Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | S$25–50 | S$100–200 |
| Food | S$15–25 | S$40–80 |
| Transport | S$6–12 | S$20–40 |
| Activities | S$0–20 | S$40–80 |
| Drinks | S$0–10 | S$20–40 |
| Daily Total | S$50–120 | S$220–440 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Most nationalities get 30 days visa-free — just show up with a valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Electronic arrival card (SGAC) must be completed online within 3 days before arrival — free
- Chewing gum is banned for import — leave it at home or risk a fine at customs
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required. Tap water is safe to drink everywhere — refill freely
- Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world — walking alone at 3am is completely normal
- Dengue fever risk exists — use mosquito repellent, especially near parks and gardens
Getting Around
- MRT is fast, clean, and cheap (S$0.92–2.20). Get an EZ-Link card (S$10 incl. S$5 credit) at any station
- Grab is the main ride-hailing app (Uber exited Singapore). GrabShare is cheapest for solo travelers
- The city is very walkable — most attractions in the centre are 15–20 minutes apart on foot
Connectivity
- Tourist SIM cards at Changi Airport: Singtel, StarHub, or M1 from S$12 for 7 days with 100GB data
- Free WiFi on MRT (Wireless@SGx), in malls, and at all hawker centres — fast and reliable
- All messaging apps work unrestricted — no VPN needed unlike some neighbouring countries
Money
- Cards accepted almost everywhere including hawker centres (PayNow/NETS). Carry S$20 cash as backup
- ATMs charge S$5–7 per withdrawal — withdraw larger amounts less often. DBS/POSB ATMs are most common
- Tipping is not expected and often refused — a 10% service charge is already added at restaurants
Packing Tips
- Light, breathable clothing only — it is 30°C and humid year-round. Cotton and linen beat synthetics
- A compact umbrella is essential — tropical downpours are sudden, heavy, and over within an hour
- Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a light layer for aggressively air-conditioned malls and MRT
Cultural tips
Hawker Etiquette
Reserve seats with a tissue packet (the "chope" system) — it is universally understood. Tray return is now mandatory at hawker centres. Queue patiently — cutting lines is a cardinal sin.
Strict Laws
No littering (S$300 fine), no jaywalking (S$50), no eating/drinking on MRT (S$500), no smoking except in designated areas. These are actively enforced — not just posted signs.
Temple Etiquette
Remove shoes before entering temples and mosques. Cover shoulders and knees at Sultan Mosque (robes provided free). Do not point feet at Buddha images or step on thresholds in Chinese temples.
Singlish
Singaporeans speak English peppered with Singlish — "lah" (emphasis), "can" (yes), "shiok" (delicious/great). Embrace it. Food is the national obsession — asking locals for recommendations opens every door.
Eco-Awareness
Singapore takes sustainability seriously. Bring a reusable bag (plastic bags now cost S$0.05), use the excellent public transport, and respect the immaculate green spaces — they did not happen by accident.
Multiculturalism
Singapore has four official languages and three major ethnic groups living in deep harmony. Respect all cultural practices — you will visit Chinese temples, Indian shrines, and Malay mosques in a single day.
