Singapore is a modern country located in Southeast Asia. Singapore is one of the most popular destinations in Asia, although you should know that Singapore is tiny. It has something for everyone – backpackers, couples, solo travelers, luxury travelers, etc.
Singapore offers several experiences – from modern skyscrapers to vibrant nature, from fine dining to local hawker centers, from epic festivals to relaxing holidays, from temples to cooking classes – you should find something that suits your needs and interests.
If you’re planning your first trip to Singapore, this guide should answer any questions you may have. We’ll talk about travel facts, the best time to visit Singapore, travel costs, travel essentials and how to prepare for your trip.
| Information | Singapore |
|---|---|
| Language | English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil |
| English-friendly | Yes |
| Currency | SGD (Singapore dollar) |
| Internet reliability | Great |
Singapore is a relatively tiny country but depending on when you travel, you may be facing different types of seasons. We decided to split this section into three sections to help you understand the seasons:
| Seasons | Weather Conditions | Months |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast monsoon season |
Wet phase (December to early January Dry phase (late January to March) |
December to March |
| Southwest monsoon season | Strong wind + short thunderstorms | June to September |
| Inter-monsoon periods | Thunderstorms in the afternoons and early evenings |
April to May October to November |
In this section, you’ll find general information on costs and how to prepare for your trip. Finally, you will find a table that will provide an overview of cost and options depending on your travel budget.
In Singapore, you’ll find several options when it comes to accommodation. Whether you’re a budget traveler or not, you won’t have difficulty to find options. Although, you should know that Singapore is not super budget-friendly when it comes to accommodation. You can find dorms starting at $7 per night. Usually, the cheaper hostels aren’t the best. I’d recommend to pay a little more to have a better hostel experience in Singapore.
When it comes to food, you can find different types of restaurants. The average price for a dish in a restaurant is around SGD 10 to 15. Obviously, you may find elegant restaurants around the country when you can pay more if you wish to. The cheapest options are usually at the local hawker centers (food courts) and at the night markets.
Some activities such as markets or strolling the Marina Bay waterfront are free. Although, if you’re planning on visiting the Gardens by the Bay, seeing Singapore from the top of Marina Bay Sands, riding the Singapore Flyer or going to the zoo, you will have to pay for it. You can browse activities in Singapore here to have an idea of the costs.
In general, it’s pretty easy to get around Singapore. You can either take a bus, a taxi or the MRT to reach your destinations. If you want to really experience the city and enjoy the views, walking and strolling around is a great way to do so.
| Travel Cost | Budget travel | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $7-15 per night | $25-70 per night | $70+ |
| Meal | $5-15 per meal | $15-30 per meal | $30+ |
| Activities | Focus on free activities | Mixing free activities & mid-range | $50+ per day |
| Transport | By bus/MRT | By bus/MRT/Grab | Grab/Taxi |
Overall, traveling around Singapore is safe. In fact, Singapore is one of the safest places in Asia.
Of course, you should always lock your valuables especially if you’re staying in a hostel.
I’ve never had any issues with ATMs, while walking alone at night. Although, you should always be careful. If you don’t feel comfortable alone at night, make sure to ask a friend to join you. Since drugs aren’t tolerated and death penalty is still a thing – the crime rate is very low.
Apart from the travel essentials, here are the things you should absolutely bring along with you in Singapore. Click on the images to shop on Amazon. You can also check out this list of travel essentials in Asia.
Usually, you should be able to get a free entry for 30 days, but of course, it also depends on your nationality. If you’re planning on doing a “visa run” in Singapore, note that you should spend the weekend there – the airport staff doesn’t like people doing quick visa runs from Bali for example.
You can verify your visa requirements here.
Browse flights on Skyscanner to find deals.
Book your travel insurance for as little as $42/month.
Find accommodation anywhere in the world.
Check the visa requirements and apply for a visa if needed.
Volunteer abroad in exchange for free accommodation.
Book transfers, tours, and activities in advance.
It’s hard to find a good data plan when you’re traveling. You have to research the best deals, go to a store, and hope they have a prepaid SIM card for travelers and tourists.
And if they don’t? You could be without service for the rest of your trip. Not only is that frustrating, but it can also be time-consuming.
eSIMs are the solution to your travel woes. With an eSIM plan, you can stay connected no matter where you go. Plus, there are no contracts or cancellation fees, so you can change your plan whenever you want.
If you’re looking for an eSIM plan while in Singapore, then be sure to check out the providers below. They all offer great plans that will keep you connected while you’re there.
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