Visa

Nationals from EU, ASEAN and Canada may benefit from a Singapore visa waiver for stays of less than 90 days. All citizens of other countries must apply for a visa before entering Singapore.

 

All visitors to Singapore must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Valid travel document (minimum validity of 6 months at the time of departure)

  • Confirmed onward or return tickets (if applicable)

  • Entry facilities, including visas, to the next destination;

  • Sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Singapore; and,

  • Visa for entry into Singapore (if applicable)

  • Yellow Fever Vaccination (if applicable)

For a stay of 30 days, no visa required. But for a stay of between 30 days and 3 months, you need an authorization requested online from Singapore Immigration Services. At the border, you have to fill out an entry form in the country.

 

Payment

The official currency of Singapore is the Singapore dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, bars, shops, hotels and taxis in Singapore. 

 

Food & Drink

Singaporean cuisine is a combination of Chinese, Malay, Indian and other influences. It is characterized by its use of spices, herbs and other flavorful ingredients. Dishes such as chili crab, laksa and Hainanese chicken rice are staples of Singaporean cuisine.

 

Others

  • Overview

If you’ve already got some experience planning a trip to Southeast Asia, you won’t be surprised to find out that Singapore experiences hot & humid weather all year round. Much like its neighbours, Singapore can range between anything from pleasant hot & sunny days to torrential downpours that will make you second guess your decision to travel to this rainy netherworld.

Overall, the best time to go to Singapore is between February and April.

Although Singapore is—for the most part—a year-round destination, the months of February to April fall within Singapore’s dry season and experience (a least a tad) less rainfall than other times of the year.

  • Weather

  • July-September:While tourists visit throughout the year, the festive season is a great time to explore the many facets of Singapore, especially around July when the Great Singapore Sale and the Singapore Food Festival take place. 

  • Feb-April: The months between the summers and winters are quite pleasant. Plenty of outdoor activities become available then.

  • November-January: The wettest months are between November and January, when showers can last for long periods of time, while the hottest months are May and June.

  1. Clothing items: 

  • Flowy, loose-fitting clothing

  • Shorts/t-shirts 

  • Hat 

  • Swimwear 

  1. The essentials 

  • Daybag/backpack 

  • Comfortable walking shoes 

  • Sunscreen 

  • Portable umbrella 

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for travelers to East and Southeast Asia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and polio.

It is better to take with you usual medications such as paracetamol, aspirin, allergy medications (if you are allergic to anything), tablets to suck in case of throat irritation, .

It is better to take with you usual medications such as paracetamol, aspirin, allergy medications (if you are allergic to anything), tablets to suck in case of throat irritation, ...

 

Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world. In Singapore, any offense is punishable by a fine. For example:

  • Smoking is prohibited in public transportation, air-conditioned and common places, including areas within 5 metres of building entrances and bus shelters.

  • Stick to the traffic lights and only walk when the green man lights up. Crossing the road during a red light is not only risky, but it may cause you a fine from $20 to $1,000.

  • Do not chew gum: The sale and import of chewing gum is illegal in Singapore. This means visitors cannot even bring gum in with them when they enter.

  • Do not eat or drink while on public transportation: Food and drink are not allowed on board. This means that even if you find yourself running late for a class or the start of the workday, you cannot enjoy a morning coffee or tea while on public transportation.

  • Do not use drugs: Singapore also outlaws drugs and offenders can face harsh punishments and fines for breaking the law. Many consider the city’s laws to be some of the strictest with regards to illegal drugs. Even small amounts of drugs can result in harsh prosecution

  • New Year: January 1st
  • Chinese New Year: Lunar January
  • Good Friday: Friday before the date of Easter
  • Labor Day: May 1st
  • Vesak: lunar April 15
  • Hari Raya Pusa: the day after the last day of the holy month of Ramadan
  • National Day: August 9th
  • Hari Raya Haji: the 10th of the month of dhou al-hijja
  • Deepavali: in October or November
  • Christmas: December 25

  • On Foot

Singapore is a large city, which makes it difficult to explore entirely on foot. However, you'll want to walk through individual neighborhoods to absorb the local atmosphere and sights. Visitors centers, run by the Singapore Tourism Board, provide free street maps and suggested walking tours. The city's numerous parks are another place to stretch your legs.

  • Subway

The MRT subway system is extensive, clean, efficient, inexpensive, and easy to understand – everything you want from public transit. Maps are available at every station. Fares are based on the distance you travel and usually range from SG$1 to SG$2.50 (about $0.74 to $1.85). Instead of purchasing single fare tickets, consider purchasing an EZ-Link rechargeable card for SG$12 (about $9) to save some extra coin and avoid ticket lines if you're in Singapore for an extended period.

  • Car

CarHome to more than 5 million people, Singapore definitely has some traffic. Driving can be a huge hassle, and parking will cost you an arm and a leg in the city. Not to mention driving is done on the left in Singapore. However, if you really want a car, there are rental offices at the airport and throughout the city.

  • Taxi

If you want to get somewhere in a hurry, flag a cab. Taxis are reasonably priced: The meter starts between SG$3 to SG$5 (about $2.24 to $3.75) and around SG$0.22 (about $0.16) per kilometer thereafter. Most drivers will speak English, so be sure to chat with them for local tips.

  • Bus

Buses traverse the entire country and can take you everywhere you need to go. That is, if know which ones to take. The numerous bus routes may overwhelm or confuse first-time visitors. Fares are based off distance traveled, time of day as well as traveler type (adult, children and senior citizen fares are offered). Based on all those factors, you could end up spending the same amount that you would for a metro ride.

  • Trishaws: 

This is an attraction for visitors. There is only one authorized company, its name is Trishaw Uncle.

  • Bumboats: 

These are boats for a trip on the Singapore River. Departure from Clarke Quay, we visit the docks, the harbor and its surroundings, Sentosa, the island of Kusu …

 

A local SIM card is a cheaper choice if you are planning a long stay in Singapore. You can buy a local SIM card on arrival but check if your mobile phone is unlocked beforehand. These are three major operators: Singtel, Starhub and M1.

Another option is to rent a smartphone with Internet, local and even international calls, all in unlimited, for about $ 15 a day. You can rent it upon arrival at the airport at the Handy ticket counters in the arrival halls of Terminals 1 (counter 1), 2 (counter 11) and 3 (counter 19) or at the Singapore Visitors Center. Present your passport for hire.