Before You Visit
Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Singapore
Practical answers about entry requirements, transport, weather, money, food, local customs, airport layovers, accessibility and planning your first visit.
Planning Your Trip
Is Singapore Worth Visiting?
Yes, especially if you enjoy food, history, architecture,
multicultural neighbourhoods, gardens and an easy-to-navigate city.
Singapore is compact, but its neighbourhoods are very different from one another. Marina Bay, Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Gelam, Katong-Joo Chiat, Tiong Bahru and the Civic District each show a different side of the country.
Singapore can work well as a destination in its own right or as part of a wider trip through Asia.
Singapore is compact, but its neighbourhoods are very different from one another. Marina Bay, Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Gelam, Katong-Joo Chiat, Tiong Bahru and the Civic District each show a different side of the country.
Singapore can work well as a destination in its own right or as part of a wider trip through Asia.
How Many Days Do I Need In Singapore?
Two to four full days works well for many first-time visitors.
One day gives you time for a focused introduction to several major areas.
Two or three days gives you more time for cultural neighbourhoods, gardens, museums, local food and different parts of the city.
Four days or longer allows for a more relaxed pace and additional areas such as Sentosa, Mandai, Katong-Joo Chiat, Pulau Ubin or the Southern Ridges.
One day gives you time for a focused introduction to several major areas.
Two or three days gives you more time for cultural neighbourhoods, gardens, museums, local food and different parts of the city.
Four days or longer allows for a more relaxed pace and additional areas such as Sentosa, Mandai, Katong-Joo Chiat, Pulau Ubin or the Southern Ridges.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Singapore?
Singapore can be visited throughout the year.
Temperatures remain warm and humidity is generally high,
with rain possible in every month.
Your preferred dates may depend more on airfare, hotel prices, school holidays, festivals and major events than on changes in temperature.
Read our complete guide to the best time to visit Singapore .
Your preferred dates may depend more on airfare, hotel prices, school holidays, festivals and major events than on changes in temperature.
Read our complete guide to the best time to visit Singapore .
Is Singapore Expensive?
Singapore can be expensive for accommodation, alcohol,
private transport and some major attractions,
but everyday food and public transport can be reasonably priced.
Hawker centres and local coffee shops make it possible to eat well without relying on expensive restaurants. The MRT and bus network can also reduce transport costs.
Your overall spending will depend mostly on your hotel, dining preferences, attractions and transport choices.
Hawker centres and local coffee shops make it possible to eat well without relying on expensive restaurants. The MRT and bus network can also reduce transport costs.
Your overall spending will depend mostly on your hotel, dining preferences, attractions and transport choices.
Is Singapore Safe For Tourists?
Singapore is generally considered a safe destination
for visitors, including solo travellers and families.
Normal travel precautions still apply. Look after your belongings, use legitimate transport services and remain alert to online, financial and impersonation scams.
Emergency assistance is available by calling 999 for police or 995 for ambulance or fire emergencies.
Normal travel precautions still apply. Look after your belongings, use legitimate transport services and remain alert to online, financial and impersonation scams.
Emergency assistance is available by calling 999 for police or 995 for ambulance or fire emergencies.
Is English Widely Spoken?
Yes. English is widely spoken and commonly used on signs,
menus, public transport announcements and in hotels,
attractions and government services.
Singapore is multilingual, so you will also hear Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and many other languages in everyday life.
Singapore is multilingual, so you will also hear Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and many other languages in everyday life.
Entry Requirements
Do I Need A Visa To Visit Singapore?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality,
passport, travel document and circumstances.
Check the latest requirements directly with Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority before travelling.
Check Singapore entry requirements with ICA .
Check the latest requirements directly with Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority before travelling.
Check Singapore entry requirements with ICA .
What Is The SG Arrival Card?
The SG Arrival Card is an electronic arrival declaration
required from most travellers entering Singapore.
It is not a visa and does not replace a visa if one is required.
Submission through the official Immigration & Checkpoints Authority service is free. Be cautious of unofficial websites that charge fees to submit it on your behalf.
It is not a visa and does not replace a visa if one is required.
Submission through the official Immigration & Checkpoints Authority service is free. Be cautious of unofficial websites that charge fees to submit it on your behalf.
When Should I Submit The SG Arrival Card?
The SG Arrival Card should generally be submitted within
three days before arrival, including the day you arrive.
