Singapore is a small island nation located in Southeast Asia that is a modern and diverse cultural destination. It is known for its skyscrapers, modern architecture, beautiful parks, and a wide variety of restaurants, shops, museums, and cultural attractions. Some of the major tourist attractions in Singapore include Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and the Singapore Exchange. Also known as a foodie paradise, Singapore is renowned for its diverse food culture, especially at the Newton Hawker Center, where you can enjoy local cuisine. The city is also culturally diverse, with many different races and religions coexisting in harmony with nature, including Clarke Quay and the Botanic Gardens along the Singapore River.
1. Quick Facts
Language English/ Chinese/ Malay
Religion Buddhism 33%, Christianity 18%, Islam 15%
Currency Singapore dollar (SGD, S$)
Visa Visa-free for up to 90 days (but only for nationals of visa-free countries)
Power Plugs 230 V 50 Hz (C /G/M Type)
Capital Singapore
ATM ATM are also readily available, allowing you to withdraw local currency using your credit or debit card.
Use card
Using a credit card is more convenient than carrying cash. Credit cards can be used for a variety of expenses while travelling, including hotel payments, restaurant bills, and shopping.You’ll need cash for shopping or snacks at local markets. Carry cash in US dollars or Singapore dollars, which can be exchanged at any time.
Useful APP
Google Maps
Whats App
Grab
Gojek
CDG Zig
2. Packing for your trip
Air plain Ticket
Dollar Flight Club has made it easier and cheaper to buy flights to the Airport.
SIM card
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices.
New member one-time use 15% discount coupon
10% discount coupon for multiple use by all members.
Pacsafe Pro safe 800 Luggage Lock
Good protection against snatchers or impulse thieves.
Universal Power Adapter
One of the most essential but most forgotten items in your travel gear? A power adapter!
Travel insurance
Prepare for risky situations Travel insurance can be a big help in the event of an emergency
GoPro HERO11
If you want to capture your own memories of your travels, GoPro is the way to go. It’s small, has great image quality, and is easy to carry around
Sunblock
Bali is known for its hot climate and the sun can be intense. Pack sunscreen with a high SPF factor to protect your skin.
First aid kit
It’s a good idea to bring some first aid kit with you for minor illnesses or indigestion while travelling. You’ll be able to respond quickly if you need medication. If you need to pack your own medication, pack it along with a ‘prescription’.
3. Transportation
In Singapore, you can use the transport card EZLINK to link the metro and buses.
MRT
The Singapore Metro boasts an extensive network covering the entire city, making it a highly organised and convenient mode of transport. Fares vary depending on the distance travelled. For adults, the Singapore Metro fare is between s$0.69 and s$1.87.
For children aged 7 and above and between 90cm and 120cm tall, you need to use a child concession card to get a discount.
BUS
Singapore Bus Fares (Adults)
Card fare: s$1.09 per trip Cash fare: s$1.90 per trip
Sentosa Monorail fare is only charged when entering Sentosa Island and is $4The monorail out of Sentosa Island is free.Children under 90cm tall travel free.
Singapore taxi apps are Grab, Gojek, and CDG Zig.
Gojek generally offers cheaper fares than Grab.
The main difference between CDG Zig, Grab, and Gojek is that CDG Zig allows you to use Singapore taxis at metered fares, rather than pricing taxis based on market demand.
4. Safety
Singapore has very good public safety with strong laws and regulations.
Useful phone numbers for tourists
Police: 999
Ambulance: 995
Fire Service: 995
National dialing code: 421
5. Climate
Singapore has a hot and humid tropical climate, with temperatures hovering between 25°C and 31°C all year round, with no significant seasonal changes.
November to January is the monsoon season, when temperatures are relatively cool, and February to April is a great time to travel as Singapore receives relatively little rainfall and the weather is very stable.
6. price
The cost of living in Singapore is among the highest in Asia.
Petrol (1 liter) s$ 3.00
McDonald’s Combo Meal: s$ 9.00
Water (1.5 liter): s$ 2.00
Milk (1 liter) s$ 3.50
7. Travel precautions
Chewing gum : It is illegal to bring chewing gum into Singapore. Singapore has strict restrictions on bringing gum into the country.
The penalty for bringing gum into the country is a fine of up to S$10,000/imprisonment of up to one year. Spitting in public is punishable by a fine of S$800, jaywalking is punishable by a fine of S$400, littering is punishable by a fine of S$800, and smoking outside of designated areas is punishable by a fine of S$800, so it’s a good idea to be aware of public order. Singapore experiences hot weather with high humidity, so be sure to stay hydrated and bring sunscreen with you
8. Etiquette & Service Tip
Singaporeans take punctuality seriously.
They value privacy, so it’s better to book lunch rather than dinner.
Tip
Tip is not mandatory in Singapore. You don’t have to tip extra at restaurants or hotels. The bill already includes the cost of the food, tax, and service charge, so you don’t need to tip extra. However, if you’re happy with the service, then you can leave a separate tip.
9. Holidays
The public holidays in Singapore in 2024
1 Jan Mon New Year’s Day
10 Feb Sat Chinese New Year
11 Feb Sun Chinese New Year Holiday
12 Feb Mon Chinese New Year Holiday
29 Mar Fri Good Friday
10 Apr Wed Hari Raya Puasa
1 May Wed Labour Day
22 May Wed Vesak Day
17 Jun Mon Hari Raya Haji
9 Aug Fri National Day
31 Oct Thu Deepavali
25 Dec Wed Christmas Day
2025 National Public Holidays:
Wednesday, 1 January : New Year’s Day
Wednesday, 29 January : Chinese New Year
Thursday, 30 January : Chinese New Year Holiday
Monday, 31March : Hari Raya Puasa
Friday, 18 April : Good Friday
Thursday, 1 May : Labour Day
Monday, 12 May : Vesak Day
Saturday,7 June : Hari Raya Haji
Saturday, 9 August : National Day
Monday, 20 October : Deepavali
Thursday, 25 December: Christmas Day