Plan Your Trip

Travellers Essentials

Find out which power adaptor to bring, what clothes to pack to suit the weather, whether you need to apply for a visa, and other useful information before you visit Singapore.

 

Visa requirements*

Check up on visa requirements and the Visa Free Transit Facility with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority or the Singapore Overseas Mission closest to you.

Currency

The official currency of Singapore is the Singapore dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, bars, shops, hotels and taxis in Singapore.

No Smoking Areas

Smoking is prohibited in public transportation, air-conditioned and common places, including areas within 5 metres of building entrances and bus shelters.

Weather

Singapore is hot and humid all year round, with temperatures reaching highs of over 30°C. Rain storms are unpredictable, and often torrential but brief.

Languages

Singapore has four official languages - Malay, English, Mandarin and Tamil, but English is the default common language.

Power Plug

The standard electrical current in Singapore is 220-240 volts AC (50 cycles). Power plugs are large with three square prongs, similar to the UK.

Safe drinking water

Water from the tap is safe to drink in Singapore. Bottled water is also widely available.

Seasonality

Singapore's social calendar is marked by annual festivals and major events such as the Great Singapore Sale (May-Jun), Formula 1 Grand Prix (Sept) and Christmas (Dec).

Closure Information

Hotels, attractions, shops and restaurants are open seven days a week. Small businesses such as hawker stalls often close one day of the week and during festive holidays.

GST Refund

Apply for a refund on the 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST) when you make purchases worth more than 100SGD from participating outlets. Please visit www.customs.gov.sg for more information.

Alcohol Consumption

From 10.30pm to 7am, liquor consumption in public areas is prohibited. At this time, alcohol can only be purchased and consumed at licensed premises and at home.

Tipping

Tipping is not a Singaporean culture but it is a growing practice for good service in restaurants, hotels and taxis.

*Travellers are to submit the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) and the necessary Physical Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments (CBNI) declarations electronically if you are carrying more than S$20,000 in total value of CBNI, or its equivalent in a foreign currency.

Submission of SGAC is free and can be done via the SGAC e-Service or MyICA Mobile app. Please refer to SGAC with Electronic Health Declaration for more information. As for more information on CBNI, please refer to Immigrations and Checkpoints Authority's (ICA) website.

Common expenses

Accommodation

Mid-range hotels in good locations start from 120SGD/85USD a night. Luxury hotels start from 340SGD/240USD a night.

Fast Food

A McDonald's regular McValue Meal cost 7.50SGD/5.50USD

Movies

A movie ticket costs around 13.50SGD/9.50USD. Prices can vary according to screening times.

Taxis

A 2km taxi ride during non-peak hours can cost 7SGD/5USD

Local Transport

Taxi

Taxis in Singapore are plentiful, comfortable, safe and easy to use. You can hail a taxi on the street or catch one from designated taxi stands in the city centre. Alternatively, you can book a taxi by calling the Dial-A-Cab hotline at +65 6342 5222 or texting "BOOKsix-digit postal code" to 71222. You could also use a mobile phone app like Comfort DelGro, Taxi Booking App, SMRT Book a Taxi or GrabTaxi. Booking charges apply for these services. In Singapore, fares are charged by the meter and start from 3SGD/2USD. Additional charges may apply depending on location as well as when you travel during peak hours and after midnight. Receipts are provided upon request. Limousine taxi services charge a flat rate, and can only be hired from an authorised limousine counter or over the phone.

Trains and buses

It is easy to get around in Singapore by public transportation, with an extensive network of trains and buses connecting to almost every corner of the island. Safe and efficient, the trains connect the major areas of the island-city. The trains run from 6am to midnight, and cost a minimum of 1.4SGD/1USD for cash fares. Single trip tickets can be purchased from vending machines at all MRT stations. Comfortable buses travel to almost every part of the island, including the heartland. Cash fares start from 1.4SGD/1USD. Night buses from the city centre to the residential estates are available on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as on the eve of public holidays. If you are staying for a few days, consider getting an EZ-link card. A useful card for savings and convenience, the card can be used on both trains and buses, with fares starting from 77 cents. You can purchase the card at selected MRT stations, bus interchanges and 7-Eleven stores.

