8 Travel Tips To Make Your First Visit to Singapore Absolutely Hassle-Free (2024)

Traveling to Singapore for the first time? Being one of the most fascinating destinations in Southeast Asia, the tiny island nation of Singapore attracts thousands of tourists every year from different parts of the globe. However, if you are traveling to Singapore for the first time, there are some things that you need to be aware of. Whether you want to witness a spectacular skyline or be awed by contemporary architecture, Singapore is undoubtedly the best destination. Here are some of the travel tips that you must keep in mind during your first visit to Singapore.

8 Travel Tips To Make Your First Visit to Singapore Absolutely Hassle-Free

1. Use Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) and Grab For Visiting Places

Not sure how to go around the city? Visiting the popular attractions becomes much easier when you avail the Mass Rapid Transport i.e. MRT. Connecting all the spots across the city, MRT is one of the most recommended ways to travel in and around Singapore. You can easily buy a one-day pass that costs $20. With this pass, you can avail basic bus services and travel on MRT as well as LRT trains. A 3-day pass comes at the cost $30 inclusive of $10 refundable rental deposit. If you prefer to travel in a cab, Grab is the best option for you. Download the app before flying to Singapore. It is designed to work like Uber.
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2. Be Prepared For The Tropical Climate

Enjoying a tropical climate throughout the year, the average temperature in Singapore remains in between 26 and 34 degrees. With high humidity comes a greater amount of perspiration. This is why you should be careful about what you are packing. If you have a lot of outdoor activities planned, you should definitely spend time choosing your clothes. And, it is better to keep outdoor activities for the morning or evenings. Also, don’t forget to carry an umbrella because you will need it in case there is a sudden downpour or even to protect yourself from the scorching heat of the sun.

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3. Save Money With Meals at Hawker Centers

Visiting Singapore might tax your pocket a little more than you actually expected it to. Eating meals at the fancy top class restaurants is not going to save you bucks. If you are on a budget trip, you must visit the hawker centers which offer the authentic Singaporean food at pocket-friendly prices. Even though the air-conditioned food courts might allure you, there is no better way to soak in the real vibe of Singapore than eating at the hawker centers. Shall you be concerned about hygiene standards, you should keep your eye open for colored placards that are displayed at these food stalls. Ratings on these placards range from A (the best) to D (a risk).

4. Obey The Rules

Singapore is quite stringent when it comes to adhering to laws and regulations. Failure to obey these rules might invite penalties and harsh punishments as well. Rules in Singapore prohibit actions such as spitting on the street, sticking chewing gum on public property, tossing cigarette butt into a drain, etc. While most of these rules are derived from common sense, help the authorities to keep Singapore neat and clean. Participating in acts like vandalism may lead to incarceration and caning. Being involved in drug related offenses may get you a death penalty. It is all these rules that make Singapore one of the safest countries in the globe.

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5. Partying Is An Expensive Affair

As you plan your first trip to Singapore, you must know that partying is quite expensive in Singapore. Most nightlife places levy high amounts of taxes on alcohol. So, if you want to buy a bottle of wine from a nightlife shop, expect to pay an exorbitant price. That’s why many opt for happy hour deals or even buy alcohol from supermarkets. However, please remember that most of the shops don’t sell liquor after 10:30 pm. You will also find cigarettes to be quite expensive in Singapore. With smoking being banned in public, it is a daunting task to smoke and not be seen. Shall you desire to smoke, look for yellow smokers’ boxes.

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6. Additional Tipping Not Mandatory

Want to reward excellent services provided at a restaurant? Well, tipping is not mandatory at restaurants in Singapore. Since there isn’t a tipping culture, the service staff usually don’t expect to receive tips from customers. So, remember that while eating out at fancy restaurants. Most shops and hawker centres charge all-inclusive prices. However, shops offering service usually charge a 7% goods and services tax. An additional 10% service charge is charged by most of the cafes, restaurants, and bars. To understand whether the restaurant charges this service charge or not, search for a ++ sign on the menu provided.

7. Plenty of Free Things to Do

There is no doubt that Singapore is expensive when it comes to accommodation and sightseeing. However, there is no dearth of free things to do. After arriving at the Changi Airport, start with the dramatic HSBC Sky Vortex and Shiseido Forest Valley. You should definitely watch the open-air performances at the Esplanade, the Singapore Botanical Gardens, Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, etc. Another must-watch show is the light and water show at the Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay. And, you’ll be amazed to know that most of the parks in Singapore are free to enter except the Flower and Cloud Domes at Gardens.

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8. Safety and Rate of Crime

Even though Singapore is considered one of the safest countries in the globe, travelers may fall prey to scamsters. IN such cases, please try to leave the spot immediately and notify the police by dialing 999 from your phone.

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Well, this is the ultimate list of things that you must know before visiting Singapore for the first time. Whether you were not sure about what kind of clothes to carry or how to travel in and around the city, this article covers every nitty-gritty detail to make your first trip to Singapore even more memorable and hassle-free.