Is Singapore Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know

Known for its blend of Asian cultures, mouthwatering cuisine, and vibrant nightlife, Singapore is well worth a visit.

It is also the cleanest, most prosperous, and most western-influenced part of southeast Asia, so it is an ideal starting point for first-timers in this part of the world.

But while it may look beautiful and spotless, is Singapore safe?

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about staying free from trouble during your Singapore trip!

Is Singapore Safe For Tourists?

Singapore is a highly developed, prosperous island known for being one of the safest and cleanest places in the world.

It is also rated as the safest place in Asia, so if you’re heading to this continent for the first time, Singapore is an excellent place to start your Asian adventure.

However, like every other city, Singapore does not have zero crime rates. Crimes can and do occur; however, there are generally more minor crimes like petty theft.

Violent crimes are sporadic in Singapore, especially towards tourists.

Is Singapore Safe To Travel Now?

As of early 2023, Singapore is a totally safe place to visit with no particular concerns. The city-state also has no Covid-related restrictions, so tourists can visit without quarantine or testing.

Why Is Singapore “Dangerous”?

As the safest place in Asia, Singapore is certainly not dangerous in any sense. There are also no concerns about natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, or typhoons.

Moreover, there have been no terrorist attacks in Singapore’s recent history, nor is there any political unrest happening in the city.

Singapore is also getting safer every year. The crime rate decreased by 15% from 2005 to 2017.

The only “danger” you should be cautious about is pickpocketing, which can happen in busy tourist areas. However, even this occurs less than in most other large Asian cities.

The Safest Areas In Singapore

While there are no dangerous areas to stay in Singapore, some neighborhoods have higher crime rates than others.

For example, Yishun, in the north region of Singapore, is probably the worst area to stay in as crime rates have increased over recent years.

Moreover, the Tampines district in the east is known for petty theft.

The safest areas in Singapore are:

• Bukit Timah
• Bishan
• Kampong Java
• Marine Parade
• Sembawang

Bukit Timah

According to data, Bukit Timah is the safest neighborhood in Singapore and did not have a single robbery or snatch theft reported in 2016.

Moreover, as it’s located outside of the city center, it is a very peaceful area and is home to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, which has the biggest hill in the city.

Bishan

Bishan district has Singapore’s second lowest crime rates and is in a desirable location, sandwiched between the nature reserve and the central business district.

So, if you want to be close to all the action but not necessarily right in the middle of it, this is a fab place to be.

Kampong Java

Kampong Java is located in the city’s south, close to Little India. It’s an upscale urban area close to many top Singapore attractions, including Marina Bay Sands, a 15-minute drive away.

Things To Avoid In Singapore

As an extremely safe city, there is nothing, in particular, to be concerned about, except general personal safety things like not leaving your bag unattended or your phone on the table.

In addition, here are a few Singapore-specific things that are good to know so you can avoid doing them.

Dressing Provocatively In Geylang

Geylang is Singapore’s red light district, and while it is not an unsafe place to be, as a woman, it’s best not to wear skimpy clothes there.

Why? Because you may draw unwanted attention from the seedy men that hang around and could even get mistaken for a sex worker.

Because the vibe is pretty seedy and uncomfortable, I recommend walking around the district via the main road rather than directly through it at night, especially if alone.

Chewing Gum

While this may sound like a bizarre thing to avoid, chewing gum is actually illegal in Singapore, except for medical purposes.

Thus, you won’t see it in any shops and will likely have it confiscated if you bring it into the city.

The fine for chewing gum is similar to littering, something else illegal here. If caught, expect to be charged a hefty fine of $500 to $1000 and more for repeat offenses.

There are a few other illegal things in Singapore that you may find unusual, such as vaping and spitting in public places.

Eating Or Drinking On Public Transport

Another law enforced to keep Singapore squeaky clean is no consumption of food and drink is allowed on buses and trains.

You’ll see signs notifying you of this rule on all public transport. Even if this is not a rule in your home country, it is best to respect it here to avoid getting fined (and just to be generally respectful).

Driving In Singapore

Singapore’s safety extends to its roads, which are all well-maintained, brightly lit, and regularly controlled by police.

