Singapore – Travel guide at Wikivoyage

Singapore – Travel guide at Wikivoyage
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Asia
Southeast Asia
Singapore
Singapore
Contents
Districts
1.1
Singapore CBD
1.2
Outer Singapore
1.3
Addresses
Understand
2.1
History
2.2
People
2.3
Climate
2.4
Units of measure
2.5
Politics
2.6
Holidays
2.7
Events
2.8
Visitor information
Talk
Get in
4.1
Immigration
4.2
Customs
4.3
By plane
4.3.1
Changi Airport
4.3.2
Seletar Airport
4.4
By train
4.5
By boat
4.5.1
From Indonesia
4.5.2
From Malaysia
4.5.3
Cruises
4.6
By bus
4.7
By taxi
4.8
By car
4.9
By bicycle
4.10
On foot
Get around
5.1
Fares
5.2
By train
5.3
By boat
5.4
By bus
5.5
By taxi
5.6
By rideshare
5.7
By car
5.8
By bicycle
5.9
On foot
See
6.1
Itineraries
Do
7.1
Culture
7.2
Gambling
7.3
Golf
7.4
Races
7.5
Spas
7.6
Swimming
7.7
Water sports
7.8
Snow sports
Buy
8.1
Money
8.1.1
Currency exchange
8.2
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
8.3
Payments
8.4
Tipping
8.5
Costs
8.6
Shopping
8.7
Souvenirs
Eat
9.1
Local delicacies
9.1.1
Peranakan/Nonya cuisine
9.1.2
Malay cuisine
9.1.3
Chinese cuisine
9.1.4
Indian cuisine
9.2
Hawker centres
9.3
Coffeeshops and bubble tea
9.4
Food courts
9.5
Fast food
9.6
Restaurants
9.6.1
Fine dining
9.7
Dietary restrictions
10
Drink
10.1
Alcohol
10.2
Tobacco
11
Sleep
11.1
Budget
11.2
Mid-range
11.3
Splurge
11.4
Vacation rentals
11.5
Long-term
12
Learn
12.1
Cooking
13
Work
14
Stay safe
14.1
Crime
14.2
Natural disasters
14.3
Drugs
14.4
Bribery
14.5
Racial and religious discrimination
14.6
Prostitution
14.7
Emergency numbers
15
Stay healthy
15.1
Medical care
15.2
Toilets
16
Respect
16.1
Sensitive topics
16.2
Visiting homes
16.3
Business
17
Connect
17.1
By phone
17.2
By net
17.3
By mail
18
Cope
18.1
Electricity
18.2
Embassies and High Commissions
18.3
Hair cuts
18.4
Laundry
18.5
Photo processing
18.6
Sports
18.7
Television
18.8
Newspapers
18.9
Weather
19
Go next
Singapore is a
huge city
with several
district
articles that contain information about specific sights, restaurants, and accommodation.
Singapore
(Chinese: 新加坡; Malay:
Singapura
; Tamil: சிங்கப்பூர்) is a city-state in
Southeast Asia
. Modern Singapore was founded as a
British
trading colony in 1819, and since independence, it has become one of the world's most prosperous countries and boasts one of the world's busiest ports. Singaporean food is legendary, with bustling hawker centres and 24-hour coffee shops offering affordable food from all parts of
Asia
. Combining the skyscrapers and shopping malls of an affluent modern city with a medley of different Asian cultures and a tropical climate, good shopping and a vibrant nightlife scene, this Garden City makes a great stopover or springboard into the region.
The country has a partly deserved reputation for its sterile predictability. Nevertheless, the "Switzerland of Asia" is for many a welcome respite from the chaos, dirt and poverty of much of the rest of Southeast Asia. If you scratch below the squeaky clean surface and get away from the tourist trail you'll soon find more than meets the eye in one of the few remaining city-states in the world.
Districts
edit
Sometimes referred to as the
Little Red Dot
(originally coined as a pejorative by the former Indonesian president B. J. Habibie) or the
Lion City
(a literal translation of the original Sanskrit name), Singapore is a small country on a small island with six million people. It is a fairly crowded city and in fact, it is second only to
Monaco
as the world's most densely populated country. However, Singapore has over 50% of its area covered in greenery and with over 50 major parks and 4 nature reserves, it is an enchanting
garden city
. Large self-contained residential towns have mushroomed all over the island, around the clean and modern city centre.
Singapore CBD
edit
The
CBD
(Central Business District) is in the south of the island.
'"`UNIQ--maplink-00000002-QINU`"'
Map of Singapore City Centre.
Static map
Riverside (Civic District)
Singapore's colonial core, with museums, statues and theatres, plus restaurants, bars and clubs, centred along the banks of the Singapore River at Boat Quay and Clarke Quay.
Orchard Road
Miles and miles of shopping malls in air-conditioned comfort. At the eastern end, the Bras Basah District is an arts and culture project in progress.
Marina Bay
Dominated by the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort (hotel, casino, shopping mall, convention centre and museum), the futuristic Gardens by the Bay, and the Marina Barrage. Along with the Singapore Flyer and the Esplanade Theatres, Marina Bay makes up the new iconic skyline of Singapore.
Bugis and Kampong Glam
Bugis and Kampong Glam are Singapore's old Malay district, good for shopping in the day but especially coming to life at night.
Chinatown
The area was designated for Chinese settlement by Raffles, and is now a Chinese heritage area popular with tourists. Restored shophouses make for trendy hangouts for locals and expats alike.
Little India
A piece of India to the north of the city core.
Outer Singapore
edit
'"`UNIQ--maplink-0000002A-QINU`"'
Map of Outer Singapore.
Static map
There's more to see outside the main city centre of Singapore, from the HDB (
Housing and Development Board
) heartlands where hawker food is king, to the Singapore Zoo. Or chill out in the parks and beaches of the East Coast and Sentosa.
Sentosa and Harbourfront
A separate island once a military fort that has been developed into a resort. Sentosa is the closest that Singapore gets to Disneyland, with a dash of gambling and the Universal Studios theme park thrown in. Across the water, there's Mount Faber and the
Southern Ridges
, an urban treetop walk with local monkeys. We also cover Singapore's Southern Islands as part of this article, some of which are accessible to tourists by ferry.
East Coast
The largely residential eastern part of the island contains Changi Airport, miles and miles of beach and many famous eateries. Also covers Geylang Serai, the true home of Singapore's Malays, and Pulau Ubin, the last remnant of a rustic Singapore.
North and West
The northern and western parts of the island, known as Woodlands and Jurong respectively, form Singapore's residential and industrial hinterlands. By far the largest tourist attraction here is the Mandai complex, containing all four of Singapore's spectacular zoos.
Balestier, Newton, Novena and Toa Payoh
Budget accommodations and Burmese temples within striking distance of Central Singapore. Toa Payoh, one of Singapore's first planned neighbourhoods, is an easy way to wander around a local housing estate and experience the town centre design unique to Singapore.
Addresses
edit
In the centre, Singapore's addressing system is fairly similar to other English-speaking countries (such as 17 Orchard Rd), but the new housing developments on the outskirts may appear more intimidating: a typical address might be "Blk 505 Bedok Nth Ave 3 #19-315". Here, "Blk 505" is the housing block number (Blk = Block), "Bedok Nth Ave 3" is the street name & number, and "#19-315" means floor 19 apartment 315. The first digit of both housing block and street number is the neighbourhood's number (in this case 5), making it easier to narrow down the right location. There are also 6-digit
postal codes
, with the last three digits corresponding to exactly one building. For example, "Blk 181 Bedok Nth Rd" is "S'pore 460181". Finally, you will also encounter Malay terms in addresses: the most commonly used are
Jalan
Jln
) for "Road",
Lorong
Lor
) for "Lane",
Bukit
Bt
) for "Hill" and
Kampong
Kg
) for "Village".
Useful tools for hunting down addresses include
StreetDirectory.com
GoThere.sg
and
OneMap.sg
. The "Blk" and unit number can and should be omitted when entering addresses into these sites: "505 Bedok Nth Ave 3" will do.
Understand
edit
The Singapore CBD skyline
Singapore is a microcosm of Asia, populated by Chinese, Malays, Indians and a large group of workers and expatriates from all around the globe, in a country that can be crossed in barely an hour. Having celebrated its 50th birthday in 2015, Singapore has more often than not chosen economic pragmatism over social concerns, encouraging constant reuse and redevelopment of land with huge projects like the
Marina Bay Sands
and
Resorts World Sentosa
integrated resorts as well as becoming a significant Asian financial hub, but there has also been a growing push-back to preserve local heritage in
Balestier
and elsewhere; just one of the many decisions to balance for the country's future.
History
edit
The first mentions of Singapore in historical records date back to the second and third centuries, in Greek and Chinese texts. According to legend,
Srivijayan
prince Sang Nila Utama landed on the island in the 13th century and, catching sight of a strange creature that he thought was a lion, decided to found a new city he called
Singapura
, Sanskrit for
Lion City
. Alas, there have never been any lions anywhere near Singapore or elsewhere in Malaya, so the mysterious beast was more probably a tiger or wild boar. Other records indicate that the island was settled earlier and was an important port for various kingdoms for centuries. However, Portuguese raiders destroyed the settlement in 1613 and Singapura faded into obscurity.
The story of Singapore as we know it today began in 1819, when
Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles
made a deal with a claimant to the throne of the Sultanate of
Johor
: the British would support his claim in exchange for the right to set up a trading post on the island. Though the Dutch initially protested, an Anglo-Dutch treaty was signed in 1824 separating the Malay world into British and Dutch spheres of influence (resulting in the current
Malaysia
Indonesia
and Singapore-Indonesia borders). The Dutch renounced their claim to Singapore and ceded their colony in
Malacca
to the British, in exchange for the British ceding their colonies on Sumatra to the Dutch.
Capital
Singapore
Currency
Singapore dollar (SGD)
Population
5.8 million (2021)
Electricity
230 volt / 50 hertz (BS 1363)
Country code
65
Time zone
UTC+08:00, Singapore Standard Time, Asia/Singapore
Emergencies
995 (fire department, emergency medical services), 999 (police)
Driving side
left
edit on Wikidata
Raffles' master stroke was to declare Singapore a
free port
, with no duties charged on trade. As traders flocked to escape onerous Dutch taxes, the trading post soon grew into one of Asia's busiest, drawing people from far and wide. Along with
Penang
and Malacca, Singapore became one of the
Straits Settlements
and a jewel in the British colonial crown. Its economic fortunes received a further boost when palm oil and rubber from other parts of Malaya were processed and shipped out via Singapore. In 1867, the Straits Settlements were split off from
British India
and made into a directly ruled Crown Colony.
When
World War II
broke out,
Fortress Singapore
was seen as a formidable British base, with massive naval fortifications guarding against assault by sea. However, not only did the fortress lack a fleet - as most ships were tied up defending Britain from the Germans - but the Japanese wisely chose to cross Malaya by bicycle instead. Despite hastily turning their artillery around, the British were not prepared for an attack from the north, and on 15 February 1942, with supplies critically low after less than a week of fighting, Singapore ignominiously surrendered. The colony's erstwhile rulers were packed off to Changi Prison, and tens of thousands of Singaporeans perished in the subsequent brutal occupation. The British returned in 1945, but it was clear that their time was coming to an end.
Granted self-rule in 1955, Singapore briefly joined the
Malaysian
Federation in 1963 when the British left, but was expelled in the aftermath of two bloody racial riots in 1964, because the Chinese-majority city was seen as a threat to Malay dominance. Consequently, when the island became independent on 9 August 1965, Singapore became the only country in the history of the modern world to gain independence against its own will. The subsequent 25 years of iron-fisted rule by the late prime minister
Lee Kuan Yew
saw Singapore's economy boom, with the country rapidly becoming one of the wealthiest and most developed in Asia despite its lack of natural resources, earning it a place as one of the four
East Asian Tigers
. The ruling
People's Action Party
(PAP) continues to dominate the political scene with a supermajority in Parliament. Societal restrictions have been loosened up though, with the government trying to shake off its staid image, and it remains to be seen how the delicate balancing act between political control and social freedom will play out.
But if you are a troublemaker... it's our job to politically destroy you.
Lee Kuan Yew, commenting on his political rivals.
In modern times, Singapore has tried to position itself as a neutral state balancing the interests of major world powers such as the United States and China. This has made Singapore a popular alternative to Switzerland for diplomatically sensitive talks between foreign leaders, such as the meeting between Chinese president Xi Jinping and Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou in 2015, and the meeting between American president Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in 2018.
People
edit
Singapore prides itself on being a multi-racial country and has diverse cultures despite its small size. Singaporeans make up two-thirds of the population. The largest group are the Chinese (about 75%), in which the largest subgroups are the Hokkien, Teochew and Cantonese, with Mandarin acting as the
lingua franca
of the community. Malays, who are descended from Singapore's indigenous inhabitants and migrants from throughout the
Malay Archipelago
comprise 14% of all Singaporeans. Indians, which in Singapore refers to anyone of South Asian descent, form about 9% of residents. Among the Indians, Tamils form the largest subgroup by far, though there are also other subgroups such as the Malayalees, Punjabis and Sindhis. The remainder are a mix of many other cultures, most notably the Eurasians who are of mixed European and Asian descent, and also the Peranakans or Straits Chinese, who are of mixed Chinese and Malay descent. Other smaller communities include the Parsis, Hadhrami Arabs and Baghdadi Jews.
The Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer
Singapore has always been an open country and at least a third of its population has arrived from elsewhere. They range from Burmese to Japanese to Thais and many others. There's also a large number of Filipinos, many of them working in the service industry or as domestic helpers. Throngs of happily smiling and chattering Filipinas may be seen in public spaces, one of which is a shopping mall named
Lucky Plaza
situated along Orchard Road, on Sundays when they take their only day off.
Singapore is by some measures the most religiously diverse country in the world with no religious group forming a majority, and religious freedom guaranteed by the constitution.
Buddhism
is the largest religion with about one-third of the population declaring themselves Buddhist. Other religions which exist in significant numbers include
Christianity
Islam
Hinduism
and Taoism. In addition to the "big five", the other officially-recognised religions are
Sikhism
Zoroastrianism
Judaism
, the
Baha'i Faith
and
Jainism
. About 17% of Singaporeans are irreligious (known in Singapore as "free thinkers").
Climate
edit
Singapore
Climate chart (
explanation
222
31
24
105
32
25
152
32
25
164
32
25
164
32
26
135
32
26
147
31
25
147
31
25
125
32
25
168
32
25
252
31
25
332
31
24
Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation
Snow
totals in mm
Source:
w:Singapore#Climate
Imperial conversion
8.7
87
76
4.1
89
76
90
77
6.5
90
78
6.5
90
78
5.3
89
78
5.8
89
78
5.8
89
78
4.9
89
77
6.6
89
77
9.9
88
76
13
87
76
Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation
Snow
totals in inches
As Singapore is 1°17' north of the Equator, its tropical weather is usually sunny with little in the way of distinct seasons. Rain falls almost daily throughout the year, usually in sudden, heavy showers that rarely last longer than an hour. However, most rainfall occurs during the northeast monsoon (November to January), occasionally featuring lengthy spells of continuous rain. Spectacular thunderstorms can occur throughout the year, any time during the day, so it's wise to carry an umbrella at all times, both as a shade from the sun and a cover from the rain.
Between May and October, forest fires in neighbouring
Sumatra
can also cause dense haze, although this is unpredictable and comes and goes rapidly: check with the
National Environment Agency
for up-to-date conditions.
The temperature averages around:
31
°C (88
°F)
daytime,
24.5
°C (76.1
°F)
at night in December and January.
32.5
°C (90.5
°F)
daytime,
25.5
°C (77.9
°F)
at night for the rest of the year.
Singapore's lowest temperature ever was
19.4
°C (66.9
°F)
, recorded in 1934, with its highest temperature ever being
37
°C (99
°F)
, recorded in 2023.
The high temperature and humidity, combined with the lack of wind and the fact that temperatures stay high during the night, can take its toll on visitors from colder parts of the world. Bear in mind that spending more than about an hour outdoors can be very exhausting, especially if combined with moderate exercise. Singaporeans themselves shun the heat, and for a good reason. Many live in air-conditioned flats, work in air-conditioned offices, take the air-conditioned metro to air-conditioned shopping malls connected to each other by underground tunnels where they shop, eat, and exercise in air-conditioned fitness clubs, only venturing out early in the morning and at night. Follow their example if you want to avoid discomfort in the searing heat and humidity of Singapore.
Units of measure
edit
Singapore is for the most part fully metricated, but two holdovers from the British imperial system are the measure of property sizes, which are still advertised in square feet, and clothing sizes, which are still advertised in inches.
Politics
edit
Often described as a "guided democracy", Singapore has notionally free and fair elections, but the People's Action Party (PAP) has ruled uninterrupted since 1959 and keeps it that way through tight control of the media, complicated gerrymandering, and liberal use of legal proceedings against opponents who step out of line. The largest opposition party is the centre-left Workers' Party (WP), but they have never won more than 10 out of 97 seats in Parliament. The prime minister, to date always Chinese, wields actual power while the president is largely a ceremonial figurehead.
Holidays
edit
Singapore is a secular city state but due to its multicultural population, Singapore celebrates Chinese, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian holidays.
Gong xi fa cai
Singapore style
There are a few twists to the Singapore way of celebrating Chinese New Year, particularly the
food
, which bears little resemblance to the steamy hotpots of frigid northern China. The top dish is
bak kwa
(肉干), sweet barbecued pork, followed closely by
yu sheng
(魚生), a salad of shredded vegetables and raw fish enthusiastically tossed into the air by all present. Favourite desserts are crumbly sweet pineapple tarts and gooey steamed
nian gao
(年糕) cakes. Red packets of money (红包
ang pow
) are still handed out generously, although in Singapore you only need to start paying up once married.
New Year decorations in Chinatown
The year kicks off with a bang on 1 January and
New Year
, celebrated in Singapore just as in the West with a fireworks show and parties at every nightspot in town. Particularly famous are the wet and wild
foam parties
on the beaches of resort island
Sentosa
Lunar New Year dates
The year of the
Horse
began on 3 Feb 2026 at 11:58 CST , and the Lunar New Year was on 17 Feb 2026.
The year of the
Goat
will begin on 4 Feb 2027 at 1:46 CST, and the Lunar New Year will be on 6 Feb 2027.
The year of the
Monkey
will begin on 4 Feb 2028 at 5:09 CST, and the Lunar New Year will be on 26 Jan 2028.
Contrary to popular belief, the change of the zodiac does not occur on the first day of the Lunar New Year, but instead occurs on Li Chun (立春
lì chūn
), the traditional Chinese start of spring.
Due to the influence of the Chinese majority, the largest event by far is
Chinese New Year
(农历新年) or, more politically correctly,
Lunar New Year
, usually held in late January or early February. While this might seem to be an ideal time to visit, many smaller shops and eateries are closed for 2–3 days during the period, though convenience stores like 7-Eleven, supermarkets, department stores, cinemas, fast-food restaurants and high end restaurants will remain open. The whole festival stretches out for a full 15 days, but the frenzied build-up to the peak occurs just before the night of the new moon, with exhortations of
gong xi fa cai
(恭喜发财 "congratulations and prosper"), red tinsel, mandarin oranges and the year's zodiac animal emblazoned everywhere and crowds of shoppers queuing in
Chinatown
, where there are also extensive street decorations to add spice to the festive mood. The two following days are spent with family, and then life returns to normal ... except for the final burst of
Chingay
, a colourful parade near the Singapore Flyer, held about ten days later.
On the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar, the
Dragon Boat Festival
(端午节) is celebrated to commemorate a Chinese folk hero. As part of the celebrations, rice dumplings (肉粽
bak chang
), which in Singapore are sometimes wrapped in fragrant
pandan
leaves instead of the original bamboo leaves, are usually eaten. In addition, dragon boat races are often held at the Singapore River on this day. The seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar — usually August — starts off with a puff of smoke, as "hell money" is burned and food offerings are made to please the spirits of ancestors who are said to return to earth at this time. This is the
Hungry Ghost Festival
(中元节), when the living get together to stuff themselves and watch plays and Chinese opera performances. Following soon afterwards, the
Mid-Autumn Festival
(中秋节) on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (Sep/Oct) is also a major event, with elaborate lantern decorations
particularly at Gardens by the Bay and Jurong's
Chinese Garden
and
mooncakes
that are typically filled with lotus paste, nuts, and more consumed merrily.
Ramadan light-up at the Geylang Serai district
The Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, known locally as
Deepavali
, is celebrated around October or November and
Little India
is brightly decorated for the occasion. In January or February is the celebration of
Thaipusam
, a Tamil Hindu festival in which male devotees carry a
kavadi
, an elaborate structure which pierces through various parts of their body, walking in procession from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Little India to the Sri Thandayuthapani Temple in Tank Road. Female devotees usually join the procession carrying pots of milk instead. About one week before Deepavali is
Thimithi
, the fire-walking festival where male devotees walk on burning coals at the Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the 9th and holiest month in the Islamic calendar and lasts 29–30 days. Muslims fast every day for its duration and most restaurants will be closed until the fast breaks at dusk. Nothing (including water and cigarettes) is supposed to pass through the lips from dawn to sunset. Non-Muslims are exempt from this, but should still refrain from eating or drinking in public as this is considered very impolite. Working hours are decreased as well in the corporate world.
Exact dates of Ramadan depend on local astronomical observations and may vary somewhat from country to country. Ramadan concludes with the festival of
Eid al-Fitr
, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.
18 February
– 19 March 2026 (
1447 AH
8 February
– 8 March 2027 (
1448 AH
28 January
– 25 February 2028 (
1449 AH
16 January
– 12 February 2029 (
1450 AH
If you're planning to travel to Singapore during Ramadan, consider reading
Travelling during Ramadan
The Islamic fasting month of Ramadan with fast-breaking festival
Hari Raya Puasa
(Eid-ul-Fitr) is a major occasion in Malay parts of town, particularly Geylang Serai on the
East Coast
, which is lit up with extensive decorations during the period. Another festival celebrated by the Malays is Eid-ul-Adha, known locally as
Hari Raya Haji
, which is the period when Muslims make the trip to Mecca to perform in Hajj. In local mosques, lambs contributed by the faithful are sacrificed and their meat is used to feed the poor.
