Ten Apps for New Residents of Singapore to Make the Move Easier in 2023
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Moving to a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming. There are many things to take care of, from finding a place to live to get familiar with the local culture.
Singapore is a bustling metropolis with well-developed infrastructure and high digital connectivity. There are plenty of apps that can help you settle in and make the most of your time here. Whether you’re looking for transportation options, food delivery services, or finding used furniture, there’s an app for almost everything in Singapore. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the most useful apps to download when arriving in Singapore.
Disclaimer
This article is based on my five years living in Singapore, and the apps mentioned are the ones I use. Remember that everyone’s needs and preferences are different. Thus, I advise you to research other options that suit your needs better. This will help you find the best apps and enjoy life in Singapore.
1. Grab
Grab is a household name and Singapore’s most popular ride-hailing app. It serves as a one-stop shop for all of your transportation requirements. Grab provides many services, including taxi booking, food delivery, grocery delivery, package delivery, etc.
2. PropertyGuru
PropertyGuru is a popular and trusted website/app that can help to find an apartment in Singapore. It allows you to filter apartments based on specific needs and preferences. Downloading the PropertyGuru app is a great starting point for anyone embarking on their apartment-hunting journey, making finding the perfect home in Singapore easier.
3. Carousell
Carousell is the app to use to buy or sell used items. This online marketplace connects buyers and sellers throughout Singapore, making finding everything from furniture to electronics to clothing. You can even use the app to negotiate prices and set up meetups.
4. SingPass
In Singapore, the SingPass app is a digital identity platform enabling residents to access government services online. The SingPass app allows users to securely log in to government websites and access various services, from paying taxes via the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) to checking their work pass details via the Ministry of Manpower (MoM).
SingPass also makes it simple to open accounts, including bank accounts. However, you must register for SingPass online or at a community centre to access the SingPass app.
5. Gothere.sg
Gothere.sg is a mobile app in Singapore that helps users find the best way to get from one location to another. The app offers a range of transportation options, including driving and public transportation (bus & train) and provides maps to help users plan their routes. Users can also search for nearby points of interest, such as restaurants, shopping centres, and attractions, making exploring Singapore’s many offerings easy.
6. SG BusLeh
Singapore’s public transportation system is considered one of the best in the world, offering a reliable and efficient network of buses and trains. However, navigating and understanding the transportation system can be challenging for new residents or tourists. That’s where the SG BusLeh app comes in.
SG BusLeh is a mobile application to help users navigate the bus system in Singapore. The app provides real-time information on bus arrival times, allowing users to accurately plan their trips and avoid long waits at the bus stop.
7. DBS Mobile App
DBS is famous and one of the largest banks in Singapore. Most ex-pacts create their first bank account in Singapore with DBS. You can read one of my previous articles on creating a bank account in Singapore here.
You must install their mobile application to manage your finances if you have a DBS bank account.
8. Lazada / Shopee
Lazada and Shopee are two of Singapore’s most popular e-commerce apps, offering users a convenient way to shop online. Users can browse and purchase various products with both apps, from electronics and fashion to home appliances. Their wide selection of products and competitive prices make Lazada and Shopee essential tools for anyone shopping online in Singapore.
9. SGWorkPass
SGWorkPass is a mobile app designed for Singapore employers and employees to check their work passes’ status. The app allows users to check the validity of their employment passes, S passes, dependent’s passes and all other passes issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MoM).
10. SP Group
SP Group is a mobile app in Singapore that allows users to manage their utilities, such as electricity, water and gas. The app enables users to monitor their usage, view and pay bills, and report any service disruptions from their mobile devices. Users can also set up notifications for bill due dates and receive alerts when their usage exceeds a certain limit.
There are many other famous apps in Singapore. The majority use “WhatsApp” as the main app to communicate. I assumed you already have WhatsApp installed. Also, download the vendor app based on your mobile and broadband provider (i.e. Singtel. StarHub, etc.)
There are some more apps which you can consider installing. However, these apps you can install later as well.
- EZ-Link – To top up and manage your MRT card. If you have linked your MRT card here, you can block the card via the EZ-Link app.
- GetGo – If you have a valid driving licence, you can rent a car and roam around Singapore
- HealthHub – To see clinics nearby, book an appointment in some specific clinics/hospitals and see some of your health records, including COVID vaccination status
If you are living in Singapore and know of any other useful app that could help newcomers, consider adding it as a comment.
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