Singapore (SG)

National digital identity app — required for most government services, digital signing, Myinfo, and many private-sector applications. Must have from day 1. Available on iOS and Android.

Singapore's dominant super-app. Covers: ride-hailing (GrabCar, JustGrab), food delivery (GrabFood, the most-used delivery app in Singapore), grocery delivery (GrabMart), package delivery (GrabExpress), and payments (GrabPay, GrabPay Wallet with linked bank card). Essential for daily life — virtually everyone in Singapore has Grab installed.

Account-based ticketing app for Singapore public transport. Use your bank's contactless card (Visa/Mastercard) or SimplyGo card to tap in and out of MRT stations and buses. Monthly spending and transaction history tracked in the app. Replaced the old EZ-Link top-up model for most users.

Official LTA (Land Transport Authority) transport app — real-time bus arrival timings for every bus stop in Singapore, MRT operating hours, taxi availability map, road conditions, and parking availability. Essential for navigating Singapore's bus network.

MOH/Singhealth health app — view your medical records from restructured hospitals (National University Hospital, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore General Hospital, etc.), vaccination history, health screening results, and chronic disease management. Login via Singpass.

IRAS's online tax filing and management portal — file your annual income tax return (Form B1 for employees; Form B for self-employed) from 1 March to 18 April each year. View tax assessments, pay taxes, and update personal particulars. Access via Singpass login at mytax.iras.gov.sg.

DBS's flagship mobile banking app (digibank) and DBS PayLah! (PayNow-integrated mobile payments app). PayLah! allows instant PayNow transfers to phone numbers, scanning QR codes at hawker centres and shops, and splitting bills. Non-DBS users can still use PayLah! linked to their bank accounts for PayNow transfers.

Singapore's dominant classifieds platform for buying and selling second-hand goods, furniture, electronics, baby items, and services. Ideal for furnished flat hunting (private landlords), buying expat household goods, and selling before relocation. Buyer and seller protection through CarouShield payment escrow.

Southeast Asia's largest e-commerce platform — strong in Singapore for electronics, clothing, beauty, and household items. Frequently runs 11.11, 12.12, and Shopee Super Sales with significant discounts. Free delivery on orders above S$20–40 depending on the seller. Shopee Pay (linked payment wallet) earns cashback.

Second-largest food delivery app after GrabFood. Covers most F&B establishments across Singapore; Pandamart for grocery delivery. Often runs promotions with bank credit card partnerships (DBS, OCBC, Citibank). Subscription: pandaPro at S$4.99/month for delivery fee discounts.

Expat-focused cheap rental finder at expatcheaprent.com — compares listings across major rental portals to help newcomers find affordable apartments.

The two dominant property search platforms in Singapore. PropertyGuru (propertyguru.com.sg) is the market leader; 99.co is strong and has a cleaner interface. Both list HDB resale, private condo, and landed property for sale and rent. Filter by MRT station, school, budget, and tenure (freehold vs leasehold). Check agent credentials via CEA registration on the platform.

The dominant messaging app in Singapore for personal and professional communication. Essential from day 1 — your condo/HDB estate group, employer group chats, children's school communications, and virtually all social coordination happen on WhatsApp.

SP Group's app for managing electricity, water, and gas accounts. View bills, track consumption, pay, and set up GIRO (auto-debit). Available at spgroup.com.sg. Register within 3 days of moving into a new property to avoid service disruption.

Official government app for coupon parking in Singapore — pay for parking at all HDB carparks, town council carparks, and many public carparks using your phone instead of paper coupons. Set the start time and duration; the app charges pro-rated fees if you leave early.

Increasingly popular for community channels, news, deals alerts (SGDealHunter, Lazada Singapore deals, SG food deals), and expat community groups. Supplement to WhatsApp for larger group channels.

National Environment Agency app — check the PSI (Pollutant Standards Index) haze level, 24-hour weather forecast, dengue cluster map (important for families with young children), and UV index. Essential on haze days or during mosquito season.