Filipino, Indonesian or Myanmar Maids in Singapore?
J Jabez Group · Published 6 October 2026
Most families have a preference by the time they come to us. Often, it is based on a friend's or relative's experience, and sometimes with good reason.
This mini guide covers what actually differs between these three source countries, and what to look out for.
Start with the person, not the passport
Nationality tells you about language, typical salary levels and some practical household arrangements. It does not tell you about character, skill or temperament. A patient, experienced helper from any of the three will serve you better than a poor match from the country you had in mind.
The three main source countries, side by side
| Philippines | Indonesia | Myanmar |
Language | English is widely spoken | Bahasa Indonesia; English varies | Burmese; English varies |
Salary expectations | Generally higher | Mid-range | Generally lower |
Common religion | Mostly Christian | Mostly Muslim | Mostly Buddhist |
Worth checking | Salary within your budget | Dietary and prayer arrangements | English level for your needs |
These are general patterns, not rules. Individual helpers vary a great deal, and an experienced helper's English or Mandarin can differ sharply from the typical for her country.
What tends to matter most
Language. If your household speaks mainly English, or you need to give instructions quickly, how well she understands you matters more than where she is from. For elderly parents who speak mainly a mother tongue like Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, or a dialect, — experience in similar households would be beneficial.
Salary. Expectations differ by source country and by experience. Ask us for current figures rather than relying on figures you find online, as they change.
Household practices. Religion can affect diet, prayer times and what ingredients she is comfortable handling, such as pork. Talk about these openly at the start, as most are easy to arrange once they are clear.
Experience. A helper who has worked in Singapore before is likely to have an easier time adjusting, whichever country she is from.
How we help you choose
We start with what your household needs, such as the care involved, the languages spoken and your budget, and then shortlist helpers across nationalities. If a different source country fits your situation better than the one you had in mind, we will recommend them instead.
Speak to our team about finding the right helper for your household.
This guide is for general information. Requirements, fees and salary norms change from time to time. For the current rules, refer to mom.gov.sg.