For fee ranges across Singapore schools, see our school fees guide.

Singapore is also home to 34 universities, including two ranked in the world’s top 15 (QS World University Rankings), offering excellent pathways for students completing secondary education.

Singapore Visas for Australian Citizens

Australian citizens do not need a tourist visa to visit Singapore. If you plan to live, work, or study in Singapore, you will need an appropriate pass:

Employment Pass (EP): For professionals earning SGD 5,000+ monthly
S Pass: For mid-skilled workers with lower salary thresholds
EntrePass: For entrepreneurs starting a business
Dependant’s Pass: For spouse and children of EP holders
Student Pass: For children attending school in Singapore

Processing times range from 3 to 8 weeks. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website provides current eligibility requirements.

Permanent residency can be applied for after holding a work pass for at least six months. Most Australian expats wait a few years before applying.

Important note for families with sons: Males aged 16.5 years or older who hold permanent residency must register for national military service. This includes two years of full-time service at age 18, followed by annual reservist obligations until age 50. Consider this carefully before applying for permanent residency.

For more details on work permits and costs, see our cost of living guide.

Healthcare for Australian Families

Singapore has one of the world’s best healthcare systems. Australian families benefit from:

Modern hospitals with English-speaking staff
Excellent paediatric and maternity care
Short waiting times for appointments
Well-stocked pharmacies throughout the island
International health insurance widely accepted

Most expats use a combination of public emergency care and private GP clinics. Unlike Australia’s Medicare system, Singapore does not provide subsidised healthcare for foreigners. Comprehensive health insurance is essential, either through your employer or a private policy.

Vaccinations and health checks required for school enrollment are readily available at clinics across Singapore.

Practical Considerations

Banking

Banking in Singapore is straightforward for Australians. As a major financial hub, Singapore hosts all four major Australian banks (ANZ, Westpac, NAB, and Commonwealth Bank), providing familiar options for those who prefer continuity.

Opening a local bank account is simple once you have your Employment Pass. Local banks like DBS, OCBC, and UOB offer excellent mobile apps, full English interfaces, and competitive fees. Most accounts open within one to two weeks. You’ll need your passport, Employment Pass, proof of address, and sometimes an employer letter.

Many Australian expat families maintain both Singapore and Australian bank accounts, using services like Wise or OFX for transfers. Multi-currency accounts make holding both AUD and SGD easy.

Singapore’s banking infrastructure is highly digital. Most transactions happen via PayNow (Singapore’s instant transfer system) or contactless payments. Cash is becoming increasingly optional for daily life.

Tax

Singapore’s tax rates are lower than Australia. Thanks to a taxation agreement between the two countries, you will only pay income tax in one country. This means more of your salary stays in your pocket.

Communications

Mobile phone plans and internet services are affordable and reliable. English is used for all official communications, government services, and business transactions.

Planning Your Move to Singapore

Start planning 6 to 12 months before your move. Key steps include:

Secure employment and work pass approval
Research and apply to international schools (waitlists are common)
Arrange housing near your chosen school
Organise health insurance
Begin pet import paperwork if applicable
Notify Australian tax authorities of your move

Download the AIS Moving Guide and School Prospectus for detailed information on relocating with school-aged children.

For budgeting and detailed cost breakdowns, see our comprehensive cost of living comparison between Australia and Singapore.

Contact Us

If you’re considering a move to Singapore and need help navigating the education system, our admissions team is here to help. We provide information and resources to help Australian expat families make informed decisions about their children’s education.