Essential Tips for First-time Travelers to Singapore

The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) was introduced by Singapore in 2019. This is a mandatory entry requirement for all foreign nationals visiting Singapore. While the SGAC is not a visa, travelers without a visa may be denied entry. All visitors must register for SGAC, even if they do not require a visa to enter Singapore. The Singapore Arrival Card is an electronic landing card for tourists arriving in Singapore. It also serves as a Travel Health Declaration. The government mandates a Travel Health Certificate to safeguard public health during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Singapore Arrival Card is an electronic service that allows foreign nationals to provide Singapore's government with identification and essential travel information before arriving in the country. It is a fully electronic system replacing the old paper Disembarkation/Embarkation card for Singapore (D/E card), which has been discontinued and is no longer available.

Here are the steps to complete and submit the Singapore Arrival Card:

• Step 1: Access the SG Arrival Card app. Travelers access the health declaration form through the SG Arrival Card online application.
• Step 2: Choose whether the passenger is a resident or foreign national. Foreign travelers selecting 'foreign national' will be required to provide information about their arrival time and health. Passengers selecting 'resident' will only need to provide health information.
• Step 3: Provide health information for Singapore. Applicants must provide the following information: Recent travel history (all countries visited in the past 14 days). COVID-19 symptoms (symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing in the last 7 days). COVID-19 infection (diagnosed or suspected COVID-19 infection in the last 90 days). Vaccine information (confirmation of COVID-19 vaccination status)
• Step 4: Agree to the Singapore declaration. Travelers can review the form and declare that all information is accurate. The applicant receives a confirmation email when their health declaration is successfully submitted.
• Step 5: Receive the approved Singapore health declaration. Applicants are notified via email when their Singapore health declaration has been processed and approved. They should have a copy ready to present to immigration officials in Singapore.
  

Global transportation rankings consistently place Singapore's transportation system as the world's best based on 5 criteria: availability, affordability, efficiency, convenience, and sustainability. While private cars are expensive due to high taxes, public transportation is among the most economical in Singapore. However, for those wanting to reach the city's central hubs and main attractions, the MRT and buses are the suitable choices.

The MRT is highly recommended for visitors to Singapore with a reasonable amount of luggage. One-way trips cost only 1.25 SGD, and ticket machines accept credit and debit cards (as well as some international Visa PLUS debit cards). You can purchase single tickets at any station, but the city's EZ Link Card is what you need to access the bus, MRT, and rail systems, as well as the city's taxis.

Buses in Singapore are the most popular mode of transportation. City buses cover most of the island and run into the night for all those who enjoy nightlife. Buses in Singapore are both private and public, meaning they operate as a conglomerate of private and public companies working in parallel. As mentioned, there are four main bus services currently operating: SBS Transit, SMRT Buses, TTS Buses, and Go-Ahead Buses.

Singapore boasts a year-round tropical climate, with average highs ranging from mid to low 30s and average lows dropping from mid to high 20s. Often humid and slightly sweltering, it's best to be prepared when packing your luggage. Protective hats, sunglasses, shorts/t-shirts, lightweight fabrics, and reflective clothing are excellent ways to stay cool. Additionally, you can find plenty of unique innovations to beat the heat, including handheld mini fans that hang like a necklace, cooling gel patches you can stick on your neck,...

Checking the weather forecast before traveling will also help you avoid getting caught in rain every day of your vacation. While the weather may not change much, it's crucial to consider the country's two monsoon seasons when deciding the best time to visit Singapore. The Northeast Monsoon occurs from December to March, while the Southwest Monsoon occurs from June to September. December is typically the rainiest month of the year, and January, February, March, as well as September, October, and November are also high rainfall months.

Regardless of the monsoon season, rainfall is almost consistent throughout the year, with occasional heavy thunderstorms. These simple yet crucial Singapore travel tips will maximize your holiday experience.

