Moving to Singapore from Indonesia is a big step, but with the right planning for transport, visas, housing, and daily life, the transition can be smooth, safe, and rewarding. This Moving to Singapore from Indonesia Transport: Expat Guide is written from the perspective of someone who has lived in both countries and regularly travels between Jakarta, Batam, and Singapore, so you get practical, on-the-ground tips you can trust.
As part of Homejourney’s broader Singapore relocation pillar, this cluster focuses specifically on Indonesians and Indonesia transport options – from domestic flights and ferry Indonesia routes to using Grab Indonesia – so you can plan both your move and your ongoing travel safely and confidently.
Life in Indonesia vs Singapore: What to Expect
If you’re used to the pace of Jakarta, Surabaya, or Bali, Singapore will feel familiar in some ways yet very different in others. Both countries are in Southeast Asia, share strong business ties, and have large Muslim communities, but Singapore is far more compact, tightly regulated, and infrastructure-heavy – especially for public transport.[1][2]
In Indonesia, traffic and commuting times can be unpredictable, and it is common to rely on Grab Indonesia, Gojek, and private cars or motorbikes. In Singapore, most expats quickly switch to the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and bus network, which are clean, air-conditioned, and run on time.[1][2][3] Taxis and Grab are still popular, but are often a complement to public transport rather than the main option.
Singapore also has stricter rules on safety, from seatbelts and child seats to drink driving and road behaviour. This is one reason many Indonesia-based expats choose Singapore for long-term careers, education, and property investment – it is perceived as very safe, predictable, and easy to navigate with children.[5][7]
Relocating to Singapore from Indonesia: Visas, Work & Costs
Visa and work permit options for Indonesians
Most Indonesians visiting Singapore short-term enter visa-free for up to 30 days, but for relocation you will usually need an Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, or Dependant’s Pass, issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM). These are tied to a job offer or family member’s pass; always check the latest MOM criteria before making commitments, as salary thresholds and eligibility may change.
Many Indonesians working in finance, technology, commodities, and hospitality relocate with EPs, while those in mid-skilled roles may hold S Passes. If your goal is long-term property investment and residency, factor in how stable your pass type and employer are before signing long leases or buying property.
Employment opportunities for Indonesians
Indonesian expats often find roles in:
- Banking and wealth management (especially for Bahasa Indonesia-speaking client coverage)
- Oil & gas, commodities trading, logistics, and shipping
- Hospitality, tourism, and F&B (particularly for Bali and Jakarta-based professionals)
- Tech, e-commerce, and fintech with regional Indonesia exposure
Many of these jobs are clustered around Raffles Place, Marina Bay, Tanjong Pagar, and One-North, which directly affects where you should live to reduce commute times.
Cost of living comparison: Indonesia vs Singapore
Singapore is significantly more expensive than most Indonesian cities for housing, cars, and some services. However, public transport, hawker food, and healthcare (with insurance) can be better value than many people expect.[1][2][5]
Typical real-world examples Indonesian expats encounter:
- MRT ride from Bugis to Raffles Place: about SGD 1–1.50 with a stored-value card[1][2][3]
- Grab from Orchard Road to Changi Airport: often around SGD 20–30 off-peak[3]
- Local lunch at a hawker centre (chicken rice, nasi padang): SGD 4–7
Housing is usually your biggest cost. Use Homejourney’s property search Property Search and live market data from our projects directory Projects Directory to benchmark rental and purchase prices before you move.
Property in Singapore for Indonesians: Buying & Renting Safely
What foreigners from Indonesia can buy
As a non-Singaporean and non-PR buyer, you can typically purchase:
- Private condominiums and apartments
- Executive Condominiums (ECs) only after their 10-year privatization period
- Some landed properties, but only with special approval from the Land Dealings (Approval) Unit, which is rare
Most Indonesian investors focus on private condos in central or city-fringe areas, near MRT lines and premium schools. For data on individual developments, use Homejourney’s projects section Projects to check transaction history, rentability, and nearby amenities.
ABSD for Indonesian buyers
Foreigners, including Indonesians, pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) on top of standard Buyer’s Stamp Duty. ABSD rates have changed multiple times in recent years to cool the market, so you should always verify the latest figures from IRAS or through your conveyancing lawyer before committing.
Because ABSD can add a substantial percentage to your purchase price, it directly affects your financing strategy. Homejourney’s bank rates page Bank Rates can help you compare mortgage options safely, with transparent rate information from different banks.
Popular neighbourhoods for Indonesian expats
Based on where Indonesian communities, schools, and business hubs cluster, these neighbourhoods are especially popular:
- Orchard / River Valley – Close to premium shopping, embassies, and international schools; ideal if you entertain clients frequently.
- East Coast / Katong – Favoured by families for its seafront lifestyle and proximity to Changi Airport; good if you travel to Indonesia often.
- Tanjong Pagar / Outram / Chinatown – Convenient for CBD workers, walking distance to offices at Raffles Place and Marina Bay.
- Novena / Newton – Central but residential, with fast access via MRT and good healthcare facilities nearby.
Use Homejourney’s property search Property Search to filter by MRT line, distance to CBD, and budget, and then cross-check with our verified agent directory for on-the-ground support.
Rental market overview for Indonesians
Most Indonesian expats start with renting for 1–2 years before buying. Standard private condo leases are 12–24 months, with one or two months’ security deposit. Always insist on a written tenancy agreement, inventory list, and photographic move-in report.
To protect yourself:
- Check that the landlord is the registered owner (through an agent or a property title search).
- Avoid paying cash deposits to personal accounts before verification.
- Use Homejourney’s verified listings and agents to reduce fraud risk and ensure transparent terms.
Practical Settling-In Guide for Indonesians
Banking, finances & currency
Most Indonesian expats open local accounts with DBS, OCBC, or UOB for salary crediting and bill payments. Bank branches are widespread in the CBD, malls, and near MRT stations; many are open on Saturdays but not Sundays.
If you earn in SGD but send money home in IDR, exchange rates matter. Homejourney’s currency features are built to help you compare in both SGD and IDR, so you can see exactly what a mortgage or rent figure means relative to your Indonesia income.
Healthcare system
Singapore’s healthcare is world-class, but as a foreigner you will rely mainly on private insurance and employer coverage. Major hospitals like Mount Elizabeth (Orchard and Novena), Gleneagles, and Parkway East are commonly used by expats.
For everyday issues, many Indonesians use GP clinics and 24-hour clinics inside malls or near MRT stations. Expect short waiting times but higher costs than in Indonesia; always check if your employer plan covers dependants.
Education options for Indonesian families
Indonesian families typically choose between:
- International schools (IB, British, American curricula), often in areas like Bukit Timah, East Coast, and Orchard.
- Local schools, which are more competitive but much cheaper; admission rules are strict and priority is usually for citizens and PRs.
