40 Singapore Travel Tips And Things To Know Before Visiting Singapore

This post will be all about Singapore travel tips and all the cool facts about Singapore and things to know before visiting Singapore. From first timers to seasoned travelers, this post will be your go-to guide to get to know more of Singapore and what awaits you from amazing places in the city, great transportation, clean city to delicious food to try in Singapore.

Singapore is one of the smallest countries in the world and you will see a mixed of cultures mainly Chine and Hindu. You will also have Malaysian food and many foreigners living in Singapore since is well connected with Changi airport to everywhere in the world.

Read here: Budget travel in Singapore, Singapore tourist spots and Instagrammable Places in Singapore.

Singapore Travel Tips And Things To Know Before Visiting Singapore

1. IS IT SAFE SINGAPORE?

Is it safe travel to Singapore? Yeah you should know that Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world. If you travel Singapore, safety won’t be a problem. You can feel safe everywhere, literally. Make sure that you keep your valuables with you in crowded places and that should be more than enough.

2. EASY VISA IN SINGAPORE

The visa is easy in Singapore. You don’t need a visa if you are coming from one of these countries in the map. You will get 90 days for free if you are from Europe, Canada and United States. There are also many countries which can get 30 days tourist visa for free.

3. CASH AND ATMS IN SINGAPORE

You can pay by cash and card in Singapore. Singaporean Dollar is the official currency of Singapore. At the time, the rate was $1 USD = 1.38 SGD. Since these rates are always changing, take a look here to know the current exchange rate.

If you want to withdraw money from an ATM, you will find plenty of them in Singapore. You can also pay with your card almost everywhere. You are lucky in Singapore because ATMs don’t usually have extra charges for foreign cards.

Click here to get a discount booking activities in Singapore with Klook!

4. BEST TIME TO VISIT SINGAPORE

Singapore’s wet season is from November to January and it will be the hottest around May and June. So the best time to visit Singapore is from February to April between the summers and winters which has the most comfortable weather and temperature and bunch of outdoor activities will be best available that time!

Click here to know more about the weather in Singapore!

5. HEALTH TRAVEL INSURANCE

Things to know before visiting Singapore we recommend always bringing travel insurance when traveling abroad just in case you have any problems. You can always have food Poisson, fever or any other kind of disease.

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FACTS ABOUT SINGAPORE

6. SINGAPORE IS EXPENSIVE

If you have been traveling around Southeast Asia Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines are so cheap but prices in Singapore are expensive. Especially for accommodation where is difficult to find a room for less than $60 USD, alcohol is so expensive and prices for food and transportation are more affordable. Keep reading below!

ACCOMMODATION BUDGET TRAVEL IN SINGAPORE

If you’re looking for a cheap place to crash. There are dorm rooms in Singapore that only go for $20 USD or less. Those who want to treat themselves can always book luxury hotel rooms starting at around $200 USD per night.

Planning to book accommodation for your next trip to Singapore? Click here to book  with Booking and Agoda!

FOOD BUDGET TRAVEL IN SINGAPORE

You can find Singapore food as cheap as $3-4 USD in Chinatown and Little India. There is street food snacks starting $1 USD and even delicious juices. If you prefer to eat fancy and local restaurants it can be starting from $10-15 USD. You can go for Hawkers Center where you can get meals for $4-5 USD and they are so delicious!

7. ENTRANCE FEES IN SINGAPORE

Singapore is made for spending since there are many things to do. A few of them are free of charge and many activities will require entrance fees in Singapore like going to the zoo and visiting Universal Studios in Sentosa around $40 USD per person.

There are also museums with free entrance and other museums where you will have to pay. Gardens by the Bay has an entrance fee $21 SGD is another Singapore tourist spot that you can’t miss! All these entrance fees will increase your daily budget travel in Singapore.

8. WI-FI AND INTERNET CONNECTION IN SINGAPORE

Internet in Singapore works really fast and you will not have any problem since the speed is amazing if you are working online. You can access free WiFi at hostels and hotels and there are lots of restaurants that are offering free WiFi.

We advise that you get a sim card in Singapore, best eSim Singapore and Airalo vs Holafly Singapore eSim if you need to catch up with some work online.

9. ADAPTER IN SINGAPORE

In our Singapore travel tips you should know they use the United Kingdom adapter. A few places make it possible to fit your American and European adapter in the plug because they provide adapters. If you are coming from American and European countries, we recommend you to bring an adapter to be able to charge everywhere.

10. LOCAL TRANSPORTATION IN SINGAPORE

Local transportation in Singapore is easy and cheap. You will find maps everywhere metro and even bus schedules. And if you ever needed to ask questions or directions, you can easily find someone who speaks English.

Bus prices start from $1 SGD. Metro is really easy to move around. Once you are leave the metro to go to the street you will also find maps of the street just exiting the metro station area to guide you on how to get to your destination.