Christmas Day
is also a major festive occasion in Singapore, and Orchard road is extensively lined with street decorations for the occasion. Christian families in Singapore usually celebrate the occasion with a variant of the traditional British Christmas dinner, with ham, turkey and a Yule log or a Christmas fruit cake. However, the Eurasian community has its own unique Christmas meal tradition, which incorporates numerous uniquely Eurasian dishes such as devil's curry. Since 2011, at the request of the local rabbi, a menorah has also been installed along Orchard Road alongside the Christmas decorations every December for Hanukkah.
Vesak Day
, celebrating the Buddha's enlightenment, and
Good Friday
, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus, round out the list of holidays.
A more secular celebration occurs on 9 August,
National Day
, when fluttering flags fill Singapore and the National Day Parade is held to celebrate independence.
Deepavali light-up at the Little India historical district
Welcoming Christmas in Singapore
Events
edit
Singapore holds numerous events each year. Some of its famous festivals and events include the
Singapore Food Festival
, the
Singapore Formula One Grand Prix
, the
Singapore Arts Festival
, the
Chingay Parade
, the
World Gourmet Summit,
Light to Night Singapore
i Light Singapore
Singapore Night Festival
, and
ZoukOut
Christmas
is also widely celebrated in Singapore, a season where the city streets and shopping malls along its famous shopping belt, Orchard Road, are lit up and decorated in vibrant colours. In addition, the
Singapore Jewel Festival
attracts numerous tourists every year, and is a display of precious gems, famous jewels and masterpieces from international jewellers and designers.
Visitor information
edit
visitsingapore.com
Talk
edit
See also:
Chinese phrasebook
Malay phrasebook
Tamil phrasebook
, and
English language varieties
Who are the people in your neighbourhood?
The Big 3
Chinese, Malays and Indians
get all the press, but there are plenty of other communities with their own little neighbourhoods (or shopping malls) in Singapore:
Arabs
: Arab St, of course
Burmese
: Peninsula Plaza, on North Bridge Rd
Mainland Chinese
: Geylang (Singapore's "new Chinatown")
Filipinos
: Lucky Plaza, on Orchard Rd
French
: Serangoon Gardens
Eurasians
: Katong
Indonesians
: City Plaza, near Paya Lebar MRT
Japanese
: Robertson Quay, especially the Great World City shopping mall, plus Cuppage Plaza, opposite the Somerset MRT and Takashimaya along Orchard Rd
Koreans
: Tanjong Pagar Rd
Peranakan Chinese
: Katong
Thais
: Aperia Mall, Lavender Street and City Gate, Beach Road
Vietnamese
: Joo Chiat Rd
A sign in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil
Malay
is enshrined in the constitution as the "national language", but in practice, the most common language is English, the primary language for half the population and spoken by almost every non-elderly Singaporean with varying degrees of fluency. However, the distinctive local patois,
Singlish
, may be hard to understand at times, as it incorporates slang words and phrases from other languages, including various Chinese dialects, Malay, and Tamil as well as English words whose pronunciation or meaning have been changed. Additionally, it has an odd way of structuring sentences, due to the original speakers being mostly Chinese, resulting in most Singlish sentences having Chinese grammar. Complex consonant clusters are simplified, articles and plurals disappear, verb tenses are replaced by adverbs, questions are altered to fit the Chinese syntax and non-English particles (especially the infamous "lah") appear:
Singlish
You wan beer or not? -- Dunwan lah, dring five bottle oreddi.
Do you want a beer? -- No, thanks; I've already had five bottles.
Later wan go mall lepak abit? -- Ok, steady lah!
Do you want to chill at the mall for a while later? -- Ok, good!
He today taiko, kena tekan by his boss, so jialat.
He was 'lucky' to be scolded by his boss today, seeming very much in trouble.
Thanks to nationwide language education campaigns, most younger Singaporeans are, however, capable of speaking what the government calls "good English" when necessary. To avoid unintentional offence, it's best to start off with standard English and shift to simplified pidgin only if it becomes evident that the other person cannot follow you. Try to resist the temptation to sprinkle your speech with unnecessary Singlish words. You'll get a laugh if you do it right, but it sounds patronising if you do it wrong.
Singapore's other official languages are
Mandarin Chinese
Malay
, and
Tamil
, mostly spoken by the Singaporean Chinese, Malay and Indian ethnic groups respectively. Governmental offices are required by law to provide all services in all four official languages. Like English, the Mandarin spoken in Singapore has also evolved into a distinctive creole and often incorporates words from other Chinese dialects, Malay, and English. All Singaporean Chinese are taught standard Mandarin in school, but many still have trouble speaking or understanding Mandarin on a conversational level. Various Chinese dialects (mostly
Hokkien
, though significant numbers also speak
Teochew
and
Cantonese
) are also spoken between older ethnic Chinese of the same dialect group, though their use has virtually died out among the younger generation; most people born after 1980 cannot speak them unless they were raised by their grandparents. Other Indian languages, such as
Punjabi
among the Sikhs, are also spoken.
The official Chinese script used in Singapore is the simplified script used in mainland China. As such, all official publications (including local newspapers) and signs are in simplified Chinese, and it is simplified Chinese that is taught in schools.
Get in
edit
Immigration
edit
All visitors to Singapore must have a passport that is valid for at least
6 months
from their date of arrival.
Citizens of
Australia
, the
European Union
New Zealand
Norway
, Japan,
South Korea
Switzerland
the
United Kingdom
and the
United States
do not need a
visa
for stays of 90 days or less.
Holders of a valid APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) may visit Singapore for up to 60 days without a visa.
Citizens of
most other countries
can stay without a visa for 30 days or less, so that's the case if your country is not named here.
Citizens of the following countries have to apply for a visa in advance, and can do so
online
, through a local contact in Singapore or at a Singaporean embassy or consulate:
Afghanistan
Algeria
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bangladesh
Belarus
Egypt
Georgia
India
Iran
Iraq
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kosovo
Lebanon
Libya
Kyrgyzstan
Mali
Morocco
Nigeria
Moldova
North Korea
Pakistan
Palestine
Russia
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Tajikistan
Tunisia
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
Uzbekistan
, and
Yemen
Citizens of several former Soviet countries (Georgia, Ukraine, and the Commonwealth of Independent States) are eligible for
visa-free transit
for up to 96 hours if you have an onward plane ticket to a third country. You may enter Singapore by any mode of transport, but must depart by air. A similar scheme is available for citizens of
India
who have a valid visa or residence permit issued by Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or the United States (Schengen visas issued by other countries do not count), and have an onward plane, ferry or cruise ticket to a third country. Indian citizens visiting Singapore under the scheme may enter Singapore by any mode of transport, but must depart by air or sea.
No visa is required for transit at Changi Airport as long as you don't leave the secure area and your connecting flight leaves within 24 hours. See
Sterile transit
All travellers entering Singapore, including Singapore citizens, are required to complete a
SG Arrival Card
online no
earlier
than 3 days before your arrival date. If you have not done this before you get off the aeroplane, you may complete this form using the computers near the immigration desks. Once completed, you will receive an e-mail containing a barcode that you can scan at the immigration counter or you can use a screenshot of the confirmation page.
All visitors to Singapore can use the automated clearance gates, with no pre-enrollment required. Manual counters are still available for families with children under 6. Singapore no longer stamps passports for visitors: you will receive your terms of entry at the email address you provided in the SG Arrival Card.
Citizens of African and South American countries, and travellers who have recently been to Africa or South America, require a
yellow fever vaccination certificate
for entry into Singapore.
Single women from poorer countries planning long stays for tourism may be denied entry, due to suspicions that they might be intending to engage in unlicensed prostitution. Hippie types may expect a little extra attention from Customs, but getting a shave and a haircut is no longer a condition for entry. High-profile political activists are also often denied entry.
Males who enter Singapore illegally or who overstay their permits by more than 14 days face a mandatory sentence of at least three strokes of the cane.
Customs
edit
Singapore has
very strict drug laws
, and drug trafficking carries a mandatory death penalty that is applied to everyone including foreigners. Even if you are only on
sterile transit
while in possession of drugs, you would still be subject to Singaporean law and capital punishment.
Poppy seeds
are also prohibited, as they contain morphine and are hence classified as a controlled substance. A positive urine test or a positive swab test of your belongings is sufficient grounds for you to be denied entry to Singapore and deported, even if no drugs are found in your possession.
Bringing in explosives or
firearms
without a permit is also a capital offense in Singapore. The importation of some types of weapons such as shuriken, nunchaku, switchblade knives, butterfly knives and chain whips is prohibited, and permits to import these will not be issued under any circumstances. In general, do not bring any type of weapon into Singapore.
Bring prescriptions for any
prescribed medicines
you may have with you. If you are bringing in more than 3 months' supply of any medication or if you are bringing in any sedatives (e.g. Valium/diazepam), strong painkillers (e.g. codeine ingredients), or cannabidiol (CBD)-containing medication you need to apply to the
Singapore Health Sciences Authority
for approval at least 10 working days before your expected arrival in Singapore.
Duty free allowances for alcohol are one litre each of wine, beer and spirits, though the 1
L of spirits may be replaced with 1
L of wine or beer. Travellers entering from Malaysia are not entitled to any duty free allowance. Alcohol may not be brought in by persons under the age of 18. You
cannot
bring
tobacco products
such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes (vapes) into Singapore; failure to declare and dispose of them at customs could potentially result in hefty fines and imprisonment. Importing non-medical
chewing gum
is illegal, but in practice customs officers would usually not bother with a few sticks for personal consumption.
There is no restriction on the amount of money that can be brought in or out of Singapore. However, you are required to declare to customs if you are carrying more than $20,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency in or out of Singapore. The declaration can be made when you are filling in your Singapore Arrival Card, or through
this website
. Not declaring exposes you to arrest, heavy fines and possible imprisonment.
Pornography
pirated goods
, and
religious publications
by the Jehovah's Witnesses and the Unification Church may not be imported to Singapore, and all baggage is scanned at land and sea entry points. In theory, all entertainment media including movies and video games must be sent to the Board of Censors for approval before they can be brought into Singapore, but that is rarely if ever enforced for original (non-pirated, non-copied) goods, and it's very unlikely that your hard drives will be searched.
By plane
edit
Singapore is one of Southeast Asia's largest aviation hubs, so unless you're coming from
Peninsular Malaysia
or
Batam
Bintan
in Indonesia, the easiest way to enter Singapore is by air. In addition to its flag-carrier,
Singapore Airlines
, regarded as one of the world's best airlines in terms of customer service, Singapore is also home to low-cost carrier
Scoot
In addition to the locals, every carrier of any size in Asia offers flights to Singapore, with pan-Asian discount carrier
AirAsia
operating a dense network from Singapore. There are also nonstop services to Europe, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, North America, and South Africa. Singapore is particularly popular on the "Kangaroo Route" between Australia and Europe, with
Qantas
and
British Airways
using Singapore as their refuelling stop between London and Sydney.
In addition to the local airports, travellers from Malaysia or Indonesia can consider flying into
Johor Bahru
JHB
IATA
),
Batam
BTH
IATA
) or
Tanjung Pinang
TNJ
IATA
) instead, as flights to those airports are usually cheaper than to Changi or Seletar. The downside is that you'll have to pass through customs and immigration twice, and there are no direct public transportation links between those airports and Singapore, meaning that you will have to arrange your own transportation. If you have a lot of time, flying to
Kuala Lumpur
KUL
IATA
), which is served by more destinations than the aforementioned three airports, can also save you some money. Coaches from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore take about 5 hours.
Changi Airport
edit
The Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport
Main article:
Singapore Changi Airport
1.3573
103.9885
MISSING WIKILINK
Changi Airport
SIN
IATA
) is the main airport and serves all commercial jet flights. It regularly shows up in "Best Airport" rankings and is big, pleasant, and well-organised, with remarkably fast immigration and baggage distribution. The airport is split into four main terminals (T1, T2, T3 and T4). The famous Rain Vortex is essentially an indoor park surrounded by a shopping mall, that isn't the worst place to hang out for a few hours before your flight.
Grab/Gojek rideshare or taxis are the fastest way to the city, and will cost about $20–30 including a $5 airport surcharge ($3 for off-peak hours). An additional 50% surcharge applies 1–6AM. On the MRT, it takes about 45 minutes to town with an easy cross-platform transfer at Tanah Merah. Paper tickets are no longer available, and visitors will need to use a credit/debit card or purchase an EZ-link card at the ticket office. An adult fare to City Hall costs $2.14, with trains running from 5:31AM (5:59AM on Sundays and bank holidays) to 11:18PM. See
Singapore Changi Airport
for the full scoop.
Seletar Airport
edit
1.416944
103.867778
Seletar Airport
XSP
IATA
) serves all turboprop flights and
general aviation
. Completed in 1928 and first used for civil aviation in 1930, it was Singapore's first airport. The only commercial flights to Seletar are
Firefly
services from
Kuala Lumpur
's Subang Airport (a smaller airport closer to the city centre, not the main international airport of Kuala Lumpur) and
Berjaya
's "scheduled charters" to
Redang
. Bus 102 runs from Hougang MRT (North-East Line) directly to the airport, but most travellers opt for a taxi instead. A $3 surcharge applies for trips from the airport.
By train
edit
Once the southern terminus of Malaysia's
Keretapi Tanah Melayu
(Malayan Railway or KTMB) network, the central
1.272937
103.838687
Tanjong Pagar railway station
has been decommissioned and KTMB trains now terminate at the JB Sentral railway station in
Johor Bahru
, Malaysia. The station is expected to be integrated into a future MRT station, but as of 2026, it is derelict and cordoned off.
The
Shuttle Tebrau
connects the last Singaporean station,
1.443889
103.769167
Woodlands Train Checkpoint
with JB Sentral. One-way tickets originating in Singapore costs $5 while the reverse costs RM5. From Woodlands, immigration formalities for both countries are carried out before boarding. From Johor Bahru, Malaysian immigration checks are conducted at JB Sentral before boarding, and Singapore immigration checks upon arrival at Woodlands. Taking immigration into account, allow 30-60 minutes for the full journey. This service is expected to be terminated after a new cross-border rapid transit link opens in 2027.
Shuttle trains leave at irregular intervals throughout the day. Check the
timetable
. Tickets are released for sale 6 months in advance and
sell out quickly
, especially towards Singapore on weekday mornings and towards JB on weekday evenings, when commuters snap up seats.
For JB Sentral-Woodlands, at JB Sentral there are turnstiles installed at the departure gate (Gate A); scan the barcode or QR code on your ticket (can be one stored on a mobile device) to activate the turnstile. For Woodlands-JB Sentral, tickets bought online must be exchanged at the KTMB ticket counter before departure. For trains beyond Johor Bahru, see
Johor Bahru#By train
and
Malaysia#By train
for details.
Don’t confuse Woodlands Train Checkpoint with the neighbouring
1.437094
103.786483
Woodlands MRT station
. Take a bus from Kranji, Marsiling or Woodlands MRT to Woodlands
Train
Checkpoint (not Woodlands Checkpoint), and double-check with the driver since they've been known to skip the train stop in heavy traffic.
By boat
edit
Ferries link Singapore with the neighbouring
Indonesian
province of
Riau Islands
, and the
Malaysian
state of
Johor
. Singapore has two terminals that handle international ferries:
1.26394
103.82079
HarbourFront
near
Sentosa
and
1.31405
103.98872
Tanah Merah
near
Changi Airport
HarbourFront Ferry Terminal is located inside HarbourFront Centre shopping mall, not to be confused with the adjoining VivoCity. Alight at HarbourFront MRT station.
Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal is located south of Changi Airport. Alight at Tanah Merah MRT station and proceed to Exit B. From there, take bus 35/35M to the ferry terminal. Alternatively, alight at Bedok MRT station and proceed to the adjacent Bedok Bus Interchange, where the two bus services originate from. If you are arriving
at
Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, getting a taxi can be very difficult due to the remote location and 200 other people hailing them simultaneously; it's often faster to take bus 35/M a few stops to the nearest MRT station and try your luck there. If you are arriving on a weekday and hence taking the 35, check the destination carefully. The bus calls twice in its route at the ferry terminal and visitors must pre-register to enter the logistics park ALPS. A shuttle service also connects Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal with Changi Airport, costing $4 each way.
From Indonesia
edit
Ferries to Indonesia are operated by an ever-changing cast of operators with constantly changing schedules. The Singapore Cruise Centre maintains a
real-time schedule service
showing current services that can be helpful for ferreting out what's actually operating.
Batam Ferry
From
Batam
Ferries from
Batu Ampar
Sekupang
and
Waterfront City
Teluk Senimba
) use
HarbourFront
Ferry Terminal. Ferries from
Nongsapura
use
Tanah Merah
Ferry Terminal. Ferries from Batam Centre use both ferry terminals.
Indo Falcon
+65 6278 3167
Hourly ferries to Batam Centre, fewer to Waterfront City. This company does not operate from Sekupang. Similar fares.
Horizon Fast Ferry
+65 6276 6711
Operates 16 trips from Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal and Batu Ampar. Fares are similar to the other companies.
$32/48 one-way/round-trip, including terminal fees
updated Nov 2019
Dino/Batam Fast
+65 6270 0311
(in Harbourfront),
+62 778 467793
(in Batam Centre),
+62 778 470344
(in Batam Centre),
+62 778 325085
(in Sekupang),
+62 778 3250856
(in Sekupang),
+62 778 381150
(in Waterfront City)
Also hourly ferries from Harbour Bay Ferry terminal, fewer ferries from Sekupang and Waterfront City.
$19-25 one-way, $39-50 round-trip including fees (lower prices for late night departures, higher prices for peak times)
updated Nov 2025
Majestic Fast Ferry
$49 two-way including fees (depending on departure time)
updated May 2019
Sindo Ferry
+62 778 465 55
btc@sindoferry.com.sg
updated May 2019
Batam Fast
+65 6270 0311
(Singapore),
+62 778 761071
(in Nongsa)
Ferries to multiple locations on Batam
$19-25 one-way, $39-50 round-trip including fees (lower prices for late night departures, higher prices for peak times)
updated May 2019
Majestic Fast Ferry
$19-25 one-way including fees (higher mid-day, lower mornings and evenings)
updated May 2019
Sindo Ferry
+65 6331 4122
tmft@sindoferry.com.sg
updated May 2019
From
Bintan
Ferries from Bintan use
Tanah Merah
Ferry Terminal. For
Tanjung Pinang
, there are four or five departures per day at $30 one-way including taxes and surcharges.
Majestic Fast Ferry
$31 one-way including fees
updated May 2019
Sindo Ferry
tmft@sindoferry.com.sg
$27-29 one way including fees (promo and normal fares)
updated May 2019
Bintan Resort Ferries
+65 6542 4369
operates five ferries from Tanah Merah FT on weekdays, increasing to 7 during weekends
$34.60/50.20 one-way/return peak period, $26.60/39.20 one-way/return off-peak including taxes and fuel surcharge.
updated May 2019
From
Karimun
Ferries from Karimun use
HarbourFront
Ferry Terminal. For
Tanjung Balai
, there is one daily departure
on even days only
at $50 one-way including taxes and surcharges.
Sindo Ferry
tmft@sindoferry.com.sg
$27-29 one way including fees (promo and normal fares)
updated May 2019
From Malaysia
edit
Ferries to Malaysia are surprisingly limited. In particular, there are no services at all to
Borneo
. The on-demand "bumboats" that used to shuttle between Changi Point and Pengerang no longer operate.
From
Johor:
Ferries from Johor use
Tanah Merah
Ferry Terminal.
Batam Fast
Ferry services from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to
Desaru
Coast Ferry Terminal and Tg Pengelih in
Pengerang
Johor
updated Jun 2022
Cruises
edit
Singapore is a popular stop for round-the-world and major regional cruises. Many of those cruises embark/disembark passengers here during all-day or over-night port visits, while others stop for perhaps just a day. Check with cruise companies and sellers for details. Cruise ships use the Singapore Cruise Centre (which HarbourFront Ferry Terminal is part of) and the Marina Bay Cruise Centre.
By bus
edit
A Singapore-Johore Express bus
There are long-distance coaches from
Kuala Lumpur
and many other destinations in Malaysia through the Woodlands Checkpoint and the Second Link at Tuas, and even from as far as
Hat Yai
in
Thailand
. Coaches to Singapore take about 3 hours from
Malacca
, 5 hours from Kuala Lumpur, 10 hours from
Penang
and 13 hours from Hat Yai. There is no central bus terminal and different companies leave from all over the city. Major operators include:
Aeroline
+65 6258 8800
Luxury buses with meal on-board, power sockets, lounge area etc, to Kuala Lumpur and
Petaling Jaya
. Departures from HarbourFront Centre.
From $47 one-way
updated Nov 2025
First Coach
+65 6822 2111
No frills, but the buses have good legroom and use the Second Link. Another selling point is convenient public transport: buses depart from Novena Square (Novena MRT) in Singapore and arrive right next to (KJ 16) Bangsar LRT in Kuala Lumpur.
$33/55 single/return
updated Nov 2025
NiCE
+65 6256 5755
Over 20 daily departures from Copthorne Orchid Hotel on Dunearn Rd to Kuala Lumpur's old railway station. Double-decker NiCE 2 buses (27 seats) RM80, luxury NiCE++ buses (18 seats) RM88.
updated Nov 2025
Transnasional
+60 2 6294 7034
(Malaysia)
Malaysia's largest bus operator, offers direct buses from Singapore through the peninsula. Departures from Lavender St.