For example, if you arrive on 10 August, submission normally opens from 8 August.
Use the official ICA SG Arrival Card service or the official MyICA Mobile application.
For example, if you arrive on 10 August, submission normally opens from 8 August.
Use the official ICA SG Arrival Card service or the official MyICA Mobile application.
Do Children Need An SG Arrival Card?
Travellers who are required to submit an SG Arrival Card
generally need a submission regardless of age.
A parent or accompanying adult can usually complete the declaration for a child. Check the latest exemptions and instructions with ICA before travelling.
A parent or accompanying adult can usually complete the declaration for a child. Check the latest exemptions and instructions with ICA before travelling.
What Should I Check Before Flying To Singapore?
Before departure, check:
• Your passport and entry eligibility
• Whether you need a visa
• Your SG Arrival Card submission
• Onward or return travel arrangements
• Accommodation details
• Customs restrictions
• Travel insurance arrangements
Entry and health requirements can change, so verify current requirements with the relevant authorities close to your travel date.
• Your passport and entry eligibility
• Whether you need a visa
• Your SG Arrival Card submission
• Onward or return travel arrangements
• Accommodation details
• Customs restrictions
• Travel insurance arrangements
Entry and health requirements can change, so verify current requirements with the relevant authorities close to your travel date.
Getting Around Singapore
What Is The Best Way To Get Around Singapore?
Most visitors use a combination of MRT trains,
public buses, taxis, ride-hailing services and walking.
Public transport is usually the most economical option. Taxis and ride-hailing can be more convenient with luggage, children, seniors or when travelling between locations requiring several transport changes.
Read our complete guide on how to travel around Singapore .
Public transport is usually the most economical option. Taxis and ride-hailing can be more convenient with luggage, children, seniors or when travelling between locations requiring several transport changes.
Read our complete guide on how to travel around Singapore .
Is The MRT Easy For Tourists?
Yes. MRT stations and train lines are clearly signposted,
announcements are made in English and the network connects
most major visitor areas.
Some places still require a walk or bus connection from the nearest station, so check the complete journey rather than only looking for the nearest MRT stop.
Some places still require a walk or bus connection from the nearest station, so check the complete journey rather than only looking for the nearest MRT stop.
Can I Use A Contactless Bank Card On Public Transport?
Supported contactless bank cards and mobile wallets
can be used for adult fares on Singapore’s MRT and public buses.
Use the same physical card or the same mobile device when tapping in and out.
Overseas bank or currency-conversion charges may apply.
Use the same physical card or the same mobile device when tapping in and out.
Overseas bank or currency-conversion charges may apply.
Should I Use The MRT, A Taxi, Or Grab?
Use the MRT for predictable and economical journeys
between well-connected areas.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are useful for door-to-door travel, late-night journeys, luggage, families and places requiring several public transport changes.
During rain, peak periods, major events or high demand, waiting times and private transport prices can increase.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are useful for door-to-door travel, late-night journeys, luggage, families and places requiring several public transport changes.
During rain, peak periods, major events or high demand, waiting times and private transport prices can increase.
Is Singapore Easy To Explore On Foot?
Individual neighbourhoods are often enjoyable to explore on foot,
but walking between distant districts is not always
the best use of your time.
Heat, humidity, sudden rain, road crossings and underground connections can make distances feel longer than they appear on a map.
A practical approach is to walk within neighbourhoods and use public or private transport between areas.
Heat, humidity, sudden rain, road crossings and underground connections can make distances feel longer than they appear on a map.
A practical approach is to walk within neighbourhoods and use public or private transport between areas.
Money & Payments
What Currency Is Used In Singapore?
Singapore uses the Singapore dollar,
normally written as SGD or S$.
Prices displayed locally are generally in Singapore dollars unless another currency is clearly stated.
Prices displayed locally are generally in Singapore dollars unless another currency is clearly stated.
Should I Carry Cash?
Carrying a small amount of cash is useful.
Hotels, attractions, shopping centres and many restaurants accept cards, but some traditional food stalls, markets and smaller businesses may prefer cash or local digital-payment methods.
Hotels, attractions, shopping centres and many restaurants accept cards, but some traditional food stalls, markets and smaller businesses may prefer cash or local digital-payment methods.
Are Credit Cards Widely Accepted?
Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted
at hotels, attractions, shopping centres
and established restaurants.