So there is no reason why tourists who are experienced drivers should not drive here if they desire. The road signs are also clear, and all are written in English.

However, note that the high population in Singapore means the roads can be a bit hectic and sometimes even dangerous.

As many locals are often in a rush, aggressive driving is typical. Thus, this can put tourists who don’t know the roads or how driving in Singapore works at risk.

Unless you are really keen to drive, I recommend getting taxis or using public transport instead, both of which are highly safe and easy to use.

Even though taxi scams are common all over Southeast Asia, there is not much concern about being scammed by a taxi driver in Singapore. All the drivers use meters, making getting around a breeze.

Public transportation is also safe, easy to use, and inexpensive. In addition, the network is vast, so you can get to all the top attractions using it, and it’s also environmentally sustainable.

Singapore For Solo Travelers

If you’re considering going to Singapore but don’t have a travel buddy, don’t let that stop you.

It is an incredibly safe place to visit alone, and you can enjoy many awesome things solo.

Hostels are plentiful in Singapore and much more affordable than hotels, which are known for being pricey.

In addition, many hostels have social vibes and areas like rooftop bars where you can mingle with other solo travelers.

Betel Box is one of the best hostels for meeting people. However, I recommend avoiding the more modern capsule hostels, as although the facilities may be nicer, they can lack a social vibe.

Singapore For Female Travelers

Catcalling and street harassment are heavily frowned upon in Singapore, making it a safe environment for solo female travelers.

This may happen late at night in the red light district, but everywhere else in Singapore, you would be very unlikely to experience this.

Getting a taxi alone at night is also super safe. Of course, it’s always best not to get in a cab (or any transport) in an intoxicated state, but you can pretty much trust the driver to bring you home safely and without any issues, if you were.

Singapore For Digital Nomads And Expats

As an exciting, bustling city, Singapore attracts many digital nomads and expats looking for a “comfortable Asian experience.”

Living here means you don’t have to worry about crime or corruption, so although the city is fast-paced and expensive, you can enjoy a comfortable life.

You will always have places to work from, as there is a never-ending selection of awesome cafes, coffee shops, and several coworking spaces.

Holland Village is one of the most desirable areas for digital nomads and expats, full of trendy cafes, independent boutiques, and a lovely nature trail. It also has quite an artsy vibe, making it particularly popular with creatives.

Similarly, Tiong Bahru is a hipster and foodie haven full of lovely apartments, western-style cafes, and an eclectic mix of restaurants.

Extra Safety Tips

Here are some additional safety tips to bear in mind when visiting Singapore.

• Be aware of mosquitos – One common SouthEast Asia problem that Singapore is not immune from is the presence of mosquitos and the deadly Dengue fever they carry. While they are less prevalent in built-up areas like the city centre, they have an annoying habit of appearing every time you open your window. So be sure to use mosquito repellents like spray and coils.
• Be cautious with street food – Districts like Little India and Chinatown are renowned for this low-cost and tasty food. However, some vendors are not the most hygienic, so choose wisely. Luckily, unlike in other Asian countries, street food vendors have food safety rankings from A to D. To avoid food poisoning, avoid stalls with a D ranking or unranked – which is a big red flag.

Singapore Travel Insurance

Regardless of how safe Singapore is, travel insurance is a must.

Travel insurance will give you peace of mind, knowing that you’ll be covered should you get ill and need medical treatment – because getting sick abroad is not just scary, it can also be expensive.

Insurance also covers other things you hope won’t happen, such as losing your luggage or your flight getting canceled.

I recommend taking out a policy with SafetyWing as they offer the most comprehensive coverage and hassle-free application process.

You can also sign up from anywhere worldwide and tailor it to your unique needs.

Final Thoughts On Safety In Singapore

So in answer to your question, is Singapore safe? Absolutely! As the safest place in Asia, there is little to worry about here.

Things like scams and corruption that are prevalent in other parts of Southeast Asia are much less of a concern.

However, you should still be cautious of your surroundings and not leave your belongings unattended, just like everywhere else.

Traveling to Singapore soon? Read one of the following guides:

• Singapore SIM card
• How to get from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur
• Singapore airport sleeping pods