Executive/economy buses RM80/35
updated Nov 2025
Transtar
+65 6299 9009
Transtar's sleeper-equipped Solitaire ($63) and leather-seated First Class ($49) coaches offer frills like massaging chairs, onboard attendants, video on demand and even Wi-Fi. More plebeian SuperVIP/Executive buses are $25/39, direct service to
Malacca
and
Genting
also available. Departures from Golden Mile Complex, Beach Rd (near Lavender MRT).
updated Nov 2025
Most other operators have banded together in three shared booking portals.
redbus
+65 3158 2888
support@redbus.sg
redBus Singapore includes many destinations bus tickets.
updated Nov 2025
Easybook
+65 6444 0745
Six bus companies including major budget operator Konsortium.
updated Nov 2025
Bus Online Ticket
Another six companies, including major operator Fivestars Express, Hasry Express and AirAsia-affiliated StarMart.
updated Nov 2025
In general, the more you pay, the faster and more comfortable your trip. More expensive buses leave on time, use the Second Link, and do not stop along the way; while the cheapest buses may not be punctual, use the perpetually congested Causeway and might make more intercity stops. Book early for popular departure times like Friday evenings (heading from Singapore to Malaysia) and Sunday evenings (heading from Malaysia to Singapore), Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, etc., and factor in some extra time for the expected congestion at the border; congestion can be assessed from the traffic cameras on the
OneMotoring website
An alternative to taking a direct "international bus", would be making the short hop to
Johor Bahru
and board domestic Malaysian long-distance express buses to various Malaysian destinations from
1.495806
103.743
Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal
in
Johor Bahru
. Besides having more options, fares are also much lower as you will be paying for a domestic fare in Malaysian ringgit, instead of the identical nominal amount in Singapore dollars. The downside is the time-consuming hassle (at least an additional hour of travelling time) of first getting to Johor Bahru and then getting to Larkin terminal on the outskirts of town. Another downside would also be the lack of domestic bus seats during festive seasons.
A Causeway Link bus bound for Kranji MRT
There are also regular public buses that ply between Johor Bahru and Singapore. The main operators are
SBS Transit
(Singapore),
SMRT Buses
(Singapore) and
Causeway Link
(Malaysia), and by far the most popular route is from Kranji MRT to JB Larkin terminal, served by routes CW1 (Causeway Link) and SBS 170. Most buses cross via the Causeway, but Causeway Link runs a few services across the Second Link to
Iskandar Puteri
as well. Fares are around $2-5 depending on route length. EZ-Link is accepted by Singaporean buses and Malaysian buses
from
Singapore, but not in the other direction.
All buses make two stops at Singapore immigration and at Malaysian immigration. At both immigration points,
you must disembark with all your luggage
and pass through passport control and customs, then board the next bus by showing your ticket. Expect a minimum of 30 minutes to clear both checkpoints during non-peak periods, with the expectation of an average clearing time of 1 hour during peak periods, 2 hours at the ends of extended holiday periods. There is no need to board the same bus as the one you arrived on.
By taxi
edit
Johor-Singapore cross border taxi
While normal Singaporean taxis are not allowed to cross into Malaysia and vice versa, specially licensed Singaporean taxis permitted to go to Larkin bus terminal (only) can be booked from Johor Taxi Service
+65 6296 7054
, $80 one way), while Malaysian taxis, which can go anywhere in Malaysia, can be taken from the taxi terminal at Ban San St ($60 to charter, or $15/person if you share with others). In the reverse direction, towards Singapore, you can take Singaporean taxis from Larkin to any point in central Singapore ($60), while Malaysian taxis can only bring you to Ban San St (
RM
120). The main advantage here is that you do not need to lug your stuff (or yourself) through Customs at both ends; you can just sit in the car.
Private "limousine" transport services offer point-to-point services from anywhere in Singapore to anywhere in Malaysia. These services are unlicensed and authorities crack down on drivers periodically, but it is not illegal to ride in one as a passenger. The standard fare is $100 for Singapore to Johor Bahru for a 4-passenger Toyota Innova.
By car
edit
The Causeway, with
Johor Bahru
on the other side
Singapore is linked to Peninsular Malaysia by two land crossings:
The
1.4526
103.7691
Causeway
is a very popular and thus terminally congested entry point connecting Woodlands in the north of Singapore directly into the heart of
Johor Bahru
. By some measures the busiest border crossing in the world, with 350,000 travellers on an
average
day, the Causeway usually experiences severe congestion on Friday evenings (towards Malaysia), Sunday evenings (towards Singapore) and around extended holiday periods. The Causeway is crossed by trains, buses, taxis, cars and motorcycles. The only reliable way to avoid jams is the train, see
#By train
, but the most flexible and most popular option is to take one of the many bus services, see
#By bus
A second crossing between Malaysia and Singapore, known as the
1.3545
103.6281
10
Second Link
, was built between Tuas in western Singapore and
Iskandar Puteri
in western
Johor
. Much faster and (usually) less congested than the Causeway, it is primarily used by the express bus services from
Malacca
Kuala Lumpur
Ipoh
and
Penang
. It is more convenient than the Causeway for travellers coming from further up the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, but a major detour if you are just coming from Johor Bahru. Bus services across are not as numerous as those that service the Causeway, and you cannot legally use this crossing via a taxi (although this does not stop unlicensed operators from doing so).
Driving into Singapore with a foreign-registered car is complicated and expensive. If you have your own wheels and insist on using them, see
Driving in Singapore
for details.
By bicycle
edit
Cycling into Singapore
is possible only across the Causeway. You can take the motorcycle lane and process your entry at the manual motorcycle counters. Once you have cleared Singapore immigration and customs, make sure you avoid the ramp heading onto the expressway, which will be indicated as BKE (short for Bukit Timah Expressway) on road signs. As the Second Link is served by expressways on both sides, bicycles are legally unable to use it.
On foot
edit
Walking across the Causeway is prohibited, although many would walk when there is a traffic jam. Be prepared for a very long walk as Malaysia's customs and immigration complex is now
km (1.2
mi)
inland. Unlike the previous checkpoint, the current Malaysian immigration checkpoint was not set up for pedestrians, meaning that there are no pedestrian footpaths on the Malaysian side, and you will have to walk on the road alongside potentially dangerous and fast-moving vehicular traffic.
Pedestrians are not allowed on the Second Link; not that there would be anything within walking distance on either side anyway.
Get around
edit
Geographic map of MRT lines in the city centre
Getting around Singapore is easy: the public transport network is extremely easy to use, affordable, and covers populated areas extensively. Furthermore, taxis/rideshares are reasonably priced and easy to hail via apps.
CityMapper Singapore
, Google Maps, and Apple Maps are all capable of figuring out the fastest route by rail and bus and even estimating taxi/rideshare fares between any two points.
Fares
edit
Fares
are charged based on distance and mode of transport.
The easiest way to pay for all public transport is to use a contactless
Visa, Mastercard or American Express
, which you can use to tap in to and out of any train or bus, including the Sentosa Express.
Mobile phones
with Visa, Mastercard or American Express stored in Apple Pay or Google Pay work as well. Foreign-issued cards are charged an additional $0.60/day handling fee, but for short stays (i.e. up to eight days over a five-year period) this still works out cheaper than an EZ-link/NETS prepaid card. Journey history is available with a
TransitLink SimplyGo
account.
Alternatively, pick up an
EZ-link
or
NETS
prepaid card at any train station or 7-Eleven store. The EZ-link prepaid card costs $12 ($5 for the card itself and $7 stored value) whilst the NETS prepaid card costs $10 ($5 for the card itself and $5 stored value). The cards can be topped up using cash or Singapore-issued credit or debit cards at ticketing machines located in train stations, by cash at convenience stores, or online through the EZ-link app. If you are leaving Singapore and you have some money on your card, you can go to any TransitLink ticket office for a refund, minus a $5 processing fee. The cards are valid for five years.
The
Singapore Tourist Pass
(STP)
gives you unlimited rides for $17/24/29 for 1/2/3 days respectively, plus some discounts for attractions. However, given that most trips only cost $1.00-2.50, you would need to use the public transport system often during your stay for the STP to be worthwhile.
Cash is not accepted on the MRT/LRT. More expensive cash fares are available on buses but no change is given. Children under seven years old travel free. If your child is above 0.9m in height they need a
Child Concession Card
to travel.
Remember to tap your device or card against a reader before you exit a bus. Otherwise, you will be charged the maximum fare. The bus operator has no idea where you got off and assumes that you rode to the end of the line.
By train
edit
MRT and LRT system map
The
MRT
(Mass Rapid Transit) and
LRT
(Light Rail Transit) are the backbone of Singapore's transit system. They are a cheap, fast and reliable mode of transportation, and the network covers most points of interest for the visitor. The stations are clean and equipped with free toilets and platform barriers for safety.
The North-East Line, Circle Line, Downtown Line, Thomson-East Coast Line and all upcoming lines run underground and are fully automated without a driver. It's worth walking up to the front of the train to check out the view of the tunnel ahead.
Eating and drinking (even water) is strictly
prohibited
in the stations and trains, with offenders being liable for a $500 fine. When using escalators,
stand on the left
to allow those in a hurry to pass on the right.
Locals refer to the underground metro system as the "MRT". The terms "Metro" or "Subway" are not widely used or understood.
By boat
edit
Bumboat
Tourist-oriented
bumboats
cruise the
Singapore River
, offering point-to-point rides starting from $3 and cruises with nice views of the CBD skyscraper skyline starting from $13.
Bumboats also shuttle passengers from
Changi Point Ferry Terminal
to
Pulau Ubin
($4 one-way), a small island off Singapore's northeast coast which is about as close as Singapore gets to unhurried rural living. These boats are the only way to get to Pulau Ubin without your own vessel. Ferries to the southern islands of Sisters' Islands, Kusu Island and St John's Island depart from
Marina South Pier
, next to the MRT station of the same name. Pulau Hantu is also open to the public, though there are no scheduled ferries there; you will need to charter a boat from either Marina South Pier or West Coast Pier.
By bus
edit
Singapore bus
Buses
connect various corners of Singapore, but are slower and harder to use than the MRT. On a long-distance bus, frequent stops and slow speeds may mean your journey could take two to three times as long as the same trip via MRT. Their main advantage is you get to see the sights rather than a dark underground tunnel, partly if you can snag a front seat on a double-decker, which make up a relatively huge percentage of buses in Singapore. Moreover, since there are a lot more bus stops than MRT stations, buses can often get you closer to your destination, which makes a big difference in the equatorial heat and humidity. All public buses in Singapore are air conditioned and wheelchair accessible.
Buses in Singapore
stop on request only
. Flag the bus if you want to board, press the stop button if you want to alight. As buses can come at irregular frequencies due to traffic conditions, it is advisable to use Bus Arrival Timing applications in order to know when the next bus arrives and plan your journey. The most popular apps include
MyTransportSG
and
Singabus
. Most trunk bus services have a frequency of between 10 and 15 minutes, while express bus services which have 3 digits and start with 5 (e.g. 502) or end in e (e.g 851e) normally have a frequency of 20 minutes or more - note that these charge a higher fare. Feeder bus services normally arrive every 5 to 15 minutes.
The four bus operators in Singapore are SBS Transit, SMRT Buses, Tower Transit and Go-Ahead.
By taxi
edit
Taxicabs in different colours
Taxicabs
use meters and are reasonably priced and honest. Outside weekday peak hours, trips within the city centre should not cost you more than $10 and even a trip right across the island from Changi to Jurong will not break the $35 mark. If you are in a group of 3 or 4, it's sometimes cheaper and faster to take a taxi than the MRT. ComfortDelgro, the largest operator, has a
CDG Zig
booking app
that lets you order and pay for your taxi rides ridehail-style, including the option of a "ComfortRide" fixed price instead of running the meter, or you can call the unified booking system at
+65 6-DIAL-CAB (3425-222)
. Hailing a taxi on the street or at a taxi stand lets you avoid the $2.30-3.30 booking fee though.
Taxi pricing is largely identical across all companies at $4.40-$5.00 as a flag down rate (depending on the type of vehicle used), which lasts 1
km before increments of $0.26 per 400
m (for the first 10
km) or $0.26 per 350
m (after the first 10
km). Watch out for surprises though: on weekdays, trips before 9:30am or after 5pm incur a 25-50% tariff, and on weekdays a 25% tariff is applicable between 10am and 4pm. Extra fees ($3-8) may be added for trips starting at airports, popular attractions, and ferry terminals. Electronic Road Pricing surcharges or City Area fees may also apply at peak hours, which may add a substantial amount to your taxi fare. All such charges are shown on the bottom right-hard corner of the meter, recorded in the printed receipt and explained in tedious detail in a sticker on the window; if you suspect the cabbie is trying to pull a fast one, call the company and ask for an explanation. There is no surcharge for trips
to
the airport, only from. While all taxis are equipped to handle (and are required to accept) credit cards, in practice many cabbies do not accept electronic payment. Always ask before getting in. Paying by credit card will incur an additional surcharge of 10%, or $0.30 using other cards or app-based payments. As usual in Singapore, tips are not expected. In the Central Business District, taxis may pick up passengers only at taxi stands (found outside any shopping mall) or buildings with their own driveways (including virtually all hotels). Outside the centre, you're free to hail taxis on the street or call one to your doorstep.
Virtually all Singapore taxis are equipped with navigation systems that will get you where you want to go. Some cabbies may ask you which route you want to take; most are satisfied with "whichever way is faster".
By rideshare
edit
Rideshare apps have largely supplanted taxis in Singapore. The two biggest players are
Grab
and
Gojek
. Rides are generally reasonably priced, with most off-peak rides in the city centre clocking in around $10-20, although during busy periods (Friday nights, when it rains, etc.) surge fares can be much higher. Most international credit/debit cards are accepted on their apps, and cash payments are also accepted. Other ride sharing apps include
Ryde
and
Tada
. For the best fare, download a few apps and check the cost of your journey between them, as the cheapest company may change by the time-of-day.
By car
edit
Main article:
Driving in Singapore
By thumb
Hitchhiking
is virtually unheard of in Singapore, and given the small size of the country and its cheap, ubiquitous public transport, it's hardly necessary.
Driving is not a popular option for visitors to Singapore, as public transport covers virtually the entire island and it's generally cheaper to take taxis all day than to rent. You will usually be looking at upwards from $100 per day for the smallest vehicle from the major rental companies, although local ones can be cheaper and there are sometimes good weekend prices available. This does not include petrol at around $3/litre or electronic road pricing (ERP) fees, and rentals often charge extra or prohibit driving to
Malaysia
By bicycle
edit
Although Singapore is mostly flat and there're only a few locations to climb, commuting on bicycle is challenging. There are few dedicated bicycle lanes on public roads, and road courtesy towards cyclists from motorists is sorely lacking. You may cycle on the road, cycling paths, shared use paths, and footpaths, with each having its own challenges.
Bikes are permitted on public roads, provided you wear a helmet, and your bike is equipped with front white and rear red lights when cycling at night. You must keep to the left most lane. Bike lanes are only found on Tanah Merah Coastal Road and West Camp Road. There is no speed limit for bicycles on the roads. Bicycles are prohibited from expressways, road tunnels and the Tuas Viaduct.
Red cycle paths may be found beside the footpath; these paths frequently turn into shared use paths indicated by a dotted red box. You
must
use these where available - it is illegal to do otherwise. There is also a network of off-road walking and cycling paths, such as the
Park Connector Network (PCN)
and the
Rail Corridor
. The speed limit is 25km/h in dedicated cycling paths, and 10km/h in shared paths with pedestrians. Bicycle parking is found near MRT stations and shopping malls. A map of cycle paths can be found
here
Electric bicycles
are only permitted on cycle paths, shared use paths and roads. They are not permitted on the footpath.
Shared bicycles can be rented with mobile apps such as
HelloRide.SG
or
Anywheel
dead link
, at designated parking spots, typically indicated by a bright yellow rectangle on the ground. Scan the QR code on the ground to park your bike. Foldable bicycles not exceeding 120cm by 70cm by 40cm when folded can be brought onto public transit all day.
On foot
edit
Singapore is very pedestrian-friendly. In the main business district and on main roadways, pavements and pedestrian crossings are in good shape and plentiful, and by Asian standards drivers are generally careful and willing to give way at marked crossings. Jaywalking is illegal and punished with fines of $25 and up to three months in jail, but this is rarely enforced.
An unavoidable downside, though, is the tropical
heat and humidity
, which leaves many visitors sweaty and exhausted, so do as the locals do and bring along a little towel, a bottle of water and even an umbrella to protect against the searing heat. Also, afternoon thunderstorms are fairly common during the monsoon season. It's best to get an early start, pop into air-conditioned shops, cafes and museums to cool off or take shelter from rain, and plan on heading back to the shopping mall or hotel pool before noon. Alternatively, after sundown, evenings can also be comparatively cool. On the upside, the fact that the sun is often covered in clouds and shaded by trees and greenery along roads means that you won't get as easily
sunburnt
as otherwise at these latitudes. Nevertheless, it is advisable to wear linen or polyester-made clothing which wick away sweat faster, as cotton-made clothing is usually soaked with high amounts of sweat that were a result from the high heat and humidity.
A useful tip to combat the tropical weather is to look out for air-conditioned underground pedestrian crossings. These climate-controlled walkways are plentiful and often between shopping malls and high-rise office buildings. In addition, look out for the pedestrian walkways connecting to underground MRT stations. Some stations can have up to 25 different walkways connecting to different entrances/exits in the area, creating an extensive network of walkways around the downtown core that gives one the impression of a city underneath the city.
Classic walks in Singapore include walking
down the river
from the Merlion through the Boat and Clarke Quays, walking around the entire perimeter of Marina Bay, trekking along the
Southern Ridges Walk
or just strolling around
Chinatown
Little India
Bugis
or
Orchard
See
edit
Otterly cute!
After the Singapore River and its tributaries were cleaned up in the 1990s,
smooth-coated otters
have made their way back to Singapore and into the hearts of its residents. Most active at dawn and dusk, they can most frequently be spotted around the
Kallang River
(including the Gardens by the Bay) and Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, catching fish and squeakily trooping across pathways. Just don't get too close: they have viciously sharp teeth and are protective of their young.
OtterWatch
on Facebook is a good place to keep up to date on otter sightings.
An otter family after a swim
Sights in Singapore are covered in more detail under the various districts. Broadly speaking:
Beaches and tourist resorts
: Head to one of the three beaches on
Sentosa
or its southern islands. Other beaches can be found on the
East Coast
Culture and cuisine
: See
Chinatown
for Chinese treats,
Little India
for Indian flavours,
Geylang Serai
for a Malay experience or the
East Coast
for Eurasian and Peranakan culture and delicious seafood, including the famous chilli and black pepper crab.
History and museums
: The Bras Basah area east of
Orchard
and north of the
Singapore River
is Singapore's colonial core, with historical buildings and museums. All government-run museums in Singapore are free admission for Singapore citizens and permanent residents except for temporary exhibits, but visitors will be charged an admission fee.
Nature and wildlife
: Popular tourist attractions
Singapore Zoo
Night Safari
Jurong Bird Park
and the
Botanic Gardens
are all in the
North and West
. For something closer to the city, visit the futuristic
Gardens by the Bay
in the
Marina
district, behind the Marina Bay Sands. Finding "real" nature is a little harder, but the
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
(in the same district as the zoo) has more plant species than in the whole of North America, and is also home to a thriving population of wild monkeys.
Pulau Ubin
, an island off the
Changi Village
in the east, is a flashback to the rural Singapore of yesteryear. Red junglefowl (often called wild chickens) can often be seen in many grassy areas around the city, even in downtown areas. City parks full of locals jogging or doing tai chi can be found everywhere. See
Botanical tourism in Singapore
for details on where to see trees and plants.
Skyscrapers and shopping
: The heaviest shopping mall concentration is in
Orchard Road
, while skyscrapers are clustered around the
Singapore River
, but also check out
Bugis
and
Marina Bay
to see where Singaporeans shop.
Places of worship
: Don't miss this aspect of Singapore, where Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Christianity, Islam and Judaism all exist in sizeable numbers. Religious sites can be easily visited and welcome non-followers outside of service times. Particularly worth visiting include: the vast
Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
near
Ang Mo Kio
/Bishan, the colourful Hindu
Sri Mariamman Temple
in
Chinatown
, the psychedelic
Burmese Buddhist Temple
in
Balestier
and the stately Masjid Sultan in
Arab Street
Itineraries
edit
Three days in Singapore
A three-day sampler set of food, culture and shopping in Singapore, easily divisible into bite-size chunks.
Southern Ridges Walk
An easy scenic 9
km stroll through the hills and jungles of southern Singapore. Highlights of the trail include a 36 m high Henderson Waves pedestrian bridge providing a stunning view of the sea beyond the jungle.
Henderson Waves
Do
edit
While you
can
find a place to practice nearly any sport in Singapore
golfing, surfing, scuba diving, even ice skating and snow skiing
due to the country's small size your options are rather limited and prices are relatively high. For watersports in particular, the busy shipping lanes and sheer population pressure mean that the sea around Singapore is murky, and most locals head up to
Pulau Tioman
Sibu Island
(Malaysia) or
Bintan
(Indonesia) instead. On the upside, there is an abundance of dive shops in Singapore, and they often arrange weekend trips to good dive sites off the East Coast of Malaysia.
Culture
edit
Esplanade Theatres by the Bay
On the cultural side of things, Singapore has been trying to shake off its boring, buttoned-down reputation and attract more artists and performances. The star in Singapore's cultural sky is the
Esplanade
theatre in
Marina Bay
, a world-class facility for performing arts and a frequent stage for the
Singapore Symphony Orchestra
. For traditional Chinese music, its counterpart is the
Singapore Chinese Orchestra
Most any big-ticket musician or band touring Asia will perform in Singapore, see
Ticketle
for a one-stop shop listing of upcoming events. In May or June, don't miss the yearly
Singapore International Festival of Arts
(formerly the
Singapore Arts Festival
), featuring a programme of art exhibitions/performances and artist conversations over several weeks. Advance tickets for almost any cultural event can be purchased from
SISTIC
, either on-line or from any of their numerous ticketing outlets, including the Singapore Visitor Centre on
Orchard Rd
Going to the
movies
is a popular Singaporean pastime, but look for "NC16" (age 16 and above only) or "M18" (age 18 and above only) or "R21" ratings (age 21 and above only) if you like your movies with fewer cuts. The big theatre chains are
Carnival Cinemas
Golden Village
and
Shaw Brothers
. For a taste of Singapore through film, Jack Neo's popular comedies showcase the foibles of Singaporean life, while directors like K. Rajagopal, Boo Jun Feng, and Tan Pin Pin are ushering in a new wave of contemporary film art in Singapore.
Wayang
is a Chinese street opera, performed in open-air theaters by troupes. It combines a wide variety of traditional art forms with singing, mime, dancing, acrobatics and martial arts. It is now a dying art form as dialect proficiency among the younger generation continues to decrease, so catch it while you still can. They are generally most common during the Hungry Ghost Festival, the seventh month of the Chinese calendar. A closely-related and equally endangered genre is
traditional Chinese puppetry
, which is also often performed in open air street theatres during the Hungry Ghost Festival.
