Malaysia to Singapore Guide

A practical guide for Malaysians travelling, studying or working in Singapore
— tips on banking, spending and everyday life across
both countries.

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Trip.com

Up to 9% OFF hotel, flight, car rental and more

Malaysia Airlines

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Firefly Airlines

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20% off food bill

Hua Ting Restaurant,
Orchard Hotel Singapore

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The Buffet Restaurant, M Hotel Singapore City Centre

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Fish & Co., The Rail Mall

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Useful reads and highlights

Expand your business into Singapore

From account opening to financing and advisory, get the support you need to establish and scale your business across borders.

Learn more

Useful tips to secure a job in Singapore

Understand hiring expectations, salary benchmarks and requirements

Learn more

Banking solutions
available in Singapore

Travel like a local when you pay with Maybank
Cross-Border QR via MAE

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Enjoy real-time transfers
with Maybank Overseas Funds Transfer services

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Make an ATM withdrawal anytime

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Oversee your MY and SG banking accounts with Regional View

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Research & Evaluation

Moving to Singapore can be daunting if you are not prepared. The key to a successful move is preliminary research and understanding the logistics before you begin.

1

Career & Skills Assessment

Before considering a move to Singapore, it’s best to do
some preliminary research to determine whether your
skillset is in demand.

  • Check Singapore’s job shortage lists or speak with a
    local recruiter to understand which roles are currently
    in demand.
  • Compare the salaries of these roles with similar
    positions in Malaysia. High-demand jobs in Singapore
    may offer significantly higher pay.
2

Cost of Living Research

Once you have an idea of the salary you could earn, the
next step is to understand the cost of living in Singapore.
Some important things to consider include:

  • The cost of groceries and everyday essentials if you
    plan to cook at home to save on food expenses.
  • The cost of eating out on days when you don’t feel like
    cooking. Hawker food in central or tourist areas is
    typically more expensive (average ~SGD7.50 per meal)
    compared to suburban areas (average ~SGD5.50 per
    meal).
  • Accommodation costs in the areas you plan to live in.
    Similar to food prices, rental rates are usually higher in
    central and tourist areas     than in suburban
    neighbourhoods.
3

Visa & Work Permit Requirements

Foreigners who wish to work in Singapore must hold a
valid work pass issued by the Ministry of Manpower
Singapore. Before applying for jobs, it helps to understand
which pass you may qualify for and whether your
prospective employer will sponsor your application. 

Key things to consider include:

  • Minimum salary requirements for each work pass.
  • Quota requirements that Singaporean companies
    must follow when hiring foreign workers.
  • Processing timelines for work pass approvals.

You can also check out our article explaining the visa
application process for Malaysians who wish to work in
Singapore.

READ THE ARTICLE
4

Securing a Job

Once you’ve completed your research, you can begin your
job search. 

Here are a few ways to get started:

  • Browse openings on Singapore job portals and
    company career pages.
  • Create a shortlist of roles and compare salaries to
    better >understand the market rate.
  • Connect with recruiters or headhunters who specialise
    in Singapore placements.

You can also read our article for useful tips on securing a
job in Singapore.

READ THE ARTICLE

Accommodation and Logistics

Moving to Singapore involves securing the right property, coordinating your logistics, and setting up essential services.

1

Housing Search

Accommodation in Singapore often involves upfront costs
such as security deposits, advance rent, and agent fees,
so it’s best to begin your search early.

You may want to:

  • Get in touch with local property agents who can help
    you find suitable rental options.
  • Look for strategic locations that are close to public
    transportation, your workplace, and amenities you
    frequently use.
  • Consider short-term accommodation initially so you
    have time to explore different neighbourhoods before
    committing to a longer lease.

You can also read our article on choosing the right
property.

READ THE ARTICLE
2

Moving & Storage

Plan carefully when deciding what to bring with you, as
homes in Singapore are typically smaller and many rental
units are already furnished.

Things to consider include:

  • Deciding which items are essential to bring with you
    and how they will be shipped across the border.
  • Determining what to do with belongings you plan to
    leave behind     in Malaysia, such as selling, storing, or
    giving them away.
  • Comparing the cost of cross-border movers with the
    option of travelling light and purchasing essentials
    once you arrive in Singapore.
3

Utilities & Home Setup

After securing your accommodation, you’ll need to
arrange essential services and ensure your home is
properly set up. 

This may include:

  • Setting up utilities such as electricity, water, internet,
    and mobile connectivity.
  • Confirming whether utilities are already included in
    your rental agreement to avoid paying twice for the
    same services.
  • Arranging any additional home essentials that may
    not be included in furnished rentals.

Financial & Banking Preparation

Making financial preparations earlier will save you the hassle of dealing with unexpected banking issues when you’re in Singapore.

1

Banking & Accounts

Open a Singapore bank account as soon as your work
pass is approved to receive your salary and manage daily
expenses smoothly. During your transition, you can still use
the MAE app to Scan & Pay for food at hawker stalls in
Ringgit Malaysia (RM). 

