First 7 days

ICA requires the free SG Arrival Card (with electronic health declaration) within three days before arrival, including the day you land — via the e-Service or MyICA app. Keep your IPA or pass letter ready at immigration. If you are still overseas, finish the pre-arrival playbook first.

HSA approvals, shipping triage, and the foreign-card cash bridge should already be closed before Changi. Use /journeys/pre-arrival if anything is still open.

Compare Grab’s upfront fare with a metered taxi plus LTA’s Changi location surcharge (S$8 from 5pm–11:59pm, else S$6). MRT only with light bags. Card in Grab beats hunting SGD cash.

Changi and mall kiosks sell prepaid SIMs on passport alone. Postpaid often wants a physical pass or stable address. You need a Singapore number for HR/MOM contact updates, banking OTPs, and Singpass SMS 2FA later.

Controlled ADHD / sleep / anxiety meds need prior HSA approval (apply ≥2 weeks out). Keep approval email + prescription + original packs ready if ICA asks. Non-controlled personal meds: up to 3 months in labelled containers.

E-vaporisers are prohibited. Devices are seized; foreigners face composition fines and pass-revocation risk on repeat or etomidate (K-pod) cases. Not covered by HSA personal-medication rules.

Serviced apartment, hotel, or host address — note gate access codes, visitor policy, and a postal address HR can use for pass-card delivery.

Confirm pass issuance timing, any medical still pending, and the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) biometrics appointment. After issuance you typically get a Notification Letter that lets you work while the card is printed — verify the live MOM window with HR.

Once Singpass is registered at EPSC (or after document verification), open SGWorkPass and confirm your digital work pass shows. Photograph the FIN — banks and telcos ask for it before the plastic card arrives. If the plastic is lost later, HR must file MOM replacement within one week — digital pass does not waive that.

New FIN / Singpass holders are prime phishing targets. Install ScamShield, grant call/SMS filters, and memorise: banks and government never ask you on WhatsApp to transfer money or share OTPs. Overseas helpline: +65 6869 1799.

Foreign contactless works day one (SimplyGo S$0.60/day admin fee). Or buy an EZ-Link. Keep a foreign-card or remittance bridge until the local salary account opens — full banking belongs on the 30-day list.

Save one private panel GP or polyclinic within a short walk or bus of where you are sleeping. Jet lag plus humidity is a classic first-week combo — know 995 vs GP triage.

Cold drinks, fruit, and one neighbourhood hawker centre. You do not need to master Singapore cuisine on day two.