Gambling
edit
Singapore has two massive casinos, always referred to with the euphemism "integrated resort", which pull in nearly as much revenue as the entirety of Las Vegas.
Marina Bay Sands
at
Marina Bay
is the larger and swankier of the two, while
Resorts World Sentosa
at
Sentosa
aims for a more family-friendly experience. While locals (citizens and permanent residents) have to pay $150/day to get in, foreign visitors can enter for free after presenting their passport.
Besides the casino, there are other forms of legalised betting which are more accessible to the locals. This includes football (soccer) betting and several lotteries run by the
Singapore Pools
. Horse racing in Singapore was terminated in October 2024, but you can bet on foreign races through the Singapore Pools.
Mahjong
is also a popular pastime in Singapore. The version played in Singapore is similar to the Cantonese version, but it also has extra "animal tiles" not present in the original Cantonese version, as well as several scoring differences. However, this remains pretty much a family and friends affair, and there are no (legal) mahjong parlours as the operation of gambling dens is illegal.
Gambling in public (e.g. playing poker or blackjack at a park) is illegal and punishable with fines and imprisonment.
Golf
edit
Despite its small size, Singapore has a surprisingly large number of golf courses, but most of the best ones are run by private clubs and open to members and their guests only. The main exceptions are the
Sentosa Golf Club
, the
Sembawang Country Club
and the Sime Course of
Keppel Club
, though they charge much higher fees than for members. See the
Singapore Golf Association
for the full list; alternatively, head to the nearby Indonesian islands of
Batam
or
Bintan
or across the Second Link to
Iskandar Puteri
Malaysia
Races
edit
The Singapore Grand Prix takes place at the Marina Bay Street Circuit
Singapore Grand Prix
is an on-street
Formula One
motor-race held in the streets of Marina Bay in Sept / Oct. Book well in advance for the tickets, because they get sold out within minutes. Preferably book a seat on the main strait because that is where many overtakes and a lot of action happens.
Singapore Polo Club
near
Balestier
is also open to the public on competition days.
Spas
edit
Singapore has experienced a 'spa boom', and there is now plenty of choice for everything from holistic Ayurveda to green tea hydrotherapy. However, prices aren't as rock-bottom as in neighbours Indonesia and Thailand, and you'll generally be looking at upwards of $50 even for a plain one-hour massage. Premium spas can be found in most 5 star hotels and on
Orchard
, and
Sentosa
's Spa Botanica also has a good reputation. Alternatively, do what many locals do and head across the border to Johor Bahru for cheaper options.
There are also numerous shops offering traditional Chinese massage and foot reflexology, which are mostly legitimate, although some sketchier "health centres" (actually a front for illegal prostitution) do remain.
When looking for beauty salons on Orchard Road, try out the ones on the fourth floor of Lucky Plaza. They offer most salon services like manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing and hair services. A favourite of flight crews and repeat tourists due to the lower costs as compared to the sky high prices of other salons along the shopping belt. Shop around for prices, some of the better looking ones actually charge less.
Swimming
edit
Forget your tiny hotel pool if you are into competitive or recreational swimming: Singapore is paradise for swimmers with arguably the highest density of public pools in the world. They are all open-air 50
m pools (some facilities even feature up to three 50
m pools), accessible for an entrance fee of $1–1.50. Some of the visitors don't swim at all. They just come from nearby housing complexes for a few hours to chill out, read and relax in the sun. Most are open daily 8AM-9PM and all feature a small cafe. Just imagine swimming your lanes in the tropical night with lit up palm trees surrounding the pool.
The Singapore Sports Council maintains
a list of pools
, most of which are part of a larger sports complex with a gym, running track, tennis courts etc., and are near the MRT station they're named after. Perhaps the best is in Katong (111 Wilkinson Road, on the
East Coast
): after the swim, stroll through the villa neighbourhood directly in front of the pool entrance and have a look at the luxurious, original architecture of the houses that really rich Singaporeans live in. If you get bored with regular swimming pools, head to the
Jurong East Swimming Complex
where you get the wave pool, water slides and Jacuzzi at an insanely affordable entrance fee of $1.50 on weekdays and $2 on weekends. For those who feel richer, visit the
Wild Wild Wet
water theme park or the
Adventure Cove Waterpark
and get yourself wet with various exciting water slides and tidal wave pools.
For those who don't like pools, head out to the beaches. The
East Coast Park
has a scenic coastline that stretches over 15
km. It's a popular getaway spot for Singaporeans to swim, cycle, barbeque and engage in various other sports and recreational activities.
Sentosa island
also has three white, sandy beaches - Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach and Tanjong Beach - each with its own distinct characteristics, and also very popular with locals.
Water sports
edit
Canoeing and dragon-boating are popular water-sports in Singapore, and there are many beautiful reservoirs and rivers where one can partake in such physical activity. Check out the MacRitchie Reservoir, Kallang River and Marina Bay for reasonably priced options. Besides these more regular water sports, Singapore also offers water sports fans trendy activities such as cable-Skiing and wave surfing in specially created environments.
Snow sports
edit
Being just one degree north of the equator, it is obviously not the best place on earth for skiing, but sunny Singapore still has a permanent indoor snow centre.
Snow City
offers visitors a chance to experience winter. Visitors can escape from the hot and humid tropical weather to play in snow or even learn to ski and snowboard with certified professional instructors.
Ice skating is also possible in Singapore, in
Kallang Ice World
at
Leisure Park Kallang
Buy
edit
Money
edit
Exchange rates for Singapore dollars
As of April 2026:
US$1 ≈ S$1.28
€1 ≈ S$1.48
UK£1 ≈ S$1.70
AU$1 ≈ S$0.88
NZ$1 ≈ S$0.73
Japanese ¥100 ≈ S$0.81
Chinese ¥1 ≈ S$0.18
Indian ₹100 ≈ S$1.37
HK$1 ≈ S$0.16
Malaysian RM1 ≈ S$0.31
Indonesian Rp10,000 ≈ S$0.75
Exchange rates fluctuate. Current rates for these and other currencies are available from
XE.com
The Singaporean currency is the
Singapore dollar
, denoted by the symbol
S$
or
(ISO code:
SGD
). It is divided into 100 cents, denoted
. There are coins of 5¢ (bronze or gold), 10¢ (silver), 20¢ (silver), 50¢ (silver) and $1 (2nd series: gold; 3rd series: silver with gold rim). Notes are in denominations of $2 (purple), $5 (green), $10 (red), $50 (blue), $100 (orange), $1,000 (purple) and $10,000 (gold). The lower three denominations are issued entirely in polymer, the rest of the denominations are issued in paper. The latter two denominations are no longer issued but remain legal tender, very rarely seen and useless outside of luxury boutiques, casinos, and department stores — travellers would be wise to avoid them.
Unless it includes other initials (e.g., US$ to stand for U.S. dollars), the "$" sign used in the island-nation (and in this guide) refers to Singapore dollars.
The
Brunei
dollar is pegged at par with the Singapore dollar and is legally "customary tender" that can be used interchangeably. In practice, it's very rare to see Brunei notes in Singapore, and if you try to use one, many smaller merchants, being unaware of the peg, will reject it initially. To avoid additional hassle, show the
official website about the peg
to the merchant, or consider changing your Brunei dollars to Singapore dollars before use. All banks are legally required to exchange Brunei notes for free.
Currency exchange
edit
Currency exchange booths can be found in every shopping mall and usually offer better rates, better opening hours, and much faster service than banks. Exchange rates at Changi Airport and ferry terminals are worse than in town, but not outrageously so. For large amounts, ask for a quote, as it will often get you a better rate than displayed on the board. For small amounts, make sure you're getting at least what it says on the board to avoid surprise fees.
Besides the major world currencies, many Asian currencies that are difficult to exchange elsewhere can be exchanged quite easily in Singapore, including the Malaysian ringgit, Indonesian rupiah, Thai baht, Vietnamese dong and New Taiwan dollar. Mustafa in
Little India
accepts almost any major currency at very good rates and many obscure currencies as well, as do the fiercely competitive small shops at or surrounding the aptly named Change Alley (next to Raffles Place MRT). For countries that have larger foreign worker communities in Singapore, look for places where they congregate to get the best rates for their respective currencies. For instance, you will generally find the best rates for Philippine pesos at Lucky Plaza, for Myanmar kyats at Peninsula Plaza, for Chinese yuan in People's Park (Chinatown) and for South Asian currencies such as the Indian rupee, Sri Lankan rupee and Bangladeshi taka at Mustafa.
While many department stores accept major foreign currencies, their rates are usually terrible. Major hotels also offer currency exchange services, but at terrible rates.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
edit
Most retailers and service providers in Singapore are required to levy a 9% GST. Merchants are lawfully required to publish the GST-inclusive prices (i.e. you don't need to do further maths) except for hotel and some restaurant (eat-in) prices whereby GST (and service charge) are added right before payment (see
Tipping
and
Sleep
sections). Merchants are also required to state the amount of GST in receipts.
Payments
edit
Singapore has adopted cashless payments in a big way and it's possible that you won't see cash during your entire visit.
Credit cards
are widely accepted in stores, restaurants, hotels, etc. Contactless payment (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) is common, just ask to "tap". The most widely accepted credit cards in Singapore are Visa and MasterCard, and many shops also accept American Express. Discover, JCB and UnionPay cards are also accepted in some shops that primarily cater to tourists. Although credit card surcharges are not usually allowed in Singapore (with one notable official exception made for taxi companies), many small merchants often disregard this rule and might either impose a minimum transaction amount for cards or offer discounts over the listed price if you pay in cash. You can pay for public transport fares with a Visa or MasterCard (including those in Apple Pay and Google Pay).
EZ-Link
and NETS cards are accepted for payment in some convenience stores and fast food chains.
Singapore is one of the largest financial centres in the region, so there are numerous banks to choose from. The main local banks are
DBS
UOB
and
OCBC
, whose
ATMs
can be found in every shopping mall or MRT station, and all of which let you withdraw money via the Plus/Cirrus networks. For most foreigners, opening a bank account in Singapore is
not possible
unless you have a long-term residence pass (work, student, etc.), though there are some exceptions for high-net-worth individuals.
There is a plethora of
mobile payments
applications. GrabPay is the easiest for tourists to sign up, with only a phone number and no personal details needed, you can top up via Visa or MasterCard. Regional players FavePay and Chinese players (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are also common. PayNow is a mobile payment network set up by a consortium of local and international banks that allow you to both pay local merchants and do peer-to-peer funds transfer between Singaporean bank accounts by scanning a QR code, but you will need a Singapore ID to sign up for this. However, PayNow has inter-operability agreements with Malaysia's DuitNow, Thailand's PromptPay, and India's UPI. Even hawker centres and food courts have started to accept mobile app payments (although they may not support your home country's payment app).
Travellers cheques are generally
not
accepted by retailers, but can be cashed at certain limited number of exchange booths or banks.
Tipping
edit
Tipping is generally
not
practised in Singapore. However, it is common for hotels and restaurants to levy a 10% service charge before GST, the local Goods and Services Tax. Restaurants and hotel room rates often display prices like $19.99++, which means that service charge (10%) and GST (9%) are not included and will be added to your bill. "Nett" prices already include all taxes and service charges.
Bellhops and hotel porters still expect $2 or so per bag. Tipping is not expected in taxis, who usually return your change to the last 10 cents, or round the fare down by that amount in your favour, if they can't be bothered to dig for change; congestion or Electronic Road Pricing charges are often already included in the final fare. All taxis must advertise a hotline to call if the customer feels dissatisfied. Tipping is prohibited at the airport.
Do
not
under any circumstances offer a tip to any government employee, especially police officers, as this is regarded as bribery, and would almost certainly get you arrested and pressed with criminal charges relating to corruption.
Costs
edit
Singapore is expensive by Southeast Asian standards, but cheap compared to Western countries: $50 is a perfectly serviceable daily backpacker budget if you are willing to cut some corners, though you would probably wish to double that for comfort. Food in particular is a steal, with excellent hawker food available for under $5 per meal for a generous serving. Accommodation is a little pricier, but a bed in a hostel can cost less than $30 and a cheap hotel room can go for under $150, while branded business hotels would be in the $200-500 range. At the top end of the market you're probably looking at over $500 a night, with places like Raffles and Capella often pushing $1,000.
As rough rules of thumb, prices in Singapore are about twice as high as in Malaysia and Thailand and 3-5 times as high as in Indonesia and the Philippines.
Shopping
edit
Main article:
Shopping in Singapore
Cheated?
Ripped off by a shop? Call the Singapore Tourism Board's free hotline at
1800-736-2000 (domestic)
Country code missing
. The Small Claims Tribunal at 1 Havelock Square also has a special expedited process for tourists that can solve simple cases within 24 hours.
Sim Lim Square, Singapore's computing and electronics mecca
Shopping is second only to eating as a national pastime, which means that Singapore has an
abundance
of shopping malls, and low taxes and tariffs on imports coupled with huge volume mean that prices are usually very competitive. Singapore's most famous shopping area is
Orchard Road
, where you can find most of the top end luxury brands. Most residential neighbourhoods have at least one shopping mall, often next to a bus interchange or MRT station, but these are primarily designed to cater to the basic needs of local residents, and rarely sell anything that would stand out to a tourist.
Goods are generally of reasonably good quality and shopkeepers are generally quite honest due to strong consumer protection laws. Most stores are open daily 10AM-10PM, although smaller operations (particularly those outside shopping malls) close earlier
7PM is common
and perhaps on Sundays as well. Mustafa in
Little India
is open until 2 AM every day, 365 days a year.
For purchases of over $100 per day per participating shop, you may be able to get a
GST refund
. See
GST refund
for details.
Souvenirs
edit
The most popular souvenir from Singapore is
food
Bee Cheng Hiang
's
bak kwa
smoked pork,
Irvins
salted egg chips,
Prima Taste
meal kits, and cakes, cookies and
kueh
from
Bengawan Solo
are all delicious, made in Singapore, and can be found in any larger shopping mall (or the airport).
The vast majority of Merlion keychains, "Singapore: It's A Fine City" T-shirts and similar are made outside China, and so are many of the imitation versions of the Singapore original brands listed above. For non-food inspiration, see the
Shopping in Singapore
article.
Eat
edit
Main article:
Cuisine of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei
This page uses the following price ranges for a typical meal
for one
, including soft drink:
Budget
Under $10
Mid-range
$10-30
Splurge
Over $30
Singapore is a melting pot of cuisines from around the world, and many Singaporeans are obsessive gourmands who love to
makan
("eat" in Malay). You will find quality Chinese, Malay, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Italian, French, British, American and other food in this city-state.
Eating habits run the gamut, but most foods are eaten by
fork and spoon
: push and cut with the fork in the left hand, and eat with the spoon in the right. Noodles and Chinese dishes typically come with chopsticks, while Malay and Indian food can be eaten by hand, but nobody will blink an eye if you ask for a fork and spoon instead. If eating by hand,
use only your right hand
to handle your food, as Malays and Indians traditionally use their left hand to handle dirty things. Take note of the usual
traditional Chinese etiquette
when using chopsticks, and most importantly,
do not
stick your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice. If eating in a group, serving dishes are always shared, but you'll get your own bowl of rice and soup. It's common to use your own chopsticks to pick up food from communal plates, but serving spoons can be provided on request. When eating at Western restaurants, traditional
European
dining etiquette generally applies.
Keep an eye out for the
Singapore Food Festival
, held every year in July.
Local delicacies
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Singapore is justly famous for its food, a unique mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Western elements. The following is only a brief sampler of the most popular dishes.
Peranakan/Nonya cuisine
edit
Culinary borrowings
Many regional terms and the odd euphemism tend to crop up in notionally English menus. A few of the more common ones:
assam
tamarind (Malay)
bee hoon
thin rice noodles (Hokkien 米粉)
garoupa
grouper, a type of fish (Portuguese)
gonggong
a type of conch (Chinese)
hor fun
very wide, flat rice noodles (Cantonese 河粉)
kangkung
water spinach, an aquatic vegetable (Malay)
kway teow
flat rice noodles (Hokkien/Teochew 粿条)
lengkuas
blue ginger (Malay)
mee
thick egg noodles (Hokkien/Teochew 面)
see hum
blood cockles (Cantonese 螄蚶)
serai
lemon grass (Malay)
sotong
squid/cuttlefish (Malay)
spare parts
animal internal organs, such as liver, heart, gizzard
tang hoon
thin, transparent starch noodles (Hokkien 冬粉)
The most identifiable cuisine in the region is
Peranakan
or
Nonya
cuisine, born from the mixed Malay and Chinese communities of what were once the British colonies of the Straits Settlements (modern-day Singapore,
Penang
and
Malacca
).
Ayam buah keluak
is a dish made by cooking pieces of chicken in a rich and spicy sauce made with the black seeds of the
Pangium edule
or kepayang tree. The seeds contain cyanide and are deadly to humans if not prepared correctly, making it a very labour intensive dish to prepare.
Babi pongteh
is pork belly stewed in a salty fermented bean sauce.
Chilli crab
is a whole crab ladled with oodles of sticky, tangy chilli sauce. It's spicy at first, but the more you eat, the better it gets. Notoriously difficult to eat, so don't wear a white shirt: just dig in with your hands and ignore the mess. The seafood restaurants of the
East Coast
are famous for this. For a less messy but equally tasty alternative, ask for
black pepper crab
Kaya
is a jam-like spread made from egg and coconut, an odd-sounding but tasty combination. Served on toast for breakfast, canonically accompanied by runny eggs and strong, sweet coffee (
kopi
). Exists in two distinctive styles; the greenish Nonya version, coloured with pandan leaf, and the brownish Hainanese version.
Laksa
, in particular the
Katong laksa
or
laksa lemak
style, is probably the best-known Singaporean dish: slippery rice noodles in a creamy, immensely rich coconut-based curry broth, topped with cockles or shrimp. The common style found in hawker centres is very spicy, although you can ask for less/no chilli to dial down the heat. The Katong style is much less spicy and is generally found only in Katong itself (see the
East Coast
page
). Despite sharing the same name, the dish bears almost no resemblance to the varieties found in neighbouring Malaysia.
Mee siam
is rice flour noodles served in a sweet-sour soup (made from tamarind, dried shrimp and fermented beans), bean curd cubes, and hard boiled eggs. Though the Chinese, Malays and Indians all have their own versions, it is the Peranakan version that is most popular with Singaporeans. You will largely find this at Malay stalls.
Rojak
means a mixture of everything in Malay, and there are two very different types.
Chinese rojak
is a salad of pineapple, white turnip, cucumber,
tau pok
(fried bean curd) with thin tiny slices of
bunga kantan
(torch ginger flower buds), tossed in shrimp paste sauce and sugar, then sprinkled with crushed peanuts.
Indian rojak
consists of mainly fried fritters made from flour and various pulses with cucumber and tofu, dipped into sweet & spicy sauces.
Ice cream
is just as it is in Western countries. However, in Singapore, there are various local flavours such as durian and red bean which are not available outside the region and are certainly worth a try. To impress the locals, try asking for ice cream in
roti
(bread).
Besides these dishes, the Peranakans are also known for their
kueh
or snacks, which are somewhat different from the Malay versions due to stronger Chinese influences.
A plate of chilli crab
Laksa, with chilli paste and chopped laksa leaf in a spoon
Mee Siam
Laksa with vegetables
Malay cuisine
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Nasi lemak
with
otah
(spiced fish paste), fried chicken wing, cucumber and fiery
sambal
chilli sauce
Satay with peanut sauce, onions and cucumber
The Malays were Singapore's original inhabitants and despite now being outnumbered by the Chinese, their distinctive cuisine remains popular to this day. Characterised by heavy use of spices, most Malay dishes are curries, stews or dips of one kind or another and
nasi padang
restaurants, offering a wide variety of these to ladle onto your rice, are very popular.
Mee rebus
is a dish of egg noodles with spicy, slightly sweet gravy, a slice of hard boiled egg and lime.
Mee soto
is Malay-style chicken soup, with a clear broth, shredded chicken breast and egg noodles.
Nasi lemak
is the definitive Malay breakfast, consisting at its simplest of rice cooked in light coconut milk, some
ikan bilis
(anchovies), peanuts, a slice of cucumber and a dab of chilli on the side. A larger
ikan kuning
(fried fish) or chicken wing are common accompaniments. More often than not, also combined with a variety of curries and/or
sambal
Otah/Otak
is a type of fish cake made of minced fish (usually mackerel), coconut milk, chilli and various other spices, and grilled in a banana or coconut leaf, usually served to accompany other dishes like nasi lemak.
Rendang
, originally from
Padang
in Indonesia, but considered a traditional Malay dish in Singapore, and occasionally dubbed "dry curry", is meat stewed for hours on end in a spicy (but rarely fiery) coconut-based curry paste until almost all water is absorbed. Beef
rendang
is the most common, although chicken and mutton are spotted sometimes.
Sambal
, originally from Javanese cuisine, is the generic term for chilli sauces of many kinds.
Sambal belacan
is a common condiment made by mixing chilli with the shrimp paste
belacan
, while the popular dish
sambal sotong
consists of squid (
sotong
) cooked in red chilli sauce.
Sambal stingray
is prepared by barbecuing stingray with a fiery
sambal
spice paste spread on top. Stingray flesh is surprisingly meaty, closer to chicken than fish, and often a hit even with visitors who are not huge seafood fans.
Satay
, originally from Javanese cuisine, are barbecued skewers of meat, typically chicken, mutton or beef. What separates satay from your ordinary kebab are the spices used to season the meat and the slightly spicy peanut-based dipping sauce. The
Satay Club
at
Lau Pa Sat
near Raffles Place is one popular location for this delicacy. There is also a local Hainanese version of the dish, which unlike the Malay original often uses non-halal meats such as pork, and adds a pineapple puree to the dipping sauce.
Curry puffs, pastries stuffed with chicken curry
Curry puffs
are the Singapore take on samosas, pastries usually stuffed with mild chicken curry and potatoes, although there are countless variants. Portable, filling and delicious.
