USEFUL TIPS

Singapore Useful Tips

Everything you need to know for a smooth, safe, and unforgettable visit to the Lion City

Travel Tips & Guidelines

Everything you need to know before and during your Singapore adventure

Climate

Tropical Weather

Singapore enjoys a tropical rainforest climate with high humidity year-round. Temperatures typically range from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F).

  • Monsoon season: Nov-Jan (northeast), Jun-Sep (southwest)
  • Bring an umbrella – sudden showers are common
  • Indoor spaces are heavily air-conditioned

Time Zone

SGT (UTC+8)

Singapore Standard Time (SGT) is UTC+8, the same as Hong Kong, Perth, and Kuala Lumpur. No daylight saving time observed.

  • 13 hours ahead of New York (EST)
  • 8 hours ahead of London (GMT)
  • 1 hour behind Tokyo (JST)

Currency

Singapore Dollar (SGD)

The official currency is the Singapore Dollar (S$ or SGD). Notes come in $2, $5, $10, $50, $100, and $1000 denominations.

  • ATMs widely available at malls and MRT stations
  • Money changers offer competitive rates
  • Brunei Dollar accepted at 1:1 exchange

Payment

Cards & Digital

Singapore is highly cashless. Credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments (PayNow, GrabPay, Apple Pay) are widely accepted.

  • Visa, Mastercard, Amex widely accepted
  • Hawker centers may still prefer cash
  • Contactless payments very popular

Tax Refund

GST Tourist Refund

Tourists can claim GST (9%) refund on purchases over S$100 at participating retailers through the Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS).

  • Use same credit card for all purchases
  • Claim at airport before departure
  • Keep receipts and items accessible

Electrical

230V / Type G

Singapore uses Type G plugs (UK-style, 3 rectangular pins) with 230V/50Hz power supply. Bring an adapter if needed.

  • Universal adapters available at airport
  • Most hotels provide adapters on request
  • Check voltage compatibility of devices

Wi-Fi

Wireless@SG

Free public Wi-Fi "Wireless@SG" is available at major locations including malls, libraries, MRT stations, and public areas.

  • Register via SMS for Wireless@SGx
  • Most cafes and hotels offer free Wi-Fi
  • Download Wireless@SG app for easy access

SIM Cards

Tourist SIM Available

Tourist SIM cards are available at Changi Airport and convenience stores. Major providers: Singtel, StarHub, M1, and Simba.

  • Prices from S$12-50 for tourist plans
  • Passport required for registration
  • eSIM options available for newer phones

Transport

MRT, Bus & Taxi

Singapore has an excellent public transport system. MRT (subway) and buses are efficient and affordable. Use EZ-Link or SimplyGo.

  • Get Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited rides
  • Grab app for ride-hailing (like Uber)
  • Taxis use meters – no bargaining needed

Vapes

⚠️ BANNED

E-cigarettes and vapes are completely banned in Singapore. Import, sale, and use are all prohibited with heavy fines.

  • First offense: Up to S$2,000 fine
  • Devices will be confiscated at customs
  • Do NOT bring any vaping equipment

Cigarettes

Restricted Areas

Smoking is banned in most public places. Designated smoking areas exist. No duty-free allowance – all cigarettes must be declared.

  • Fine up to S$1,000 for smoking in prohibited areas
  • Yellow boxes mark designated smoking zones
  • Declare ALL cigarettes at customs

Chewing Gum

Restricted

Sale of chewing gum is banned in Singapore. Only therapeutic/dental gum available from pharmacies with prescription.

  • Personal use amounts usually tolerated
  • Don't bring large quantities
  • Dispose properly – littering fines apply

Safety

Very Safe City

Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world. Low crime rates, strict law enforcement, and safe streets day and night.

  • Emergency number: 999 (Police), 995 (Ambulance)
  • Well-lit streets and CCTV coverage
  • Still practice normal precautions

Language

English & More

English is the main language for business and daily life. Signs, menus, and official communications are in English.

  • 4 official languages: English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil
  • "Singlish" is local English with unique expressions
  • "Can" means yes; "Lah" is for emphasis

Do's & Don'ts

Important cultural norms and legal requirements

Do's

Queue politely

Singaporeans take queuing seriously. Wait your turn everywhere.

Stand on the left on escalators

Keep right for walking, left for standing.

Give up priority seats

Reserved for elderly, pregnant, and disabled on public transport.

Use bins for rubbish

Bins are everywhere – Singapore is very clean!

Return hawker center trays

Clear your table after eating at food courts.

Don'ts

Don't bring vapes

E-cigarettes are completely banned. Heavy fines apply.

Don't eat/drink on MRT

No food or drinks on public transport. Fine: S$500.

Don't litter

Littering fines range from S$300 to S$1,000.

Don't jaywalk

Use pedestrian crossings. Jaywalking is an offense.

Don't bring drugs

Singapore has extremely strict drug laws. Death penalty applies.

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