Details on optimizing the cost of traveling to Singapore for under 9 million dong

How to save travel costs to Singapore for a perfect trip without being too expensive? Travelers who love the island nation can refer to the article below to budget for their cheap but exciting Singapore trip.

The Lion City is one of the ideal destinations whenever international tourists mention Southeast Asian tourism. Singapore - a unique blend of cultures from around the world that attracts travelers who love to explore world cultures.

Not only that, the Lion City is also famous for being one of the most livable cities in the world due to its extremely clean and green environment and high level of security, making everyone want to visit at least once in their lifetime. Besides, for most travelers, especially those planning to travel to Singapore independently, saving travel costs to Singapore is extremely necessary.

1. Tips for saving on travel costs to Singapore before your trip

1.1 Plan and hunt for cheap airfares 

Singapore has a fairly special location, partly on the Malaysian peninsula and offshore in the sea area... Therefore, it can be said that Singapore is quite close to Vietnam. In fact, the flight time from Tan Son Nhat Airport, Ho Chi Minh City to Changi Airport, Singapore is just over 2 hours.

Departing to Singapore (direct flights) from other international airports in Vietnam such as Noi Bai (Hanoi) will take a little longer - about 4 hours, and the flight time from Da Nang Airport will be about 3 hours 30 minutes. Therefore, Singapore airfares will be cheaper compared to fares to many other countries around the world. 

Travelers must plan to save on travel costs to Singapore. 

However, to save even more on travel costs to Singapore, travelers should plan their trip to Singapore in advance, especially the departure and return times. Then, travelers should proceed to book tickets immediately to hunt for cheap airfares. The best time to hunt for cheap flights to Singapore is about 3 to 4 months before departure. 

The key is for travelers to watch for promotions on forums, ticket booking apps to save more on travel costs to Singapore. 

The timing of traveling to Singapore is also one of the factors that affect ticket prices and travel costs to Singapore. If travelers travel to Singapore during peak season (from December to March of the following year), they will face the situation of high airfares. On the contrary, if travelers travel to Singapore during the off-peak season (July, August of the solar calendar), airfares will be cheaper. 

When booking tickets, travelers should also avoid holidays and weekends to hunt for cheaper tickets to save on travel costs to Singapore. Cheap Singapore tickets will fall in the range of 1.5 - 2 million VND for a round-trip ticket. 

1.2 Hunt for cheap hotel rooms to save on travel costs to Singapore for the trip

Similar to booking air tickets, booking accommodation at a reasonable price will help travelers save a lot for the total travel cost to Singapore. Travelers can refer to the following tips to save as much as possible for accommodation:

1.2.1 Book early

Singapore is one of the famous destinations in Asia. Therefore, travelers should book hotel rooms about 1 to 2 months before departure. With this time frame, travelers can still find cheap rooms from promotional programs. 

1.2.2 Note the timing of booking rooms

If travelers go on a trip and book rooms during the peak tourist season in Singapore, the risk of rooms being fully booked or prices increasing sharply is very high. Therefore, travelers should plan their trips and book rooms during the off-peak season to get good prices, thus saving travel costs to Singapore.

1.2.3 Choose a location 

Location is one of the factors that determine the price of accommodation when traveling to Singapore. If travelers come to Singapore with the intention of traveling cheaply, they should research areas with cheap rooms to save travel costs to Singapore. Typically, areas near the city center tend to have very high prices. Therefore, travelers should book areas farther away but ensure they are close to the MRT subway station to save more. 

Areas with budget-friendly, affordable rooms in Singapore that travelers can consider are:

• Chinatown: Also known as the Chinese neighborhood, travelers here have many choices from budget to luxury hotels and many nightlife areas. Additionally, this area has the convenient Chinatown MRT station for travelers' transportation. 

The 81 Hotel in the Chinatown area. 

• Little India: The living area of the Indian community in Singapore. Little India mostly has budget hotels, and luxury hotels are very limited.  

• Clarke Quay: There are many homestays priced at half the price of regular hotels. This area is suitable for travelers planning to enjoy and explore Clarke Quay at night. 

• Lavender: This area has many budget hotels, rooms, and is close to the MRT subway station. 

• Civic District: The advantage of this area is that it has two MRT subway stations and many convenient bus routes for travelers' transportation. Additionally, this area has many unique architectural artworks for travelers to admire.

• Bugis and Kampong Glam: This area is also known as the Arab quarter. This is the area with the cheapest hotels and accommodations in Singapore. The Arab quarter also has many budget eateries suitable for travelers who want to save travel costs to Singapore.