Malay desserts, especially the sweet pastries and jellies (
kuih
or
kueh
) made largely from coconut and palm sugar (
gula melaka
), bear a distinct resemblance to those of
Thailand
. But in the sweltering tropical heat, try one of many concoctions made with ice instead:
Bubur cha-cha
consists of cubed yam, sweet potato and sago added into coconut milk soup. This can be served warm or cold.
Chendol
is made with green pea noodles, kidney beans, palm sugar and coconut milk.
Durian
is not exactly a dish, but a local fruit with a distinctive odor you can smell a mile away and a sharp thorny husk. Both smell and taste defy description, but eating garlic ice cream next to an open sewer comes to mind. If you are game enough you should try it, but be warned beforehand
you will either love it or hate it. The rich creamy yellow flesh is often sold in places like Geylang and Bugis and elsewhere conveniently in pre-packaged packs from around $10. This 'king of fruits' is also made into ice cream, cakes, sweets, puddings and other decadent desserts. You're not allowed to carry durians on the MRT and buses and they're banned from many hotels, so some stalls have seating so you can devour it then and there.
Ice kachang
literally means "ice bean" in Malay, a good clue to the two major ingredients: shaved ice and sweet red beans. However, more often than not you'll also get
gula melaka
(palm sugar), grass jelly, sweet corn, attap palm seeds and anything else on hand thrown in, and the whole thing is then drizzled with canned evaporated milk or coconut cream and coloured syrups. The end result tastes very interesting
and refreshing.
Kuih
(or
kueh
) refer to a plethora of steamed or baked "cakes", mostly made with coconut milk, grated coconut flesh, glutinous rice or tapioca. They are often very colourful and cut into fanciful shapes, but despite their wildly varying appearance tend to taste rather similar.
Ondeh-ondeh
, little green balls dipped in coconut shavings and filled with cane syrup that bursts in your mouth, are worth keeping an eye out for.
Pisang goreng
is a batter-dipped and deep-fried banana.
Chinese cuisine
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Bak kut teh
with rice and
you tiao
fritters
Hainanese chicken rice
Fried Hokkien
mee
Prawn
mee
and pork rib soup
Chinese food as eaten in Singapore commonly originates from southern
China
, particularly
Fujian
Guangdong
and
Hainan
. While "authentic" fare is certainly available, especially in fancier restaurants, the daily fare served in hawker centres has absorbed a number of tropical touches, most notably the fairly heavy use of
chilli
and the Malay fermented shrimp paste
belacan
as condiments. Noodles can also be served not just in soup (湯
tang
), but also "dry" (干
gan
), meaning that your noodles will be served tossed with chilli and spices in one bowl, and the soup will come in a separate bowl.
Bak chor mee
(肉脞面) is essentially noodles with minced pork, tossed in a chilli-based sauce with lard,
ikan bilis
(fried anchovies), vegetables and mushrooms. Black vinegar may also be added.
Bak kut teh
(肉骨茶), lit. "pork bone tea", is a simple-sounding soup of pork ribs simmered for hours in broth until they're ready to fall off the bone. Singaporeans prefer the light and peppery Teochew style ("white"), but a few shops offer the original dark and aromatic Fujian kind ("black").
Bak kut teh
is typically eaten with white rice,
mui choy
(pickled vegetables) and a pot of strong Chinese tea, hence the name
the broth itself doesn't contain any tea. To impress the locals, order some
you tiao
fritters from a nearby stall and cut them up into bite-sized chunks to dip into your soup.
Char kway teow
(炒粿条) is the quintessential Singapore-style fried noodle dish, consisting of several types of noodles in thick brown sauce with strips of fishcake, Chinese sausage, a token veggie or two and either cockles and shrimp. It's cheap ($2–3/serve), filling and has nothing to do with the dish known as "Singapore fried noodles" elsewhere. (And which actually doesn't exist in Singapore.) It is fried with a type of caramelised soy sauce, thus making it somewhat sweeter than the Penang version.
Chee cheong fun
(豬腸粉) is a favourite breakfast consisting of lasagna-type rice noodles rolled up and various types of fried meats including fishballs and fried tofu. The dish is usually topped with a generous amount of sauce.
Chwee kway
(水粿) is a breakfast dish consisting of rice cakes topped with
chai po
(salted fermented turnips), usually served with some chilli sauce.
Economy rice
(菜饭) is white rice with a variety of Chinese-style meat and vegetable dishes to choose from at affordable prices, hence the name. The classic working class Chinese meal in Singapore.
Fishball noodles
(魚丸面) come in many forms, but the noodle variety most often seen is
mee pok
, which are flat egg noodles. The noodles are tossed in chilli sauce and accompanied by a side bowl of fishballs in soup.
Hainanese chicken rice
(海南鸡饭) is steamed ("white") or roasted ("red") chicken flavoured with soy sauce and sesame oil served on a bed of fragrant rice that has been cooked in chicken broth and flavoured with ginger and garlic. Accompanied by chilli sauce made from crushed fresh chillis, ginger, garlic and thick dark soy sauce as well as some cucumber and a small bowl of chicken broth. Despite its name, only the method of preparing the chicken originated in Hainan, while the method of cooking the rice was actually invented by the Hainanese immigrants in what is today Singapore and Malaysia.
Hokkien mee
(福建面) is a style of soupy fried noodles in light, fragrant stock with prawns and other seafood. Oddly, it bears little resemblance to the Kuala Lumpur dish of the same name, which uses thick noodles in dark soy, or the Penang version, which is served in very spicy prawn soup.
Kway chap
(粿汁) is essentially sheets made of rice flour served in a brown stock, accompanied by a plate of braised pork and pig organs (tongue, ear and intestines).
Mala xiangguo
(麻辣香锅), originally from
Sichuan
but hugely popular in Singapore, is a stir-fry of your choice of ingredients with a powerfully spicy and numbing sauce made from chillies and
Sichuan
peppercorns. Start with "little spicy" (小辣
xiao la
) and work your way up if you dare!
Mooncakes
(月饼) are traditionally eaten for the Mid-Autumn festival, with the Cantonese style, made with a lotus seed paste filling and salted egg yolk being the clear favourite among Singaporeans. Some traditional bakeries and restaurants may also sell the traditional styles of the other Chinese dialect groups, and the modern Hong Kong-style snow skin mooncakes are also popular in Singapore, though though one with a uniquely Southeast Asian filling is the snow skin durian mooncake.
Popiah
(薄饼), or spring rolls, come fresh or fried. They consist of a filling of boiled turnip, fried tofu, pork, shrimp with a slew of condiments, wrapped in a thin crepe smeared with sweet dark soy sauce and eaten like a fajita. They are related to the
lumpia
and
runbing
of other Chinese communities in Asia.
Prawn noodles
(虾面,
hae mee
in Hokkien) is a dark-brown prawn broth served with egg noodles and a giant tiger prawn or two on top. Some stalls serve it with boiled pork ribs as well. The best versions are highly addictive and will leave you slurping up the last MSG-laden (probably from the shrimp heads) drops.
Rice dumplings
(粽子) are traditionally eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival; by far the two most popular versions in Singapore are the Hokkien-style
bak chang
(肉粽) and the Peranakan-style
nyonya chang
(娘惹粽), the latter of which consists of pork marinated in a slightly sweet seasoning and is wrapped in fragrant pandan leaves instead of the more traditional Chinese coconut leaves. Some restaurants and bakeries also sell the traditional styles of the other Chinese dialect groups, and there is also a sweet type of rice dumpling eaten as a dessert known as
kee chang
(碱粽), which is made using alkaline water and dipped in sugar.
Satay bee hoon
is rice vermicelli (
bee hoon
) served with the same peanut and chilli sauce used for
satay
, hence the name. Usually cockles, dried squid and pork slices are added.
Steamboat
(火锅), also known as
hot pot
, is do-it-yourself soup Chinese style. You get a pot of broth bubbling on a tabletop burner, pick meat, fish and veggies to your liking from a menu or buffet table, then cook it to your liking. When finished, add in noodles or ask for rice to fill you up. This usually requires a minimum of two people, and the more the merrier.
Tau huay
(豆花), also known as
beancurd
, is probably the most common traditional Chinese dessert, a bowl of tofu curds in syrup, served either hot or cold. An innovation that has swept the island is a delicious custard-like version ("soft tau huay") which includes no syrup and is extremely soft despite being solid.
Wonton mee
(云吞面) is thin noodles topped with
wantan
dumplings of seasoned minced pork. Unlike the soupy Hong Kong version, it is usually served 'dry' in soy sauce and chilli.
Yong tau foo
(酿豆腐) literally means "stuffed tofu", but it's more exciting than it sounds. The diner selects their favourites from a vast assortment of tofu, fish paste, assorted seafood and vegetables, and they are then sliced into bite-size pieces, cooked briefly in boiling water and then served either in broth as soup or "dry" with the broth in a separate bowl. The dish can be eaten by itself or with any choice of noodles. Essential accompaniments are spicy chili sauce and sweet sauce for dipping.
Indian cuisine
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The smallest of Singapore's big three ethnic groups, Indians have had proportionally the smallest impact on the local culinary scene, but there is no shortage of Indian food even at many hawker centres and most neighborhoods have at least a couple of
mamak
(Indian Muslim) shops, often open 24 hours. Delicious and authentic Indian food can be had at Little India, including south Indian typical meals such as
dosa
thosai
) crepes,
idli
lentil-rice cakes and
sambar
soup, as well as north Indian meals including various curries,
naan
bread,
chapati
, tandoori chicken and more. In addition, however, a number of Indian dishes have been "Singaporeanised" and adopted by the entire population, including:
Fish head curry
is, true to the name, a gigantic curried fish head cooked whole until it's ready to fall apart. Singapore's
Little India
is the place to sample this. There are two styles: the fiery Indian and the milder Chinese kind.
Nasi briyani
is rice cooked in turmeric, which gives the rice an orange colour. Unlike the fiery Hyderabadi original, it's usually rather mild, although specialist shops do turn out more flavourful versions. It is usually served with curry chicken and some Indian crackers.
Roti prata
is the local version of South Indian
parotta
, flat bread repeatedly flipped against a flat surface to thin it out, then folded onto itself, rapidly pan-fried, and eaten dipped in curry. Modern-day variations can incorporate unorthodox ingredients like cheese, chocolate and even ice cream, but some canonical versions include
roti kosong
(plain),
roti telur
(with egg) and
murtabak
(stuffed with chicken, mutton, beef or fish). Vegans beware: unlike Indian
roti
, roti prata batter is usually made with eggs.
Putu mayam
is a sweet dessert composed of vermicelli-like noodles topped with shredded coconut and orange sugar.
Fish Head Curry
Roti kosong
(left) and
roti telur
(centre) with a side order of chicken curry
Nasi biryani
Hawker centres
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Social welfare Singapore style
One thing notably absent from Singaporean cheap eateries is any form of napkins or tissues. The solution to the mystery is in Singapore's lack of government welfare: instead, every hawker centre has a resident invalid or two, who make a living by selling tissues ($1 for a few packets).
A typical hawker centre
The cheapest and most popular places to eat in Singapore are
hawker centres
, essentially former pushcart vendors directed into giant complexes by government fiat. Prices are low ($4–6 for most dishes), hygiene standards are high (every stall is required to prominently display a hygiene certificate grading it from A to D) and the food can be excellent. Ambience tends to be a little lacking though and there is no air-conditioning either, but a visit to a hawker centre is a must when in Singapore, if you wish to experience authentic local food culture in the heartlands themselves. However, be leery of overzealous pushers-cum-salesmen, especially at the Satay Club in Lau Pa Sat and Newton Food Centre at Newton Circus: the tastiest stalls don't need high-pressure tactics to find customers. Touting for business is illegal, and occasionally a reminder of this can result in people backing off a bit. English proficiency can be limited, but most stall owners know enough to communicate the basics.
Cash only
Hawkers and coffeeshops are among the few places you may visit where
credit cards are not accepted
. Ask before you order, and be prepared to pay cash or do without.
Hawker centres are built for volume and ordering from a popular hawker speaking in rapid-fire Singlish can be confusing. First stake out your territory by
choping
(reserve) a space by parking a friend at the table, or do what the locals do: place a packet of tissue paper on the table. If ordering from a stall
not
marked "self-service", note down the table number so they can deliver. The best places always have queues, so line up, and once asked place your order by stating the dish and portion size you want: "Fishball noodles, four dollars." Expect to get some or all of the following questions:
"Have here or take away?"
Reply "have here" to eat in, or any of "take away", "packet" or
ta pao
(打包) to take away.
"Container?"
If doing takeaway, some stalls will offer a choice between a free plastic bag (impractical unless you have a bowl/plate to eat out of) or a styrofoam box (around 20 cents extra). Disposable utensils are always included.
"Soup or dry?"
Many noodle dishes are available either "dry" (干
gān
), with broth on the side, or "soup" (汤
tāng
), mixed with broth.
"What noodle?"
Any self-respecting noodle stall has at least four types on offer, ranging from yellow
mee
(thick wheat noodles) to
bee hoon
(thin rice vermicelli). Point and choose from the glass cabinet.
"Chilli?"
If you say yes, the often fiery
sambal
paste will be mixed in, so it may be safer to opt out and add your chillies by yourself from the sauce on the counter.
Once you are finished, drop your tray along with any eating utensils off in the tray return rack; this being Singapore, you may be fined up to $300 if you don't. There are separate tray return tracks for halal and non-halal stalls.
Every district in Singapore has its own hawker centres and prices decrease as you move out into the boonies. For tourists, centrally located
Newton Circus
near (
Newton MRT
Exit B),
Gluttons Bay
(near Esplanade MRT Exit D) and
Lau Pa Sat
(near Raffles Place MRT Exit I, the
River
), are the most popular options
but this does not make them the cheapest or the tastiest, and the demanding gourmand would do well to head to
Chinatown
or the heartlands instead. A dizzying array of food stalls with a large South Indian representation can be found in the bustling
Tekka Centre
at the edge of
Little India
. Many of the best food stalls are in residential districts off the tourist trail and do not advertise in the media, so the best way to find them is to ask locals for their recommendations. Good examples closer to the city centre include
Old Airport Road Food Centre
(near Dakota MRT Exit B) and
Tiong Bahru Market
(near Tiong Bahru MRT), both of which are sprawling and home to a number of much-loved stalls.
Coffeeshops and bubble tea
edit
Coffee, see and tea, oh!
Coffee and tea in hawker centres and
kopitiam
goes for around a dollar a cup, a steep discount on Starbucks prices, but you'll need to learn the lingo to get what you want. If you order just
kopi
(the Malay word for "coffee") or
teh
(Hokkien for "tea") in Singapore, it will definitely be served with a heaped spoonful of sugar, and more often than not with a squirt of sweet condensed milk.
Kopi-C
or
teh-C
substitutes unsweetened evaporated milk, while
kopi-O
or
teh-O
makes sure it's served with no milk. To get rid of the sugar, you need to ask for it
kosong
("plain"), but if you want a plain black cup of coffee, you need to ask for
kopi-O kosong
. If you want your drink cold, just add a
peng
to the end of the drink name, eg.
kopi-O-peng
teh-peng
teh-C-peng
Milo-peng
etc. and it will be served with ice.
The canonical Singaporean breakfast:
kopi, kaya toast and runny eggs
Despite the name, coffeeshops or
kopitiam
sell much more than coffee
they are effectively mini-hawker centres with perhaps only half a dozen stalls (one of which will, however, sell coffee and other drinks). The Singaporean equivalent of pubs, this is where folks come for the canonical Singaporean breakfast of
kopi
(strong, sugary coffee), some
kaya
(egg-coconut jam) toast and runny eggs, and this is also where they come to down a beer or two and chat away in the evenings. Many coffee shops offer
zi char/cze cha
(煮炒) for dinner, meaning a menu of local dishes, mostly Chinese-style seafood, served to your table at mid-range prices.
The usual Starbucks and other local cafe chains such as Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf can be found in any shopping mall but an iced coffee or tea can set you back $5 or more, whereas a
teh tarik
("pulled" milky tea) or
kopi
coffee runs closer to $1 at any hawker centre or coffeeshop. While exploring, you're also likely to come across a good number of independent cafes offering gourmet coffee, pastries and cakes, which have mushroomed across the city centre over the last decade.
Last but not least, the Taiwanese invention of
bubble tea
(aka boba tea, pearl tea) has taken Singapore by storm and every self-respecting shopping mall has numerous outlets hawking variants of sugary, milky tea with chewy tapioca pearls, jazzed up with increasingly inventive ingredients ranging from cream cheese foam to smoky, intense black sugar syrup.
Liho
and
Koi
are the largest chains.
Food courts
edit
Food Republic
retro theme food court
Found in the basement or top floor of nearly every shopping mall, food courts are the air-conditioned version of hawker centres. The variety of food on offer is almost identical, but a dish that would be $3-5 at a hawker centre or coffeeshop will be $5-10 at a food court. Locals will also grumble that the dish also tastes worse, because food court stalls are mostly franchised operations instead of mom & pop shops pouring their heart and soul into the food.
Fast food
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International fast food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, MOS Burger, Subway etc. are commonly found in various shopping malls. Prices range from $5 for a basic burger to upwards of $15 for a set meal. All restaurants are self-service and clearing your table after your meal is strongly encouraged. In addition to the usual suspects, look out for these uniquely Singaporean brands:
Bengawan Solo
Malay and Peranakan-style
kueh
cakes and Chinese-style cookies, sold both fresh by the piece and in large packs for gifting. Their pineapple tarts ($25) are famous, keep well and make a great souvenir; the
kueh lapis
layer cake is also excellent, but has to be kept refrigerated. Every shopping mall has an outlet and they have branches at Changi Airport as well.
updated Nov 2025
BreadTalk
This self-proclaimed "designer bread" chain has taken not just Singapore but much of South-East Asia by storm. Everything is jazzily shaped, funkily named (e.g.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Bacon
) and baked on premises. To the Western palate, almost everything is rather sweet.
updated Nov 2025
Jollibean
Fresh soy drinks, beancurd and tasty
mee chiang kueh
Chinese pancakes.
Killiney Kopitiam
Serves kaya toast, kopi and ginger tea (with ice or without); waiters at the original Somerset location shout your order towards the back with gusto.
updated Nov 2025
Mr Bean
Offers a variety of soya bean drinks, ice-creams and pastries snacks.
updated Nov 2025
Old Chang Kee
Famous for their curry puffs, but their range now covers anything and everything deep-fried. Take-away only.
updated Nov 2025
Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Serves the classic Singaporean breakfast all day long: kaya toast, runny eggs and strong, sweet coffee (plus some other drinks). Arguably one of the more successful chains with branches as far away as South Korea and Japan. The main branch at Far East Square generally gets better reviews than the other branches.
updated Nov 2025
Restaurants
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Kee-ping up with the Lims
Ever wonder why every other Chinese hawker stall and restaurant in Singapore has a name that ends in
Kee
? The answer is simple: the character
kee
(记) is Chinese for "brand" or "mark", and is used much like the trademark symbol in the West. A name like
Yan Kee
thus means "run by the Yan family".
Singapore offers a wide variety of full-service restaurants as well, catering to every taste and budget.
As the majority of Singapore's population is ethnic Chinese, there is an abundance of Chinese restaurants in Singapore, mainly serving southern Chinese (Fujian, Guangdong and Hainan) cuisines, though with the large number of expatriates and foreign workers from China these days, cuisine originating from other parts of China is also not hard to find. True local Chinese restaurants generally serve dishes little seen in Chinese restaurants internationally and in China, due to the combination of their southern Chinese roots and local influences.
Depending on where you go and what you order, prices can vary greatly. In ordinary restaurants, prices usually range from $15-35 per person, while in top-end restaurants in luxury hotels, meals can cost $300 per person when they involve delicacies such as abalone, suckling pig and lobster. As with Chinese restaurants anywhere, food is eaten with chopsticks and served with Chinese tea.
Being a maritime city, one common speciality is
seafood restaurants
, offering Chinese-influenced Singaporean classics like
chilli crabs
. These are much more fun to visit in a group, but be careful about what you order: gourmet items like Sri Lankan giant crab can easily push your bill up to hundreds of dollars. Menus typically say "market price", and if you ask they'll quote you the price per 100 g, but a big crab can easily top 2kg. The best-known seafood spots are clustered on the
East Coast
, but for ambience, the riverside restaurants at
Boat Quay and Clarke Quay
can't be beat. Again, always enquire about the prices when they aren't stated in full, and be wary of touts.
Singapore also has its share of good Western restaurants, with British- and American-influenced food being a clear favourite among locals. Most of the more affordable chains can be found in various shopping centres throughout the island, and prices for main courses range from $14-22. A uniquely Singaporean variant is
Hainanese Western food
, which traces its origins to the Hainanese migrants who worked as cooks for European employers during the colonial period, and most hawker centres will have a Western stall or two selling dishes like "chicken cutlet" (deep-fried breaded chicken) with baked beans, coleslaw and chips, usually for under $10. You may also encounter
Hainanese curry
, which was adapted from Indian curries by Hainanese cooks to suit the palates of their British employers, with the spice level dialed down drastically, and typically served with rice and some side dishes such as a deep fried breaded pork chop, braised cabbage and braised pork belly.
One British import much loved by Singaporeans is
high tea
. In the classical form, as served up by finer hotels across the island, most famously the Raffles. This is a light afternoon meal consisting of tea and a wide array of British-style savoury snacks and sweet pastries like finger sandwiches and scones.
Most hotels also offer lunch and dinner buffets.
Champagne brunches
on Sundays are particularly popular, but you can expect to pay over $150 per head and popular spots, like Mezza9 at the Hyatt on
Orchard
, will require reservations.
Some restaurants put small side dishes (usually braised peanuts or prawn crackers) and wet paper towels on the table without asking. You will be charged a dollar or two for them unless you ask to take them away.
Fine dining
edit
Singapore has no fewer than 44
Michelin
-starred restaurants, ranging from French degustations at 3-star Odette in the National Gallery to the eponymous $5 bowl at Tai Hwa Pork Noodle. The opening of the two casinos in
Marina Bay
and
Sentosa
has led to several of the world's top chefs opening local branches of their restaurants. Prices are generally what you would expect for eating at a fine dining restaurant in the West, with $400 per person or more not unheard of for a tasting menu with drinks.
