Singapore, a mesmerizing city in southeast Asia is drooling travelers with its futuristic attractions, plush green panoramas, and striking culinary experiences at every nook and corner. This island nation promises an incredible journey of otherworldly experiences to its visitors like no other! The strict safety and hygiene protocols significantly add to the likeliness of traveling to Singapore. So, if you are planning your visit to this city for an equally exciting and overwhelming experience—be it with friends, family, or even solo, you must familiarize yourself with the city’s basic rules and customs. Here are some crucial travel tips for Singapore that are essential for making your journey smooth, comfortable, and utterly enjoyable! Explore top tips Singapore by experts now.
12 Travel Tips for Singapore For Travelers!
Our travel mavens have compiled 12 important travel tips for Singapore that every traveler must know to ensure an enjoyable, hassle-free, and unforgettable journey.
Get ready for Singapore with these travel tips.
Plan Ahead
The first and foremost tip while planning a trip to Singapore or any other city/country is to plan in advance. This is by far one of the most important aspects to ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable travel experience, while successfully avoiding last-minute travel booking issues like overly expensive rates, ticket unavailability, rush hours, and limited accommodation options. Planning early allows you to choose from multiple options, secure safe spots, craft a well-thought-out itinerary, and most importantly avoid last-minute stress. Planning ahead is among the crucial travel tips in Singapore ensuring that every aspect of your trip, from flights to accommodations, is well-planned and executed.
Get An EZ Link Card
Tourists planning their visit to Singapore must apply for an EZ-Link card, which is a Singapore Tourist Pass, for easy commuting via the public transport system. It helps travelers score not only massive savings on individual fares but also grants freedom to easily hop on and off different transport modes while touring the city. It’s important to note that the validity of the pass is entirely based on the operating hours of the basic public transportation system. Your 1st usage marks the 1-day coverage of the pass and the following day’s validity will be determined by the number of days you have purchased for the card. Tourists, both adults and children above 0.9 meters of height are eligible for this card and can travel at their convenience while sidestepping the worries linked with additional burdening fares.
Note: Tourists applying for 2 or 3-day card must do so for consecutive traveling days. This card is only applicable to the public transportation system and excludes riding premium modes including Night Rider, Night Owl, Sentosa Express, Chinatown Direct, RWS8, and express buses.
Laws in Singapore
One of the most important travel tips for Singapore for tourists is to familiarize themselves with the city’s laws and enforcements. Singapore Government enforces stringent laws that are highly important for maintaining the city’s decorum, peace, cleanliness, public safety, and order. Each traveler planning their visit to the city must be well-versed with these regulations for a worry-free experience as there are certain laws for smoking in public spaces, dress codes for certain spiritual places, littering, and jaywalking that need to be followed. Some of the rules that every visitor should know:
- Photography is strictly restricted to government structures and military sites.
- Nudity, toplessness, vulgarity, inappropriate behavior or exhibition of public narcissism is absolutely against the law.
- Disrespecting public officials may lead straight to heavy fines and even imprisonment.
- Tourists must adhere to the city’s zero-tolerance policy for drug use and trafficking. Caught doing so, even carrying a small amount of drug may result in several hefty penalties and a death penalty for trafficking.
- Usage of VPN (Virtual Private Network) is strictly prohibited in the city by the cybersecurity to avoid accessing content that is illegal.
Note: It's important to note that using a VPN for privacy or security on personal networks is not completely illegal, using it to break the law or bypass official regulations in Singapore can attract several penalties.
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Use Public Transportation System
Singapore has an extensive network of streamlined transportation systems, which are beyond efficient, affordable, and follow strict hygiene protocols. Their subway systems or the Mass-Rapid Transit (MRT) are easy to navigate and are super-fast, helping you save significant time, effort, and even your expenses, which will be a great addition to your Singapore touring experience. Ditch the traffic and enjoy the comfort of Singapore’s premium and well-maintained public transportation system with easy-to-use technology for contactless ticket, cab, taxi, and other transportation booking.
