Arrival Preparation
Your complete guide to arriving in Singapore.
A clear pre-departure checklist and step-by-step arrival guide for Indian students flying to Singapore on an IPA.
Pre-departure checklist
Confirm your IPA document is downloaded and printed (and saved on your phone).
Book your flight to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).
Arrange airport pickup or plan your route from Changi Airport to your accommodation.
Confirm your accommodation is ready for move-in on your arrival date.
Complete the Singapore Arrival Card (SG Arrival Card) online within 3 days before departure.
Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining.
Carry the college's acceptance letter and offer letter in your hand luggage.
Carry approximately SGD 200–500 in cash for initial expenses (SIM card, transport, food, EZ-Link).
Have your IPA document and all original academic documents in your hand luggage.
Notify your college of your exact flight number and expected arrival time.
What to pack
Documents (hand luggage ONLY)
- → Original passport
- → IPA document (printed)
- → Acceptance letter from college
- → All original academic certificates and transcripts
- → Medical history / vaccination records
Clothing
- → Light, breathable cotton clothing (Singapore is hot and humid year-round)
- → 1–2 light jackets/hoodies for air-conditioned MRT and classrooms
- → Comfortable walking shoes
- → Formal shoes for college presentations
Electronics
- → Laptop (most essential student purchase — buy before travel if possible)
- → Universal power adapter or Singapore-standard (Type G, 3-pin) plugs
- → Earphones
- → Power bank
Personal care
- → 1–2 weeks of any prescription medication (bring original prescription too)
- → Familiar toiletries for your first week (most Indian brands available at Mustafa Centre)
- → A small first aid kit
Your first day in Singapore
Land at Changi Airport
Changi is world-famous for its efficiency. Immigration queues are usually fast. Follow signs to Immigration and Checkpoints.
Present IPA at immigration
Show your IPA and passport at the immigration counter. The immigration officer will stamp your passport. Do NOT lose this stamp — it is your provisional entry authority until your Student Pass is issued.
Collect your baggage
Standard baggage claim after immigration clearance.
Get your Singapore SIM card
SIM cards are available at Changi Airport from Singtel, Starhub, and M1 (all terminals, Arrivals Hall). This is your priority — you need data to navigate, contact your landlord, and stay connected.
Travel to your accommodation
MRT from Changi Airport (East-West or Thomson-East Coast lines) connects to the city. Alternatively, Grab is available from the taxi/ride-hail area at Arrivals.
Report to your college
Within the first 1–3 days (college-specific requirement), attend your orientation and report to the college administration with your IPA. The college will then process your Student Pass application with ICA.
Open your bank account
In your first week, open a Singapore bank account — you will need a local account to receive your internship salary. Bring your passport, IPA, and college acceptance letter.
Questions before you arrive?
PathPort support is available on WhatsApp. If you have questions about your IPA, what to bring, or what to do after landing, send us a message.
WhatsApp +65 8377 6492