Dietary restrictions
edit
A vegan
thali
platter in
Little India
Singapore is an easy place to eat for almost everybody. Many Indians and small groups of Chinese Buddhists are
vegetarian
, so Indian stalls usually have a number of veggie options and some hawker centres will have a Chinese vegetarian stall or two, often serving up amazing meat imitations made from gluten. Larger Buddhist temples will sometimes have a vegetarian restaurant on site, while others will sell vegetarian food on Buddhist festivals to raise money for charity, and these are a good option too. The
Singapore Buddhist Lodge
provides free vegetarian meals to the public every day, and people of all faiths are welcome, but donations are certainly appreciated if you can afford to do so. Chinese vegetarian food traditionally does not use dairy products and is thus typically
vegan
, though be careful as some Chinese vegetarian hawker stalls do serve eggs. Indian vegetarian food, however, often employs cheese and other milk products. Be on your guard in ordinary Chinese restaurants though, as even dishes that appear vegetarian on the menu may contain non-vegetarian products like oyster sauce, salted fish or lard
check with the waiter if in doubt. Some restaurants can be found that use "no garlic, no onions".
Most
Muslim-owned
eating establishments are Malay, although you can also find Indian Muslim eateries and few Chinese ones as well. Look out for
halal
certificates issued by MUIS, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore. Many Western fast-food chains in Singapore use halal meat: look for a certificate around the ordering area, or ask a manager if in doubt. A few restaurants skimp on the formal certification and simply put up "no pork, no lard" signs; it's your call if this is good enough for you.
Kosher-observant Jews, on the other hand, will have a harder time as
kosher
food is nearly unknown in Singapore. There is a kosher grocery store on the grounds of the
Maghain Aboth Synagogue
on Waterloo Street, as well as a kosher branch of Coffee Bean nearby; check with the
Jewish Welfare Board
for details. There are two kosher restaurants in Singapore:
Awafi
a casual restaurant on the grounds of the Maghain Aboth Synangogue, and
Aniba
, an Israeli
fine dining
restaurant.
Awareness of
allergies
is generally limited. Severe
shellfish allergy
is particularly problematic for local food, since shrimp paste (
belacan/hae bi
) is very commonly used in both local Chinese and Malay cooking and many soup stocks are flavored with prawns.
Soy allergy
is also severely limiting, since tofu & soy sauce are so common.
For both, Indian cuisine is worth exploring, since the South Indian style that is common in Singapore rarely uses either ingredient.
Peanuts
are not quite as ubiquitous, but still very common in desserts and pastries, found in some savory dishes like satay, and peanut oil is also popular. If cross-contamination is a concern, you're best off avoiding hawker food entirely.
Coeliac disease
is relatively unheard of in Singapore, so don't expect to find information on menus about whether dishes contain gluten or not. Gluten awareness is spreading in Singapore as well, and many upmarket restaurants will have internationally trained chefs who can cater to your needs. Gluten-free products are available in most
Cold Storage
and Marketplace supermarkets. You can also treat yourself to many naturally gluten-free regional specialities, such as Hainanese chicken rice (be sure to ask for chicken without sauce) and Indian
masala dosa
rice/lentil crepes.
Drink
edit
Clarke Quay by night
Singapore's nightlife isn't quite a match for
Patpong
, but it's no slouch either: some clubs have 24 hr licences and few places close before 3AM. Singapore's nightlife is largely concentrated along the
three quays
Boat, Clarke and Robertson
of the
Riverside
, with the clubs of
Sentosa
giving party animals even more reason to dance the night away and the casino on
Marina Bay
also entering the fray. Any artists touring Asia are pretty much guaranteed to stop in Singapore, with superclub
Zouk
(Clarke Quay) in particular regularly clocking high on lists of the world's best nightclubs and
Marquee
at Marina Bay Sands drawing big names. Hipsters congregate in
Kampong Glam/Arab St
near
Bugis
, while gay bars are concentrated around
Neil Road
in
Chinatown
Fancy cocktail bars cluster near the aptly named
Club St
near the
CBD
and
Keong Saik Road
in Chinatown. The legal drinking age is 18, and while this is surprisingly loosely enforced, some clubs have higher age limits. If you are asked for identification, the only acceptable forms of identification are a Singapore-issued identity card or a passport.
Friday is generally the biggest night of the week for going out, with Saturday a close second. Sunday is gay night in many bars and clubs, while Wednesday or Thursday is ladies' night, often meaning not just free entrance but free drinks for women. Most clubs are closed on Monday and Tuesday, while bars generally stay open but tend to be very quiet.
Outside the city centre, large concentration of bars can also be found in
Geylang
, Singapore's largest red-light district, as well as along
Joo Chiat Road
, both on the
East Coast
. These bars cater to a more local working class clientele, and you are likely to stand out as a tourist.
For a night out Singapore style, gather a group of friends and head for the nearest
karaoke box
. Major chains include
Party World
and the family-friendly "no alcohol, no surprises, no frills"
Teo Heng
. Room rental ranges from $30/hour and up, drinks and snacks extra.
At the other end of the karaoke spectrum are various non-chain, glitzy (or dodgy) looking, neon-covered
KTV lounges
, in which attractive female hostesses flirt and drink with male patrons in exchange for tips. These are typically much more expensive than the family-friendly establishments. Perhaps unique to Singapore is the
Thai disco
siam diu
), where patrons compete for the affections of attractive female entertainers
who, despite the name, can be from anywhere in the region as well as Singapore itself
by purchasing expensive drinks and "flowers" (garlands or sashes) for anywhere from $50 to $10,000 or more. Unlike some neighboring countries, there's no nudity or sex involved: your money buys the chance to chat with them, nothing more, and there's enough non-obvious social etiquette involved that these places are best visited with a Singaporean guide or not at all.
Alcohol
edit
The original Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel
Alcohol is widely available but expensive due to Singapore's heavy sin taxes. You can bring in up to one litre of liquor and two litres of wine and beer if you arrive from countries other than Malaysia. Careful shopping at major supermarkets will also throw up common basic Australian wine labels for around $20.
Public drunkenness is socially frowned upon in Singapore, and misbehaving under the influence of alcohol will certainly not gain you any respect from Singaporean friends. Do not allow any confrontations to escalate into fights, as the police will be called in, and you may face prison and possibly caning. Many Singaporeans, including most but by no means all Muslims, abstain from alcohol entirely.
Public drinking is prohibited outside licensed venues between 10:30PM and 7AM, with additional restrictions in
Little India
and Geylang that prohibit public drinking during weekends and public holidays. While most bars, nightclubs and restaurants are licensed, as are coffeeshops that sell alcohol, supermarkets and liquor stores are not allowed to sell alcohol late at night.
Prices when drinking out vary. You can enjoy a large bottle of beer of your choice at a coffee shop or hawker centre for around $7 (and the local colour comes thrown in for free). On the other hand, drinks in any bar, club or fancy restaurant remain pricey, with a basic drink clocking in at $10–15 while fancy cocktails would usually be in the $15–25 range. On the upside, happy hours and two-for-one promotions are common, and the entry price for clubs usually includes several drink tickets. Almost all restaurants in Singapore allow
bringing your own
(BYO) wine and cheaper restaurants without a wine menu usually don't even charge corkage, although in these places you'll need to bring your own bottle opener and glasses. Fancier places charge $20–50, although many offer free corkage days on Monday or Tuesday.
Tourists flock to the Long Bar in the
Raffles Hotel
to sample the original
Singapore Sling
, a sickly sweet pink mix of pineapple juice, gin, Peter Heering, D.O.M., Cointreau, Angostura and lime juice invented at the Long Bar in 1915, but locals rarely touch the stuff. The tipple of choice in Singapore is the local beer,
Tiger
, a refreshing if unexciting lager, but a microbrewery boom has led to outlets such as
Brewerkz
(Riverside Point),
Paulaner Brauhaus
(Millenia Walk) and
Pump Room
(Clarke Quay) offering interesting alternatives.
Tobacco
edit
Smoking is allowed only in designated areas
Tobacco is heavily taxed, and you are not allowed to bring cigarettes into Singapore from abroad.
Vaping
is illegal and you will be fined and any e-cigarettes or liquids confiscated if caught.
Shisha (hookah)
is also illegal.
The legal smoking age is 21, and shops selling cigarettes may ask for identification before selling you some. Most public places including hawker centres have restrictions on smoking, and it is prohibited in public transport as well. There is a total ban on smoking in all air-conditioned places (including pubs and discos), and strict limitations on where you can smoke outside as well (e.g., within 5 metres of bus stops and building entrances, parks, covered walkways and shelters, playgrounds are off limits). The designated zone should be marked with a yellow outline, and may have a green garbage can with an ashtray and/or have a sign reading "smoking zone". The list of places where smoking is prohibited and the (much shorter) list of where it is allowed is published on a
government website
Sleep
edit
Individual listings can be found in Singapore's
district
articles
This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard
double
room:
Budget
Under $100
Mid-range
$100-300
Splurge
Over $300
Accommodation in Singapore is expensive by South-East Asian standards. Particularly in the higher price brackets, demand outstrips supply and during big events like the F1 race or some of the larger conventions it's not uncommon for pretty much everything to sell out. Lower-end hotels and hostels, though, remain affordable and available throughout the year.
Unless you're a shopping maven intent on maximizing time in
Orchard Road
's shopping malls, the
Riverside
is probably the best place to stay in Singapore.
You will notice that hotels within certain parts of the Riverside area are much more expensive than others. Those hotels are inside the boundary of the Electronic Road Pricing area. The ERP tolls become part of their business overhead which they build into their nightly rates.
GST and Service charge are generally not included in the advertised rates. Therefore, when considering how much to allocate for accommodation, don't forget to add 19% to the advertised price (10% for the service charge then add 9% GST of the amount including the service charge).
As it is a crime to harbour illegal immigrants, hotels will need to check the passports and electronic visit passes of all guests at check-in to ensure that they are in the country legally; make sure you have a working mobile data connection or have your visit pass saved offline as you won't be able to check in without it. Likewise, for long-term accommodation, your landlord will need to check your passport and long-term visit pass (e.g. work permit, student pass, etc.); if they do not, this is a red flag, as they might be using their property to conceal illegal vice activities.
Budget
edit
Backpackers' hostels
can be found primarily in
Little India
Bugis
Clarke Quay
and the
East Coast
. Backpacker hostels cost from $20–40 for a dorm bed. There seems to be a
bedbug
epidemic among many of the very cheapest hostels — read the reviews carefully before booking.
Cheap hotels are clustered in the
Geylang
Balestier
and
Little India
districts, where they service mostly the type of customer who rents rooms by the hour. Rooms are generally small and not fancy, but are still clean and provide basic facilities such as a bathroom and television. Prices start as low as $30 for "day use" of a few hours and $60 for a full night's stay. The three major chains, with hotels throughout the island, are:
Hotel 81
+65 6767 8181
Singapore's largest budget hotel chain, with over 20 functional hotels with rates starting at $69 for two.
updated Nov 2025
Ibis Budget
French chain Accor operates no less than 14 Ibis Budgets in Singapore, many of them rebadged Fragrances.
Fragrance Hotel
+65 6345 6116
Chain of 8 hotels. Rooms from $80, discounts on weekends and for ISIC holders.
updated Nov 2025
Camping
is only allowed at designated campsites, and you must apply for a camping permit a least 14 days in advance. Depending on who owns the campsite, you can obtain the permit from either the
National Parks Board
dead link
or the
Singapore Land Authority
. The permit is free, but you will need someone with a Singapore ID to apply on your behalf.
Mid-range
edit
Much of Singapore's mid-range accommodation is in rather featureless but functional older hotels, with a notable cluster near the western end of the
Singapore River
. There has, however, been a surge of "boutique" hotels in renovated shophouses here and in
Chinatown
, these can be pretty good value, with rates starting from $200/night.
Splurge
edit
Raffles Hotel
Singapore has an extensive selection of luxury accommodation, including the
grand old
Raffles Hotel
and all the usual multinational brands. You will generally be looking at upwards of $600 per night for a room in a five-star hotel. Hotel rates fluctuate quite a bit: a large conference can double prices, while on weekends in the off-peak season heavy discounts are often available. The largest hotel clusters can be found at
Marina Bay
(good for sightseeing) and around
Orchard Road
(good for shopping), but if you're looking for a tropical beach resort feel, check out
Sentosa
Vacation rentals
edit
Short-term home or room rentals (of 6 months or less) such as provided by platforms such as Airbnb are
illegal
in Singapore. Advertising rooms or houses on such platforms is
not
illegal, so don't be surprised to find a handful of Singapore listings on Airbnb. Although enforcement of the law has been lenient so far, immediate action will be taken if there is any complaint by the neighbours. In case this happens, the guests will not face any adverse consequences other than having to find another place to stay at relatively short notice, but the host may be subject to legal action.
Long-term
edit
Housing in Singapore is expensive, as the high population density and sheer scarcity of land drives real estate prices through the roof. As a result, you would generally be looking at rentals on par with the likes of
New York
and
London
Apartment hotels in Singapore include
Ascott
, which also operates under the
Somerset
and
Citadines
brands, and the many tentacles of
Far East Hospitality
, which has both regular hotels and serviced apartments. Prices are competitive with hotels but quite expensive compared to apartments. It is illegal to offer short-term rentals (under 3 months) in Singapore without a hotel licence.
Renting an apartment in Singapore will require a work or student visa. While over 80% of Singaporeans live in government-subsidised
Housing Development Board
(HDB) flats, their availability to foreigners is very limited. Most expats thus turn to private housing blocks known as
condos
, where an average three-bedroom apartment will cost you anything from $4,000 per month for an older apartment in the suburbs to $20,000 for a top-of-the-line deluxe one on Orchard Road. Most condos have facilities like pools, gyms, tennis court, car park and 24 hr security. As the supply of studio and one-bedroom apartments is very limited, most people on a budget share an apartment with friends or colleagues, or just sublet a single room. Landed houses, known as
bungalows
, are incredibly expensive near the city centre (rents are commonly tens of thousands) but can drop if you're willing to settle outside the city centre
and remember that you can drive across the country in 30 minutes.
One or two-month security deposits are standard practice and you usually need to pay the agent a commission of 2 weeks per year of lease. Leases are usually for two years, with a "diplomatic clause" that allows you to terminate after 1 year.
Singapore Expats
is the largest real estate agency geared for expats and their free classifieds are a popular choice for hunting for rooms or apartment-mates.
Malaysians and Indonesians who work or study in Singapore often choose to live across the border in
Johor Bahru
and
Batam
respectively, where housing costs are much cheaper, the obvious downside being that this results in a very long commute.
Learn
edit
Singapore's universities are generally well-regarded and draw exchange students from near and far.
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Singapore's oldest university, strong in law, medicine, computing and science. One of the premier universities in Asia.
updated Nov 2025
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
The second university, created after the original Chinese-medium Nanyang University was shut down in favour of English teaching. More geared towards engineering, media and business studies, and also the host for Youth Olympics 2010.
updated Nov 2025
Singapore Management University (SMU)
The third, and the only publicly-funded private university in Singapore. Geared towards finance and business.
updated Nov 2025
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
The fourth autonomous university in Singapore, established in collaboration with MIT. Teaches engineering and architecture with a special focus on design.
updated Nov 2025
Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
Previously known as Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) Singapore's private university with a number of international degree courses. The school offers a wide range of first degrees, from the arts to business to technology studies. As of 17 March 2017, SUSS is restructuring to become Singapore's newest autonomous university.
updated Apr 2017
A number of foreign universities, business schools and specialised institutes have also set up their Asian campuses in Singapore.
SP Jain School of Global Management (SPJ)
International campus of the business school in
Mumbai
updated Nov 2025
INSEAD
The Asian campus of European business school, INSEAD.
updated Nov 2025
University of Chicago Booth School of Business
The Asian campus of the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, offering one of the most expensive MBAs in the world.
updated Nov 2025
DigiPen Institute of Technology
The Asian campus of the DigiPen Institute of Technology,
Redmond
Seattle
Washington
updated Nov 2025
ESSEC
International campus of the business school in
Paris
updated Nov 2025
Cooking
edit
at-Sunrice
Fort Canning Park
+65 6336 3307
A professional cooking academy that also does day classes for the public. The crowd-pleaser is the "Spice Garden Walk" ($40) at Fort Canning, where a chef introduces you to local herbs and spices and their uses in cuisine and medicine, and then guides you in the fine art of making your own curry paste. Reservations essential.
Cookery Magic
179 Haig Rd
+65 6348 9667
info@cookerymagic.com
Cooking classes in an old colonial black-and-white home, with themes varying by day and cuisines from all over the continent. 8 students maximum.
From $65
updated Nov 2025
Palate Sensations
1 Westbourne Road #03-05
+65 6479 9025
info@palatesensations.com
Hands-on cooking classes in both European and Asian styles, held in a colonial black and white bungalow in rural western Singapore. 12 students maximum.
From $100
updated Nov 2025
D'Open Kitchen
6A Shenton Way, #B1-07, Singapore 068815
+65 82286217
info@dopenkitchen.com
Cooking team building classes. Market tours, virtual cooking and baking classes.
From $80
updated Jan 2021
Work
edit
Banks in Marina Bay
As one of the most vibrant economies in South-east Asia, supported by a highly educated population of locals and expats from every corner of the world and some of the lowest personal and corporate income tax rates in the world, Singapore is a natural choice for multinational companies who wish to have a presence in the region and has many employment opportunities for skilled workers. However, you must have a work permit (WP) or an employment pass (EP) to work in Singapore, including for volunteer work. These require that you have a firm job offer and the sponsoring company applies on your behalf. There is also a
Working Holiday Programme
for recent university graduates who want to live in Singapore for up to 6 months.
Work permits
are mostly intended for menial, low-skilled labourers. To be eligible for an
employment pass
, you will generally need to have a minimum salary of at least $4,500 per month and hold at least a bachelor's degree from a reasonably reputable university. There is also an intermediate known as the
S pass
, which is usually granted to mid-skilled workers who have been promoted to positions of junior leadership such as a work site supervisor, and would require you to have a minimum salary of at least $2,500 per month as well as your employer's recommendation. Employment pass and S pass holders with a monthly salary of at least $6,000 are allowed to bring in their family members on a dependent pass.
The government is also highly supportive of entrepreneurship in the country, with an ever-changing array of governmental schemes that offer working visas and preferential taxation for startups and investors, but you will need both a strong track record and funding to qualify. Consult with the
Economic Development Board
for the latest.
If your employment is terminated, you will get a social visit pass (a visitors visa with no employment rights) which allows you to stay for 30 days. You can look for another job during this time, but don't overstay your visa, and do not think about working without the right papers; this will result in a short stay in the local prison, with added fines, possibly caning, certain deportation and being banned from re-entering.
Once you have been legally working in Singapore for a few years on an EP/S-Pass, applying for
permanent residence
(PR) is fairly straightforward, although these are no longer handed out like candy. If granted
and the rule of thumb is, the higher your salary, the more likely you are to get it
you can stay in Singapore indefinitely (as long as you can show some income every 5 years) and can change jobs freely. Work permit holders are generally not eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Those gaining permanent residency through the Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers Scheme or Investor Scheme are not required to report for the national service (conscription), but male second-generation PRs are required to register and report for enlistment once they attained the specified ages.
Stay safe
edit
Forbidden items in the MRT trains and stations
Banned in Singapore
There's more to the list than just porn, firearms, and drugs, although not all of these restrictions are enforced in practice.
Littering
Smoking in non-smoking areas
Non-medical chewing gum/bubble gum (not usually enforced)
Satellite dishes/tampered radio receivers
Free standing billboards
Handcuffs, even if pink and fuzzy
Feeding wildlife
Displaying foreign flags
Malaysian newspapers
Singapore is one of the safest major cities in the world by virtually any measure. Most people, including female travellers, will not face any problems walking along the streets alone at night. But as the local police say, "low crime does not mean no crime"
beware of
pickpockets
in crowded areas and don't forget your common sense entirely.
Crime
edit
The
Singapore Police Force
is responsible for law enforcement throughout the country, and you can recognise police officers by their distinctive dark blue uniforms. Most visitors will find Singaporean police officers to be professional and helpful, and you should report any crimes that you encounter to them as soon as possible: timely police reports often result in the apprehension of criminals within
hours
If you get arrested, Singaporean police have broader powers than their Western counterparts. While you are entitled to have a lawyer represent you at trial, the police will not allow you to speak to a lawyer until after they have finished their interrogation. You do not have the right to silence and are required to answer the police's questions truthfully. You should always disclose all facts in your defence during your interrogation, as failure to do so could result in the judge not believing you should you raise them for the first time at your trial.
Singapore's squeaky cleanliness is achieved in part by strict rules against activities that are tolerated in other countries. For example, jay-walking, spitting, littering and drinking and eating on public transport are prohibited. Locals joke about Singapore being a "fine city" because heavy fines are levied if you're caught committing an offence. Enforcement is sporadic at best, though, and it's not uncommon to see people openly litter, spit, smoke in non-smoking zones, etc.
Chewing gum
, famously long banned, is now available at pharmacies for medical purposes (e.g., nicotine gum) if you ask for it directly, show your ID and sign the register. While importing gum is still officially an offence, you can usually bring in a few packs for personal consumption without any problem.
Police officers in Singapore
For some crimes, most notably
illegal entry
and
overstaying your visa
, Singapore imposes caning as a punishment for male offenders. Other offences which have caning as a punishment include vandalism, robbery, molestation and rape. Having sex with a girl under the age of 16 is a crime under Singapore law even if she consents to it. Strokes from the thick rattan cane are excruciatingly painful, take weeks to heal and scar for life. Crimes such as murder, kidnapping, unauthorised possession of firearms and drug trafficking are punished with death.
Long criminalized under a colonial-era statute, male homosexuality was legalized in January 2023, while female homosexuality has always been legal. While attitudes towards gays, lesbians and transgender people still often leave much to be desired, especially among the Muslim and Christian communities, unprovoked violence is almost unheard of, and you are unlikely to get anything beyond drawing stares and whispers. Under Singapore law, transgender people may change their legal gender and use public toilets accordingly –
after
undergoing sex reassignment surgery. The closest Singapore comes to a "gaybourhood" is Tanjong Pagar near
Chinatown
, and
Pink Dot
is Singapore's largest LGBTQ organisation; they hold an annual pride rally every June in Hong Lim Park, though foreigners are not allowed to participate.
