Expat's Checklist for Moving to Singapore (2026) | Digital Guide

Moving to Singapore is an exhilarating prospect. The Lion City is a global hub of innovation, culture, and opportunity. But amidst the excitement of planning your relocation, it’s easy to overlook one of the most critical aspects of modern life: your digital setup. Arriving without a plan for connectivity can lead to unnecessary stress, missed connections, and costly roaming fees.

This Singapore expat guide is your ultimate digital checklist. We’ll walk you through everything you need to sort out before you go and how to hit the ground running from the moment you land. The secret to a smooth transition? Preparing your digital life in advance, starting with getting a reliable data plan like a Yoho Mobile Singapore eSIM before you even board the plane.

Before You Pack: Pre-Departure Digital Essentials

Getting your digital affairs in order before you move is just as important as packing your suitcases. A little preparation goes a long way.

Secure Your Digital Documents

Scan and back up all your essential documents: passport, visa, birth certificate, employment contracts, and academic transcripts. Store them securely in a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox. This creates a digital safety net, ensuring you can access them from anywhere, even if the physical copies are misplaced during the move.

Unlock Your Phone for Global Freedom

This is non-negotiable. If your smartphone is locked to your current carrier, you won’t be able to use a new SIM or eSIM in Singapore. Contact your provider well in advance to request they unlock your device. An unlocked phone gives you the freedom to choose the best and most affordable mobile plans. To be sure your device is ready, you can check this eSIM compatible devices list.

Sort Your Banking and Finances

Inform your home bank about your move to avoid your accounts being frozen for suspicious activity. Set up online banking if you haven’t already and download any necessary banking apps. It’s also wise to look into international money transfer services like Wise or Revolut to manage your finances across currencies. Having this sorted makes your first few weeks much easier.

Arriving Connected: Your Singapore Mobile Strategy

Imagine stepping off the plane at Changi Airport and being instantly connected. No hunting for a WiFi password, no queuing for an expensive tourist SIM card, and no shocking roaming bills from your home carrier. This is the reality with an eSIM.

Why an eSIM is a Game-Changer for Expats

An embedded SIM (eSIM) is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan without needing a physical nano-SIM. For anyone moving to Singapore, it’s a revolutionary tool. You can purchase and install your eSIM for Singapore from home, and it will automatically connect to a local network the moment you land. This is crucial for booking a Grab, navigating to your new home with Google Maps, or letting family know you’ve arrived safely. According to the GSMA, eSIM technology is becoming the global standard for seamless connectivity.

Choosing the Best Long-Stay Mobile Plan in Singapore

As an expat, you need more than just a 7-day tourist plan. You need a flexible, affordable solution for the long term. This is where Yoho Mobile excels. We offer a variety of data plans perfect for a long stay in Singapore, allowing you to choose the data and duration that fit your initial needs.

Even better, you’ll never have to worry about being completely cut off. With Yoho Care, even if you use up your high-speed data, you’ll still have access to a basic network to stay online for essential tasks. You can then manually top up your data easily through the app whenever you need more, giving you full control over your spending.

Ready to try it for yourself? You can get a feel for our service with a Free eSIM Trial before you fully commit!

Mastering Daily Digital Life in the Lion City

Once you’re connected, it’s time to integrate into Singapore’s hyper-efficient digital ecosystem. The right apps will make your daily life smoother, more convenient, and more enjoyable.

Must-Have Apps for Singapore Expats

With your Yoho Mobile data plan active, head to your app store and download these essentials:

• Transport: Grab is your all-in-one for ride-hailing, food delivery, and payments. MyTransport.SG is the official app for navigating public buses and the MRT (train) system.
• Communication: WhatsApp is ubiquitous for personal and professional communication.
• Payments: PayLah! and PayNow are widely used for seamless digital payments across the island.
• Government Services: Singpass is your digital identity for accessing a wide range of government services online.

Having a reliable internet connection from day one makes setting up these crucial services completely hassle-free.

Setting Up Your Digital Nomad Workspace

For the growing number of digital nomads moving to Singapore, a solid connectivity strategy is the bedrock of their business. While Singapore boasts excellent public and cafe WiFi, having a powerful mobile data plan as a backup is essential for uninterrupted work and client calls.

An eSIM from Yoho Mobile provides that reliable backup. Whether you’re working from a co-working space like WeWork Singapore or hopping between cafes in Tiong Bahru, you can tether your laptop to your phone’s hotspot and stay productive without missing a beat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the best long stay mobile plan in Singapore?
For expats and long-term residents, the best plans offer flexibility and value. Instead of getting locked into a long contract immediately, consider a flexible eSIM provider like Yoho Mobile. You can start with a 30-day plan and easily top up or adjust your data as you figure out your usage patterns, ensuring you only pay for what you need.

How can I handle setting up mobile data as an expat in Singapore with no stress?
The most stress-free method is to purchase an eSIM before you leave your home country. This allows you to install the plan on your unlocked phone in advance. You’ll be connected to a local network automatically upon arrival, bypassing airport queues and the confusion of choosing a plan while jet-lagged.

Is an eSIM a good part of a digital nomad checklist for Singapore?
Absolutely. An eSIM is perfect for digital nomads. It provides instant, reliable internet access, which is crucial for work. It also allows you to keep your primary SIM active for calls or messages from home, while using the eSIM for affordable local data in Singapore.

How do I ensure I can stay connected when arriving in Singapore?
First, confirm your phone is carrier-unlocked and eSIM compatible. Second, purchase a Singapore eSIM plan from a trusted provider like Yoho Mobile a few days before your flight. Follow the simple installation steps (for iOS users, it’s as easy as tapping ‘Install’—no QR code needed!), and you’ll be all set for a seamless arrival.

Your Connected Singapore Journey Starts Now

Moving to Singapore marks the beginning of an incredible new chapter. By following this digital checklist, you can eliminate one of the biggest sources of stress and ensure a smooth, connected, and confident start to your life in the Lion City. From backing up your documents to mastering local apps, being digitally prepared is the key to unlocking everything Singapore has to offer from the moment you arrive.

Don’t wait until you land. Explore Yoho Mobile’s flexible eSIM plans for Singapore today and take the first step towards a seamless relocation.