Singapore

Singapore is a breathtaking fusion of a futuristic metropolis and a lush tropical garden, where glass skyscrapers stand alongside century-old rain trees. You will discover a city-state that operates with remarkable efficiency, boasting one of the world's most sophisticated transit systems and incredibly clean streets. It is a true melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian cultures, each contributing to a vibrant tapestry of festivals, architecture, and world-class cuisine. Beyond the iconic skyline, you can explore hidden heritage lanes, futuristic botanical wonders, and bustling markets that never seem to sleep. Whether you are seeking luxury shopping or a quiet moment in a cloud forest, Singapore offers a uniquely polished and diverse Southeast Asian experience.

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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.

1 city

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$112 Daily Budget

Quick Facts

Capital

Singapore

Languages

English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil

Currency

Singapore Dollar (SGD)

1 $ ≈ 1.27 S$

Plug Type

Type G (230V, 50Hz)

Driving Side

Left

Dial Code

+65

Entry Requirements

Check requirements →

Time Zone

SGT (UTC+8)

Emergency

999 (Police), 995 (Ambulance/Fire)

Why Visit Singapore

A Global Culinary Capital

From humble Michelin-starred hawker stalls to high-end celebrity chef restaurants, Singapore offers an unparalleled food scene. You can enjoy a world-class meal for as little as $5.89–$9.42 / S$7.46–S$12 at places like Maxwell Food Centre or indulge in experimental fine dining.

Futuristic Green Spaces

The city-state is world-renowned for its 'City in Nature' vision, most notably seen at Gardens by the Bay. You can walk among the 50-meter-tall Supertrees or explore the Cloud Forest, a climate-controlled conservatory featuring a massive indoor waterfall.

Unrivaled Safety and Cleanliness

Singapore is consistently ranked as one of the safest destinations on Earth, making it ideal for solo travelers and families. The strict local laws ensure that public spaces remain pristine, orderly, and accessible at all hours of the day and night.

Diverse Cultural Enclaves

In a single afternoon, you can wander through the colorful shophouses of Chinatown, admire the intricate temples of Little India, and visit the golden-domed Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam. Each district offers a distinct atmosphere, traditional crafts, and authentic regional flavors.

World-Class Shopping

Orchard Road serves as a 2.2km stretch of retail paradise, featuring everything from international luxury labels to local boutiques. For a more eclectic experience, the independent shops on Haji Lane offer unique fashion and art finds.

Top Experiences

Top-rated tours and activities in Singapore

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Cities & Destinations

Cost Guide Where to Stay

Regions

Marina Bay

This is the city's iconic waterfront district, home to the Marina Bay Sands resort and the futuristic Gardens by the Bay. It is the best area for photography, high-end dining, and watching the nightly light and water shows.

Orchard Road

As the primary retail hub of Singapore, this district is packed with dozens of interconnected shopping malls and luxury hotels. It is a vibrant, neon-lit area that is particularly festive during the year-end holiday season.

Chinatown

Blending the old with the new, Chinatown features traditional medicine shops and historic temples situated next to trendy bars and boutique hotels. It is also a major hub for affordable souvenirs and authentic street food.

Sentosa Island

A dedicated resort island located just off the southern coast, Sentosa is home to Universal Studios Singapore, luxury beaches, and world-class golf courses. It serves as the city's primary playground for families and adventure seekers.

Little India

This vibrant district is a sensory explosion of colorful buildings, the scent of fresh garlands, and the sound of Bollywood music. It is the best place to find authentic South Indian cuisine and explore the 24-hour Mustafa Centre department store.

Best Time to Visit

Singapore is a year-round destination due to its consistent tropical climate, but the dry season offers the most comfortable outdoor conditions. Planning around major festivals or the Great Singapore Sale can significantly impact both crowd levels and prices.

Peak Season

Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec, Jan

Peak season occurs during the mid-year school holidays and the year-end festive period. June and July host the Great Singapore Sale, while December and January bring monsoon rains but also vibrant Christmas and Lunar New Year celebrations.

Shoulder Season

Feb, Mar, Apr, May

The period from February to May is often considered the best time to visit, as it is relatively dry and sunny. Visitors can enjoy lower humidity and pleasant temperatures ranging from 25–32°C (77–90°F) before the mid-year crowds arrive.

Off-Peak

Sep, Oct, Nov

The low season typically spans August to October, offering lower accommodation rates. While the Singapore Grand Prix in September creates a temporary spike in prices, these months are generally quieter, though November marks the start of the wetter monsoon season.