Metro fares start from $1 SGD, and the price varies depending on where you are headed. As you see public transportation in Singapore isn’t very expensive and it works great!

11. SINGAPORE BORDER CROSSING

Easy border crossing Singapore to Malaysia opened and with most of the countries free visa between both of these countries. The bus will stop at the border of Singapore for you to get your exit passport stamp and it will wait for you at the exit so it can take you until the Malaysian border where again you will need to get your passport stamped for entry.

12. Singapore Is A City State

Apart of Singapore is one of the smallest countries in the world. Singapore is a city state beside Monaco and Vatican both of them in Europe. Singapore is a such a small country but with many places to visit and many tourists visiting every day.

13. TAP WATER IS SAFE IN SINGAPORE

Tap water is safe in Singapore. It’s a concerned always for tourists when traveling to Asia and Southeast Asia about the tap water. In this case you can feel safe with tap water in Singapore. You can always buy water everywhere you will find supermarkets or small shops in Singapore and refill your bottle as we always do from the tap.

14. Singapore is so Clean

Singapore is so clean and you will realize is full of bins to throw your trash. The metro, buses and all public transportation is clean. Make sure you keep it in the same way!

15. Changi Airport Is The Best

Changi Airport is the best in the world. We have been doing long stopovers when going to Philippines and Maldives at Changi airport and you will have free WiFi, comfortable couches to sit down and all the comfort that you can imagine. You can even check a Botanic Garden in the airport and the new Jewel at Changi airport (but you will have to go out for this).

16. Try Hawker Centers in Singapore

Try Hawker Centers in Singapore you will find food from different countries. Especially Chinese, Indian food and Malay. Prices are affordable and you eat a dish for $4-5 USD. You order and later you can join your friends to the table to share the food.

17. Chewing Gum Is Banned

Chewing gum isn’t allowed to sell at Singapore weird one on the list of facts about Singapore. So make sure you aren’t bringing to avoid problems. No worries if you have one in your bag they will make you throw to the trash but you will not get a fine.

18. Keep Left While Walking And Driving

In Singapore remember to keep left when walking and driving. Following United Kingdom style instead on the right is to the left so make sure as one of the things to know before visiting Singapore.

FACTS ABOUT SINGAPORE FOOD

YOU CAN FIND VARIOUS GASTRONOMIES

Since there is a variety of people living in Singapore, the country is known for its mixed culture, which is a really good thing, especially if you love discovering new food. We definitely had a great time eating various dishes while we were visiting the country Chinese, Indian and even Malaysian food.

The cheapest prices that we found in Singapore were in Little India where you can have a meal around $5 SGD. Our favorite dishes were Chinese and street juices.

19. HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE

Hainanese chicken rice is known to be a Chinese cuisine but Singapore also have their version of it. Hainanese chicken rice is usually made with chicken and seasoned rice, served with chili sauce and garnished with vegetables and herbs.

20. LAKSA

When visiting Singapore you shouldn’t miss to taste Laksa. It is a spicy noodle soup which has thick wheat noodles, chicken, prawn or fish, served in spicy soup made of either spicy curry coconut milk or sour asam.

21. CHAR KUEY TEOW

Char kuey teow, or “stir-fried rice cake strips“ is made from flat rice noodles stir-fried with whole prawns, deshelled bean sprouts, chives, egg slices, and even fish cake.

22. Indian Food in Singapore

 

You can also try Indian food in Singapore. If you love mixed species with rice, sweets and street food. Just go around Little India and you will find the authentic flavors. And for sure more affordable dishes around $3-4 USD per person.

23. TRY DURIAN IN SINGAPORE

You can try durian in Singapore like other countries in Southeast Asia like Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Durian is coming from Durio tree. Cut the fruit, get the durian and don’t eat the seed. It’s smelly but it’s very tasty. You will get dirty eating this fruit. Prices are from $3-4 USD per kilo.

24. KAYA (COCONUT JAM)

Kaya is popular in Singapore and countries around like Malaysia. Kaya is my favorite breakfast to try as Singaporean food. Kaya is served with bread and it’s a popular spread that tastes very sweet and has a unique coconut flavor.

FESTIVALS IN SINGAPORE

25. Deepavali (Diwali Festival)

Deepavali or Diwali festival is the biggest one for Hindus. There are open houses where you can meet local people and try food. It’s celebrated in November. If you go around Little India you will find lights and all decorations for the festival in Singapore.

26. Hari Raya in Singapore

Hari Raya is the culmination of Ramadan, after a whole month of fasting. Muslims open their houses for families and friends and they enjoy chatting and eating with them. Every year is changing the date of Ramadan but Hari Raya is followed for all the Muslim countries too.

27. Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is celebrated is the biggest festival in Singapore by the Chinese people. They decorate their houses with traditional decorations for a couple of weeks. They meet their family and friends cooking food, having tea and spending time together. Chinese New Year is celebrated at the end January or February!