Acceptance may be less consistent at smaller hawker stalls and traditional businesses, so having another payment method can still be useful.
Acceptance may be less consistent at smaller hawker stalls and traditional businesses, so having another payment method can still be useful.
Is Tipping Expected In Singapore?
Tipping is not generally expected in the same way
as it is in some other countries.
Many hotels and restaurants include a service charge. Additional tips are optional.
Many hotels and restaurants include a service charge. Additional tips are optional.
Weather & Packing
What Is Singapore’s Weather Like?
Singapore has a tropical climate.
Expect warm temperatures, high humidity,
strong sunshine and the possibility of rain throughout the year.
Outdoor sightseeing can sometimes feel more comfortable earlier in the morning or later in the day, although the best timing also depends on your route and what you plan to visit.
Outdoor sightseeing can sometimes feel more comfortable earlier in the morning or later in the day, although the best timing also depends on your route and what you plan to visit.
Does It Rain Every Day?
No. A forecast showing rain does not necessarily mean
continuous rain across Singapore throughout the day.
Tropical showers can be localised and may pass quickly. Carrying a compact umbrella and allowing some flexibility in your plans is usually more useful than cancelling a day because rain appears in the forecast.
Tropical showers can be localised and may pass quickly. Carrying a compact umbrella and allowing some flexibility in your plans is usually more useful than cancelling a day because rain appears in the forecast.
What Should I Pack For Singapore?
Useful items include:
• Light and breathable clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Compact umbrella
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Refillable water bottle
• Portable phone charger
• Light cover for air-conditioned places
• Personal medication
• Light and breathable clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Compact umbrella
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Refillable water bottle
• Portable phone charger
• Light cover for air-conditioned places
• Personal medication
What Should I Wear In Singapore?
Lightweight casual clothing is suitable for most sightseeing.
Comfortable footwear is useful because many visitor areas involve more walking than they initially appear to.
Some religious sites may require covered shoulders, longer trousers or clothing below the knee.
Comfortable footwear is useful because many visitor areas involve more walking than they initially appear to.
Some religious sites may require covered shoulders, longer trousers or clothing below the knee.
Food & Dining
What Food Should I Try In Singapore?
Popular dishes include chicken rice, laksa, satay,
roti prata, nasi lemak, biryani, kaya toast,
char kway teow and many Chinese, Malay, Indian,
Peranakan and Eurasian dishes.
There is no single dish that represents every Singaporean. The variety of food traditions is part of the experience, so try food from more than one cultural community.
There is no single dish that represents every Singaporean. The variety of food traditions is part of the experience, so try food from more than one cultural community.
What Is A Hawker Centre?
A hawker centre is a shared dining area with many independent
food and drink stalls.
Each stall often specialises in a small number of dishes. Members of your group can order from different stalls and eat together at shared tables.
Hawker centres are part of everyday Singapore food culture, not simply inexpensive tourist food courts.
Each stall often specialises in a small number of dishes. Members of your group can order from different stalls and eat together at shared tables.
Hawker centres are part of everyday Singapore food culture, not simply inexpensive tourist food courts.
Is Hawker Food Safe To Eat?
Licensed food establishments are subject to Singapore’s
food safety requirements.
Use normal judgement, choose food that is freshly prepared and confirm ingredients when allergies or dietary restrictions are involved.
Use normal judgement, choose food that is freshly prepared and confirm ingredients when allergies or dietary restrictions are involved.
Is Halal Food Easy To Find?
Yes. Halal-certified restaurants and food stalls
can be found throughout Singapore.
Travellers who require formal halal certification should look for the recognised certification mark or verify the establishment before ordering.
Our private Kampong Gelam food tour explores Nusantara flavours on a route without pork or alcohol.
Travellers who require formal halal certification should look for the recognised certification mark or verify the establishment before ordering.
Our private Kampong Gelam food tour explores Nusantara flavours on a route without pork or alcohol.
Are Vegetarian And Vegan Options Available?
Yes. Vegetarian options are widely available,
particularly at Indian restaurants,
dedicated vegetarian establishments and many modern cafés.
Vegan travellers should confirm ingredients because dishes described as vegetarian may still contain egg, dairy, seafood-based seasoning or cooking sauces.
Vegan travellers should confirm ingredients because dishes described as vegetarian may still contain egg, dairy, seafood-based seasoning or cooking sauces.
