Safety Score
8.5/10
Currency
SGD
Language
English
Timezone
Asia/Singapore
About Singapore
Singapore, a vibrant city-state off the coast of Malaysia, is a global financial hub and a melting pot of cultures. Its futuristic skyline, bustling street markets, and lush green spaces offer a unique blend of urban and natural attractions. From sampling unique street foods to exploring world-class shopping malls, the city offers something for every traveler.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Singapore is between February and April. These months have the most pleasant weather and coincide with various outdoor events and festivals.
Singapore Travel Tips - Singapore Visitor Guide
Insider Tips for Visiting Singapore
Insider Tips
18 local insights to help you travel smarter
Use SimplyGo to pay for MRT and buses by tapping your contactless Visa/Mastercard or mobile wallet (Apple/Google Pay) directly—no separate travel card required.
"Chope" your seat at busy hawker centers by placing a packet of tissues on the table before heading off to queue for food.
Download the Grab or Gojek apps for ride-hailing; they are generally more reliable and transparent with pricing than street-hailing taxis during peak hours.
Stand on the left side of escalators in malls and MRT stations to allow people in a hurry to pass on the right.
Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) when visiting religious sites like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple or Sultan Mosque; many provide wraps at the entrance.
Bring a reusable water bottle; Singapore’s tap water is perfectly safe to drink and meets World Health Organization standards.
Visit the Gardens by the Bay "Garden Rhapsody" light show at 7:45 PM or 8:45 PM—it’s completely free and best viewed from lying down under the Supertrees.
Use the free "BusConnect" or "MyTransport.SG" apps to see real-time bus arrivals and avoid waiting in the humidity.
Avoid eating or drinking (even plain water) on the MRT or in stations to avoid a fine of up to $500.
Head to the Jewel Changi Airport's Rain Vortex early in the morning or late at night to enjoy the world's tallest indoor waterfall without the heavy transit crowds.
Visit the Wet Markets in Tiong Bahru or Geylang Serai before 10:00 AM to see the authentic side of local life and find the freshest ingredients.
Tipping is not expected in Singapore as a 10% service charge and 9% GST are usually already included in your restaurant bill.
Check "HungryGoWhere" or "Burpple" for honest local food reviews and to find hidden gems in suburban heartland areas.
Clear your own tray at hawker centers after eating; it is now a legal requirement with fines for those who leave litter or used tissues behind.
Visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens (a UNESCO site) at sunrise to catch locals practicing Tai Chi or yoga in the cool morning air.
Walk through the "Passages" of the Marina Bay Sands shoppes during mid-afternoon to stay in the AC while moving between the ArtScience Museum and the Merlion.
Don't buy chewing gum into the country; it is restricted for sale and its disposal is strictly regulated to keep the streets clean.
Get a "Tourist SIM" from Singtel or StarHub at the airport; they offer massive data bundles (100GB+) that are much cheaper than international roaming.
Singapore Travel Tips - Essential Visitor Information
Get the most out of your Singapore trip with essential travel tips from people who know the city well. From local customs and getting around, to budgeting advice and safety — these insider tips help you visit Singapore like a local.
Understanding how Singapore works — its transport, tipping culture, local etiquette, and hidden costs — can make the difference between a stressful trip and a seamless one. These tips are based on real traveller experiences in Singapore.
The tips below cover everything you need to know before and during your Singapore visit, organised so you can find relevant advice quickly whether you're still planning or already there.
Frequently Asked Questions about Singapore
What should I know before visiting Singapore?
Key tips include understanding local customs, knowing the currency, and being aware of any visa requirements. Our comprehensive tips above cover everything you need for a smooth trip.
What's the tipping culture in Singapore?
Tipping customs vary by location and service type. Check our detailed tips above for specific guidance on tipping at restaurants, hotels, and for tour services in Singapore.
Is English widely spoken in Singapore?
English proficiency varies. In tourist areas, you'll generally find English speakers, but learning a few local phrases is always appreciated and helpful.
Explore More of Singapore
About Singapore, Singapore
Singapore is one of Singapore's most visited destinations, celebrated for Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Universal Studios Singapore, Orchard Road shopping district. The city draws travellers who come to experience its unique blend of history, culture, and modern life — a character shaped over centuries that few destinations in Asia can match. Whether you're planning a short city break or a longer trip, Singapore has enough depth and variety to reward every type of visitor.
Our free Singapore guide covers 18 attractions and points of interest, from iconic landmarks and historic sites to local markets, parks, and neighbourhood highlights. The city's top attractions span a broad range of interests — museum lovers will find world-class collections and gallery spaces, while those who prefer open-air exploration can discover historic quarters, waterfront districts, and green spaces that reveal Singapore's everyday character. Most major sights are reachable on foot or by public transport, making it easy to combine several stops in a single day without needing to hire a car or join an organised tour.
The food scene in Singapore is one of the city's enduring draws. Our guide features 25 handpicked restaurants and dining spots, ranging from street food stalls and neighbourhood eateries serving authentic Singapore cuisine to mid-range bistros and higher-end dining with atmosphere and views. Eating well in Singapore doesn't require a large budget — some of the most memorable meals come from simple local places that most visitors walk straight past. Taking the time to explore different areas and neighbourhoods quickly reveals how Singapore's food culture reflects the broader personality of the city and its people.
Choosing where to stay shapes the entire experience of a Singapore visit. Our guide includes 25 vetted accommodation options across the city's main districts, covering budget-friendly hostels, mid-range hotels, boutique properties, and apartments suited to longer stays or families. Staying centrally puts the main sights within easy walking distance, but choosing a quieter neighbourhood a little further out often delivers better value and a more authentic local feel. The right area depends on what matters most to you — whether that's access to key attractions, good public transport links, proximity to the best restaurants, or simply finding a part of Singapore that fits your pace.
A few practical details worth knowing before you travel: the local language is English; the currency is SGD; the best time to visit is The best time to visit Singapore is between February and April. These months have the most pleasant weather and coincide with various outdoor events and festivals.. Getting around Singapore is generally straightforward — most cities in Singapore offer a reliable mix of metro, bus, and tram networks, with central areas compact enough to cover on foot. Local customs, tipping etiquette, safety advice, and money-saving strategies are all covered in the dedicated Singapore travel tips section of this free guide, which is updated regularly to reflect current conditions on the ground.
