Singapore

Download the SimplyGo app and link your contactless credit card to tap in and tap out on MRT trains and buses - it's cheaper than buying single-trip tickets and you don't need a separate card. Fares typically range from SGD 0.80-2.50 (USD 0.60-1.90) depending on distance.

Open a bank account at DBS, OCBC, or UOB within your first week - you'll need your passport, employment pass, and proof of address. Most banks offer accounts with no minimum balance for employment pass holders.

Shop at FairPrice, Giant, or Sheng Siong supermarkets for groceries instead of Cold Storage or marketplace if you're budget-conscious - you'll save 20-30% on everyday items. Download their apps for weekly promotions.

Eat at hawker centres for authentic local food at SGD 3-6 (USD 2.25-4.50) per meal - look for stalls with long queues during meal times as locals know the best ones. Try Lau Pa Sat, Maxwell Food Centre, or Old Airport Road Food Centre.

Use PropertyGuru or 99.co to search for rentals, and expect to pay one month's rent as agent commission plus one or two months' deposit. Most expat teachers live in HDB flats rather than condos to save money, with rooms renting from SGD 800-1,500 (USD 600-1,125) monthly.

Remove your shoes before entering someone's home - it's a non-negotiable custom across all ethnic groups in Singapore. Keep a pair of slip-on shoes for convenience.

Register with a GP clinic near your home for minor illnesses - consultations typically cost SGD 30-50 (USD 22-38) without insurance. Download the HealthHub app to access your medical records and book appointments at public polyclinics.

Singapore is extremely safe, but stay alert in crowded tourist areas like Orchard Road and Clarke Quay where pickpocketing occasionally occurs. You can generally walk anywhere at night without concern.

Apply for your NRIC (National Registration Identity Card) after receiving your Employment Pass - you'll need it for everything from gym memberships to library cards, and it serves as your primary ID in Singapore.

Carry a small umbrella everywhere - Singapore's tropical climate means sudden rain showers happen year-round, often in the late afternoon. The combination of sun and rain means you'll use it for both shade and protection.

Head to Clarke Quay or Boat Quay for riverside bars and clubs, but expect drinks to cost SGD 12-18 (USD 9-14) for beer and SGD 18-25 (USD 14-19) for cocktails. Happy hours typically run from 5-8pm with significant discounts.