Can I Drink Tap Water In Singapore?
Yes. Singapore’s tap water is suitable for drinking directly
from the tap without additional filtration.
Carrying a refillable bottle can reduce the need to purchase bottled water while sightseeing.
Carrying a refillable bottle can reduce the need to purchase bottled water while sightseeing.
Culture & Local Etiquette
Is Singapore Really Very Strict?
Singapore has clear laws and regulations,
but ordinary visitors who behave respectfully
are unlikely to encounter problems.
Avoid littering, vandalism, smoking in prohibited areas, bringing restricted items into the country and ignoring official signs or instructions.
Check official government guidance rather than relying on exaggerated stories shared online.
Avoid littering, vandalism, smoking in prohibited areas, bringing restricted items into the country and ignoring official signs or instructions.
Check official government guidance rather than relying on exaggerated stories shared online.
Is Chewing Gum Illegal In Singapore?
The situation is more specific than the common claim
that chewing gum itself is completely illegal.
Import and commercial sale of ordinary chewing gum are heavily restricted, with limited exceptions for approved dental or medicinal products.
Visitors should check current customs rules before bringing restricted products into Singapore.
Import and commercial sale of ordinary chewing gum are heavily restricted, with limited exceptions for approved dental or medicinal products.
Visitors should check current customs rules before bringing restricted products into Singapore.
What Should I Know Before Visiting A Place Of Worship?
Dress respectfully and follow instructions displayed at the entrance.
You may be asked to remove shoes, cover your shoulders or legs, avoid particular areas or refrain from photography during prayers or ceremonies.
Speak quietly and avoid interrupting worshippers.
You may be asked to remove shoes, cover your shoulders or legs, avoid particular areas or refrain from photography during prayers or ceremonies.
Speak quietly and avoid interrupting worshippers.
Do I Need To Bargain When Shopping?
Bargaining is not normal in shopping centres,
department stores, supermarkets, restaurants
or businesses with clearly displayed fixed prices.
Some negotiation may be possible at selected market stalls or independent businesses, but it should remain polite and reasonable.
Some negotiation may be possible at selected market stalls or independent businesses, but it should remain polite and reasonable.
Is There Any Local Etiquette I Should Know?
Queue in an orderly manner,
allow passengers to exit public transport before boarding
and avoid blocking doors or walkways.
At hawker centres, a packet of tissues or another small personal item may indicate that a seat has been reserved. This local practice is commonly called chope.
Singapore is multicultural, so respectful behaviour around religion, culture and community spaces is appreciated.
At hawker centres, a packet of tissues or another small personal item may indicate that a seat has been reserved. This local practice is commonly called chope.
Singapore is multicultural, so respectful behaviour around religion, culture and community spaces is appreciated.
Families & Accessibility
Is Singapore Good For Families?
Yes. Singapore offers family-friendly attractions,
reliable transport, accessible restrooms,
parks, gardens, shopping centres and a wide variety of food.
For younger children, avoid making every day a long checklist. Heat and humidity can be tiring, so regular water, rest and indoor breaks help.
For younger children, avoid making every day a long checklist. Heat and humidity can be tiring, so regular water, rest and indoor breaks help.
Is Singapore Stroller Friendly?
Most modern attractions, shopping centres,
MRT stations and major public areas are accessible with a stroller.
Some heritage buildings, older shophouses, narrow passages and routes with steps may be less convenient.
Some heritage buildings, older shophouses, narrow passages and routes with steps may be less convenient.
Is Singapore Wheelchair Accessible?
Many public transport facilities, modern attractions,
hotels and shopping centres provide step-free access.
Accessibility varies at heritage sites and older buildings. Check individual locations and allow extra time for lifts, accessible entrances and suitable crossings.
Accessibility varies at heritage sites and older buildings. Check individual locations and allow extra time for lifts, accessible entrances and suitable crossings.
Can I Visit Singapore With Elderly Parents?
Yes. The main challenge is often heat,
humidity and walking rather than a lack of facilities.
Reduce unnecessary transport changes, include regular breaks and avoid trying to fit too many attractions into one day.
A private car tour can reduce walking between areas and make the day easier to pace.
Reduce unnecessary transport changes, include regular breaks and avoid trying to fit too many attractions into one day.
A private car tour can reduce walking between areas and make the day easier to pace.
