Your First Week in Singapore: The Practical Checklist (In the Right Order)

The first week in Singapore is a specific sequence of admin tasks. Getting the order right means it takes a few hours spread over a few days. Getting it wrong means waiting unnecessarily — some things are hard prerequisites for others.

1. 1
   Day 1 — SIM card first

   Buy a local SIM card before anything else. You'll need a Singapore mobile number for OTPs throughout the entire setup process. Available at any airport telco counter (Singtel, StarHub, M1) or 7-Eleven. Prepaid card: S$15–30. Most people switch to a S$10–18/month SIM-only plan within the week.
2. 2
   Day 2 — SingPass (most important step)

   SingPass is Singapore's national digital identity. It unlocks government services, banking, healthcare, tax, and CPF. Register via the SingPass app using your FIN (on your EP card or IPA letter). Complete face verification in-app — takes 2 minutes. Don't wait for the physical EP card; your FIN is on the IPA letter.
3. 3
   Day 3 — Bank account

   With SingPass set up, open an account online via MyInfo — DBS and OCBC both support this. No branch visit, no documents to upload, account active within 24 hours. Most expats also open a Wise account for international transfers (significantly cheaper than local bank wire rates).
4. 4
   Day 4 — Transport card

   Buy an Ez-Link card at any MRT station (S$10, of which S$5 is stored value). Alternatively set up SimplyGo via the LTA app — links directly to your bank card, lower per-trip fare than tapping a credit card.
5. 5
   Week 1 — Physical EP card

   Collect your physical EP card from the MOM Employment Pass Services Centre. Bring your IPA letter and passport. Walk-in or book an appointment online. Update your address on all pass documents once you have a confirmed address.

Bank Options at a Glance

Rest of Week 1 Checklist

Apps to Install Immediately

Official links: SingPass · MOM EP Services · LTA SimplyGo