Begging
is illegal in Singapore, but you'll occasionally see
beggars
on the streets. Most are not Singaporean – even the "monks" dressed in robes, who occasionally pester tourists for donations, are usually bogus.
Singapore's constitution pledges "freedom of expression", but in practice this right is severely curtailed, as a glance at the neutered domestic press will show. Police will not arrest you for expressing anti-government opinions in casual conversation with your friends, but foreigners in Singapore are not allowed to engage in any sort of political activity, including participating in protests, regardless of the subject.
It is illegal to display the
flags or emblems of foreign countries or territories
in public unless you are a diplomat representing that country, or have otherwise received special permission from the government. The government usually grants permission for spectators at major international sporting events, but do double-check with the organisers beforehand.
Natural disasters
edit
Singapore is virtually immune to
natural disasters
: there are no fault lines nearby, although slight tremors from Indonesia's earthquakes can sometimes be felt from the upper storeys of buildings. Other landmasses shield it from tsunamis, and the local conditions are not conducive to the formation of typhoons and tornadoes. Flooding in the November–January monsoon season and flash-flooding from heavy rainfall is an occasional hazard, especially in low-lying parts of the East Coast, but any water usually drains off within a day and life continues as normal.
Drugs
edit
Singapore treats
drug offences
extremely
severely. The death penalty is mandatory for those convicted of trafficking, manufacturing, importing or exporting more than 15
g of heroin, 30
g of morphine, 30
g of cocaine, 250
g of methamphetamine, 500
g of cannabis, 200
g of cannabis resin and 1.2
kg of opium, and possession of these quantities is all that is needed for you to be convicted.
Drug consumption can result in up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $20,000, or both. Possession of drug paraphernalia can result in up to 3 years' imprisonment, a fine of $10,000 or both, even if you test negative and no drugs are found in your possession. First-timers are usually sent for a six-month stint at the Changi Drug Rehabilitation Centre, which is jail in all but name.
Central Narcotics Bureau
plainclothes officers are often stationed undercover at bars and nightclubs, and have the right to search anywhere without a warrant for drugs, as well as subject you to a drug test. You can be charged as long as drugs are found in your possession, even if they aren't yours and regardless of whether you're aware of them. Drug consumption outside Singapore is
not
a crime for visitors, but you can still expect to be deported if you test positive.
If you must bring
potentially forbidden medicines
, check with the
Singapore Health Sciences Authority
to find out, and (as needed and allowed) obtain written permission to bring them.
Bribery
edit
Singapore is generally considered to be relatively free from corruption in both public and private life.
Bribery
is a very serious offence penalised with long jail terms together with fines. Do
not
, under any circumstances, offer a bribe to a police officer or any other public servant, since that is likely to result in your immediate arrest. It is a crime for public servants to accept gifts from anyone they have official dealings with, even if no favours were given in exchange. While the laws governing private sector employees are not as strict, presenting a gift during business negotiations could raise suspicions over corrupt intent, which may lead to legal issues.
Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau
贪污调查局
),
2 Lengkok Bahru/247 Whitley Road
+65-1800-376-0000
report@cpib.gov.sg
The main corruption investigation and law enforcement agency for Singapore which effectively eradicated corruption after its establishment, and has been emulated by other jurisdictions.
updated Nov 2020
Racial and religious discrimination
edit
Singapore has made great efforts to ensure a peaceful integrated society; making disparaging remarks against
any
ethnicity or religion is punishable by 5 years of imprisonment. Bloggers have been arrested and imprisoned for making racist remarks on their blogs, and religious leaders have also gotten into trouble with the law for insulting other religions in their sermons.
The Jehovah's Witnesses are banned for locals in Singapore (due to their avoidance of military service), but this generally does not affect tourists so long as they do not proselytise.
Prostitution
edit
Prostitution is legal in designated red-light districts. While the
age of consent
in Singapore is 16, a higher minimum age of 18 applies to prostitutes (ignorance is no excuse). The industry keeps a low profile, and you are unlikely to run into it unless you go looking for it. Prostitutes soliciting business in the street are unlicensed, thus illegal and not screened for STDs; some of them may be victims of human trafficking or underaged.
Be sure to avoid the street vendors peddling sex enhancement drugs. These are unlicensed, and people have been hospitalised or even died from consuming these drugs.
Emergency numbers
edit
Police
main number for Emergency Services
),
999
Police
emergency SMS
),
71999 (local rate)
Country code missing
Police
scam enquiry
),
1799 (local rate)
Ambulance / Fire Services
995
Ambulance / Fire Services
emergency SMS for deaf people
),
70995 (local rate)
Country code missing
Non-emergency ambulance
1777
Singapore General Hospital
+65 6222 3322
Drug & Poison Information Centre
+65 6423 9119
Stay healthy
edit
Tap water
is safe for drinking with very high sanitation standards. The hot and humid climate means that drinking plenty of water is advisable.
Malaria
is not an issue, but
dengue fever
is endemic to the region and there are occasional cases of
Zika virus
. Singapore maintains strict mosquito control (leaving standing water around will get you fined), but the government's reach does not extend into the island's nature reserves, so if you're planning on hiking bring along mosquito repellent.
Medical care
edit
The standard of medical care in Singapore is uniformly excellent, and Singapore is a popular destination for medical tourism and medical evacuations in the region. Despite the lower prices, standards are usually as good as those in the West at both public and private clinics and hospitals, making this a good place to get your jabs and tabs if heading off into the jungle elsewhere. You'll still want to make sure your insurance is in order before a prolonged hospitalisation and/or major surgery.
For minor ailments, head down to the nearest suburban shopping mall or HDB shopping district and look for a general practitioner (GP), or do a search in SingHealth's comprehensive
Find-a-GP
dead link
directory. They usually receive patients without appointment and can prescribe drugs on the spot or refer you to specialists, and the total cost of a consultation, medicine included, rarely exceeds $30. Public polyclinics, while cheaper for locals, are usually more expensive at unsubsidised rates (from $50) and generally have longer waits. All clinics, private or public, are generally only open during business hours Monday-Friday and Saturday mornings.
RESCU
+65 8779 9441
If it can't wait until Monday, RESCU offers 24/7 telemedicine consultations and house calls, including basic medications like antibiotics dispensed on the spot.
Home visit $68-108 depending on time of day
For urgent problems, head to a hospital emergency department or call
995
for an ambulance. The ambulance is free in the event of a genuine medical emergency, but you will be charged a $274 callout fee and refused transport otherwise. Public hospitals are heavily subsidised by the government for Singapore citizens and permanent residents, but will charge the full rate for visitors. They are legally required to provide emergency medical care regardless of your ability to pay, but you will be billed at a later date.
Raffles Hospital
Raffles Medical Group
(near Bugis MRT station). [Tel: +65 6311 1111 +65 6311 1111]. 585 North Bridge Road. Singapore's largest homegrown private healthcare provider. Raffles Medical Group is the only private medical provider in Singapore that owns and operates a fully integrated healthcare organization comprising of a tertiary hospital, a network of family medicine and dental clinics, insurance services, Japanese and traditional Chinese medicine clinics, and a consumer healthcare division. Raffles Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department is fully equipped and staffed to manage high-risk injuries and critical medical conditions.
Gleneagles Hospital
6A Napier Road
near Napier MRT station
),
+65 6575 7575
Urgent Care Centre operates 24/7
Large private hospital with a large number of specialist clinics, popular with expatriates and medical tourists. Has a 24-hour walk-in Urgent Care Centre.
updated Mar 2026
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital
100 Bukit Timah Road
near Novena MRT station
).
A&E operates 24/7
Singapore's oldest dedicated women and children's hospital, well over 1 million Singaporeans were born here. Has a well-regarded but often busy 24/7 children's emergency department.
Mount Elizabeth Hospital
Mount Elizabeth
near Orchard MRT station
),
+65 6737 2666
A&E operates 24/7
Singapore's largest private hospital with a large number of specialist clinics, popular among expatriates and medical tourists. Also features a special suite that was built for the Sultan of Brunei, but is now available to anybody with the means to pay when not in use by the Brunei royal family, with prices starting from an eye-watering $5,043 per night.
Consultations with specialists start from $100
updated Sep 2020
Singapore General Hospital
College Rd, 1st-3rd Hospital Ave
next to Outram Park MRT station
).
Singapore's oldest and largest public hospital with many specialist clinics, including the only specialised burns department in Singapore. The main teaching hospital for the National University of Singapore's postgraduate medical school.
updated Mar 2026
Tan Tock Seng Hospital
11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng
next to Novena MRT station
),
+65 6256 6011
M-F 8AM-1PM & 2-5PM; Sa 8AM-noon, no appointment needed
One of Singapore's largest public hospitals, fully equipped to handle most anything, and the main teaching hospital for Nanyang Technological University's medical school. Specialist departments here include a one-stop
Travellers' Health & Vaccination Centre
for immunizations, malaria prophylaxis, pre-trip and post-trip evaluations and general advice.
$80 fee for doctor's consultation, vaccines for $10 plus cost (consultation unnecessary)
updated Nov 2025
National University Hospital
5 Lower Kent Ridge Road,
+65 6779 5555
Main teaching hospital for the National University of Singapore's undergraduate medical school, with a good number of specialist clinics.
updated Mar 2026
Alternatively, practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are widespread in Singapore.
Eu Yan Sang
runs a chain of over 20 clinics, while the
Singapore Chinese Physicians' Association
offers a directory of TCM physicians.
Toilets
edit
Nearly all shopping centres, hotels, MRT stations, bus interchanges and hawker centres are likely to have clean public toilet facilities available. The vast majority are free but those at hawker centres may charge 10 or 20 cents per entry. If there's no toilet paper in the stall, take a look around, as it's sometimes provided on a shared giant roll outside. Most toilets have bowls, but there is usually one squatting cubicle in every public toilet. Being free, McDonald's toilets are popular and the staff do not make a fuss.
Respect
edit
What's in a name?
Chinese
place their family name first, so
Phua Chu Kang
is Mr. Phua for business and Chu Kang (or just CK) to his friends. Many have Western names, so he may also be known as
Terry Phua
Malay
names are given name +
bin
or
binti
(son/daughter) + father's name.
Mohammed bin Abdullah
would usually be called Mr. Mohammed. Sometimes, the person's given name appears after the Mohammed or Abdul (example:
Mohammed Faizal bin Abdul Nasser
) so, in such a case, he would usually be addressed as Mr. Faizal.
Indian
names are complex, but the south Indian (Tamil) names usually found in Singapore have two patterns: either given name +
s/o
or
d/o
(son of/daughter of) + father's name, or father's initial + given name. Given names are often long and may be abbreviated, so Ramanathan s/o Sellapan may use the name S.R. Nathan and would be addressed as Mr. Nathan. The foolproof method is to ask how the person wants to be addressed.
Singaporeans care little about formal politeness. What would be decent behaviour at home, wherever home might be, is unlikely to offend anyone in Singapore. In Singapore, unlike much of southeast Asia, women wearing revealing clothing or men wearing shorts and slippers are perfectly acceptable and only the fanciest bars and restaurants, government institutions (e.g. parliament and the courts), and some private clubs, enforce dress codes.
That said, Singaporeans tend to be more socially conservative than Westerners, meaning that public display of affection is still frowned upon: holding hands is fine, but making out in public is considered to be impolite. Toplessness for women is not acceptable anywhere, even on the beach. Most places of worship require visitors to be conservatively dressed - no bare shoulders or midriff, and no shorts or skirts above the knee-cap. The major touristy places of worship will have shawls and sarongs so visitors can cover up before entering. Many places of worship also require you to remove your shoes before you enter.
The local dialect with its heavy Chinese influences may appear brusque or even rude, but saying "You want beer or not?" is in fact
more
polite in Chinese than asking if you want beer; after all, the person asking you the question is offering you a choice, not making a demand.
Take
dietary restrictions
into account when inviting Singaporean friends for a meal. Many Indians and some Chinese are vegetarian. Most Malays, being Muslims, eat only
halal
food, while most Hindus (and a few Chinese) abstain from beef. If unsure, ask beforehand.
When visiting Chinese temples, do not point at the statues of deities with your index finger, as this is considered to be very rude. Use your thumb or an up-facing open palm instead. If you want to watch a street performance during the Hungry Ghost Festival, do not sit in the first row as it is traditionally reserved for the spirits of the deceased.
Swastikas are commonly seen in Buddhist and Hindu temples and altars. This is an ancient religious symbol that has nothing to do with Nazism.
Sensitive topics
edit
Sensitive issues in Singapore include immigration, politics, race, religion, and LGBT rights. In a country where only 60% of the population are citizens,
immigration
is particularly sensitive, and while few Singaporeans are explicitly xenophobic, many resent the influx of "foreign talents" (once the government's term, now heavily loaded with sarcasm) competing for jobs while not integrating into society or having to fulfill obligations like military service.
Singapore is not China
, and despite being a majority of the population, most ethnic Chinese identify themselves as Singaporeans instead of Chinese nationals, who are commonly referred to as "PRCs" or "Ah Tiong". That said, anti-China sentiment is generally less prevalent than in Hong Kong, Taiwan or overseas Chinese communities in the West. There is similar tension between Singaporeans of Indian descent and recent Indian immigrants, dubbed "CECA" after an unpopular free trade agreement.
Like in many other Asian countries,
saving face
is very important in Singaporean culture. You should generally not point out other people's mistakes in order not to cause major embarrassment, and it is considered poor taste to flaunt your wealth in front of your less well-to-do peers. Bragging about your achievements will also in general not be well received.
The
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
is a deeply divisive issue, with most Jews and Christians supporting Israel, and most Muslims supporting the Palestinians. Tread carefully when discussing it with locals. Due to this sensitivity, all protests concerning this issue have been banned. While police will not arrest you for expressing your views on social media or in casual conversation with your friends, be careful not to run afoul of Singapore's strict anti-hate speech laws.
Singaporeans have a tense relationship with their cultural identity. On the one hand, Singapore's first prime minister Lee Kuan Yew was reportedly proud of being called "the best bloody Englishman east of Suez"; on the other, there is an understandable desire to display a pride for genuinely Singaporean cultural aspects including food. One area in which this tension manifests is the use of Singlish, which is officially discouraged by the government through its "Speak Good English Campaign", but is often employed deliberately by all strata of society as a means to display "Singaporean-ness". Tread lightly in these fields and be respectful.
Visiting homes
edit
If invited to somebody's house, always remove your shoes before you enter as most Singaporeans do not wear their shoes at home. Socks are perfectly acceptable though. Some households may provide slippers in the bathroom, but these are generally not meant to be worn anywhere else.
Beware of taboos if bringing gifts. Any products (food or otherwise) involving animals may cause offence and are best avoided, as are white flowers (usually reserved for funerals). Knives and clocks are also symbols of cutting ties and death, respectively, and some Chinese are superstitious about the number four. Many Singaporean Muslims and some Hindus abstain from alcohol. Nicely packaged cookies or cakes are a safe bet, as is a bouquet from a local florist.
In Singapore, it is considered rude to open a gift in front of the person who gave it to you. Instead, wait until the person has left and open it in private.
Business
edit
Singapore skyline
Singaporeans are punctual, so show up on time. The standard greeting is a firm handshake. However, conservative Muslims avoid touching the opposite sex, so a man meeting a Malay woman should let her offer her hand first and a woman meeting a Malay man should wait for him to offer his hand. If they opt to place their hand on the heart and bow slightly instead, just follow suit. Singaporeans generally do not hug, especially if it is someone they have just met.
For men, standard business attire is a long-sleeved shirt and a tie, although the tie is often omitted, the shirt's collar button opened instead. Jackets are rarely worn because of the hot weather all year round. Women usually wear Western business attire, but a few prefer Malay-style
kebaya
and
sarong
, Chinese-style
cheongsam
, or Indian-style
sari
Business cards are often exchanged when people meet for business for the first time: hold yours with
both hands
by the top corners, so the text faces the recipient, while simultaneously receiving theirs. (This sounds more complicated than it is.) Never give out or receive a business card with only one hand, as it is considered to be very disrespectful. Study the cards you receive and feel free to ask questions; when you are finished, place them on the table in front of you,
not
in a shirt pocket or wallet, and do not write on them (some may find it disrespectful).
Business gifts are generally frowned on as they may equate to bribery, and government employees are strictly forbidden from accepting gifts. Small talk and bringing up the subject indirectly are neither necessary nor expected. Most meetings get straight down to business.
Connect
edit
By phone
edit
The international telephone country code for Singapore is
65
. Phone numbers in Singapore have the format
+65 XXXX XXXX
where "65" is the country code for Singapore. Due to the small area of Singapore, there are no area codes. Any number starting with
or
is a mobile phone, while numbers starting with
or
are fixed lines (businesses and residential). Toll free numbers start with
800
or
1800
, followed by 7 digits, and usually cannot be dialed from outside the country.
Singapore has four mobile telecommunication providers with their own networks:
Singtel
Simba
StarHub
and
MobileOne (M1)
. They have generally excellent coverage throughout the island, which is blanketed with both 4G and 5G. There are many minor virtual operators operating off these networks but are generally unavailable to short-term travellers. Travellers can obtain prepaid SIM cards from 7-Eleven convenience stores, telecommunication shops, currency exchange counters, and at Changi International Airport. An international passport or Singapore ID is required to register for the SIM card. Basic plans including 1 GB of data start from only $4 for 30 days. If you're planning to continue to nearby countries, every carrier has their own options for international roaming, some more affordable than others. Starhub is the roaming-friendliest; their
Happy Roam
policy means that domestic data plans can be used in any of their Happy Roam destinations at no extra cost. Additionally, all of these carriers now have starter packs that include a small allowance of roaming data in Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as certain countries beyond (check with the carrier you're purchasing from).
In northern parts of Singapore near Malaysia (e.g. Woodlands, Sungei Buloh, Pulau Ubin), your phone may automatically switch to a Malaysian network, incurring international roaming charges even though you haven't physically left Singapore. Check the operating network (or switch to manual network selection) before you call or browse, disable roaming on your device, or pay a little extra at the beginning for a SIM that includes some roaming allowances.
By net
edit
Free Wi-Fi
is standard at paid accommodations, and public Wi-Fi is common but not everywhere. Many, but not all, free public Wi-Fi networks require you to register your phone number and receive a verification text message (SMS) - they do not require a Singapore number, so if your phone has roaming service from another country this might still work. Some networks ask for your phone number or email but do not require you to verify it. For free public Wi-Fi without a complicated sign-in, try local shopping centres (though not all have it) and the Gardens by the Bay.
Singapore has a nationwide free
Wireless@SG
system, with hotspots at many public locations like MRT stations. The network can be used even without a SIM card, but it does require signing up and downloading the official
Wireless@SGx app
Internet cafes
charging around $2/hr are sparse and slowly dying off since almost all residents have broadband Internet access at home, work, and/or school. Head to
Chinatown
or
Little India
if you need to get on-line, or check out the top floors of many suburban malls, which feature Internet cafes doubling as on-line gaming parlours. Alternatively,
all public libraries
offer cheap Internet access ($0.03/min or $1.80/hr), but you need to jump through registration hoops to get access.
Internet censorship
is generally restricted to pornography, gambling and copyright violating websites. In addition, Singapore has laws that ban online contents deemed as fake news and foreign interference by authority. From time to time, you may see mandatory corrective notices placed on social media posts or articles deemed as containing falsehoods by authorities if accessed from within Singapore.
By mail
edit
SingPost
has offices throughout the island, generally open M-F 8:30AM-5PM, 08:30-13;00 Sa 8:30AM-5PM, closed Sundays. The Changi Airport T2 (transit side) Post Office is open daily 6AM-midnight, while the 1 Killeney Rd branch is open M-F until 9PM and Su 9AM-4PM. Service is fast and reliable; domestic mail usually gets delivered by the next business day if posted before the collection time indicated on the postbox. A postcard to anywhere in the world costs 50 cents, and postage labels can also be purchased from the self-service SAM machines found in many MRT stations.
Small packets up to 2
kg cost $3.50/100 g for airmail, or $1/100 g for surface mail. For larger packages,
DHL
FedEx
or
UPS
may offer competitive rates.
Cope
edit
Electricity
edit
Singapore uses the British BS 1363 three-pin rectangular socket (230 V/50
Hz). Plug adaptors are available at any hardware store.
Embassies and High Commissions
edit
Singapore is a good place to obtain regional visas. The
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
maintains a complete searchable database of diplomatic institutions. Many more countries serve Singapore through their embassies in
Bangkok
Beijing
Jakarta
Kuala Lumpur
New Delhi
or
Tokyo
Diplomatic missions
list
Argentina
7 Temasek Boulevard, #15-03 Suntec Tower One
+65 6887 9808
fax
+65 6887 9809
esing@mrecic.gov.ar
Australia
25 Napier Rd
+65 6836 4100
fax
+65 6737 5481
enquiries.singapore@dfat.gov.au
Australia visa application
immigration.singapore@dfat.gov.au
Austria
600 N Bridge Rd #24-06/07 Parkview Sq
+65 6229 0190
singapur-ob@bmeia.gv.at
Bangladesh
19 Keppel Road, #04-00 & #10-00 Jit Poh Building
+65 6255 0075
fax
+65 6255 1824
mission.singapore@mofa.gov.bd
Belgium
79 Robinson Road, #25-01
+65 6220 7677
singapore@diplobel.fed.be
Brazil
101 Thomson Road, #29-01/03 United Square Office Tower
+65 6603 9365
(ambassador's office),
+65 6603 9361
(consular),
+65 6603 9363
(consular)
brasemb.singapura@itamaraty.gov.br
Brazil consular services
consular.singapura@itamaraty.gov.br
Brazil visa services
visas.singapore@itamaraty.gov.br
Brazil trade and economic section
secom.singapura@itamaraty.gov.br
Brunei
325 Tanglin Rd
+65 6733 9055
fax
+65 6737 5275
+65 6733 7082
+65 6737 4928
singapore@mfa.gov.bn
Cambodia
400 Orchard Rd, #10-03/04 Orchard Towers
+65 6341 9785
fax
+65 6341 9201
recamsingapore@gmail.com
Canada
One George St, #11-01
+65 6854 5900
fax
+65 6854 5930
spore@international.gc.ca
Canadian citzen services
sporeconsular@international.gc.ca
Canadian visa applications
singapore-im-enquiry@international.gc.ca
Chile
8 Temasek Boulevard, #24-01 Suntec Tower Three
+65 6223 8577
fax
+65 6225 0677
consulate@embassyofchile.org.sg
China
150 Tanglin Rd
+65 6418 0135
(administrative),
+65 6471 2117
(consular)
fax
+65 6418 0250
(administrative),
+65 6479 5345
(consular)
chinaemb_sg@mfa.gov.cn
Visa applications are handled by the separate Chinese Visa Application Service Center (see below).