The Singapore Tourist Pass

Enjoy the sights and sounds without hassle by using the Singapore Tourist Pass. With the all-day Pass, you can save time and money as it offers you unlimited rides on Singapore's public transport system, including the MRT, LRT and basic bus services. It excludes travel on premium and niche bus services. The pass is available in three options – 1-day (10SGD/7USD), 2-days (16SGD/12USD) and 3-days (20SGD/14USD), with a refundable 10SGD/7USD deposit for the card. You can purchase the Singapore Tourist Pass from select TransitLink Ticket Offices located at MRT stations. For more information, please visit www.thesingaporetouristpass.com.sg.

Licenses and Permits

Most of the necessary applications for approval for various licenses and permits can be made through the official website  Below are some activities that require approvals, licenses and permits. Always ensure that all proper approvals, licenses and permits are obtained and maintained for its activities, whether before, during or after the Event.

Flags and Advertising

Advertising using Singapore flag

Flying of non-Singapore nationality flags

Flying of helium balloon in the open areas (License approval required only if there is text on the balloon)

Tobacco and Alcohol

Sale of liquor

Auction of liquor

Smoking and tobacco products

Food, Plant and Animals

Selling / Supply of Food & Beverage

Display or Sale of Dragon fish

Foodstuff, animal / bird / fish exhibition, livestock and all agricultural products

Construction

Restricted/Controlled activities within railway protection zone at service bay (Construction, crane or hoisting equipment, show billboards, scaffolding, temporary shelters/tentages, storage & demonstration areas)

Temporary erection of Multi Storey Structures

Temporary Change of use for outdoor events

Medicine and cosmetics

Display of drugs and medicines

Display of cosmetics

Fireworks, firearms and explosives

Pyrotechnics Display

Defence-related events with arms and explosive elements

Must haves

From aromatic jams to fine teas, herbal remedies and Merlion souvenirs, it is easy to pick up a unique souvenir from Singapore.

Charred meaty goodness

A Chinese favourite, bakkwa is prime meat marinated in sugar, soy sauce and spices, then grilled over charcoal to charred perfection. A popular gift during Chinese New Year, when queues for it are long, it is available all year round. Ask for it to be wrapped and sealed for your journey home. Bee Cheng Hiang is one of the many established brands in Singapore. *Do check on your country's laws on bringing in food products before purchasing.

An icon for the ages

Half-lion, half-fish, the Merlion is an enduring symbol of Singapore as it reflects its fabled founding and maritime heritage. It is most famous as the statue standing guard at the mouth of the Singapore River. The icon is also widely available in the shape of souvenir items such as key chains, fridge magnets and more, and is a special memento of your time in Singapore.

Fragrant coconut jam

Kaya is an aromatic jam made from egg, coconut milk and sugar, infused with the fragrant flavours of pandan leaves. It is best eaten as a spread on toasted Hainanese bread with lashes of butter, and you can sample it at Ya Kun Kaya Toast and Killiney Kopitiam. For takeaways, you can find bottled kaya from most supermarkets and bakeries in Singapore.

Flavours that excite the senses

A must-try in Singapore's culinary offerings, laksa is a Peranakan (Straits Chinese) noodle dish with a rich, creamy and spicy coconut soup. Replicate the flavours at home with ready-to-cook laksa paste. Made from a variety of herbs and spices such as dried chillies, galangal, coriander and shrimp paste, it is a taste of Singapore that is sure to impress everyone back home.

Age-old remedies

Traditional Chinese Medicine was developed in ancient China and has been in practice for thousands of years, including in Singapore. It uses herbal medicines, acupuncture and massage therapy to prevent, diagnose and cure illnesses. Stock up on the many herbal remedies to aid in an ailment or as a preventive measure. You can find traditional Chinese medicine shops in Chinatown.

Blends for the discerning

As the tea culture takes a hold in Singapore, homegrown brands such as TWG and Gryphon have stepped in with beautifully packaged teas from around the world. Ideal gifts for the tea connoisseur or the gourmand, these luxury tea brands offer the finest tea leaves and exclusive blends to please the palate and the senses.

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