Moving from China to Singapore? Shipping Furniture & Personal Effects to Singapore?
RapidWorld Relocations is a leading international moving company in China with offices in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai.
Submit a quote request, email us or call us at 86-21-5443-6852, and we will get back to you shortly.
Singapore is a global commerce, finance and transport hub. Its standings include: the most “technology-ready” nation (WEF), top International-meetings city (UIA), city with “best investment potential” (BERI), second-most competitive country, third-largest foreign exchange market, third-largest financial centre, third-largest oil refining and trading centre, and the second-busiest container port. The country has also been identified as a tax haven.
Singapore ranks 5th on the UN Human Development Index and the 3rd highest GDP per capita. It is ranked highly in education, healthcare, life expectancy, quality of life, personal safety, and housing. Although income inequality is high, 90% of homes are owner-occupied. 38% of Singapore’s 5.6 million residents are permanent residents and other foreign nationals. There are four official languages: English (common and first language), Malay, Mandarin, Tamil; almost all Singaporeans are bilingual. If you’re looking for career options, Singapore has plenty on offer medical practitioners. With soon to be nine state-of-the-art tertiary hospitals of circa 1,000 beds or more, the Singapore government investing another S$8 billion in the future of health care in this year alone, and the medical tourism industry expected to contribute S4.2 billion to GDP this year, Singapore offers security for your career in the long term. Singapore offers training comparable to Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA – and is structured and linked to best practices from these countries. Singapore provides the complete spectrum of medical services from primary care, to health screening, to quaternary care services such as organ transplants. In general, pay and conditions are excellent. Singapore truly is the hub of asia. With one of the world’s busiest airports, and hundreds of adventures to be had on your doorstep in surrounding South East Asia, Singapore is the centre of air travel for the region. So whether you are going home to visit friends or family, or off to explore any corner of the world, Singapore gives you constant access to the transport you need. With an equatorial, humid climate, Singapore offers a unique climate that is easy to live in all year round. Singapore, much like the rest of South East Asia, is generally hot and humid, with average daytime temperatures reaching 30 degrees celsius, and rarely dropping below 20 degrees celsius (even at night!) all year round. The only time the weather seems to change is during the rainy season which usually lasts from November to December. For those who enjoy the sun and heat – Singapore is the perfect place to be. With many beaches on the island (and surrounding countries) you will have just as many opportunities to enjoy the weather. Singapore offers many benefits – not least of which is very low taxation, which leaves you with a high disposable income which easily rivals what is on offer in Australia, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom.
The cost of living in Singapore may seem daunting at first glance – just reading information online can give you the sense that it is a very expensive place to live. In actual fact, Singapore offers the highest standard of living in South East Asia, and is reasonably priced when you take into account your higher disposable income. And once you are off the beaten tourist pathways, food, clothing, and just about everything remarkably drops to extremely reasonable levels.
Singapore is rightfully proud of its multicultural heritage which is easily evidenced by just standing on a street corner and observing the people pass you by. Singapore is a cosmopolitan society where people live harmoniously and interaction among different races are commonly seen. The pattern of Singapore stems from the inherent cultural diversity of the island. The immigrants of the past have given the place a mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences, all of which have intermingled. Most Singaporeans celebrate the major festivals associated with their respective religions. The variety of religions is a direct reflection of the diversity of races living there. The Chinese are predominantly followers of Buddhism, Taoism, Shenism, Christians, Catholics and some considered as ‘free-thinkers’ (Those who do not belong to any religion). Malays have the Muslims and Indians are Hindus. There is a sizeable number of Muslims and Sikhs in the Indian population. Religious tolerance is essential in Singapore. In fact, religions often cross racial boundaries and some even merge in unusual ways in this modern country. Younger Singaporeans tend to combine a little of the mysteries of the older generation with the realistic world that they know of today. Religion is still an integral part of the cosmopolitan Singapore. Many of its most interesting buildings are religious, be it old temples, modern churches, or exotic mosques. An understanding of these buildings do play a part in contributing to the appreciation of their art. Being the major centre for commerce and trade in South East Asia (if not globally), Singapore is home to expats from all over the world – with large numbers of Aussies, Kiwis and Brits living on the island. With English as one of the four official languages, as well as schools from all over the world, you can understand why more and more people are choosing to live in Singapore. Singapore boasts a public transport system which is efficient, inexpensive, and readily accessible. A combination of public transport and taxis can get you anywhere you need to be on the island in a time and cost effective manner. When trips on public transport start at 60 cents, and taxis at 3 dollars, why would you want to cover all of the costs of your own private vehicle? If the need for a car arises, there are many car hire companies on the island offering competitive rates. Singapore is on the cutting edge of technology, implementing new technology and ideas with ease due to their intelligently designed infrastructure. Nowhere else in the world even comes close. Our clients in Singapore are offering 2 year+ contracts to prospective employees – which means you won’t be applying for another job to start in 6 or 12 months. This level of security and stability for health workers is almost unknown elsewhere. Most importantly, it’s a sign that your employer is committed to you, and with that comes the necessary support you need to be the best you can be.
