The Ultimate Singapore Travel Guide | Travel Tips, Best Time to Visit, Things to do & More

Travel Essentials in Singapore

• Time Zone: Singapore Standard Time (SST) GMT+8
• Language: English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, or Tamil
• Socket Type: Type G
• Currency: Singapore Dollar – SGD – S$
• Country Code: + 65
• Emergency Numbers: 112 or 911 | Non-emergency ambulance - 1777 | Police hotline - 1800 255 0000 | Traffic police - 6547 0000.

Covid-19 Measures in Singapore

• From April 1, 2022, masks will not be mandatory in outdoor areas.
• Wearing masks is still mandatory in closed spaces and indoors.
• As of April 1, most of the Covid-19 restrictions have been scrapped in Singapore.
• TraceTogether app must be installed before leaving for Singapore.
• Complete vaccination certificates are necessary to enter Singapore from any country in the world.
• There are still social distancing restrictions in place, including on public transportation.
• When arriving by land, a negative Covid-19 test report is not required.

Here's everything you need to know about Covid-19 information in Singapore >

What to Pack for Singapore

• Jeans, light cotton trousers, shorts, skirts, light tops, and other breathable clothing items.
• Waterproof jacket/windcheater and a rain hat. Pack for drenching showers. Keep rain boots, raincoats, umbrellas, and waterproof jackets in handy. 
• Comfortable walking shoes as you'll be doing a lot of sightseeing during your stay in Singapore.
• A backpack to carry around during the day to store your personal belongings when exploring the city.

Per Person Average Daily Budget in Singapore

Budget Travelers: SG$62. Budget travelers have reported spending around SG$62 per day in Singapore. Visitors have spent SG$12 on meals and SG$6 on local transportation for a day.

Regular Travelers: SG$164. Regular travelers spend around SG$164 each day. Visitors have spent SG$30 on meals for a day and SG$16  to get around the city. In addition, the average price for a couple's stay in Singapore is SG$225.

Luxury Travelers: SG$451. Luxury tourists may spend as much as SG$80 per day on meals and SG$45 on transportation, with accommodation coming up to SG$600 for two people.

Free Things to do in Singapore

Despite the fact that Singapore is often a pricey place to visit due to its reputation and sheer abundance of sites, here are some of the top free things to do in Singapore:

• Attend free live concerts at the Esplanade and mingle with like-minded people. There will never be a dull moment here, thanks to the endless performances and dance routines.
• Enjoy a variety of festivals and carnivals, as well as their fun celebrations. The Lunar New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, and Mid-autumn festival are all must-see Singapore festivals.
• Take whatever you want from the Free Market and get it for free. However, return the favor by offering your own free wares for sale.
• Marina Barrage is one of the best free things to do in Singapore. Hang out with your friends, fly a kite or two, or simply observe others.
  

Transportation Apps

• CityMapper
• Explore Singapore MRT Map
• Grab

Food Apps

• Deliveroo
• GrabFood
• Chope

Other Useful apps 

• Weather@SG
• Shopee
• DBS PayLah
  

Visa Requirements to Visit SIngapore

For more details on visa and entry necessities, please visit the ICA's website. Alternatively, you can send an email at mfa@mfa.sg if you have any questions about applying for a Singapore visa from another country. All tourists to Singapore must comply with the following prerequisites if they require a Visa:

• A legitimate travel document (minimum validity of 6 months at the time of departure)
• Tickets for onward or return travel that have been confirmed (if applicable)
• The next destination's entry requirements, including visas;
• adequate funds to support themselves during their visit to Singapore; and
• Singapore visa requirements (if applicable)
• Vaccination for Yellow Fever (if applicable)

Insurance in Singapore

If you intend to travel worldwide, you should purchase appropriate travel insurance before leaving. If you already have travel insurance, check to see if it covers coronavirus-related events like medical attention and travel disruptions, as well as any planned activities like adventure sports. If you're searching for a new policy, look into how it approaches these concerns.

• Analyze your policy to see if it includes coverage for medical expenses.
• Make sure to carefully read your policy's terms and conditions.
• Choose a policy that includes coverage for both cargo and personal property loss.
• Get the plan as soon as possible, ideally before your trip.

Must-Know Words and Phrases in Singapore

1. Ya: This means yes
2. Teedak: It means no
3. Apa Kabar: An overarching greeting when you see someone
4. Se la mat Jalan: Used when you are leaving, as a way of saying goodbye
5. Terima Kasih: This is what you say when you want to thank someone
6. Ta-hoo-kah ber -da ha sa Ingris?: It literally translates to “do you speak English?”
7. Sa-ya tee dak fa-ham: This translates to “I don't understand”

Internet in Singapore

You can also use a pocket WiFi device to access the internet from various devices. This mobile hotspot provides data access for your laptop, tablet, and/or smartphone throughout the island. This is recommended if you only carry a few devices, want WiFi connectivity, and don't plan on making many phone calls.

WiFi hotspots are also readily available throughout the island in a variety of public areas and businesses. Top internet service providers in Singapore include:

• M1
• SingTel
• Starhub

Phone Calls in Singapore

Incoming: All incoming calls in Singapore from overseas numbers are prefixed with a “+” sign followed by the country code and the phone number

Outgoing: To make a call abroad from Singapore, you need to put the service provider-specific access code, followed by the country code, and then the phone number.

• If you want to keep making calls and sending texts on your phone, a Singapore prepaid SIM card is a good option.
• You can select from a variety of bundles that include local and international calls, SMSs, and varying amounts of local mobile data. Typical durations range from five to thirty days or more.
• Prepaid SIM cards are widely available at telco retail counters, islandwide convenience, and airports.

Staying Healthy in Singapore

Drink lots of fluids, juice, and other liquids to stay hydrated. A further thing you can do is keep out of the sun whenever possible. The sun can be quite potent in Singapore on bright days, and it is easy to get badly sunburned. If you must be outside in the sun, wear sunscreen. Here are a few suggestions for staying in shape while in Singapore:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Unless it's a well-known street vendor, avoid eating on the street.
• Make sure you're getting enough sleep.
• Put on some sunblock and sunglasses.

Money in Singapore

Currency: Singapore Dollars | SG$ | SGD

Although major credit card brands are generally accepted in Singapore, some merchants may charge a fee. ATMs in Singapore will accept major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Credit cards are widely used in Singapore, so look for a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees. If you want to shop in the market areas of Haji Lane, Sim Lim, and Burgis, you'll need cash. In Singapore, the following online payment methods are also accepted:

• PayPal
• DBS PayLah
• Amazon Pay
• Apple Pay
  

Safety in Singapore

Singapore is generally safe. Any location with a high number of visitors should be handled with caution. Here are some safety recommendations for your trip to Singapore:

• Take precautions to avoid mosquito-borne diseases.
• Take precautions against the Singapore haze.
• In Singapore, recreational drug use is punishable by death.
• Avoid getting caught up in street gatherings because they may be illegal demonstrations.
• Avoid unscrupulous salespeople who approach you and invite you to their shops or massage parlors.

Laws in Singapore

Don't be fooled by the glitz and cultural diversity; Singapore is a city of laws. Sure, it has an impressively low crime rate, great attractions, and impeccable pavements, but tourists, in particular, should expect culture shock due to the strict laws. Here are some laws you need to know:

• Walking naked in your house is illegal in Singapore. 
• Chewing gum is forbidden in Singapore. 
• Smoking is illegal almost everywhere in Singapore.
• Irritating someone with an instrument or singing in public is punishable in Singapore
• Drinking alcohol and partying between 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m. is also punishable in Singapore