Top 10 Most Useful Travel Tips for Singapore

When visiting a new city, many of us worry about transportation. Singapore boasts an excellent and well-connected transport system, allowing you to easily catch buses, trains, or taxis to travel around. While buses and the MRT are quite comfortable, taxis are also a popular and relatively affordable option. However, keep in mind that there may be additional charges during peak hours. Overall, getting around the city is hassle-free.

No matter your preferred mode of transportation, traveling in Singapore is convenient and efficient thanks to its extensive network of roads, railways, buses, and taxis. Walking, cycling, and other eco-friendly modes of transport are also made easier with covered walkways, park connectors, and are perfect for a car-light city. The LTA is continuously working on initiatives to improve accessibility and safety for all travelers, regardless of their chosen route.

The rail system, serving millions of passengers daily, is complemented by an extensive public bus network that covers nearly every part of Singapore. This integrated network allows you to move around with ease, making Singapore a convenient place to live and work. Buses are one of the most accessible and convenient public transport options, taking you closer to your destination while weaving through business hubs, shopping centers, and popular tourist spots.

Singapore has a tropical climate, which is hot and humid all year round, making it a great destination to visit any time. However, it's advisable to carry a small umbrella to be prepared for sudden tropical rain showers, especially during the monsoon season (from November to January). Hotel prices in Singapore also fluctuate depending on the season due to global events like the Formula 1 race, which can make finding an affordable room challenging and costly.

Here’s a guide to help you decide the best time to visit Singapore:

• June-July is when schools are on break and the shopping discount season begins. In February, many local markets and shops close for at least a week for Chinese New Year, but major malls and tourist areas remain open. However, attractions can get crowded.
• August-November: Aside from the Formula 1 race in September, this period marks the beginning of Singapore’s preparation for the monsoon season in November, with occasional showers. It's also when several major cultural events take place, such as Singapore’s National Day, the Hungry Ghost Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival, all offering a different perspective on this fascinating country.
• December-January and March-May are the best months to visit. While December and January are the coolest months of the year, with temperatures dropping to a comfortable 24°C, making it pleasant for sightseeing. From March, the northeast monsoon winds begin to ease, and temperatures rise until May, before the sun peaks. These two seasons offer a chance to experience Singapore’s best attractions with fewer crowds.

If you're planning a vacation to Singapore, it's important to follow local regulations to avoid legal trouble and fines. Here are 9 things you should absolutely avoid doing in Singapore:

• Graffiti on public property: Vandalism is a serious offense in Singapore, and those caught defacing public property may face severe penalties. You could be fined up to 2,000 SGD, imprisoned for 3 years, or subjected to 3 strokes of the cane. Graffiti is treated as vandalism under Singaporean law.
• Eating and drinking on public transport: Public transportation, including buses and the MRT, is considered a “no-food zone.” You'll see clear signage indicating this. Notably, durian, a popular fruit in Vietnam, is also prohibited on public transport. Violators can face a 500 SGD fine.
• Smoking in prohibited areas: Singapore places a strong emphasis on public health. Designated smoking areas are provided in public spaces, and they typically lack shelter to reduce secondhand smoke exposure. Smoking outside these designated areas can result in fines ranging from 300 to 2,000 SGD, and you may be required to appear in court.
• Consuming alcohol: Supermarkets in Singapore are only allowed to sell alcohol between 7:00 AM and 10:30 PM. After hours, you must go to licensed establishments like restaurants or nightclubs to purchase alcohol. Alcohol is considered a luxury, with prices being 3 to 4 times higher than in Vietnam. Drinking alcohol in public places is strictly prohibited and is punishable by fines. First offense: 1,000 SGD. Second offense: double the first fine. Third offense: imprisonment.
• Spitting and littering: As one of the cleanest countries in the world, Singapore enforces strict rules on cleanliness. Public trash bins are readily available in shopping areas, tourist sites, and residential neighborhoods. If you are caught littering, you could face fines ranging from 500 SGD to 5,000 SGD, along with mandatory community service such as cleaning public spaces. In some cases, you may even be invited to participate in a public event covered by the media.

If you're visiting Singapore for the first time and want to make the most of your experience, Marina Bay is a must-visit destination and the best area to stay! It's one of the city's most iconic and desirable neighborhoods, located right in the heart of the city. You've likely seen stunning photos of its skyline in travel magazines and guidebooks.

Luxury Segment (from 300 USD and up):

• Marina Bay Sands is one of Singapore's top hotels, and it’s often regarded as a city landmark or icon! The rooms are breathtaking, and the hotel offers all the amenities you could need to feel like royalty during your stay in Singapore.
• The Raffles is another iconic, classic hotel located in downtown Singapore. Raffles is a preserved piece of Singapore’s history and heritage. Opened in 1887, it's one of the few 19th-century hotels in the world still in operation!
• The Fullerton Bay Hotel is a stunning 5-star hotel located in this beautiful part of the city. It’s one of the most luxurious accommodations in Singapore, featuring a rooftop pool and bar where you can relax and enjoy the magnificent views of the city.

