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Traveling to Singapore requires preparation and attention to what? Pocket these tips for a great trip to Singapore!
Singapore is a unique and attractive tourist destination with plenty of interesting things to discover. With its modern beauty, stunning landscapes, and diverse culture, this island city-state is always an ideal destination for travelers from around the world.
However, when preparing for your trip to Singapore, travelers need to pay attention to some important things to have the best experience. In this article, Mytour Vietnam will reveal to you some super cool tips for traveling to Singapore so that you can confidently enjoy your time on the Lion City!
What Should You Pay Attention to When Traveling to Singapore?
1. Ensure Your Passport Has at Least 6 Months Validity
Getting your passport ready is one of the most crucial steps when preparing for a trip to Singapore. Vietnamese travelers can enter Singapore without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. Despite not needing a visa, you still need to ensure your passport meets the following requirements for a smooth travel experience in Singapore.
According to regulations, your passport must have a remaining validity of at least 6 months from the intended date of entry. This ensures that you won't encounter any passport-related issues during your stay in Singapore.
Before embarking on your journey, double-check your passport and ensure it remains valid throughout your planned stay in Singapore. If your passport is nearing expiration, consider renewing or extending it before departure to avoid any unnecessary hassles.
2. Pre-book Round-Trip Airfare
When preparing for a trip to Singapore, booking round-trip airfare is something to keep in mind. Not only does it save you time and effort, but it also ensures compliance with Singapore's entry visa requirements.
Singapore requires Vietnamese citizens to present round-trip airfare tickets from Vietnam to Singapore and vice versa upon entry. Therefore, before you embark on your journey, make sure you have booked and printed your air tickets from the airline's email or booking agent.
Booking your flight in advance also increases your chances of snagging the best ticket prices. Airlines operating flights from Vietnam to Singapore such as Tiger Airways, Jet Star, Lion Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Singapore Airlines often offer promotions and special deals for customers who book early.
Additionally, if you're looking to save costs, you can opt for budget airlines like Tiger Airways, Jetstar, and Lion Air. These airlines typically provide cheap tickets and offer plenty of direct flight options from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore.
3. Familiarize Yourself with Entry Procedures in Singapore
Entry procedures in Singapore are among the top priorities when preparing for your trip. Upon entry, travelers need to prepare all necessary documents such as passports, round-trip air tickets, and hotel accommodation information. Each entry form will have 02 copies, one will be retained by customs and the other will be returned to you. You need to keep this copy as when leaving Singapore, you will need to return it to customs.
On the entry form, you need to clearly state the intended duration of your stay in Singapore and information about the hotel or place where you will be staying. Customs officers often inquire about this issue. If you do not have complete information, you are likely to be denied entry. Therefore, you should pre-book hotel services and always keep your booking reservation. If you are staying with relatives, you also need to know their address.
If traveling in a group, the first person should provide all necessary information and notify about the group members. After completing the entry procedures, you should seek necessary information at information counters to prepare for your trip.
4. Choose the Right Time to Visit Singapore
When deciding when to travel to Singapore, choosing the ideal time can greatly impact your experience. Singapore is located in the tropical region, with hot and humid weather year-round.
The best time to visit this country is from December to June. During this period, from February to April is the dry season, with less rainfall, lower humidity, and more sunshine. For those who love island beaches and outdoor activities, the time from June to August is an excellent choice, with warm weather and clear skies.
If you're a shopping enthusiast, consider visiting during the annual major sales event - The Great Singapore Sale, which lasts for 6 weeks, or during Christmas and New Year, when stores often launch many attractive promotional programs.
5. Prepare Clothing and Luggage
When preparing clothing and luggage for your trip to Singapore, pay attention to some important factors to ensure a smooth travel experience. First and foremost, choose appropriate attire suitable for the country's tropical climate. Avoid wearing excessively revealing or offensive clothing, or heavy makeup to avoid misunderstandings and difficulties from customs officers.
When packing your luggage, remember to carefully check for prohibited items to carry on the plane such as knives, scissors, sharp metal objects, and liquids over 100ml. These items should be placed in checked baggage to avoid confiscation by airport customs. Additionally, you should also double-check your luggage to ensure you are not carrying prohibited items such as chewing gum, electronic cigarettes, or other prohibited items or documents.
Finally, prepare a compact lightweight bag to store your passport, cash, and important personal belongings while traveling. Careful preparation of clothing and luggage will help you avoid unnecessary troubles on your trip to Singapore.
6. Prepare Cash and Payment Cards
Cash and payment cards are indispensable items for a trip to Singapore. You should carry a sufficient amount of Singapore dollars (SGD) for small expenses such as transportation by MRT, buying food, drinks, or shopping at small stores.
Moreover, using Visa or Mastercard credit cards is the most convenient and widely accepted option for travelers, as most shops and restaurants accept this form of payment. However, travelers should also pay attention to checking international transaction fees and currency conversion rates of their banks to avoid unnecessary charges.
