Singapore Travel Guide
Hot and humid year-round (26–32°C). February–April is marginally drier; November–January is the wettest stretch.
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Singapore at a glance
Best time to visit Singapore
Hot and humid year-round (26–32°C). February–April is marginally drier; November–January is the wettest stretch.
Peak: Formula 1 weekend (September), Chinese New Year and December — hotel rates spike.
Shoulder season: Late February–April and July: steadier rates and slightly less rain.
Visa and entry
Visa-free for most nationalities for 30–90 days. Extension available at ICA.
Entry rules depend on your nationality and change frequently. Always confirm with an official embassy or consulate source before booking.
Money and tipping
Singapore uses the SGD (S$).
Not expected. Most restaurants include 10% service charge. Hawker centres: no tipping.
Getting around
MRT and bus fares are distance-based, about S$1–2.50, paid with any contactless card. A Singapore Tourist Pass costs S$22 (1 day), S$29 (2 days) or S$34 (3 days).
When a pass pays off: The tourist pass only wins at roughly 8+ trips a day; nearly everyone is better off tapping a bank card.
Local etiquette
Do
- Tap in and out with any contactless bank card — no separate ticket needed.
- Reserve a hawker-centre seat by leaving a packet of tissues (“choping”).
- Return your tray at hawker centres; it is enforced.
Avoid
- Don't eat or drink on the MRT — there are fines.
- Don't bring in vapes or chewing gum for sale; both are restricted.
- Don't jaywalk near crossings — fines are real.
Common scams and tourist traps
- Rare overall, but tourist-area massage and tailor touts still exist.
- Check the bill: many venues add 10% service plus GST, so the menu price is not the final price.
Health
Routine immunizations are typically sufficient for Singapore, though dengue fever precautions (mosquito repellent) are worthwhile given occasional local outbreaks. This is general information, not medical advice — consult a doctor or travel clinic before your trip.
When locals eat
Meal windows shift by country, and eating on the local clock is the difference between a full restaurant and a closed kitchen.
| Meal | Early riser | Typical | Night owl |
|---|---|---|---|
| breakfast | 7:00 AM | 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM |
| lunch | 12:00 PM | 12:30 PM | 1:30 PM |
| dinner | 6:30 PM | 7:30 PM | 9:30 PM |
Staying connected
eSIM providers that cover Singapore: Airalo, Ubigi, Holafly. Buying an eSIM before you fly avoids airport queues and roaming charges.
Singapore travel FAQ
- When is the best time to visit Singapore?
- Hot and humid year-round (26–32°C). February–April is marginally drier; November–January is the wettest stretch.
- Do I need a visa to visit Singapore?
- Visa-free for most nationalities for 30–90 days. Extension available at ICA. Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often — confirm with an official consulate or embassy source before booking.
- Do you tip in Singapore?
- Not expected. Most restaurants include 10% service charge. Hawker centres: no tipping.
- What currency is used in Singapore?
- Singapore uses the SGD (S$).
- What power plug and voltage does Singapore use?
- Singapore uses Type G sockets at 230V / 50 Hz. Check your device's rated input before travelling; most modern laptop and phone chargers handle both 110V and 220V.
- What is the emergency number in Singapore?
- In Singapore, call 999 (police) / 995 (fire & ambulance).
- What time zone is Singapore in?
- Singapore is in the Asia/Singapore time zone (UTC+08:00).
- What language is spoken in Singapore?
- The main language is English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil (all official). English is an official language and used everywhere. Singlish shortcuts (“can lah”, “chope”, “kopi”) are informal colour, not a barrier.
- Is public transport worth buying a pass for in Singapore?
- MRT and bus fares are distance-based, about S$1–2.50, paid with any contactless card. A Singapore Tourist Pass costs S$22 (1 day), S$29 (2 days) or S$34 (3 days). The tourist pass only wins at roughly 8+ trips a day; nearly everyone is better off tapping a bank card.
- What health precautions should I take in Singapore?
- Routine immunizations are typically sufficient for Singapore, though dengue fever precautions (mosquito repellent) are worthwhile given occasional local outbreaks. This is general information, not medical advice — consult a doctor or travel clinic before your trip.
Plan a Singapore trip around how you actually travel
Travaio builds a day-by-day plan from your travel style, with verified places, real opening hours, and local meal times already accounted for.
Plan my Singapore tripThis guide is general travel information, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Visa, health, and safety requirements change — verify anything time-sensitive with an official source before you travel.