Mid-range Segment (160 – 270 USD):

• Oakwood Premier Hotel features elegant rooms, a stunning pool with the best views of the skyscrapers, and a top-notch fitness center.
• Scarlet Singapore Hotel is my second recommendation, with tidy and beautifully decorated rooms. This charming 4-star hotel offers free internet, flat-screen TVs, and even a rooftop restaurant serving delicious meals, along with an outdoor hot tub!

Budget Segment (up to 160 USD):

• Wink Capsule Hostel offers modern amenities for all guests! The rooms come with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, and bathrooms.
• Another great option for budget-conscious travelers is Champion Hotel City. This hotel is only 400 meters from the riverside area, so you'll be at Marina Bay in no time.

As the global tourism industry reopens, international artists are returning to perform in full force through concerts and festivals, particularly in Singapore. 2023 promises an even bigger line-up of artists visiting Singapore for live events. The year kicked off with a bang as iconic boy bands such as Westlife and Backstreet Boys performed their greatest hits, while the new generation of Kpop groups like Stray Kids, MAMAMOO, and ITZY dazzled audiences with spectacular performances.

Events in March:

• Kings of Convenience: Live in Singapore at the Capitol Theatre on March 6 and 7. Tickets are priced at 99 SGD.
• Porter Robinson: The Future Live Asia Tour at the Mediacorp Theatre on March 9. Tickets start at 108 SGD.
• pH-1: About Damn Time World Tour at the Capitol Theatre on March 11. Tickets start at 88 SGD.
• Bryan Adams: So Happy It Hurts Tour 2023 at The Star Theatre on March 13. Tickets from 118 SGD.
• Harry Styles: Love on Tour 2023 at the Singapore National Stadium on March 17. Tickets from 138 SGD.
• Maisie Peters: Maisie Takes Singapore at The Theater at Mediacorp on March 20. Tickets from 58 SGD.

Events in April:

• Tomorrow X Together: Act: Sweet Mirage World Tour 2023 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on April 1. Tickets from 168 SGD.
• 2023 Treasure Tour [Hello] in Singapore at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on April 8. Tickets from 168 SGD.
• Louis Tomlinson: Faith In The Future at The Star Theatre on April 27. Tickets from 98 SGD.

Events in May:

• NCT Dream: The Dream Show 2 on May 1. Venue and ticket details to be confirmed.
• BLACKPINK World Tour [Born Pink] at the Singapore National Stadium on May 13 and 14. Tickets from 168 SGD.
• HONNE: May 2023 Asia Tour at The Star Theatre on May 18. Tickets from 78 SGD.
• Conor Maynard: Continued Part II World Tour 2023 at the Capitol Theatre on May 23. Tickets from 108 SGD.

Events in June:

• Suga's solo world tour 'August D' at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on June 17 and 18.
• IVE's First Fan Concert at The Star Theater on June 30. Ticket details to be confirmed.

Events in July:

• The 1975: 'At their Very Best' Tour on July 18.

Despite its small size, Singapore is incredibly easy to explore, thanks to its efficient public transportation system and walkable streets. However, guided tours offer a deeper dive into the city's food, culture, neighborhoods, and spaces. Here are some of the best tours you can take in Singapore:

• Night Tour: Experience the city under the stars on a double-decker open-air bus. Starting from Suntec City, the tour will take you through Marina Bay, Chinatown Food Street, Gardens by the Bay for the light show, Bugis Street for tropical fruits and souvenirs, and Orchard Road for a scenic drive through the main shopping belt, ending at Clarke Quay, where the nightlife truly comes alive. Tours start from 62 USD per person.
• Let's Go Bike Night Tours: If you prefer cycling or electric scooters, this alternative night tour will allow you to explore areas inaccessible to buses. This is a fantastic chance to view modern skyscrapers, preserved heritage buildings, and Singapore's nightlife up close. The guided tour includes bikes, helmets, water, and lights, all starting from 65 USD.
• Singapore River Cruise: Enjoy a peaceful view of the city from the serene waters of the Singapore River. This 40-minute cruise takes you past Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Marina Bay on eco-friendly electric boats, starting from 29 USD per person.
• Gourmet Dinner Bus Tour: Starting from 97 USD for dinner, this tour takes you to iconic spots like the Singapore Flyer, Merlion Park, and Chinatown, while enjoying Michelin Bib Gourmand dishes and local delicacies like claypot yong tau foo and fried rice, all served aboard an air-conditioned double-decker bus.

