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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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Featured Deals

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Top credit card and banking deals to help you get discounts at your favourite outlets in Singapore.

Agoda

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Malaysia Airlines

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Firefly Airlines

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Asian Market Café, Fairmont Singapore

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

Enjoy real-time transfers with Maybank Overseas Funds Transfer services

Make an ATM withdrawal anytime

Oversee your MY and SG banking accounts with Regional View

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 & 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.

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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.

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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.

Check out the promotions available when you pay for your accommodation with a Maybank Credit Card.

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

FIND OUT MORE
3

Withdrawing Cash

If you require physical SGD, you may withdraw cash from any Maybank ATM across Singapore.

Learn more about using your Maybank cards for withdrawals in Singapore.

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