Singapore, Singapore - Travel Guide

Singapore is a vibrant city-state known for its stunning modern architecture, lush green spaces, and a melting pot of cultures. It offers world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and business travelers.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay4 days

Budget$70/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$750/day

Known For

Lion CitySoutheast AsiaMalaysiaIndonesiaSentosaMarina Bay SandsChangi Airport

🇸🇬 Country Information: Singapore

CapitalSingapur

CurrencySingapore dollar ($)

Language English , Malay, Mandarin Chinese, Tamil

Phone Code+65

Electricity230V (Type C, G, M)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Singapore as a service charge is often included in bills
You may round up a taxi fare, but it is not expected

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
It is better to use a mix of cash and card, but card is generally preferred
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
It is considered rude to point with your finger; use an open hand instead
Remove your shoes before entering someone's home
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon
Avoid touching someone's head, as it is considered sacred

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. While homosexuality is decriminalized, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and LGBTQ+ rights are limited.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties including the death penalty for drug trafficking

Special Laws

Chewing gum is largely prohibited, with exceptions for therapeutic gum
Littering is strictly enforced with heavy fines
Jaywalking is illegal and can result in fines
Vaping and e
cigarettes are illegal

Common Phrases

HelloNi hao (nee-how) 你好

PleaseSila (si-la) Sila

Thank youTerima kasih (te-ri-ma ka-sih) Terima kasih

Climate

Singapore is an island city-state with a consistent equatorial rainforest climate.

Climate Zone: Equatorial Rainforest

Best Time to Visit

Hot and humid year
round, with average temperatures around 31°C (88°F)
Monsoon season: Nov
Jan (northeast monsoon), May
Sep (southwest monsoon)
Expect heavy rainfall and thunderstorms
No hurricanes or earthquakes
Occasional localized flooding during heavy rain, especially during monsoon seasons

Getting There

Fly directly to Changi Airport (SIN) from major international cities
Cruise ships frequently dock at Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore and Singapore Cruise Centre

Getting Around

MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is extensive and efficient
Buses cover areas not reached by MRT
Taxis are readily available
Ride
sharing apps: Grab, Gojek, and Tada

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccines recommended (MMR, Tdap, chickenpox, polio)
Hepatitis A/B recommended
Japanese Encephalitis for long stays or rural exposure
Dengue fever is a risk; take mosquito precautions
No altitude sickness concerns
Probiotics can be helpful for travel digestion

Staying Connected

eSIMs widely available
Singtel, StarHub, M1 are major providers
Airalo, Nomad, and other global eSIM providers work well

Local Cuisine

Hainanese Chicken Rice must_try

Singapore's national dish, featuring tender poached or roasted chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken fat, garlic, and ginger. It is typi

Chili Crab must_try

A celebrated seafood dish where whole crabs are cooked in a thick, rich, tangy, and spicy tomato-chili sauce. It is known for being messy but indulgen

Laksa fusion

A spicy, creamy noodle soup that showcases the combination of Chinese and Malay flavors and ingredients. The rich broth is typically coconut-based and

Kaya Toast breakfast

Singapore's classic breakfast staple consisting of crispy toasted bread filled with kaya (a sweet coconut and egg jam) and cold butter. It is traditio

Char Kway Teow street_food

A smoky and savory stir-fried flat rice noodle dish mixed with Chinese sausage, cockles, fishcake, and bean sprouts. The dish is known for its intense

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

High-Demand Fine Dining Restaurants Dining

Book 2–3 months in advance

Top Michelin-starred and exclusive restaurants in Singapore often have waiting lists that open 60-90 days out and fill instantly.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Gardens by the Bay Conservatories (Cloud Forest & Flower Dome) Attraction

Book 1–4 weeks in advance

Booking timed entry in advance guarantees your preferred slot, especially during holidays or peak tourist seasons, and avoids long queues.

ArtScience Museum Exhibitions Attraction

Book 1–2 weeks in advance

Popular or temporary exhibitions often require timed entry tickets, which can sell out, especially on weekends.

Fun Facts

1. Singapore is one of only three modern city-states in the world, alongside Monaco and the Vatican.
2. The country's national anthem, "Majulah Singapura," is printed in its entirety on the back of the $1,000 SGD banknote in the Malay national language.
3. Singapore is comprised of 63 islands, not just the main island, including several inhabited and uninhabited offshore islands.
4. Chewing gum is banned in Singapore, with strict regulations prohibiting its import and sale, except for therapeutic dental or nicotine gum.

Ready to explore Singapore?

Create a personalized day-by-day itinerary with AI

Start Planning Your Trip