Getting Around

Singapore possesses one of the world's most efficient and clean public transport networks, centered on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system and an extensive bus fleet. The city is highly walkable with clear signage and sheltered walkways to combat heat and rain.

MRT

The rail network is the fastest way to travel, with trains running from 05:30–00:00. Fares are distance-based and usually cost between ~$1.18–$2.95 / S$1.49–S$3.73 per trip.

Bus

Public buses reach nearly every corner of the island and use the same contactless payment system as the MRT. They are fully air-conditioned and provide a scenic alternative to underground travel.

Taxi

Taxis are metered, safe, and widely available at designated stands or via apps. Surcharges apply for peak hours, late-night travel (00:00–06:00), and trips originating from the airport or city center.

Ride-Hailing

Apps like Grab, Gojek, and TADA are extremely popular and often more convenient than flagging a taxi. These services provide transparent pricing upfront and accept most international credit cards.

Food & Drink

Singaporean food culture is a passionate national obsession centered around 'hawker centres,' which are open-air complexes housing dozens of specialized food stalls. The cuisine reflects a brilliant mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, creating bold and unique flavor profiles found nowhere else.

Must Try

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Often called the national dish, it features poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken ginger broth and served with a spicy chili sauce.

Laksa

A spicy noodle soup with a creamy coconut milk base, flavored with dried shrimp and topped with cockles, prawns, and fishcakes.

Chili Crab

Stir-fried mud crabs coated in a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy tomato-based sauce, traditionally eaten with deep-fried mantou buns to soak up the gravy.

Satay

Skewers of seasoned meat like chicken or beef grilled over charcoal and served with a rich, chunky peanut dipping sauce, cucumbers, and ketupat rice cakes.

Kaya Toast

A quintessential breakfast item consisting of toasted bread spread with kaya (a coconut and egg jam) and a thick slice of butter, usually served with soft-boiled eggs.

Teh Tarik

A 'pulled' hot milk tea that is poured between two containers to create a frothy top and cool the beverage to the perfect drinking temperature.

Money & Costs

Singapore is a premium destination with high standards of living, yet it offers value through affordable world-class public transport and hawker center meals costing ~$5.89–$12 / S$7.46–S$15. Daily expenses for a mid-range traveler typically average ~$112 / S$142.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge; GST is 9% (where applicable).

Cards

Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, from shopping malls to taxis. However, cash is still preferred or required at hawker centers and some small independent retailers.

ATMs

ATMs are ubiquitous throughout the city and at MRT stations. Most machines accept international cards via the Plus or Cirrus networks, though foreign bank fees of ~$5.89 / S$7.46 may apply per transaction.

Culture & Etiquette

Singapore is a multi-racial society built on mutual respect and strict adherence to social order. While the city is very modern, traditional values regarding family and community remain strong, and public behavior is governed by both social norms and firm laws.

✓

Use a pack of tissues or an umbrella to 'chope' (reserve) a seat at hawker centres, as this is a universally accepted local custom.

✓

Remove your shoes before entering someone's home or when visiting certain places of worship, like mosques and Hindu temples.

Do not bring chewing gum into Singapore. Import is prohibited, except for approved oral dental and medicinal chewing gum.

Avoid littering, spitting, or smoking in non-designated areas, as these offenses are strictly enforced. Typical composition fines are ~$259 / S$328 (littering/spitting) and ~$171 / S$216 (smoking in prohibited places), with higher penalties possible if prosecuted.

✓

Stand on the left side of escalators to allow people who are in a hurry to pass on the right.

Do not tip at restaurants and hotels, as a 10% service charge is already included in your bill; rounding up the change is sufficient for taxis.

Safety & Health

Singapore is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries globally, with very low crime rates. However, visitors must strictly adhere to local laws, as penalties for littering, smoking in prohibited areas, and drug offenses are severe.

Tap Water

Safe to drink

Vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you have recent travel (past 6 days) to a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Stay up to date on routine vaccines.

Common Scams

⚠ E-commerce scams involving fake discounted attraction tickets or rental listings on social media platforms.
⚠ Seafood restaurant traps where 'seasonal prices' are not clearly explained, leading to unexpectedly high bills for specific weights.
⚠ Impersonation scams where callers claim to be government officials or bank staff to solicit personal data.
⚠ Phishing sites or QR codes at public transport hubs promising 'unlimited travel passes' at unrealistic prices.

