Southeast Asia
Singapore
Singapore is small, but it never feels like it's run out of things to do - the city packs in parks, gardens, and attractions far beyond what its size suggests, and the MRT makes hopping between them genuinely effortless. English is one of the official languages, so navigation and everyday transactions rarely trip up visitors. It sits at the pricier end of Southeast Asia, though hawker centres keep eating well surprisingly cheap. Worth knowing before you arrive: local laws are enforced strictly, with real fines for things that are legal elsewhere - importing chewing gum, vaping, and eating on the MRT among them.
Last updated May 2026
Money & Payments
Currency
S$
Singapore Dollar
SGD
Cash Tip
Bills and coins are both in circulation.
Coins include 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, and S$1 denominations.
Coin payment is common at hawker centres and local shops.
Card Rating
How widely cards and contactless payments are accepted
9 / 10.0
Contactless card payments are standard across major retail outlets, public transport, and many hawker stalls. Local mobile wallets like PayNow and PayLah! require a domestic bank account. Physical currency remains necessary at select traditional wet markets and smaller stalls.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily costs per person
Budget
Meals & Transit
S$20–S$33
Hawker centre meals (S$3–S$6 per meal, 3 meals = ~S$12–S$18). MRT and bus travel (~S$5–S$8/day with EZ-Link card).
≈ $15–$25
Meals & Transit
S$20–S$33
≈ $15–$25
Hawker centre meals (S$3–S$6 per meal, 3 meals = ~S$12–S$18). MRT and bus travel (~S$5–S$8/day with EZ-Link card).
Accommodation
S$40–S$68
Hostel dorm beds, capsule hotels, or basic guesthouses with shared facilities.
≈ $30–$50
Accommodation
S$40–S$68
≈ $30–$50
Hostel dorm beds, capsule hotels, or basic guesthouses with shared facilities.
Mid-Range
Meals & Transit
S$47–S$80
Mix of hawker centres and casual restaurants (S$15–S$30 per meal). Grab rides and MRT (~S$15–S$25/day).
Entry & Documents
Visa Requirements
Check entry requirements for your passport
Select your passport to view visa requirements.
On the Ground
Power & Plugs
Voltage, frequency, and plug types
Type G230V50Hz
Bring a universal travel adapter to stay powered up regardless of plug type.
SIM Card Guide
Stay connected while traveling
Typical price range
S$10–S$20
≈ $7–$15 USD
Validity: 7-day tourist SIM
Practical Info
Apps & Getting Around
Essential apps and transport info
Transport
- GrabForeigner-friendly
Application for ride-hailing, food delivery, and digital payments. Works with international cards and phone numbers.
- ComfortDelGroForeigner-friendly
Book taxis directly. Accepts international credit cards. Alternative option for taxi bookings.
Food
- foodpandaForeigner-friendly
Food delivery app. Works with international cards.
Navigation
- SG BusLRTForeigner-friendly
Real-time bus and MRT arrival times. Provides navigation utility for public transit networks.
- Google MapsForeigner-friendly
Before You Go
Rules & Restrictions
Important laws and customs to be aware of
Always verify current laws before travel. Laws can change and penalties vary.
Legal
- Chewing gum is banned. You cannot import, sell, or possess chewing gum (except therapeutic dental gum with a prescription). Fines apply.
- Littering is a serious offence. Fines start at S$300 for first-time offenders and can reach S$2,000. Repeat offenders may be required to perform corrective work orders.
- Smoking is prohibited in most public areas including air-conditioned malls, restaurants, bus stops, parks, and beaches. Only smoke in designated smoking areas.
- Vaping and e-cigarettes are illegal. Possession, use, purchase, or importation of e-cigarettes and vaping devices is prohibited and carries heavy fines.
- Drug legislation is strictly enforced. Singapore has mandatory death penalty for drug trafficking above certain quantities.
- Jaywalking is illegal. Pedestrians are required to use designated crossings. Fines apply.
- Eating and drinking on the MRT is prohibited. Fines of up to S$500 apply.
Cultural
- Removal of shoes is customary prior to entering someone's home or a place of worship.
- Modest attire is customary when visiting temples, mosques, and religious sites. Attire must cover shoulders and knees.
Health
- Durian is banned on public transport (MRT, buses) due to its strong smell. Regulatory signage is posted at transport entrances.
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