7 Tips for Traveling To Singapore

If you are traveling to Singapore for the first time, you must prepare for it. This city is equipped with all the modern trappings and is easy to navigate. Here I have rounded up 7 tips to make your Singapore trip a great success.

1. Dress According to the Weather

Singapore‘s tropical climate ranges from 26–34 degrees Celsius on average. Considering this high humidity, you should pick the right clothing to wear. Plan your outdoor activities for cooler mornings, and city walks at night when the lights come on. Do not forget to carry an umbrella, as this tropical climate swings from blistering sunshine to torrential downpours in a matter of minutes.

2. Get ready to spend a little more

Singapore is one of the more expensive cities globally, better to get ready to spend a little more than exploring its Southeast Asian neighbors. The extra fees you’ll spend may be worth it as it’s small enough to explore properly in a short amount of time, and it is convenient and with the right infrastructure at your fingertips.

3. Use Public transport

The public transport is the cheapest and easiest way to get around Singapore as it has an extensive public transport system that is modern and well-maintained. Get a stored-value EZ-Link card to use on the buses and subways. Taxis are metered, but you can also use ride-sharing apps like Grab. You may also opt for the bike-sharing opportunity which is growing in popularity and a cheap way to get around.

4. Eat food at hawker centers

This is the best way to save money. You can opt for hawker centers that opting for hipster cafes and fancy restaurants. You will find here Singapore’s most authentic cuisine, just join the stall that has the longest queue. It is usually cheaper than the food in air-conditioned food courts and the centers are typically further from tourist areas, so sweating outside may be worth it.

5. Partying and smoking is expensive

Consuming alcohol in Singapore is highly taxed. So getting a drink or buying a bottle in any nightlife establishment or restaurant is an expensive affair. You can get your booze for a house party from the supermarkets for cheaper. But make sure you do it before 10:30 p.m. as shops stop selling liquor after this. Cigarettes are also expensive in Singapore, and it is hard to smoke in public. It is banned in restaurants, clubs, and a fixed perimeter around most public transport areas. You should look for the yellow smokers’ box to see where you can take a legal puff.

6. Know the customs rules and duty-free concessions

If you are trying to get around the expensive alcohol and tobacco taxes, know the duty-free concessions. Singapore has a law about what you can bring in, and you may face stiff fines if you’re caught not following the rules. You can buy one liter of spirits, wine, and beer, or two liters of wine, plus one liter of beer, and vice versa. You cannot get any concession on tobacco products. You can have one already-opened packet, but everything else is taxable, while e-tobacco products are banned.

7. Additional tipping not necessary

Singapore does not encourage tipping culture. Although it’s welcome if you want to reward excellent service. Smaller shops and hawker centers usually charge an all-inclusive “net” fee. When it comes to cafes, restaurants, and bars, you might be charged an additional 10% service charge on top of your bill.