Welcome to our island. Get with these all-essential apps to make life as a new Singapore expat much, much easier.
So you’ve got a one-way ticket to Singapore. As a newbie expat, you’ll be thrilled to know – there’s a lot to eat, drink and do in Singapore (and hey, that’s what we’re all about here at Honeycombers, so stick around). Moving to a brand new country can be exciting and daunting in equal parts, but we’ve got your back. So if you’ve just moved to Singapore for the long haul, this all-essential list is going to be an app-solute lifesaver.
Take the public transport system
Public transport is going be a major part of your life. On most days, it’s a breeze – provided you know your way around. Give CityMapper a whirl. It’ll throw up everything you could possibly need – nearest bus stops/MRT stations and heat safe walking paths to bus numbers and all the calories you’ll burn if you bike there. This nifty app even buzzes to notify you get off at the right bus stop.
CityMapper, available for iOS and Android
Always be connected
Several public places in Singapore have free WiFi. It’s fast, safe and exactly what you need if you’re on a limited data plan. Download the Wireless@SG app, register your number and watch as many ‘dog and baby best friends’ Youtube videos on the go.
Wireless@SG, available for iOS and Android
Find the perfect house
Ah, the dreaded house hunt. Finding the perfect apartment that doesn’t break the bank is probably number one on your checklist. Apart from the many Facebook groups, there’s PropertyGuru – pick from condos, HDBs and landed properties and call or text agents and homeowners via the apps. There are plenty of filters that’ll help you narrow in on the crib of your dreams.
PropertyGuru, available for iOS and Android
Put some pedal to the metal
Bike sharing is huge in Singapore. It’s a fun and eco-friendly way to get around too. Sign up for a prepaid package and the Mobike app maps out the closest bike to you. Find the bike, scan the QR code and cruise away.
While there are several taxi apps to choose from, your fresh off the boat app arsenal needs Grab. Brownie points to Grab for its inbuilt digital wallet that you can use to pay for food and shopping.
Mobike and Grab, available for iOS and Android
When you don’t want to schlep your groceries home
You’re going to need things – groceries, tech and random thingamajigs. And this island is rife with the best malls and stores. But if your calendar is booked solid or would much rather Netflix than mall crawl, you’ll need apps like Honestbee, Amazon, Deliveroo and Redmart on your phone.
While Amazon stocks everything under the sun, Redmart is an awesome online supermarket. If you’re in a mood for takeaway, apps like Honestbee and Deliveroo will deliver meals to your doorstep.
Honestbee, Amazon, Deliveroo and Redmart, available for iOS and Android
Start friend-dating…
Love to hike? There’s a group for that. With your apartment sorted, you’re gonna need a crew to chill with. Meetup is a lovely service that lets you join groups and find people who vibe with you – from pub crawlers and brisk walkers to amateur badminton players and photographers.
You might want to dip a toe into the local dating scene with dating apps like Coffee meet Bagel, Lovoo and Tinder, of course.
Meetup, Coffee meets Bagel, Lovoo and Tinder, available for iOS and Android
Honorable mention
Explore with Singapore Heritage Trails
Occasionally, take a breather from the stressful task of setting up home and walk around. Get the Singapore Heritage Trails app on your phone, pick a heritage trails (chances are there’s one in your ‘hood), charge your smartphone and wander.
Singapore Heritage Trails, available for iOS and Android
Like this story? Check these out:
How much does a car really cost in Singapore?
Transport app to get you going
Handy travel apps for download now
Smart gadgets and app for a healthier you