Chinese Visa Application Service Center
80 Robinson Road, #16-01/02/02A
+65 6713 9380
fax
+65 6226 0852
singaporecentre@visaforchina.org
Also handles Hong Kong and Macau visas. Only issues visas to citizens and legal residents of Singapore.
Chinese citizen consular services
singapore@csm.mfa.gov.cn
Colombia
152 Beach Road, #03-04 Gateway East
+65 6341 7155
+65 6341 7156
csingapur@cancilleria.gov.co
Costa Rica
138 Robinson Road #07-01 Oxley Tower 1
+65 6467 1355
Cuba
390 Havelock Road, #08-04 King's Centre
+65 6635 8172
+65 6635 8173
embajada@sg.embacuba.cu
Czech Republic
47 Scotts Road, #11-02/03 Goldbell Towers
+65 6797 1050
+65 6797 1069
singapore@embassy.mzv.cz
Czech consular services
consulate_singapore@mzv.cz
Czech business enquiries
commerce_singapore@mzv.cz
Denmark
101 Thomson Rd, #13-01/02 United Sq
+65 6355 5010
fax
+65 6253 3764
sinamb@um.dk
Visa applications are handled by VFS Global (see below).
VFS Global
79 Anson Road, #15-02
+65 3105 1548
info.dnsin@vfshelpline.com
Also handles visa applications for Norway, Finland and Iceland
East Timor
3 Killiney Road, #04-09 Winsland House
+65 6235 6318
fax
+65 6235 9218
timorleste.singapore2010@gmail.com
Egypt
8 Eu Tong Sen Street, #25-82/83/84/85/86 The Central
+65 6225 5503
admin@egyptemb-sin.org
El Salvador
10 Anson Road, #18-12 International Plaza Building
embajadasingapur@rree.gob.sv
Estonia
18 Robinson Rd, #21-01
+65 6229 6740
embassy.singapore@mfa.ee
Finland
101 Thomson Rd, #21-03 United Sq
+65 6254 4042
sanomat.SIN@formin.fi
Visa applications are handled by the Danish embassy.
France
101-103 Cluny Park Rd
+65 6880 7800
Germany
50 Raffles Pl, #12-00 Singapore Land Tower
+65 9817 0414
Greece
47 Scotts Rd, #06-03/04 Goldbell Towers,
+65 6732 3011
fax
+65 6732 3012
gremb.sg@mfa.gr
Hungary
250 N Bridge Rd, #29-01 Raffles City Tower
+65 6883 0882
India
31 Grange Rd
+65 6737 6777
Warning: Only issues visas to residents of Singapore. All visa applications are handled by BLS International (see below).
BLS International Services S Pte Ltd — CBD Area
10 Anson Road, #30-08 International Plaza
+65 3163 5611
+65 3163 2615
info@blsindia.sg
BLS International Services S Pte Ltd — Little India
10 Jalan Besar, #14-02/04/05 Sim Lim Tower
+65 3163 5611
+65 3163 2615
info@blsindia.sg
Indonesia
7 Chatsworth Rd
+65 6737 7422
fax
+65 6737 5037
+65 6235 5783
singapura.kbri@kemlu.go.id
Ireland
541 Orchard Rd, #08-00 Liat Towers
+65 6732 3430
Israel
24 Stevens Close
+65 6834 9200
+65 68349212
(24 hr)
Italy
101 Thomson Rd, #27-02/03 United Square
+65 6250 6022
+65 6253 8429
(/4340 consular),
+65 90629004
(Emergency)
Japan
16 Nassim Rd
+65 6235 8855
fax
+65 6733 1039
(chancery),
+65 6733 5612
(consular)
ryoji@sn.mofa.go.jp
Japan visa applications
japan-visa@sn.mofa.go.jp
Jordan
9 Temasek Boulevard, #15-01 Suntec Tower 2
+65 6921 7590
fax
+65 6909 0994
info@joembassy.sg
Jordan consular services
consular@joembassy.sg
Kazakhstan
1 Kim Seng Promenade, 09-04/05 Great World City, East Office Tower
+65 6235 1482
fax
+65 6438 8990
singapore@mfa.kz
Kazakhstan consular services
+65 6536 6100
info.singapore@mfa.kz
Kuwait
170 Bukit Timah Rd
+65 6804 9550
fax
+65 6316 9074
kuwaitembassy.singapore@gmail.com
Laos
51 Goldhill Plaza, #13-04/05
+65 6250 6044
fax
+65 6250 6014
laoembsg@singnet.com.sg
Laos alternate email address
laoembsg@gmail.com
Lithuania
18 Robinson Rd, #10-01
+65 6232 3772
(chancery),
+65 6232 3773
(consular)
amb.sg@mfa.lt
Lithuania consular services
consul.sg@mfa.lt
Malaysia
301 Jervois Rd
+65 6887 6256
(passport and visa),
+65 6887 6243
(passport and visa),
+65 6887 6231
(other consular matters),
+65 6887 6230
(other consular matters),
+65 6235 0111
(general enquiries)
fax
+65 6733 6135
singapore@imi.gov.my
Malaysia passport and visa (alternate)
singapore.imi@mhc.org.sg
Malaysia consular services
consular@mhc.org.sg
Malaysia general inquiries
mwsingapore@kln.gov.my
Maldives
101 Thomson Rd, #30-01A United Square
+65 6720 9012
fax
+65 6720 9015
info@maldivesmission.sg
Mexico
152 Beach Rd, #03-01/03 The Gateway East
+65 6298 2678
fax
+65 6293 3484
embsingapur@sre.gob.mx
Mongolia
600 North Bridge Rd, #24-08 Parkview Sq
+65 6348 0745
singapore@mfa.gov.mn
Myanmar
15 St Martin's Dr
+65 6735 0209
Netherlands
541 Orchard Rd, #13-01 Liat Towers
+65 6737 1155
sin@minbuza.nl
New Zealand
One George Street, #21-04
+65 6235 9966
(general enquiries),
+65 3105 1587
(visa applications)
fax
+65 6536 8180
nzhc.sin@mfat.govt.nz
Nigeria
70 Shenton Way, #08-01 EON Shenton
+65 6732 1743
nigeria.singapore@foreignaffairs.gov.ng
North Korea
1 North Bridge Road, #15-01 High Street Centre
+65 6265 9766
fax
+65 6348 2026
embdprk@singnet.com.sg
Norway
16 Raffles Quay, #44-01 Hong Leong Bldg
+65 6818 2000
emb.singapore@mfa.no
Visa applications are handled by the Danish embassy.
Norway consular services
consular.singapore@mfa.no
Oman
600 North Bridge Road, #04–03/04/05 Parkview Square
+65 6333 1761
+65 6333 1762
fax
+65 6333 1763
singapore@fm.gov.om
9AM-4PM
Pakistan
1 Scotts Rd, #24-02/04 Shaw Centre
+65 6737 6988
+65 6737 6203
consularsingapore@pakhicom.org.sg
Panama
16 Raffles Quay, #41-06 Hong Leong Bldg
+65 6221 8677
general@panamaemb.org.sg
Papua New Guinea
1 Marine Parade Central, #08-05 Parkway Centre
+65 6222 9177
fax
+65 6222 9179
Kundusgp@pnghcom.org.sg
Peru
390 Orchard Rd, #12-03 Palais Renaissance
+65 6738 8595
peru@embassyperu.org.sg
Peru consular services
consular@embassyperu.org.sg
Philippines
111 Somerset Road, Level 16 (Lobby B), #12A, 13-14, Devonshire Wing, TripleOne Somerset Building
+65 6737 3977
+65 6506 0540
(consular)
singapore.pe@dfa.gov.ph
Poland
435 Orchard Rd #17-02/03, Wisma Atria
+65 6235 9478
Portugal
3 Killiney Road, #05-08 Winsland House 1
+65 6224 2256
singapura@mne.pt
Portugal consular services
sconsular.singapura@mne.pt
Qatar
7 Temasek Boulevard, #44-01/02 Suntec Tower One
+65 6593 9900
fax
+65 6836 5731
singapore@mofa.gov.qa
Romania
390 Havelock Road, #03–04/05 King’s Centre
+65 6735 5023
fax
+65 6735 5021
singapore@mae.ro
updated Oct 2023
Romania consular services
singapore.consul@mae.ro
Russia
51 Nassim Rd
+65 6235 1832
+65 6235 1834
fax
+65 6733 4780
singapore@mid.ru
Consular section
53 Nassim Rd
+65 6737 0048
fax
+65 6836 4921
consulsg@mid.ru
info.rusg@russia-visacentre.com
MULTIPLE EMAIL
Rwanda
8 Temasek Boulevard, #14-03 Suntec Tower 3
+65 6884 4621
infosingapore@embassy.gov.rw
updated Oct 2023
Saudi Arabia
163 Penang Road, #03-01/02/03 Winsland House II
+65 6734 5876
fax
+65 6738 5291
sgemb@mofa.gov.sa
South Africa
331 North Bridge Rd, 15F Odeon Towers
+65 6339 3319
Singapore.political@dirco.gov.za
South Africa consular services
Singapore.consular@dirco.gov.za
South Korea
47 Scotts Rd, #08-00 Goldbell Towers
+65 6256 1188
fax
+65 6258 3191
korembsg@mofa.go.kr
Consular section
47 Scotts Rd, #16-03/04 Goldbell Towers
fax
+65 6258 3302
consg@mofa.go.kr
Spain
7 Temasek Blvd, #39-00 Suntec Tower 1
+65 6725 9217
+65 6725 9215
fax
+65 6333 3025
emb.singapur@maec.es​
Spain consular services
emb.singapur.​sc@maec.es​
Sri Lanka
51 Newton Rd, #13-07/12 Goldhill Plaza
+65 6254 4595
+65 6254 4596
+65 6254 4597
slhcs@lanka.com.sg
Sweden
1 Temasek Avenue, #14-03 Millenia Tower
+65 6415 9720
fax
+65 6415 9747
ambassaden.singapore@gov.se
Visa applications are outsourced to VFS Global.
VFS Global
79 Anson Road, #15-02
+65 3105 1830
info.swedensg@vfshelpline.com
Switzerland
1 Swiss Club Link
+65 6468 5788
fax
+65 6466 8245
singapore@eda.admin.ch
singapore.consular@eda.admin.ch
singapore.visa@eda.admin.ch
MULTIPLE EMAIL
Taiwan
Taipei Representative Office in Singapore
),
460 Alexandra Rd, #23-00 mTower
+65 6500 0100
sgp@mofa.gov.tw
Thailand
370 Orchard Rd
+65 6737 2475
(main),
+65 6737 2476
(main),
+65 6737 2158
(Thai citizen services),
+65 6736 2644
(visa applications)
fax
+65 6732 0778
thaiembassy.sin@mfa.go.th
Thailand consular services
consular.sin@mfa.go.th
Turkey
2 Shenton Way, # 10-03 SGX Centre Tower 1
+65 6422 7322
+65 6533 3390
fax
+65 6533 3360
embassy.singapore@mfa.gov.tr
Ukraine
50 Raffles Pl, #16-05 Singapore Land Tower
+65 6535 6550
fax
+65 6535 2116
emb_sg@mfa.gov.ua
Ukraine consular services
consul_sg@mfa.gov.ua
United Arab Emirates
3 Temasek Avenue, #19-01/02 Centennial Tower
+65 6238 8206
fax
+65 6238 0081
SingaporeEmb@mofaic.gov.ae
United Kingdom
100 Tanglin Rd
+65 6424 4200
enquiries.singapore@fcdo.gov.uk
United States of America
27 Napier Rd
+65 6476 9100
(general enquiries),
+65 3158 5400
(visa applications)
fax
+65 6476 9232
singaporeacs@state.gov
United States visa applications
support-singapore@ustraveldocs.com
Uzbekistan
20 Kramat Ln, #04-01/02 United House
+65 6734 3942
+65 6734 3943
fax
+65 6734-5849
sg.uzembassy@mfa.uz
Uzbekistan additional email address
office@uzembassy.sg
Vatican City
55 Waterloo St, #09-01 & 09-02 Catholic Centre
+65 6337 2466
apostolic@nunciature.sg
Venezuela
163 Penang Road, #02-01 Winsland House II
+65 6491 1172
Vietnam
10 Leedon Park
+65 6462 5938
(general enquiries),
+65 6462 5994
(consular)
fax
+65 6468 9863
(general enquiries),
+65 6462 5936
(consular)
vnemb.sg@mofa.gov.vn
Hair cuts
edit
Singaporeans are particular about their hair and there is no shortage of fancy hair salons charging from $20 up for the latest Chinese popstar look. If you are willing to splurge, there is Passion Hair Salon at Palais Renaissance with celebrity hairstylist David Gan (hairstylist of Zhang Ziyi and other famous celebrities) doing the haircut. Le Salon at Ngee Ann City offers haircuts up to $2,000. The middle range hair salons in town or in the heartlands, offer haircuts with hair wash as well as other frills. Chains include Reds Hairdressing, Supercuts, Toni & Guy salons that are all over Singapore. For a more backpacker-friendly price, almost every shopping mall in Singapore has a branch of
EC House
or one of its many imitators, offering fuss-free 10 min haircuts for $15, although the hairdressers are mostly happy to spend as long as necessary on your hair, within reasonable limits. Most HDB estates have barbershops which charge $5 to $10 for adults and less for students and children.
Laundry
edit
Hotels often provide a one-day laundry service (at a price), whereas hostels often have communal self-service washing machines. Full-service laundry and dry cleaning shops can be found in every shopping mall; unfortunately turnaround times are usually upwards of three days unless you opt for express service. There are also self-service laundromat chains and franchises with various outlets located within the business district and around the country:
Wonder Wash Self-service Laundromat
+65 9786 2038
24 hrs
Totally self-service laundromat with no attendants, Various sizes of machines from 8
kg to 20
kg. Price starts from $4 per 8
kg, modern and clean.
updated Nov 2025
DIY Laundry
24 hrs
Coin-operated, self-serviced laundromat. Various sizes of machines from 11kg to 20kg, $5-$20.
updated Sep 2022
Photo processing
edit
Practically every shopping mall has a photo shop that will print digital pictures and take passport photos. Many pharmacies and supermarkets also have self-service kiosks which print digital photos from CD, SD-card, USB drive, etc.
Sports
edit
The
Singapore Sports Council
runs a chain of affordable sports facilities, often featuring fantastic outdoor 50 m pools (see
Swimming
for a list). Facilities are somewhat sparse but the prices are unbeatable, with e.g. swimming pools charging $1 for entry and access to ClubFITT gyms only $2.50. The main downside is the inconvenient location of most facilities out in the suburbs, although most are close to an MRT station and can be reached within 10-20 min from downtown. The gyms also have a total ban on bringing in any reading material (aimed at students but enforced blindly).
Major private gym chains include
Anytime Fitness
Fitness First
Gold's Gym
and
True Fitness
. Facilities are better and locations more central, but the prices are also much higher as non-members have to fork out steep day pass fees (around $40). If you are a member of Anytime Fitness in your home country, you may be able to access any of the franchise's gyms in Singapore.
Some of the
parks
offer rental of bicycles and inline skates ($3–6/hr, open until 8PM). You can either rent skates, attend a skate class or send the children off to a skate camp at major parks like West Coast and East Coast Park. Especially rewarding for skaters and cyclists is the 10
km long stretch along
East Coast Park
with a paved track and lots of rental shops, bars and cafes around the McDonald's. There are toilets and showers along the track. Furthermore, every park has a couple of fitness stations.
Television
edit
Free-to-air digital terrestrial televisions (DTT) are readily available at all sides of Singapore, though most houses and hotels have cable or internet protocol TV that enable them to get more channels. The four official languages of Singapore each gets at least one TV station, and the main news at night for each language is always subtitled to the respective languages. All free-to-air TV channels are owned by the state-owned Mediacorp, as such news contents, especially from Singapore, generally do not differ much between channels. Satellite TV is illegal in Singapore.
Due to its proximity to Indonesia and Malaysia, antennas can also receive channels from both countries. Foreign news channels such as the BBC, CNN and CNBC are available with a pay TV subscription. The main pay TV operators in Singapore are
Starhub TV
and
Singtel TV
DTT channels include:
CNA
(formerly Channel NewsAsia), round-the-clock English news channel focusing on stories from Singapore and Asia.
Channel 5
, general entertainment in English, with a combination of local programmes and American series. News broadcasts at 9PM daily. Kids entertainment in the 6AM-noon and 3PM-6PM block.
Channel 8
, Mandarin general entertainment channel broadcasting locally produced dramas & documentaries, and news at 1PM on weekdays, 6:30PM and 10PM daily.
Channel U
, Mandarin channel with more famous Asian dramas.
Vasantham
, Tamil general entertainment channel, locally produced dramas and Bollywood or Kollywood movies. News broadcasts at 8:30PM daily.
Suria
, Malay general entertainment channel from local productions, Malaysia, and Indonesia. News broadcasts at daily at 8PM.
Newspapers
edit
Singapore regularly scrapes the bottom of press freedom rankings, and all local newspapers in Singapore are published by the state-owned Singapore Press Holdings. That being said, they generally do provide reasonably balanced coverage of hard news. The main English-language newspaper is
The Straits Times
, which is published every Monday to Saturday, with
The Sunday Times
filling in on Sunday.
Business Times
focuses on business and financial news. Papers are also available in Singapore's three other official languages, with
Lianhe Zaobao
(联合早报) being the main Chinese newspaper,
Berita Harian
(or
Berita Minggu
on Sunday) being the main Malay newspaper, and
Tamil Murasu
(தமிழ் முரசு) being the main Tamil newspaper.
Weather
edit
If you are travelling to Singapore, be sure to carry the following:
Sunglasses
- Singapore is usually bright and sunny.
Umbrella
- Be sure to carry an umbrella in your luggage, as there is some precipitation throughout the year. However, the rain usually does not last long.
Sun block/sun screen
- If you plan to go out during the day, it is advisable to apply sun block as it is mostly sunny throughout the year. The ultraviolet index (UVI) is usually very high in the afternoon when it is sunny. Please see
NEA's website on ultraviolet index
for more information.
Shorts/Half Pants
- Singapore can get real warm. Although air-conditioning is available in all public transports and almost all internal areas, it is advisable to carry some light clothing. Some places of worship may require visitors to dress conservatively.
Cotton or dri-fit shirts
- Wear comfortable shirts that can let the air flow through.
Slippers
- Singaporeans love to wear slippers (called "flip-flops" in the United States, "thongs" in Australia or "jandals" in New Zealand). Be sure to carry a pair, just to blend in. Try sandals if you're not used to flip flops, but beware that in some formal establishments (e.g. the theatre, concert hall, and recital studio at the Esplanade), no flip flops, sandals, or shorts are allowed.
Sweater
- In cinemas, shopping malls, and museums, air conditioning can be relatively colder than expected, though this is likely to be a welcome relief from the heat.
Go next
edit
Singapore makes a good base for exploring
South-East Asia
, with nearly all of the region's countries and their main tourist destinations
including
Bangkok
Phuket
Angkor Wat
Ho Chi Minh City
and
Bali
under 2
hr away by plane. Thanks to budget carriers, Singapore is an excellent place for catching cheap flights to China and India. Singapore also has direct flights to many of the smaller cities in
Malaysia
Indonesia
and
Thailand
, which can be convenient points of entry if you wish to skip the ever-present queues and touts at their main airports.
For day or weekend trips from Singapore, the following are popular:
Batam
The nearest Indonesian island to Singapore, just a short ferry trip away. Mainly industrial and infamous for its vice trade, but has some resorts.
Bintan
Indonesian island just 55
min away by ferry, offering both high-end resorts and the "real Indonesia" experience.
Johor Bahru
Malaysian city just across the Causeway. Just 20
min by bus 950 from Woodlands Bus Interchange. Not much to look at, but popular for cheap eating, shopping, spa experiences and Legoland Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia's vibrant capital. 45
min by plane, 4
hr by bus or 10
hr by train.
Malacca
Once one of the three Straits Settlements, now a sleepy colonial town and a
UNESCO World Heritage Site
. 3
hr by bus, although it might take a little longer due to border congestion.
Pulau Tioman
The nearest of Malaysia's
East Coast
paradise islands, reachable by bus & ferry.
For those who can afford more time to travel, here are several destinations that are popular long weekend (i.e. when a weekend coincides with a public holiday) trips for Singaporeans:
Bali
One of Indonesia's biggest tourist draws with its nice beaches and good food. About 2.5
hr away by plane.
Bangkok
Thailand's capital and considered a food, shopping, and clubbing paradise by many Singaporeans. It is less than 2
hr flight away, or 2
nights by train, assuming you don't stop off in
Kuala Lumpur
or Butterworth (for
Penang
).
Phuket
One of the largest islands in Thailand, is another popular destination for Singaporeans. It offers a great weekend getaway and is less than 2
hr flight away. Relatively cheaper than Singapore, it is a great destination to hang around.
Ipoh
The capital of the Malaysian state of Perak with many well-preserved colonial buildings, it is famous among Singaporeans for its food. 7
hr away by coach, or 1
hr by plane.
Langkawi
An island in the Malaysian state of Kedah, just south of the Thai border, famed for endless beaches. Just over an hour by plane.
Penang
One of the Straits Settlements, with a rich history and fabulous food. Its capital
George Town
is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site
. About 12
hr away by coach, or 1
hr if you choose to fly. Also popular for its medical tourism.
Hong Kong
A business hub and often regarded as a rival of Singapore. About 3 1/2 hours away by flight, and a popular shopping and dining destination for Singaporeans.
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