1.3 Seize the opportunity to get a passport to save travel costs to Singapore

A passport is a mandatory document if travelers want to board a plane to go abroad. Therefore, if travelers do not yet have a passport, they should get one before their trip to Singapore. It is noteworthy that it will take about 3-8 working days to receive a passport. 

A passport is a must-have when traveling to Singapore. 

Therefore, travelers should take advantage of the time to submit passport applications to receive their passports before the departure date. This may seem unrelated to saving travel costs to Singapore, but if travelers do not get their passports in time, they may incur additional costs for expedited passport services.

Do I need a visa to go to Singapore? The answer is no, if you are traveling to the Lion City for less than 30 days, you do not need a visa.

1.4 Exchange Singapore currency

Travelers should exchange Vietnamese currency for Singapore dollars before traveling to both save on travel costs to Singapore and to make the process quick and convenient. It is advisable for travelers to exchange some cash at Hung Long (located at 86 Mac Thi Buoi, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City). Alternatively, travelers can exchange currency at banks, but this may require waiting time.

Additionally, travelers can keep the remaining amount in their MasterCard, Visa card, or other international payment cards. In Singapore, there are many eateries, shops, and services that accept card payments, so travelers do not need to carry too much cash, avoiding potential risks.

2. Save travel costs to Singapore during your trip

2.1 Enjoy cuisine at budget-friendly eateries to save travel costs to Singapore

Singaporean cuisine is a highlight that captivates tourists. Thanks to its multicultural influence from various countries around the world, Singapore boasts a unique culinary culture. To indulge in Singaporean cuisine while saving on overall travel costs to Singapore, travelers should opt for budget-friendly dining areas.

Budget-friendly eateries in Singapore are often located in densely populated residential areas. Travelers should choose residential areas over famous restaurants to save travel costs to Singapore. 

Some budget-friendly eateries that travelers can consider when visiting Singapore are: 

2.1.1 Chinatown

Chinatown is known as the living area of ​​Singaporeans of Chinese origin. Therefore, in this area, travelers will easily find many eateries selling Singaporean specialties with a strong Chinese flavor. 

To enjoy budget-friendly Singaporean cuisine in Chinatown, travelers can visit Smith Street and indulge in famous street food in the Lion City. Additionally, travelers can also enjoy many other Singaporean dishes at the Chinatown Complex Food Court. 

2.1.2 Makansutra Gluttons Bay

To get to this culinary center, travelers can go to 8 Raffe Avenue. This is a newly established dining area in Singapore. Although there are only about 12 stalls, travelers can enjoy many Singaporean specialties here at a reasonable price. 

2.1.3 Katong District

As mentioned above, residential areas in Singapore will always offer travelers specialty dishes at very affordable prices, and Katong District is one of them. Katong District is home to the Peranakan people in Singapore. Therefore, travelers here will enjoy countless delicious dishes typical of the Lion City at extremely low prices, suitable for saving on travel costs to Singapore. 

Travelers will save on travel costs to Singapore by choosing to eat and check in at Katong District.

Not only that, here travelers will enjoy Singaporean dishes with Peranakan culture. These dishes often have origins and flavors blended from many different countries - countries whose immigrants came to Singapore to live from the early days of this country such as Malaysia, China, India, the Netherlands,..

2.1.4 Maxwell Food Centre

When it comes to cheap eats, travelers certainly cannot overlook Maxwell Food Centre. This place is known as a food paradise for Singaporeans and tourists alike. Travelers can enjoy countless delicious dishes from the Lion City at hundreds of food stalls.

The prices of the dishes here are quite cheap, suitable for travelers who want to save on travel costs to Singapore. Each dish costs only around 3 - 4 Singapore dollars.

2.1.5 Zion Riverside Food Centre

At this food center, travelers can not only enjoy cheap eats but also enjoy the style while sitting at the outdoor dining area.

A dish that travelers definitely cannot miss when visiting Zion Riverside is the chili crab - a specialty of Singapore. Travelers who want to enjoy the fresh seafood of the Lion City can indulge without worrying about the price, as it only costs from 5 - 7 Singapore dollars for a seafood dish here.

2.1.6 Andhra Curry District

If travelers want to enjoy Indian cuisine in Singapore, they can try the Andhra Curry District on the east side of Orchard Road. Here, travelers can enjoy all kinds of Singaporean dishes with Indian flavors such as fish head curry, Hyderabadi biryani, pulusu,...

2.2 Cost-effective ways to have fun and explore in Singapore

2.2.1 Hunt for cheap tickets at amusement parks. 

During the discount season, travelers can look out for discounted tickets to famous amusement parks to optimize costs when traveling to Singapore. 