More Singapore Travel Tips And Things To Know Before Visiting Singapore

Places To Visit in Singapore

28. VISIT THE MARINA BAY

Marina Bay Sands is one of the main attractions in Singapore. You can visit the Marina Bay area during the day a very busy place. Full of tourists taking pictures. You can also visit at night which we really recommend you to do. The views are great less hotter than during the day and with the lights, the area can be easily magical.

29. GARDENS BY THE BAY

Gardens by the Bay is something that you can’t miss in Singapore. Wonderful sceneries are around the Flower Dome, where you will see tons of flowers and various rare plants that you have never seen before. At night, the trees in the Gardens come alive for a sound and light show.

30. BOTANIC GARDENS

You can also enjoy and relax in the Botanic Gardens. There you will see The Orchid and the Ginger Garden where you will not get tired of taking pictures or just for relaxing. Nice place for a walk while having fresh air since is really hot and humid in Singapore.

31. SENTOSA ISLAND

Sentosa Island in Singapore has a lot of fun and activities to offer from waterparks, cable cars, beaches and many more! Sentosa has the Universal Studios. You can also visit Sentosa beaches which has pristine white sands and crystal blue waters. You can go to Adventure Cove Waterpark Singapore try their fun ride and slides.

32. INFINITY POOL AT MARINA BAY

The Insta famous 150-meter Infinity Pool at the Marina Bay is the most popular pool in Singapore. The Infinity Pool is actually the world’s longest elevated pool situated at the 57th floor. You can even have a drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and breakfast from the poolside.

The pool is open from 6AM to 10PM everyday and exclusive for the hotel guests. You can click here to book with Agoda to reserve a room.

33. 1-ALTITUDE BAR

1-Altitude is the highest point in Singapore with al fresco restaurant and bar. The 360-degree view of the city that you’ll watch from here is insane! You can go for a drink at night and check it by yourself. 1-Altitude bar is located in 1 Raffles Place and opens at 6PM.

34. CHINATOWN

Chinatown has everything in Singapore from traditional temples to bars which are for explorers, party and history enthusiasts. If there’s a must-thing to do in Chinatown, it is to grab a meal! Maxwell Food Centre is the most popular one to visit. You can also go to the Thian Hock Keng Temple which is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Singapore.

35. LITTLE INDIA

Little India is the center of life for the Indian community in Singapore. You can explore the combination of their Chinese and Hindu temples, mosques and churches. Apart from your shopping experience Little India is a great place to try local Indian food for affordable prices.

36. WALKING AROUND BUGIS AREA

Walking around Bugis area is a must and it’s always full of people and tourists. You can visit local malls and local markets. If you want to taste fruit juices and different street food, this is the place to visit. There are so many choices for food in Bugis and prices are cheap. You can also buy inexpensive local souvenirs.

37. MASJID SULTAN

Masjid Sultan also known as the Sultan Mosque is located in Kampong Glam Malay Heritage District. The Sultan Mosque has domes with arabesque style, detailed decorations and ornaments.

The design at Sultan Mosque is really interesting since it is a combination of traditional Indian and Islamic elements with European architectural features. Masjid Sultan also has a prayer hall which can accommodate more than 4000 people in mass prayer. Interesting, isn’t it?

38. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE

Your visit in our Singapore travel tips won’t be complete without going to the Universal Studios. One of the most popular places to visit by tourists Universal Studios features 28 rides, attractions, and shows in 7-themed zones. Universal Studios is located within Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island. Entrance fee starts at $41 USD.

Click here to book your tickets for Universal Studios with Klook and get your discount!

39. ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM

Asian Civilisations Museum is one of the 4 main museums in Singapore. The other 3 are  Peranakan Museum at Old Tao Nan School, the National Museum of Singapore and the Singapore Art Museum. In Asian Civilisations Museum, you’ll witness a lot of exhibits showing the rich culture and history of Singapore and Asia through artifacts, art galleries, and shows.

The museum is open from 10 AM to 7 PM daily. Entrance is free for Singaporean residents but adult tourists must pay $8 SGD to enter the museum.

40. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE

National Museum of Singapore is the oldest museum in Singapore built in 1887. The structure of the National Museum of Singapore is already fascinating but what’s inside is even more amazing!

You can discover many things about the history of the country, see beautiful art exhibits, immerse yourself in the rich Singaporean culture by taking part in the museum’s different presentations and film screenings. The museum operates daily, starting from 10 AM to 7 PM. The entrance fee for adults costs $10 SGD.

WHERE TO STAY IN SINGAPORE

If you’re looking for a cheap place to crash. There are dorm rooms in Singapore that only go for $20 USD or less. Another inexpensive lodging option is AirBnB, where you can get rooms for $40-50 USD.

Hope you liked our Singapore travel tips. Let us know if we missed things to know before visiting Singapore and facts about Singapore in the comments below.

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Happy Travels!