|
 |
|
|
Before You Relocate (For Foreign Hires)
 |
Immigration requirements |
Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months and that you have a valid Employment Pass and Singapore visa, where required.
|
Travel arrangements |
- Make firm travel arrangements to come to Singapore to take up your appointment only when your employment pass application has been approved and all other pre-employment conditions have been met. The HR Officer or department administrator who has been corresponding with you on your appointment will inform you when travel arrangements may be finalised.
- If you are provided travel assistance by the University, assistance granted is normally by the most economical means and direct route. Advance Purchase Excursion (APEX) fares are to be purchased where applicable. Please note that you will have to pay the cancellation fee if you do not travel on the scheduled date.
|
Transportation of personal effects |
You would have been informed of the relocation allowance that you are eligible for and the terms for reimbursement. You are advised to arrange the shipment of your personal effects such that they arrive in Singapore after you do as there may be customs formalities that you have to attend to personally, and to avoid incurring storage charges, for which the University is not liable. We also suggest that you arrange with your shipping agent to assist in customs clearance and delivery of your goods on arrival in Singapore.
|
Customs |
Trade goods and any goods not being reasonable personal effects are to be declared. There should be no duty charged however on items such as clothing, furniture, electrical appliances obviously for your personal use and in reasonable amounts. For more information, visit the website of the Singapore Customs.
|
Importing of pets |
Singapore has stringent quarantine and importation regulations on animals. If you wish to import your pet, you must first obtain an import licence from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA). Application forms and details are available at the AVA website.
|
Housing |
Ensure that arrangements for your accommodation in Singapore, at least in the initial 3 days, have been confirmed before you leave. If you are eligible for University housing under your terms of appointment, your HR Officer or department administrator would have contacted you to confirm your housing arrangements.
|
Finance |
The main method of payment in Singapore is by cash, debit or credit cards.
Besides the Singapore Dollar, the US and Australian Dollars, Yen and British Pound are also accepted in most major shopping centres and big department stores. As smaller establishments do not accept foreign currencies, it is advisable that you have sufficient Singapore Dollars on hand. There is no exchange restrictions in Singapore and you may bring in currencies in any amount and currency to Singapore. Currency may be exchanged at the airport, banks or authorised money changers around the island.
Major debit and credit cards are widely accepted by establishments in Singapore. If you intend to use your debit or credit cards to “purchase” currency in Singapore, do check with your bank before your leave home if your card is valid in Singapore and if attract extra charges.
Travellers’ cheques are accepted by most banks in Singapore. Passports are required when cashing in travellers’ cheques and a nominal commission may be charged.
|