Lastly, it is mandatory to declare when carrying foreign currency over 2000 Singapore dollars, to comply with Singapore laws and avoid legal issues when leaving the country.
7. How to Use Transportation Services in Singapore
When using transportation services in Singapore, here are some things to keep in mind:
The bus and MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system in Singapore is considered one of the most modern and convenient transportation systems in the world. MRT is a popular and convenient choice for travelers, with 3 main lines: North South (red), North East (purple), and East West (green). You can purchase an EZ Link card for easy travel on this system. Remember to keep the card carefully as the card fee is non-refundable.
Buses are also a popular mode of transportation, operating from early morning until late at night. When using the bus, have cash or an EZ Link card ready as drivers do not usually give change. Fares typically range from 17,000 VND to 31,000 VND depending on the type of bus and air-conditioned service.
Additionally, you can use taxi services. However, hailing a taxi can be challenging, so you may find Taxi Stand points or call in advance for convenience. For taxis, fares vary based on time and distance, especially after midnight when additional surcharges apply.
You should adhere to safety regulations and respect others when using transportation in Singapore, including refraining from eating or smoking on public transport and not using priority seats unless necessary.
8. Must-Visit Shopping Destinations in Singapore
Traveling to Singapore is not only an opportunity to explore local culture but also an ideal destination for those who want to indulge in shopping.
First up is Orchard Road, the shopping hub of Singapore with a plethora of small and large shops, shopping malls, and supermarkets. Here is where you can find top global brands as well as unique designer pieces.
Next is Bugis area, home to Bugis Street Market - a famous market with hundreds of stalls selling everything from clothing, shoes to jewelry and souvenirs at affordable prices.
If you're looking for discounted luxury goods, then Suntec City and Marina Bay Sands are ideal destinations. These are where many designer shops offer attractive prices during sales or promotional seasons.
Additionally, don't forget to explore culturally rich neighborhoods like Little India, Chinatown, and Arab Street to experience the unique cultural atmosphere of each area and shop for diverse and affordable products.
Mytour Vietnam shares a little tip with you: bargaining when shopping in Singapore is common. Try negotiating with sellers at the markets to get a better price. Also, be careful when buying goods at extremely low prices to avoid purchasing counterfeit or fake items.
9. Tax Refund at Singapore Airport
One of the special things that travelers to Singapore should not miss is the regulation regarding tax refunds at the airport. When shopping with a value over $100 at stores with the 'Tax Free' logo, travelers can request a refund of the 7% GST tax paid. However, note that GST applies only to products such as clothing, cosmetics, and personal items. Expenses such as hotel fees, dining, and services are not eligible for GST refunds.
The tax refund process is very simple. Before making payment at the store, travelers just need to inform the staff that they want to refund GST. They will issue a GST refund document for you to take to the airport and receive the tax refund. Even after check-in, travelers can still claim the tax refund at the GST counter at the airport.
However, to save time, travelers should claim the tax refund after check-in, not before, as queuing may take some time. With such a simple and convenient process, claiming tax refunds at the airport will help travelers save some expenses and create an even more enjoyable experience when traveling to Singapore.
10. Public Area Regulations
When traveling to Singapore, adhering to public area regulations is extremely important to avoid legal troubles and protect the clean green environment of the Lion City.
Some regulations include prohibiting crossing the road outside the 50-meter line, with fines up to $1,000 or 3 months imprisonment for the first offense. Selling chewing gum to protect the environment carries a high penalty of up to $100,000 or two years in prison. Smoking in public areas, excluding designated areas, can result in fines ranging from $152 to $760.
Connecting to someone else's wifi without permission is also considered illegal, with fines up to $10,000 or three years imprisonment. Finally, flying kites or obstructing traffic in public areas is also prohibited, with fines up to $5,000 SGD.
11. Adherence to Conduct Rules in Singapore
When traveling in Singapore, adherence to conduct rules is extremely important to show respect for the culture and traditions of the local people.
Some important rules to remember when in Singapore include adhering to regulations regarding the use of the right hand in communication and dining situations, especially when interacting with the Indian and Muslim communities. Removing shoes before entering private homes or places of worship is also an important rule to follow.
Moreover, when wanting to give gifts to locals, you should consult with the receptionist or locals to ensure that your gifts reflect respect and care for their culture.
The Lion City with its modern architecture, impressive attractions, and rich culture is an ideal destination for you to enjoy to the fullest. Keep in mind the travel tips for Singapore from Mytour Vietnam for a smooth trip.
Learn about Singapore and useful travel experiences to confidently explore the island nation like a local: Newest Self-Guided Singapore Travel Experience, 31 Newly Updated Famous Singapore Tourist Attractions, 1-Day Singapore Travel Itinerary to Discover the Entire Island, 15 Extremely Economical Singapore Sightseeing Tours, 3-Day 2-Night Self-Guided Singapore Travel Experience, 11 Fascinating and Alluring Singapore Tourist Areas.
Have you memorized the travel tips for Singapore thoroughly?
