A little planning goes a long way in Singapore. The city is famously safe, easy to navigate and English-speaking — but there are a few essentials worth knowing before you land, from visa windows to local etiquette rules that catch first-timers off guard. Here’s everything we tell our own guests before their trip.
Visa & Immigration
Most nationalities — including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the US, Canada, most EU countries and ASEAN — enter Singapore visa-free for stays of 30, 60 or 90 days depending on passport. About 30 nationalities require a visa in advance; check the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website before you fly.
Regardless of nationality, every arriving traveller must submit an SG Arrival Card online within three days before entering Singapore. It’s free, takes about two minutes, and saves you paperwork at the border. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Currency & Money
- Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD or S$). Notes come in $2, $5, $10, $50, $100 and $1,000 denominations.
- ATMs: everywhere — airports, malls, MRT stations. Most accept international Visa/Mastercard.
- Cards: accepted almost universally, including hawker centres via PayNow QR. Bring a card with no foreign-transaction fees.
- Cash: still handy for hawker meals, small purchases and tips at the spa.
- Exchange: best rates are at licensed money changers in Mustafa Centre, The Arcade (Raffles Place) or Lucky Plaza (Orchard) — not the airport.
Getting Around
Singapore has one of the world’s cleanest and most efficient public transport networks.
- MRT/LRT: the fastest way across town. Fares S$1.19–2.50. Trains run roughly 5:30 am to midnight.
- Buses: extensive network reaching every corner — pay by contactless card or EZ-Link.
- Taxis & Grab: metered and reliable. Airport surcharge S$3–8, midnight/peak surcharges apply.
- Private transfers: the smoothest option for arrivals with luggage, families, or cruise pickups.
- Walking & cycling: sheltered walkways connect most of the city; bike-share is popular around Marina Bay and East Coast Park.
Manners, Rules & Local Etiquette
Singapore is famously strict about small things — the “fine city” nickname is only half a joke. A few rules that carry real penalties:
- No eating, drinking or gum-chewing on the MRT (fine up to S$500).
- No smoking in indoor public places, sheltered walkways or within five metres of bus stops.
- No littering — anywhere. Even cigarette butts count.
- Jaywalking is illegal; use pedestrian crossings.
- Remove shoes when entering homes and places of worship.
- Dress modestly for temples, mosques and formal restaurants.
- Tipping is not customary — a 10% service charge is usually already added.
Staying Connected
- Free public Wi-Fi (Wireless@SG): at Changi Airport, hawker centres, community clubs and MRT stations.
- Tourist SIM cards: Singtel, StarHub and M1 sell prepaid tourist SIMs from S$8 at 7-Eleven, Cheers and airport counters.
- eSIM: supported by most modern phones — activate before arrival for instant connectivity.
- Power plugs: Type G (British three-pin, 230V, 50Hz). Bring an adapter.
- Time zone: Singapore Time (UTC+8), no daylight saving.
Health & Safety
Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world — walking around at any hour is generally comfortable. Tap water is safe to drink. Standard tropical precautions still apply: mosquito repellent for dawn and dusk, sunscreen every day, and stay hydrated. Pharmacies (Guardian, Watsons, Unity) are on every corner and can dispense most over-the-counter medication. For emergencies, dial 995 for ambulance and fire, 999 for police.
Emergency Numbers & Handy Contacts
- Police (non-emergency): 1800 255 0000
- Ambulance / Fire: 995
- Emergency (any): 999
- Changi Airport info: 6595 6868
Let Us Take Care of the Details
From meet-and-greet airport transfers to city tours with a local driver, our team makes the little things easy so you can focus on the fun. Ask us anything on WhatsApp — we’re a small, friendly Singapore-based crew.