Travel Essentials When You Are in Singapore

Singapore – a tiny city-island-nation to the south of Malaysia is a major global financial hub and a hot favorite tourist destination. With people from all over the world, making Singapore their home, it is truly a melting pot of many cultures. The city is close to the equator and experiences a tropical climate. It is always sunny and humid here and can rain anytime. One can visit Singapore all through the year. With its growing popularity and connectivity, it is a quick getaway for a long weekend.

Planning for a perfect Singapore holiday? Keep this essential travel guide handy.

For entry into Singapore, you will need:

Visa – Based on your passport and nationality, you can enter Singapore without a visa or apply for 30-90 days’ tourist visa. The visa can be electronic or vignette as per the visa policy of Singapore for citizens of different nations.

Passport valid for a period of minimum six months.

Valid travel tickets to Singapore and return or onward journey out of Singapore.

Yellow fever vaccination – if you have visited any of the following countries in 6 preceding days:

AFRICA – Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda.

AMERICAS – Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela.

Travel insurance – It is advisable to opt for comprehensive travel insurance covering a wide range of protection – medical, accidental, trip cancellation, missed flights, lost baggage, loss of passport and more.

Packing for your trip:

Clothes – The tropical climate of Singapore calls for light and breathable clothing, preferably cotton or linen. Denim, skirt or shorts are the right choice. Pack a swimwear for beach, pool or water park. A light cardigan or a jacket would be suitable to layer over your dress for well air-conditioned places. You may also carry a formal suit as some restaurants have a dress code, or you may need to dress up for an evening out. An umbrella or a rain cheater will come handy in case of unexpected showers.

Footwear – You will walk around a lot, therefore, carry your most comfortable sneakers. Flip-flops are handy for beach visits. A pair of formal footwear may come handy.

Sun Protection – Carry your favorite sunglasses, cap or hat and a good quality sunscreen with high SPF. You can buy it in Singapore or bring it from home. 

Other tips – Mosquito menace is a real thing in Singapore, especially during the evenings. Carry a dab on or a spray repellent with you. A protective cover for the camera, mobile, wet wipes and antiperspirant are highly recommended add-ons. A backpack is a convenient way to store and carry all your stuff.

Water – Tap water is potable and safe in Singapore. Carry your refillable water bottle and keep yourself hydrated at all times.

Travel Adapter – Singapore uses 220-240 Volts 50 Hz AC, 3 square prongs adapter. Carry the same to charge your laptop, mobile and other electronic items.

Local Currency – Exchange your currency for Singapore Dollars at a certified FOREX counter.

Do’s and Don’ts 

Chewing gum, firecracker, drugs, unprescribed pills, tobacco-based products, pornographic material, pirated CD/DVD/Software, e-cigarettes, shisha, weapons, toys resembling weapons are prohibited in Singapore. Check the updated list of prohibited and restricted items for further clarity.

Drinking and smoking are prohibited in public places; please use designated areas for the same.

Carrying Durian fruit in public transportation is prohibited.

Public display of affections and nudity is frowned upon. 

Do not litter, spit, vandalize public property, jaywalk, take part in protests, drink and drive or shoplift in Singapore. You will be penalized or jailed as per the law of the land.

Trading of exotic animals is an arrest-able offence. 

Do not overstay your visa.

For your safety and convenience:

Save important numbers like your hotel, travel agent, embassy, SOS contact, Police-999, Ambulance & fire brigade -995.

Keep your ID card on the person at all times and e-copies of your documents accessible. 

Maps, information booklets available easily at your hotel and other tourist locations come in handy for quick reference.

Keep the bills of all your purchases as you can claim GST tax refund while leaving Singapore. 

Local Transport

The city has a very efficient and well-developed local transit system operating round the clock. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), LRT (Light Rail / Rapid Transit), taxis, buses are readily available. Buying a Singapore Tourist Pass is the most economical, hassle-free and convenient way for local travel when on a Singapore holiday. The Singapore Tourist Pass is an EZ-link card that offers unlimited travel on MRT, LRT and buses during its validity period of 1 day to 3 days. Pick up your card to unlimited rides in public transit options from the TransitLink Ticket office at select MRT Stations or the Automated STP (Singapore Tourist Pass) Kiosks at Changi International Airport. Hop aboard the train to get down at nearest MRT Station and take a bus to your destination, just about anywhere on the island. This will ensure that you get the maximum out of your Singapore holiday with a minimum expense on local travel. 

Download mobile apps like Google Map, redBus, and Grab for ease of local travel and updates on train and bus timings. Also check these public transport hacks in Singapore!

Reaching Singapore

Jewel Changi International Airport connects Singapore with the rest of the world. The Airport itself is designed to allow passengers to spend a lot of time shopping and appreciating various installations, koi ponds and other attractions. 

Another way to reach Singapore is to take a bus from Malaysia. redBus connects Singapore with its luxury coach services. With the user-friendly redBus app and easy-to-browse web site, it is convenient to book bus tickets. The popular bus routes offered by RedBus to and from Singapore are Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Seremban, Johar Bahru, Genting Highlands, Kluang, Ipoh, Penang, KL Sentral and other locations. Queen street bus terminal formerly known as Ban San Bus Terminal in Jalan Besar is a popular pickup and drop point in Singapore for travelers using bus services. There are over a hundred bus operators partnered with RedBus for daily trips to Singapore. Book your bus online ticket with redBus for secure connectivity to Singapore!