A comprehensive list of emergency phone numbers, hotlines, assistance lines, advice, and all Singapore agencies including phone, fax, email, websites, and social media is something every first-time visitor to Singapore should familiarize themselves with and keep handy. In case of emergencies, call:

Singapore Police Force:

• Call: 999
• Emergency SMS: 71999
• SMS for DHS Registered Users (Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Service): 70999
• Non-Emergency Hotline: 1800.255.0000
• Traffic Police Information Hotline: 065.6547.0000
• Provide crime-related information to the police via I-Witness or email.

Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF):

• Emergency Ambulance/Fire Engine: 995
• Emergency SMS Service: 70995
• Non-Emergency Ambulance: 1777
• Report Fire Hazard: 1800.280.0000
• General Enquiries: 1800.286.5555
• Calling 995 for non-emergency cases will result in fines. SCDF's emergency ambulances will transport patients to the nearest public hospital and are only free for emergency cases.

Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA):

• 1800.226.2250
• 065.6805.2871

Anti-Scam Helpline: 1800.722.6688

Most local residents in Singapore use the Singapore dollar or credit cards for payments of goods and services. Due to Singapore's low crime rate with no reckless driving or littering concerns, carrying cash should not be a threat. Major credit card brands are widely accepted in Singapore, but some merchants may impose fees. ATMs in Singapore will accept major brands such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. For travel money cards, most support SGD but may not be the safest choice as they lack your name on the card.

The prevalent payment method in Singapore is credit cards, so get yourself a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Travel cards can lock in the conversion rate when you load USD. Use it for purchases without worrying about rates every time you spend; debit and credit cards typically charge a 3% fee for each transaction. You'll need cash if you plan to shop in Haji Lane, Sim Lim, and Burgis markets.

You can withdraw cash at Changi Airport and major currency exchange points in Singapore, but expect to pay a high commission and receive less favorable rates. It's better to wait until you arrive in Singapore and withdraw money from an ATM or exchange at a currency exchange office rather than exchanging money in Vietnam, where the rate may not be as favorable. You can bring up to 14,000 USD into the country without declaring to customs. You can always pre-send your money to Singapore through a money transfer service and have the recipient receive it when you arrive. ATMs in Singapore can be found inside banks or near shopping areas like malls and grocery stores. ATMs must accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards.

Singapore is renowned for its upscale and fancy restaurants and cafes, but for those looking to save a few bucks, heading to one of the numerous Hawker Centers scattered across the island is a sensible choice. If you enjoy the flavors of Malay, Chinese, Indonesian, Indian, and true international cuisines, the hundreds of stalls filling these government-designated centers will provide traditional dishes as well as their own unique tastes and flavors. Skip unnecessary long queues, forego pre-ordering, pick a seat, and place your order. You might even find yourself rubbing shoulders with Singapore's top CEOs and entrepreneurs.

In terms of cost, regular meals range from 4 to 6 Singapore dollars, excluding drinks which usually cost an additional 2-3 Singapore dollars. Choose your favorite dishes from the diverse Singaporean culinary menu featuring colorful dishes like Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chicken Head Curry, Laksa, Hokkien Mee, Bak Kut Teh, Satay, and everything in between. Hawker Centers are always easy-to-find spots that attract tourists, as they are excellent places to seek out your favorite eats during your Singapore trip. With all the money you're saving, you'll have a few extra dollars to enjoy one of the famous Singapore Slings!

While you can find all the latest fashion trends at upscale shopping districts catering to the elite like Orchard Road or the extensive shopping area of Marina Bay Sands, some of the city's best products can only be bought at Singapore's vibrant and entertainment-filled market districts.

Arguably the most famous market in Singapore is the Chinatown Street Market, open from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM daily. The market offers a variety of vintage fashion, unique souvenirs, and electronic goods. Additionally, the market caters to all the food enthusiasts by providing unique dishes that can only be found here and nowhere else. It is here that classic Singaporean dishes like stingray and Hainanese chicken rice are first prepared in Singaporean style.