Changi Airport & Layovers
How Do I Get From Changi Airport To The City?
You can travel by MRT, public bus, taxi,
ride-hailing service, hotel transfer
or pre-arranged private transport.
The most practical option depends on your arrival time, hotel location, luggage, group size and whether you are travelling with children or seniors.
Taxis and private transfers are often easier with several bags, while public transport can be economical if you are travelling light.
The most practical option depends on your arrival time, hotel location, luggage, group size and whether you are travelling with children or seniors.
Taxis and private transfers are often easier with several bags, while public transport can be economical if you are travelling light.
Can I Leave Changi Airport During A Layover?
You may be able to leave Changi Airport if you meet
Singapore’s entry requirements and have enough time
to clear immigration, travel into the city,
return to the airport and complete departure procedures.
Do not calculate sightseeing time from the full scheduled layover. Allow for immigration, baggage, transport, airport procedures and unexpected delays.
Read our Singapore layover planning guide .
Do not calculate sightseeing time from the full scheduled layover. Allow for immigration, baggage, transport, airport procedures and unexpected delays.
Read our Singapore layover planning guide .
How Long Should My Layover Be For A City Tour?
A Singapore layover tour requires enough time
not only for sightseeing but also for immigration,
baggage arrangements, transport into the city
and a safe return to Changi Airport.
For Singapore In A Day Adventures, a minimum total layover of 6 hours is required for a private layover tour.
Use our Layover Itinerary Planner to estimate how much touring time may realistically be available based on your arrival and departure times.
For Singapore In A Day Adventures, a minimum total layover of 6 hours is required for a private layover tour.
Use our Layover Itinerary Planner to estimate how much touring time may realistically be available based on your arrival and departure times.
Can I Store Luggage At Changi Airport?
Baggage storage services may be available at Changi Airport
and Jewel, but locations, operating hours,
prices and acceptance conditions can change.
Check Changi Airport’s official information before travelling, particularly for oversized baggage or late-night storage.
Luggage may also be accommodated on selected private layover tours if the vehicle has sufficient capacity.
Check Changi Airport’s official information before travelling, particularly for oversized baggage or late-night storage.
Luggage may also be accommodated on selected private layover tours if the vehicle has sufficient capacity.
Tours & Sightseeing
Can I See Singapore In One Day?
You can experience a meaningful selection of Singapore
in one day, but not everything.
A sensible first visit might combine Marina Bay, the Civic District, one or two cultural neighbourhoods and time for local food.
Avoid spending the day rushing between too many attractions. Compare our 4, 6 and 8-hour private tour options .
A sensible first visit might combine Marina Bay, the Civic District, one or two cultural neighbourhoods and time for local food.
Avoid spending the day rushing between too many attractions. Compare our 4, 6 and 8-hour private tour options .
Should I Book Attractions In Advance?
Advance booking can be useful for popular ticketed attractions,
limited-entry experiences, special exhibitions
and busy travel dates.
Check whether your ticket has a fixed entry time and whether late arrival is permitted.
Avoid booking several timed attractions too close together. Travel, queues, meals, weather and unexpected delays can disrupt an overly tight schedule.
Check whether your ticket has a fixed entry time and whether late arrival is permitted.
Avoid booking several timed attractions too close together. Travel, queues, meals, weather and unexpected delays can disrupt an overly tight schedule.
Is A Private Tour Worth It?
A private tour can be useful when your time is limited,
you want a more personalised itinerary
or your group prefers greater comfort and flexibility.
It can also be practical for families, seniors, cruise visitors and layover travellers, or for visitors who want historical and cultural context rather than simply transportation between photo stops.
Read how to choose a private tour guide in Singapore .
It can also be practical for families, seniors, cruise visitors and layover travellers, or for visitors who want historical and cultural context rather than simply transportation between photo stops.
Read how to choose a private tour guide in Singapore .
Should I Choose A Walking Tour Or A Private Car Tour?
Choose a
private walking tour
if you want to explore individual neighbourhoods
more closely and spend more time at street level.
Choose a private car tour if you prefer air-conditioned transport, less walking between areas and the ability to connect several parts of Singapore.
Choose a private car tour if you prefer air-conditioned transport, less walking between areas and the ability to connect several parts of Singapore.
Want To Explore Singapore With A Private Guide?
Choose a private walking tour, car tour or layover experience based on your available time and the way you prefer to explore.
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