Healthcare facilities are of international standard but can be expensive; comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue are endemic, so the use of repellent is advised in outdoor areas.

Language

English is the main language of administration and business, making navigation effortless for tourists. Locals often speak Singlish, a colorful colloquial dialect that blends English with Malay and Chinese influences.

English Spoken: Widely spoken

Key Phrases

Key Phrases
Meaning	Local	Pronunciation
Can I have this for takeaway?	Da bao	dah-ba-oh
Is it possible? / I can do it.	Can lah	ken-lah
To eat / Food	Makan	mah-kahn
Delicious!	Shiok!	she-oak
Oh no! / Oh dear!	Alamak!	ah-lah-mahk
Boring / Tired	Sian	see-en
Thank you	Terima Kasih	teh-ree-mah kah-seh

Visa & Entry

Most visitors enjoy visa-free entry for short stays, provided they submit the mandatory SG Arrival Card electronically within 3 days before arrival (with stated exceptions). All travelers must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months.

Max Stay

Short-Term Visit Pass/Social Visit Pass duration is issued at entry and can be 14, 30 or 90 days depending on ICA assessment and nationality

Passport Validity

At least 6 months (for non-Singapore passport holders)

Visa-free for

USA, UK, EU members, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, South Korea, ASEAN members

Check requirements →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Singapore safe for solo travelers?

Singapore is widely considered one of the safest cities in the world for solo travelers, including women. You can comfortably walk through most neighborhoods late at night without concern, as the crime rate is exceptionally low and public areas are well-monitored. However, you must always respect local laws regarding public conduct to avoid legal trouble.

How expensive is a trip to Singapore?

While Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in Asia, it can be managed on various budgets. You should expect an average daily spend of approximately $112 / S$142. You can save money by eating at hawker centres where meals cost $5.89–$12 / S$7.46–S$15, while luxury travelers can easily spend hundreds on fine dining and high-end hotels in Marina Bay.

When is the best time to visit Singapore?

The peak travel months are June, July, August, December, and January. Since Singapore is near the equator, it is hot and humid year-round with temperatures typically ranging from 25–32°C (77–90°F). Weather is driven by monsoon seasons: Northeast Monsoon (Dec–early Mar, wettest typically Dec–Jan) and Southwest Monsoon (Jun–Sep). Major events include the Singapore Retail Festival (4–21 July 2026) and Singapore Food Festival (September 2026).

Do I need a visa to visit Singapore?

Most Western nationals, including citizens of the EU, USA, and UK, can enter Singapore without a visa. The Short-Term Visit Pass/Social Visit Pass duration is issued at entry and can be 14, 30 or 90 days depending on ICA assessment and nationality. You must ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and complete the SG Arrival Card online within 3 days before arrival.

Is English widely spoken in Singapore?

Yes, English is one of the four official languages and is the primary language used in business, government, and education. You will find that almost everyone you encounter, from taxi drivers to shop assistants, speaks English fluently. You may also hear 'Singlish,' a unique local patois that blends English with Malay and Chinese dialects.

What is the best way to get around Singapore?

The most efficient way to travel is via the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway system, which is clean, air-conditioned, and reaches nearly every corner of the island. Fares are affordable, typically costing between $1.77–$2.95 / S$2.24–S$3.73 per trip. You can also use the extensive bus network or ride-sharing apps like Grab for more direct transport between attractions.

Can I drink the tap water in Singapore?

Yes, the tap water in Singapore is perfectly safe to drink and meets World Health Organization standards. You do not need to buy bottled water, and carrying a reusable bottle is encouraged to stay hydrated in the tropical heat. This is a rare convenience in Southeast Asia and helps reduce plastic waste during your travels.

What should I eat at a Singaporean hawker centre?

You should definitely try Hainanese Chicken Rice, which is considered the national dish, or a spicy bowl of Laksa. If you are visiting in a group, sharing a Chili Crab or a platter of Satay skewers is a great way to experience the local flavors. Don't forget to finish your meal with a refreshing ice kachang dessert.

What are the laws for smoking and alcohol?

Smoking is strictly prohibited in most indoor and outdoor public spaces, including bus stops and parks; look for designated yellow boxes if you need to smoke. Alcohol is widely available but expensive due to high taxes, and public consumption is banned from 22:30 to 07:00 daily (Liquor Control Zones like Little India and Geylang can have stricter windows, especially weekends/public holidays). Penalties for drug-related offenses are extremely severe, including the death penalty.

Why you can trust this guide

Jan Křenek

35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data

Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.

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