Note: Visitors can refer to Singapore Map and Mass Rapid Transit Map for convenient navigation across the city and reliable information regarding routes and timings.
Prefer Light Clothing
As Singapore is an island nation, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius, it is advisable for every traveler to pack light clothing, suitable for the tropical environment. Visitors can experience a combination of scorching heat along with occasional downpours, so packing accordingly will ensure a hassle-free travel experience and minimal discomfort. Breathable fabrics such as linen, cotton, or good-moisture-absorbing materials are highly advised to keep you cool and relaxed during outdoor activities. Additionally, you must pack comfortable footwear if your major activities will include foot-exploring attractions, touring districts, and other activities.
Note: There are no particular clothing protocols or customs followed in Singapore. You can wear fun, comfortable, and desired clothing, as per your wish. Do keep in mind the temperature and always stay updated with weather forecasts regarding rainfall to carry essentials before stepping out of your hotels for activities. Carrying a scarf and dressing appropriately before visiting any religious place is recommended.
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1 Month Advance Visa Application
One of the most insightful tips SIngapore is early application of visa! Tourists planning a trip to Singapore are advised to apply for their Visa at least 1 month in advance for sufficient processing time and bandwidth for certain document revisions (if required). Tourists should keep their documents handy including:
- Passport
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Travel Itinerary
- Visa Application Form 14A
- Financial proof
- Cover letter
Tourists can retrieve their e-Visa from the status inquiry with the visa application reference number and travel document number. Though the processing time only takes up to 3-5 working business days, doing so in advance will set you free from countless last-minute issues along with other factors. The validity of the tourist visa is up to 2 years and the charges (for Indians) are INR 1990* (SGD 30) along with an additional service charges of INR 600-700*.
Note: The visa application fee is non-refundable and you might come across rejection chances (in rare cases) due to incomplete or incorrect documentation failure to meet the eligibility criteria, or other reasons. However, you can reapply for the Visa and provide clear information for successful approval. Also, citizens of many other countries, including most European nations, the US, Canada, and Australia, do not need a visa for short stays, which is up to 30 days.
Get Travel Insurance
Another most important travel tips for Singapore includes application of the travel insurance. Tourists are advised to get their travel insurance for several reasons. Though, it is not required to enter the city, but can be significantly helpful in times of discomfort or unseen situations while giving you valuable protection. It ensures that you are comprehensively covered for medical emergencies, lost luggage, delayed flights, personal liability, or even last-minute trip cancellations. Tourists with health issues, in particular, should heavily emphasize getting travel insurance for security and support. It is also important for other reasons that may lead to travel disruptions due to bad weather, technical difficulties, or even strike actions.
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Try Street Food at the Hawkers Center
Tourists- take note of these most insightful travel tips Singapore- do not miss out on gorging the yummiest street food! If you are in Singapore, then it is a MUST to pay a visit to the bustling Hawker Center where diverse aromas will trigger your hunger and leave you drooling after the first whiff. Some days, you may dine at Michelin-Star restaurants for an amazing experience, while on some, you should consider these Hawker centers to taste the authentic street food of Singapore— serving the region’s authentic delicacies on your plate. The Chili Crab, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Fish Head Curry, and Bak Kut Teh are not to be missed! You can even explore diverse cuisines such as Malaysian, Chinese, and European, letting you taste the finest burst of flavors in every bite and enhancing your culinary journey in Singapore!
Carry Spare Cash
One of the most important travel tips for Singapore tourists is to carry spare cash. The city is highly advanced and digital but for convenient travel, carrying handy cash will ensure you are well-prepared for emergencies, or executing payments where cards will not be accepted. Maximum places in the city accept digital payments, but places like local vendors, local markets, or Hawker centers may still ask for cash payments only. It is advisable not to exchange currency at the Airport as the rates may be less favorable for you. Instead, consider exchanging money at local banks or using ATMs within the city for better rates. Having cash on hand enhances travel flexibility and helps you avoid unexpected inconveniences.