Arguably one of Singapore's most iconic dishes is chicken rice, which comes in various forms (steamed, boiled, or fried) and can be found at hawker centers and eateries all over the island. Head over to Maxwell Food Centre for the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice or try popular spots like Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice and Boon Tong Kee.

Wanton mee is another Singaporean food staple. The firm, chewy noodles are drenched in sauce, topped with succulent dumplings filled with savory meat, and slices of char siu (roast pork) with a slight char. For the best Wanton mee, check out Ji Ji Wonton Noodle Specialist and Fei Fei Roasted Noodle.

Another must-try local dish is Nasi Lemak, a fragrant coconut rice dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments like crispy fried chicken, deep-fried fish, omelet, otah (grilled fish cake), ikan bilis (dried anchovies), and sambal for a hearty meal. Nasi Lemak is perfect for any time of day. The Coconut Club is a great spot to enjoy this dish.

Kaya Toast is a beloved breakfast treat, consisting of toasted bread served with butter, kaya (coconut jam), and soft-boiled eggs, lightly seasoned with white pepper and soy sauce. Best enjoyed with a sweet cup of kopi (local coffee). For the authentic version, head to Killiney Kopitiam on Killiney Road. Lastly, Singapore-style Carrot Cake is a savory dish made from radish cake cubes, steamed and then stir-fried with garlic, eggs, radish, and sweet soy sauce—another must-try for food lovers.

Before traveling to Singapore, it's essential to know whether you need a visa for entry. Here’s what you need to know before booking your flight and applying for a Singapore visa. Travelers with passports from the European Union, the United States, South Korea, Australia, Switzerland, and Norway can enter Singapore and stay for up to 90 days without requiring a visa. On the other hand, passport holders from countries such as India, Armenia, North Korea, Georgia, China, Russia, and others may need to apply for an e-visa, while citizens of countries like Libya, Afghanistan, Mali, Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran, Bangladesh, Somalia, and Iraq will require a visa sticker in their passport for entry.

You can apply for an e-visa within one day through a visa agency, the nearest Singapore embassy, a strategic partner of Singapore, or through a local contact in the city. The visa with a pattern (sticker visa) can also be applied for through similar channels, but it may take around three working days to process.

To apply for a Singapore tourist visa from Vietnam, you’ll need a passport and other supporting documents. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Passport: A valid passport or Vietnamese travel document with at least 6 months’ validity from the date of travel and at least 2 blank visa pages.
• Travel Itinerary: Your confirmed travel itinerary (round-trip flight booking, not the actual ticket). The embassy recommends not booking hotel accommodations or flight tickets until the visa is approved, so avoid spending money or time on tickets before getting the visa.
• Proof of Financial Stability: Proof that you have sufficient funds for your stay and for leaving Singapore.

Planning an overseas vacation with your family or friends can be exciting. With the right travel insurance, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing you're covered for unexpected situations such as trip cancellations, minor and major accidents, flight delays, and lost luggage. Travel insurance is affordable, offering low-cost premiums for both single-trip and multi-trip plans.

Travel insurance makes your journey more comfortable by providing the support you need when unexpected issues arise, whether you’re traveling for leisure or business. Traveling far from home means anything can happen, and travel insurance helps travelers find cost-effective solutions to any problems they encounter.

Be prepared for any surprise events, like illness, injury, lost or stolen passports, or medical emergencies. Hospital costs abroad can be expensive, and finding assistance can be difficult if there's a language barrier. Travel insurance offers the right benefits, while support teams help you navigate challenges like language, currency, and time zone differences with ease. Before your next trip, ensure you're protected with quality, affordable travel insurance.

Singapore is an expensive destination and home to a large number of millionaires. You can find luxury and convenience at every corner, but be prepared to pay for it. From hotels and restaurants to shopping malls and famous tourist spots, expect to spend if you want to enjoy the Singapore experience. If you're on a budget, consider booking a package that includes accommodation, transportation, and tours to save money.

As a major tourism hub in Southeast Asia, Singapore attracts many travelers. However, this makes it a relatively costly destination. Here’s a quick breakdown of the living costs in Singapore:

• A family of four's estimated monthly expenses (excluding rent) are 92,461,449 VND.
• For an individual, monthly costs are estimated at 25,495,673 VND, not including rent.
• Singapore is 133.1% more expensive than Ho Chi Minh City.
• Housing rents in Singapore are 503.4% higher than in Ho Chi Minh City.

In general, your travel expenses in Singapore will vary depending on your lifestyle. You should budget about 166 Singapore dollars per day for your stay. This is the average daily spend based on past travelers’ experiences. Travelers have previously spent around 30 Singapore dollars per day on meals and 11 Singapore dollars on local transport. Additionally, the average hotel price for a couple in Singapore is around 208 Singapore dollars. As a result, a week's trip for two people to Singapore will cost around 2,319 Singapore dollars on average.