Things to keep in mind when traveling to Singapore

Choose breathable clothing.

Singapore has a tropical climate year-round with average temperatures ranging from 26 to 34 degrees Celsius.^oC. High humidity will cause you to sweat frequently whenever you go outside. Therefore, choose breathable clothing to explore the city comfortably. The ideal time to stroll around Singapore is in the morning, because by midday, the weather here will make you sweat constantly.

Be prepared to spend more than in other Southeast Asian countries.

Singapore is ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world, and choosing to travel there may be more costly than exploring its Southeast Asian neighbors. However, these extra costs are not unreasonable when you get to fully explore the city in a short time and use its modern services and transportation infrastructure.

Singaporean signature dishes in food courts.

A money-saving tip when visiting Singapore is to skip the fancy cafes and restaurants and head to food courts, where you can find the most authentic Singaporean dishes. Food from food stalls is usually cheaper than in air-conditioned restaurants because these food courts are often located further away from tourist areas. Regarding food safety, food stalls are marked from A (safe) to D (dangerous) on the storefront.

Public transportation is cheap, safe, and convenient.

The cheapest and easiest way to explore Singapore is by using its modern public transport system. With just an EZ-Link card, you can use both buses and the subway; simply tap the card on the swiping machine at the departure and arrival stations, and the fare will be automatically paid.

Learn about the regulations and laws in Singapore.

Singapore is known for its many laws and regulations. Actions such as spitting in public, throwing cigarette butts down drains, or discarding chewing gum in public places can result in hefty fines if caught. While these laws are common in many countries, in Singapore, acts of vandalism against public property can lead to imprisonment. The death penalty is even applied for the use, possession, and trafficking of drugs. With its strict approach to law violations, Singapore is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world.

Parties and cigarettes are very expensive.

Singapore taxes alcoholic beverages very heavily, so buying alcohol at a bar or restaurant here will be quite expensive. Buy during off-hours, or buy beer and wine from a supermarket and party at home; and buy before 10 pm, because after that all shops in Singapore stop selling alcohol. Cigarettes are also very expensive and you can't smoke in public places. Smoking is prohibited in restaurants, clubs, and near public transport areas; you can smoke in designated yellow-lined areas.

Singapore is a safe city.

Overall, Singapore is a very safe city. The crime rate is very low, so you can feel safe walking alone late at night. However, as with any city, you shouldn't be careless with your belongings.

Tipping is not necessary.

Tipping is not a common practice in Singapore, and service staff generally don't ask for tips, although they are happy to accept them if you wish to reward them for their service. Small shops and street vendors often charge a small surcharge, while other establishments add a 7% service charge. In restaurants, cafes, and bars, you will have to pay a 10% service charge on the total bill.

Quoc Hung