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Keep Emergency Numbers Handy
Another one of the most important travel tips Singapore includes keeping an emergency number handy for your safety, comfort, and peace of mind. Traveling to a new place, either solo or with friends/family requires utmost vigilance and preparedness for unforeseen circumstances. Some of the important emergency numbers in Singapore are:
- 995: For Emergency Ambulance and Fire Services
- 999: For Emergency Police Services
Others include:
- 1777: For Non-Emergency Ambulance
- 1800 255 0000: For Police Hotline (Non Emergency)
Claim A Tax Refund
This is one of the most crucial Singapore tips for tourists! Visitors can claim a tax refund under the Tourist Refund Scheme, administered by Singapore Customs on the account of the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). Under this scheme, tourists can claim a refund of 8% of Goods and Service Taxes (GST) which is paid on eligible purchases. You can claim the refund at the Changi Airport or Seletar Airport. This scheme is designed for tourists to enjoy an enhanced shopping experience and promote retail tourism in the city.
To claim the refund, you must present the following:
- Purchased goods/items.
- Original invoice/receipt issued by the retailer.
- Physical passport and confirmed air ticket or your boarding pass.
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Plan Your Travel in Shoulder Season
Maximum tourist plans their travel during the peak season, given the favorable weather and vibrant events/festivals. The peak season to travel to Singapore is between December and June, when the temperature is cozy and pleasant, making outdoor travel convenient.
But, given the chances of higher crowds, extensive waiting periods, and rush hours, you can try planning your trip to Singapore during the shoulder season, which is just before the start of the peak season — September to November. These months provide a perfect balance of good weather and fewer crowds at major attractions, ensuring a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. Additionally, you can secure better deals on accommodations and flight tickets, saving on your travel budget.
These Singapore travel tips will ensure you a perfect getaway—free from worries, inconveniences, and unexpected hassles. Make the most of your vacation by immersing in the region’s diverse offerings and experiences.
Travel Tips for Singapore FAQs
What to consider before visiting Singapore?
While planning a trip to Singapore, you must familiarize yourself with the following:
- Available food options
- Climate ranges
- Tipping customs
- Culture
- Rules and regulations
- Most-spoken language
What are the do’s and don’ts in Singapore?
There are several do’s and don’ts that every traveler must know as a part of crucial Singapore tips, including:
- Be respectful towards public authorities
- Behave appropriately and avoid dressing vulgarly.
- Always carry a scarf while visiting any religious place and be mindful of your clothing as some places may be allowed entry with short or revealing clothing.
- Always ask for permission while clicking pictures of government structures, military sites, or other places.
- Do not jaywalk.
- Avoid smoking in public and look out for designated areas for such activities.
- Be conservative towards different religions and beliefs as Singapore is a diverse city.
- Strictly avoid consuming/carrying drugs or involvement in fishy activities like trafficking as doing so may lead to hefty penalties and charges by the city’s government.
Is keeping cash necessary in Singapore?
One of the most important travel tips Singapore includes carrying handy cash. Singapore is highly digital and advanced city. Maximum places here can be accessed via digital payments, but if you intend to visit local markets, Hawker centers, or purchase anything from local vendors, you must keep cash handy as they may only accept cash as the payment mode.
Which SIM card works in Singapore?
VOXI or Virgin Mobile networks operate globally and can be used in Singapore. Using Sky, Three, or Tesco mobile services will lead to data roaming charges.
What is prohibited to carry in Singapore as a tourist?
As a tourist in Singapore, you must avoid carrying prohibited items such as:
- Chewing gum
- Tobacco products
- Psychotropic substances
- Lewd articles or publications
- Counterfeit goods
Plan your perfect Singapore getaway with us— Prioritise your ease, and let us handle the rest!