2.2.2 Choose moderately priced tourist destinations in Singapore

In Singapore, besides places where travelers have to buy entrance tickets, there are also places that can be visited for free, or the ticket prices are extremely cheap. With this approach, travelers can save a lot of money on transportation costs in Singapore. 

Some free attractions that travelers can consider for their trip include:

• Sentosa Island: This island is known as the entertainment paradise of Singapore, with the entire area on the island being invested in building amusement parks or natural reserves. Choosing Sentosa Island as a destination, travelers only need to pay for the ferry ticket from the city center to the island or the entrance fee at the amusement park and enjoy free access to the island. 

• Chinatown: This is the area where Chinese Singaporeans gather. Here, travelers can visit the night market, the famous market with a lively atmosphere, and a space filled with light from the traditional Chinese lanterns. Travelers can explore, shop from stalls in the market, or enjoy Singapore street food in Chinatown. 

• Marina Bay Sands: Travelers can visit the unique, magnificent, and sparkling building of Singapore at night by Marina Bay. 

• Little India: Similar to Chinatown, travelers can stroll around Little India to learn about the cultural life of Indians in Singapore and enjoy authentic Indian cuisine. 

Little India is a famous tourist destination that still saves costs when traveling to Singapore. 

• Merlion Park: Whether traveling in a cost-saving style or not, visiting Merlion Park and checking in with the Merlion statue - the symbol of Singapore is something that travelers cannot miss when visiting the lion island. 

2.3 Shopping on a Budget in Singapore. 

Singapore is not only a tourist paradise but also a shopping paradise in Southeast Asia. Therefore, travelers visiting the Lion Island should experience shopping here. Some tips for travelers to shop and save costs in Singapore are: 

2.3.1 Remember to claim tax refunds at the airport when leaving Singapore

Singapore has tax refund procedures for tourists when shopping. Specifically, the prices of items here usually include a 7% tax. Travelers should keep the receipt and shop at stores with Tax Free and Tax Refund logos. For receipts over 100 SGD, travelers will be refunded the tax amount at the airport when they check out and leave Singapore. 

2.3.2 Choose the Right Time to Shop

The timing of shopping is one of the key factors for successful shopping spree while still saving on Singapore travel costs.

Travelers can choose to shop from June to August every year to hunt for promotions. This is the biggest sale period in Singapore. Travelers can even find items discounted up to 80% from various brands.

2.3.3 Selecting Shopping Locations

In the shopping paradise of Singapore, travelers can find many places to shop. From luxurious shopping malls to mid-range stores and budget stalls in markets. Therefore, if travelers want to save on Singapore travel costs, and not spend too much money on shopping, they can choose mid-range locations instead of luxury malls or high-end brands on Orchard Road.

To save on Singapore travel costs, travelers should choose shopping locations.

2.4 How to Travel to Save on Singapore Travel Costs?

If travelers want to save on Singapore travel costs, they should choose the MRT subway in Singapore as the main means of transportation when traveling to the island nation. However, because the ticket price is much cheaper than traveling by taxi, when taking a taxi travelers only need to sit in the car and let the driver take them to their destination, while they have to actively navigate, get off at the station when taking the MRT subway.

2.5 Other Tips to Save on Singapore Travel Costs

• Regarding drinks: drinks in Singapore usually cost between 1 - 3 SGD for a bottle or a glass of water. However, to save as much as possible, travelers can bring a reusable bottle to refill water at public taps. The water from the taps has been treated and is safe for consumption. 

• Regarding wifi and connectivity: travelers can download the Wireless@SGx app and enter their foreign phone number to access free wifi at hotspots. 

• Buying a 4G sim card: Travelers can buy a sim card at convenience stores at Changi airport. Most 4G sims here have a 100Gb capacity with prices ranging from 12 - 15 SGD.

Using the MRT card in Singapore is a way to save on Singapore travel costs. 

• Using the MRT card: Travelers can purchase an Ez-link card to travel on all MRT lines in Singapore. With one Ez-link card priced at 12 SGD, travelers can use about 7 SGD to travel on the MRT. If the card runs out of money, travelers can top it up. If travelers are on a 4 days 3 nights Singapore tour, it's recommended to top up an additional 10 - 20 SGD. 

3. Choose Affordable Singapore Tours by Mytour

Travelers can choose a Singapore tour from Ho Chi Minh City including round-trip airfare and a 3-star hotel for 8,800,000 VND to save on 3 days 2 nights Singapore travel costs. 

Above are the details of tips that travelers can apply to optimize Singapore travel costs. The desired national tour of many travel enthusiasts. That perfect trip is not far away when travelers choose to travel economically. Or travelers can also choose the cheap Singapore tours by Mytour Mytour to experience the perfect lion island tour at the most perfect cost. 

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