Already a Maybank customer? Find out more about
opening a Singapore bank account.

FIND OUT MORE

Planning to use multiple currencies when you’re in
Singapore? Check out the Maybank Global Access
Account-i.

FIND OUT MORE
2

Personal Taxes

While Singapore’s income tax is generally lower than
Malaysia’s, your obligations depend on your residency
status. 

If you stay or work in Singapore for 183 days or more in a
calendar year, you are considered a tax resident and will
be taxed at progressive rates.

3

Financial Planning

Strategise how you will allocate your income between the
following:  

  • Daily expenses 
  • Savings
  • Long-term goals

Decide whether to keep your savings in SGD to hedge
against inflation, convert to MYR regularly for
commitments back home, or explore Singapore-based
investment products to grow your wealth.

Check out our article on managing your savings between
SGD and MYR.

READ THE ARTICLE

Trip Planning

Whether you’re organising a quick shopping sprint or a family holiday, setting your foundation early ensures you can focus on the destination rather than the logistics.

1

Booking Flight or Road Trip

Whether it's a short flight into Changi or a drive across the
Causeway, keep these essentials in mind to ensure a
smooth journey:

  • If you are flying, ensure your passport has at least 6
    months validity from its expiry date. Anything less will
    require a renewal before you are allowed to board.
  • If you are driving, ensure your VEP (Vehicle Entry
    Permit) and Autopass are valid. Your road tax and
    insurance must also be up to date to clear the
    checkpoints without delays.

Take advantage of exclusive Maybank-only promo codes
and discounts for your next flight to Singapore.

FIND OUT MORE
2

Booking Accommodation

Hotel rates in Singapore are on the higher side and can
rise sharply during peak travel periods, international
conferences, or major events (like the F1 Grand Prix).
Securing your stay early ensures better pricing and a
wider selection of locations:

  • Consider staying in "City Fringe" areas like Tiong Bahru
    or Lavender. You’ll often find better value for money
    compared to Orchard Road, while still being only a few
    MRT stops away     from the city center.
FIND OUT MORE
3

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance provides financial protection against
unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip
cancellations, or lost luggage while you’re overseas. Here’s
what to keep in mind for your travel to Singapore:

  • Medical fees for non-residents in Singapore are high.
    Even a brief visit across the Causeway warrants
    protection against sudden illnesses or accidents.
  • For frequent travelers, an Annual Plan is often more
    cost-effective than multiple single-trip policies,
    ensuring you're covered every time you cross the
    border.
  • You may already have complimentary coverage.
    Many credit cards include travel insurance when you
    charge your full travel fare to your card.

Check out our travel insurance plans for you to stay
protected whilst on travels.

FIND OUT MORE

Preparation Before Travel

Taking a few minutes to handle your mandatory digital declarations and checking traffic patterns will ensure your entry into Singapore is as smooth as possible.

1

Submit Your SG Arrival Card (SGAC)

All travelers must submit their electronic arrival card and
health declaration via the MyICA Mobile app within 3 days
(including the day of arrival) before reaching the
checkpoint. 

This is a mandatory, free service that replaces the old
paper "white cards.“

2

Strategy for Drivers

If you’re heading across the Causeway or Second Link,
timing is your best friend: 

  • Check for long weekends and school holidays. Aim to
    cross during off-peak windows (typically mid-morning
    or late night) to avoid hours of congestion.
  • Use apps like Checkpoint.sg or Beat the Jam to view
    live camera feeds of the Woodlands and Tuas
    checkpoints before you set off.
3

Overseas Card Activation

Don't forget to "unlock" your wallet. Log in to the MAE app
or Maybank2u to enable "Overseas Debit Card
Activation" and set your travel dates. 

For added convenience, you may also activate overseas
usage for your Maybank credit card by contacting the
number at the back of your card.

This ensures your card won't be declined when you try to
pay for your first meal or MRT ride in Singapore.

While Travelling

It’s now time to enjoy the journey. Take advantage of your bank’s integrated payment solutions for a truly
cashless experience when travelling in Singapore.

1

Airport Lounge Access

Use your credit card to access Plaza Premium Lounges at
KLIA 1 & 2 or Changi Airport. 

These spaces provide a quiet environment to recharge
devices or have a meal before your flight or after landing. 

Check your specific card’s entitlement below to confirm
your complimentary access.

FIND OUT MORE
2

Making Cashless Payments

You can pay for most daily expenses, including meals at
hawker centers, using the MAE app.  

Look for the NETS QR or PayNow QR codes at the
merchant's counter. The app will show you the real-time
exchange rate before you authorise the transaction.

Check our more cross-border services that you can use
on-the-go in Singapore.

FIND OUT MORE
3

Withdrawing Cash

If you require physical SGD, use any of the 200+ Maybank
ATMs 2across Singapore.  

Withdrawing cash with your Maybank Malaysia ATM/Debit
card at these machines incurs SG$0 service fees, unlike
most other international withdrawals.

FIND OUT MORE