🌟 Living in Singapore as a Family: The Guide for Expats

Are you a family planning to move to Singapore? Congratulations — you’ve chosen one of the world’s safest, most efficient, and most multicultural countries. But living here with children is also an adventure that deserves a bit of preparation.

Life in Singapore with your family

Here are our tips to help you make the most of family life in Singapore — especially if you're arriving from France or Canada.

🏡 Where to Live ?

Favorite neighborhoods among expats:

• East Coast: Seaside vibe, ideal for families with children, close to many international schools.

• Serangoon (Recommended if your children attend French or Australian schools): Quiet residential area, well connected, just 5–10 minutes from school. Loved for its spacious family condos and nearby amenities.

• Bukit Timah: Green, upscale, and packed with international schools.

• Holland Village: Lively, expat-friendly, close to cafés and restaurants.

• Joo Chiat / Katong: Local charm, culturally rich, great location, and full of hidden gems.

💡 Renting a temporary serviced apartment when you arrive lets you test out a neighborhood before signing a lease.

International French School

🎓 Schools and Childcare

Recommended schools:

• 🇫🇷 Lycée Français de Singapour (IFS) – Excellent reputation, follows the French national curriculum.

• 🇨🇦 Canadian International School (CIS) – IB program, highly regarded by North American families.

• Other options: UWCSEA, Tanglin Trust, Dulwich College, etc.

Bilingual preschools: Very common, often English/Mandarin or English/French.

East Coast Park

🚤 Activities for Kids

🌳 Outdoors:

• East Coast Park – Beach, bike paths, and playgrounds.

• Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden – A botanic garden designed for children.

• Mandai Wildlife Reserve – Zoo, River Wonders, and Bird Paradise.

  
  

☕️ Indoors:

• Science Centre Singapore – Interactive activities and exhibits.

• Tayo Station or Kiztopia – Large indoor playgrounds.

• Public Libraries – Modern, with kids' corners and frequent events.

  
  

🍽️ Where to Eat with Kids?

• Marché Movenpick – European vibe, buffet, and play area.

• Hawker centres – Affordable, convenient, and varied.

• Kid-friendly cafés – Cafe Melba, Kith, Merci Marcel.

  
  

🍼 Malls are well-equipped with nursing rooms and changing tables.

Transports Efficaces et Sécuritaires

📆 Tips & Tricks for Settling In

• SingPass & Visa – Set up your administrative access (SingPass) upon arrival.

• Healthcare – Prefer KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital or private clinics like Raffles Medical, Parkway, SBCC.

• Transport – MRT and buses are stroller-friendly. EZ-Link cards are free for kids under 8.

• Domestic Helpers – Common in Singapore. Referrals often shared between expat families.

  
  

✨ In Conclusion

Relocating to Singapore with children is a rewarding and reassuring experience. With a little planning, the right contacts, and access to local resources, you can turn this move into a successful family adventure.

🏫 Need personalized guidance? Book a call with a French-speaking local on www.TalktoLocals.com and start your journey with peace of mind and authenticity.