Bugis Street Market is considered the largest, cheapest, and most visited market in Singapore. Many unique souvenirs such as postcards, stationery, keychains, and clothing are priced at only $1 SGD. While it might not be the most cutting-edge fashion, you're sure to find bargains that are hard to beat anywhere else. This includes $10 jeans, $3 t-shirts, and the lowest-priced shoes at $10. Bugis Market is open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

China Square Central Flea Market is a paradise in Singapore. Opening on Saturdays and Sundays, this vintage flea market has a long history in the city. Expect to find decorative items, vintage Chinese fashion jewelry and gemstones, as well as rare books, comics, and vintage toys. The market opens from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends.

Little India Arcade opens from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM and is one of two markets focusing on the products of South Asia right in Singapore. Here, you can find fresh flower garlands that will fill your senses with delightful fragrances, various herbs and dried spices, exotic scents, rare essential oils, colorful and unique artwork, as well as clothing and accessories from India and the Arab world, and lastly, sweet shops.

While you're sure to have a fantastic time with plenty of attractions, museums, great hotels, restaurants, etc., as a general tip when traveling in Singapore, it's best to always keep yourself alert. This is especially true when avoiding alcohol late at night, as there are strict rules and regulations to be followed, or you may run into trouble with the authorities.

In addition to the common courtesy regulations, there are laws for things that might not even be considered fake behavior in your home country. Singapore is known for enforcing rules strictly; some sentences even include public caning. If you're unsure if a certain substance is legal or safe to bring to Singapore, it's best to check before you arrive.

Some seemingly quirky laws, such as feeding pigeons, singing in public, connecting to someone else's Wi-Fi, smoking in public, engaging in homosexual acts, and even forgetting to flush a public toilet, are heavily fined, with the worst being imprisonment in Singapore. Although it may seem like there are many rules to adhere to, general awareness of the surrounding environment, as well as being polite and attentive to those around you, will ensure you understand the aforementioned rules.

While Singapore is a great place to throw parties, those looking to enjoy a drink or two should be aware of Singapore's infamous 'Sin Tax' (the tax consumers have to bear when buying and consuming alcohol). Even if you're grabbing a beer at a pub or a glass of wine with dinner, the 'Sin Tax' still applies. Typically, the tax per liter of beer is a whopping $60 Singapore dollars. That often translates to around $5-10 per drink depending on your location.

If you're in the mood for a beer or just want to have a few drinks with family and friends, it's best to head to a local Hawker center. With the perpetual humidity and scorching heat of Singapore, you can save money and enjoy a refreshing cold beer at the end of the day. Not all Hawker stalls sell alcohol; some do, and they will discount your total bill for you. The stalls serving alcohol usually have bottles stored in ice-filled buckets, perfect for pairing with food. While alcohol is only slightly cheaper at Hawker centers, you'll have to pay a premium when dining at upscale cafes and restaurants.

As a tourist in Singapore, if you make any single purchase over 100 Singapore dollars (including GST) at participating stores, you can request a 7% refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid. This is known as the Tourist Refund Scheme. You can check if a store participates in the Tax Refund Scheme while traveling by observing the store's 'Tax-Free' shopping logo or sign displayed. These logos are prominently placed for your easy reference.

Additionally, please check with the friendly staff to see if your purchase qualifies for GST refund in Singapore or not. You can use up to 3 receipts or invoices on the same day to meet the minimum spending of 100 dollars. These receipts must be from stores with the same GST registration number and store name.

As a tourist in Singapore, you must meet the following criteria:

• You are not a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident;
• You are 16 years old or above at the time of making purchases in Singapore;
• You are not a member of the crew of the aircraft you will be departing Singapore on;
• You are departing Singapore from Changi Airport or Seletar Airport. You will not be eligible for GST refund if you are departing by sea.
• You must carry out your purchase transactions within two months from the date of registration for a refund.

Transactions ineligible for GST refund in Singapore:

• Goods that you have used or consumed in Singapore.
• Goods that you are exporting for commercial purposes.
• Goods to be exported via freight.
• Accommodation in hotels or hostels, and services such as car rentals and admission fees.