SELECTIVE PURCHASING

Singapore has a rich mixture of cultures and cuisine, so finding Indian food there is not a problem. There is a large population of Indians that live and work in Singapore, as a result of which there are many Indian stores, and even an area called "Little India". In Little India, you can buy anything from the best sari material to freshly ground spices.

GROCERIES

You need not carry spices from home with you, because they will be easily available in Singapore. You will also find all the fruits and vegetables and grains that you will need.

SANITARY/PERSONAL CARE

Most sanitary items are available at convenience stores that will be located near you. However, carry the following:

• Carry what you need during your journey and your first couple of weeks.
• Along with your regular toiletry items, carry a good deodorant and a mouthwash like 'Listerine'. (Bad breath and body odor are not looked upon kindly.)
• There's no need to carry Washing Powder, brushes or other washing equipment.

UTENSILS AND APPLIANCES

You can get appliances and utensils reasonably priced at any of the big departmental stores, so there's no need to carry too many items, other than the ones mentioned here:

• Because you will find a number of Indian Stores in Singapore, it shouldn't be hard to get utensils that you will need.
• Pressure Cookers may be expensive in Singapore, so you should get one if you plan to cook rice and dal. Carry extra gaskets, safety valves and weights because it may be hard to find them.
• Once you've settled down, find a large departmental store for a set of utensils, which shouldn't be too expensive.
• Don't carry steel spoons, ladles, etc., because most utensils are non-stick.
• At the departmental stores, you'll also find drinking glasses that are pretty cheap.

LUGGAGE

When you buy luggage, you can either buy hard-top or soft-top ones. Considering the way most airlines handle luggage, you will be better off with hard top pieces than soft-top ones even if you consider the extra weight.

CLOTHES

Singapore's equatorial weather makes light summer clothing (preferably of natural fabrics) most practical, especially for outdoor activities like sightseeing. Almost all indoor facilities are air-conditioned, so keep that in mind as well.

Most restaurants and nightspots are not restrictive on the dress code - polo shirts, T-shirts, jeans, slacks, blouses and skirts, sun dresses and sneakers are acceptable at most places. Although some establishments require formal wear for the evening, suits and evening dresses will never be out of place in Singapore's trendy nightspots. It is always advisable to ring up beforehand to check on dress regulations, if any. Other everyday clothes tend to be eastern or western depending on how traditional the wearer prefers to be.

Malay women still wear the traditional sarong, an ankle length skirt. Indian women dress in a traditional sari mainly on social occasions, but otherwise they also wear salwar-kurta. Men are less likely to be seen in their traditional clothes, except at their own weddings or on festive occasions.

Work Clothes

Singaporeans, with a few exceptions wear western dress when they are at work. For the first few days dress formally (the dark business suit would be best) but after that play it by ear.

• Shirts: You should carry at least 5 formal shirts that should be light colored.
• Trousers: Carry at least 4 pairs of good trousers in solid colors like black, blue or gray.
• Jeans: Jeans are pretty cheap in Singapore, and you can buy yours there, but carry at least a couple of pairs to wear before you buy new ones.
• Suits: Definitely carry at least one good suit with you. If your work environment dictates formal attire carry more. You may also need them for other occasions. Make sure that they are dark, blue, black or gray.

FOOTWEAR

You ought to get as many pairs of leather shoes with you as you can because these are expensive in Singapore. Buy a good pair of black and brown formal shoes. You can buy sneakers or running shoes once you're there, but be aware that of all the asian countries, Singapore is one of the most expensive. If you are used to walking around in Hawaii chappals, take a pair with you.

For regular casual shoes, having a pair of sandals or slip-ons is fine. They are available in Singapore at most Supermarkets.

ACCESSORIES

Accessories are important, and it would be a good idea to take the following with you.

• Socks: Buy as many pairs of socks as you will need, although they are available in Singapore. Have a range of colors, especially to go with your trousers.
• Belts: Leather is expensive in Singapore so make sure to carry your own.
• Wallet: Get a good leather wallet, with lots of place for cards.
• Ties: Buy a few good ties, and these should be sober and dark colored.
• Handkerchiefs: Carry enough of these with you.
• Inner garments: Have your supply of these. They are available in Singapore as well, and are not that expensive.

DRIVING LICENSE

Driving in Singapore is hard at first, but not impossible. It is very orderly, and people generally follow traffic rules.

• Get yourself an International Driver's Permit from India. You can get a Singapore license once you're there, but that could take some time.
• Don't try to drive as soon as you get there! The driving rules and methods are very different from those in India, and you will not be spared for making mistakes. You'll need to take some lessons and familiarize yourself with the rules and speeds at which people drive. Also, don't forget to take out some auto insurance if you plan to drive.
• If you don't know how to drive, yet want to drive in Singapore, it'll be a better idea of you take lessons in India, and that would make it easier for you to learn there. However, if you would like to learn to drive in Singapore, click here for information on the process.
• Penalties are high if caught drinking and driving; cancellation of license for one year, jail time, high fines.

MEDICAL RECORDS

Singapore's medical facilities are among the finest in the world, with well qualified doctors and dentists, many trained overseas. Pharmaceuticals are available from numerous outlets including supermarkets, department stores, hotels and shopping centers.

It is advisable to take out a medical insurance before coming to Singapore because costs can be extremely high

If you or any family members have suffered from any serious medical problems in the past, are allergic to any medications, or have any medical condition that a new doctor should know About Singapore, ask your current doctor to prepare a detailed medical report that you can take with you.

Also ask your doctor to give you the generic names of any medicines that you or family members need or are currently using since brand names for medicines may be different in Singapore.

It is a good idea to carry past diagnoses and treatment records for you or any children that may be traveling with you.

There are a lot of medicines available in India that you can't get without a prescription in Singapore and the pharmacies do not accept prescriptions written outside Singapore. Carry enough supply of any medication that you are using to allow enough time for your insurance to be activated, and a new doctor to prescribe any medicines you might need.

All medication that you carry should be clearly labeled and have a valid prescription accompanying it.

There are some medicines available in India are banned in Singapore and carrying a prescription will guard you against any suspicion of smuggling. This applies especially to homeopathic medicines that may be mistaken for illegal drugs at Customs.

Finally, carry a small kit of medicines for common ailments (headaches, stomach problems, muscle aches, cuts and bruises) with you.

For more information, click here.