When it comes to the actual moving to Singapore, there is a process that is long established and RapidWorld is able to help you resolve any issues. From arranging visas, finding properties and school places, to helping you decide what to take, packing it and shipping it to your new home, you won’t be alone. Our services cover whole China span including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Wuhan, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Guilin, Guiyang, Xiamen, Jinan, Nanchang, Changchun, Harbin, etc. As such, we can move from everywhere in China to Singapore. Here below are some important information regarding moving personal used household goods and effects to Singapore. Please feel free to contact us should you have any question.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
The following is not permitted into Singapore and if included in shipments will result in seizure of all prohibited items and possible legal penalties against the shipper:
• All Guns, including BB, pellet guns, Toy guns in pistol shape• Firearms, ammunitions, explosives, swords and flick knives• Hand held radio-transmitting devices• Publications or material of a pornographic or politically subversive nature.• Narcotics and for Drugs ensure that owner has written doctor’s prescription)• Fresh unprocessed foods, plants and trees• All live and stuffed animals on the Endangered Species list• Pirated DVDs, CDs,Porn pictures, violent movies
RESTRICTED ITEMS
• Alcohol – Duty and Tax applies for importing alcohol beverages into Singapore. Client must declare all information required in the Customs Form (3rd Page) such as type, brand, volume (liter per bottle), Percentage of alcohol contents, price (with Currency) and quantity in order to compute the duty and tax.• Food items is now controlled however, small quantity between 3-5 kg value up to S$100/) is allowed for immediate use• If client insist in importing items like Spear, Ornamental Swords, photos of such item must be provided to seek Customs Approval prior to packing and there will be an additional handling fee and License fee per item• Singapore has strict censorship laws. Pornography is not permitted, nor is literature of politically sensitive or subversive (communist) nature• Most video films are screened by authorities before release to shipper. These include 8mm and 16mm motion pictures. Screening and other related expenses are charged separately and is payable by the client.
Please avoid sending foodstuffs, liquid items, medicines and cosmetics with your shipment.
IMPORT TAX AND DUTY
Only used household and personal effects shipments are not subject to import duties provided the documents comply with Customs requirement otherwise is also taxable. Please refer to Rapidworld Singapore for further advice. • Alcohol and Wines: Duty and Tax applies. For importing alcohol beverages into Singapore. Client must declare all information required in the Customs Form (3rd Page) such as type, brand, volume (Liter per bottle), Percentage of alcohol contents, price (with Currency) and quantity in order to compute the duty and tax• New household and or furniture tax applies• Office Effects and General Cargo tax applies• Tobacco/Cigar are severely taxable• Importing of Spears, etc.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
FOR ALL Shipments:The following documents must be presented to Rapidworld Worldwide prior to the arrival of the shipment. These documents are required to apply for GST exemption and customs permits processing. All shippers will need to complete three forms (copies are available on request, each shipment should accompany with separate set of documents , i.e. if client has air & sea then two sets of customs form need to be completed and provided with clear indication marked “AIR” & “SEA:• Declaration of Fact• Declaration of Contents• Alcoholic Beverage List (if applicable)• Passport copy
For Expatriate status:
• Photocopy of employment pass (back & front page) OR In Principle Letter of Approval for EP (IPA) issued by Ministry of Manpower, Singapore and/or dependant pass is required (a “Social Visit Pass”/or Temporary Pass is not acceptable). In the case where a shipper has not yet been granted an employment pass by the Immigration Department, the following documents are required:• A letter from the Singapore Employer specifying the expected duration of client’s employment in Singapore and to undertake to pay 7% GST on the shipment in the event if the employment pass is rejected• A copy of the employment pass application ( only 3 pages required – first , page signed by Corporate with company stamp and Consent page signed by client)• A copy of the approval letter in principal from Immigration Department.
For Returning Singapore Citizen (SINGAPOREAN): (Exemption is granted if the shipper has been out of Singapore for MORE THAN SIX MONTHS)
• Photocopy extract of passport endorsement and visas/residential permit/work permit showing that they have resided abroad for no less than six months.• Letter from Employer or Own Self to the Customs & Excise Department stating the date they went abroad and the date confirming their return to Singapore
DIPLOMATS• Employment Pass copy• Letter from Consulate/Embassy informing the Customs that the shipper is a Diplomat and he will be staying in Singapore for a specific length of time.• Embassy’s full Name• Central Registration number /UEN number• Diplomat’s name (registered with Customs ) and number to apply for GST Relief Permit with Customs
CLEARANCE PROCEDURES
Upon shipments arrival documents will be submitted to Customs for approval. Upon completion of customs clearance delivery will be scheduled.
Customs clearance times
| Air Shipments | Surface Shipment (FCL) | Surface Shipment (LCL) |
| 2-3 working days | 2-3 working days | 5-7 working days |
Above times are estimates only and on the basis that all required documents are available and in order. Actual time for customs clearance may be subject to change. For more information please contact destination office.
Customs and quarantine procedures
Singapore customs normally don’t inspect the shipments. However, customs regulations maybe changed at any time without prior notice.
| Above times are estimates only and on the basis that all required documents are available and in order. Actual time for customs clearance may be subject to change. For more information please contact RapidWorld. |
