Wondering what you need to know before visiting Singapore? Here are the top Singapore travel tips, from a local who lived abroad for 11 years and has brought countless foreign friends around, covering tipping, local laws, and more.
It's not a Southeast Asian country
OK, fine, Singapore literally is located in Southeast Asia.
However, it's very different from its neighbours- if you're expecting a similar experience to Thailand or Indonesia, you will be shocked.
For one, the cost of living is much higher in Singapore so don't count on it being a cheap holiday. (Other than accommodation, traveling in Singapore can be as cheap or expensive as you want it to be- you can, for example, eat in a (cheaper) street food market (hawker centre) or at a Michelin star restaurant. Similarly, you can take (relatively cheap) public transport or a cab.)
It's also fairly safe but, as we locals like to say, no crime is not no crime!
Food
The one thing you must bring to Singapore is your appetite!
I would say eating is one of the BEST things to do in Singapore (and here are the top Singapore foods you must try)- tied with visiting the Marina Bay Area.
You can even learn to cook authentic Singaporean dishes in these local cooking classes- I've tried a few and they do taste similar to what you get at the hawker centre!
Tap Water is Drinkable
Most Singaporeans drink tap water at home.
Return your Trays at Hawker Centres
It's actually an offence to leave your plates and trays on the table at hawker centres! (More about Singapore's strict laws below.) At restaurants you're usually not expected to clear after yourself.
Note: Singapore is a multi cultural country and we have a significant Muslim population so the tray return stations for Muslim food and regular food are separate- PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT MIX THEM UP!
Chope-ing
At hawker centres, it's common practice to reserve your seat (or "chope" your seat, in the local lingo) with whatever you have on you- this could be a packet of tissue (the most common), your umbrella etc
Tissues
Bring tissues or wet wipes if going to hawker centers- they don’t provide napkins for free.
Go Off-Peak
If you don't like crowds- like me!- you may want to avoid hawker centres at regular dining times and dine "off-peak" (e.g. between 2.30-5.30 p.m.) ESPECIALLY if the hawker centres are located near offices, such as Lau Pa Sat.
Public Transport
Tapping On & Off
Unlike the tube in London (for example), you need to tap on AND tap off when using the bus in Singapore. If not, you'll be charged for a longer ride than you took!
Many Exits
Most of the MRT (subway) stations have many exits, each coming out to a different place, so check for the one closest to your destination to save commuting time.
No Eating or Drinking
At MRT stations, unless you want to pay a fine!
Strict Laws
Most of you already know this, but Singapore has rather strict laws- sometimes for things you won't have heard of elsewhere. I mean, we even have shirts that state "Singapore is a FINE city" (a pun on the fines imposed for breaking laws. However, the punishment can be more severe too.)
For example, the ban on chewing gum. And DO NOT BRING DRUGS TO SINGAPORE.
What You'll Need
Light, breathable clothing
The heat and humidity are intense year-round in Singapore- I personally live in cotton in Singapore.
You may also want to carry a small foldable umbrella for sudden tropical showers- personally I don't because I find them heavy to carry but this does mean I sometimes have to wait a bit for the rain to stop. (The rain in Singapore can be very heavy.)
And, I always make sure I have sunblock on.
For a full Singapore packing list, click here.
Malls can be Freezers
Now I love air-conditioning on hot days but some places in Singapore take it to the extreme- you may need a cardigan or even jacket in some shopping centres!
Tote Bag
Like the UK, there's a charge on disposable bags so, if you want to save money and help the environment, bring your own bag when you shop.
Refillable water bottle
Hydration is crucial in the heat and Singapore often has water filters scattered around that you can refill at.
Cash + Card
Singapore is quite advanced in terms of payment systems but some places still take cash only (to avoid transaction fees and who can blame them?!)
Paying with cash is more common in places like hawker centres and some smaller eateries.
Others
Tipping
It's not standard practice but no one will be offended by more money. If they don't want it, they'll just tell you 🙂
Shoes OFF indoors
If you're invited to a locals home, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take your shoes off before you enter the house.
Singaporeans are almost OCD-ish about (some types of) cleanliness- for example, many of us will wash our feet immediately after returning home OR we will only touch our beds AFTER we shower (if we've gone out.)
Any questions about planning a trip to Singapore? Let me know in the comments!
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