Singapore
The Lion City — clean, safe, and incredibly well-connected
Currency
S$
SGD
Singapore Dollar
SGD
Cashless Payments
9 / 10
Highly cashless-friendly
Singapore is one of the most cashless-friendly countries in the world. PayNow, PayLah!, and contactless card payments are accepted almost everywhere — from hawker centres to luxury malls. Most MRT gates and buses accept contactless bank cards directly. Cash is still useful at some traditional wet markets and older hawker stalls.
Cash Advice
Bills and coins are both in circulation. Coins come in 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, and S$1 denominations. Bring a wallet with a coin compartment — you will receive change in coins at hawker centres and local shops.
Daily Budget Guide
Meals & Transportation only — excludes accommodation · Prices in SGD
S$20–S$35
≈ $15–$25 USD
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).
S$50–S$85
≈ $35–$60 USD
Mix of hawker centres and casual restaurants (S$15–S$30 per meal). Grab rides and MRT (~S$15–S$25/day).
S$140+
≈ $100+ USD
Fine dining restaurants (S$50–S$150+ per meal). Private car transfers and premium taxi services (~S$50+/day).
Tipping Guide
ℹ️ Tipping is not a common practice here. Service charges are usually included in the bill.
Restaurants
Most restaurants add a 10% service charge automatically — tipping on top is not expected. At hawker centres and food courts, tipping is not practiced at all.
Hotels
Tipping is not customary. Hotel staff do not expect tips, though it is appreciated for exceptional service.
Taxis / Drivers
Tipping taxi drivers is not expected. Most rides are metered or fixed-price via apps like Grab.
Visa Requirements
Select your passport to view visa requirements.
Official Links
🔒Always verify you are on official government domains (.gov). Be cautious of third-party sites charging fees for free government services.
- 🔗Visa Application
Official Singapore visa application portal by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
- 🔗Tourism Board
Official Singapore Tourism Board website with travel guides and attractions
- 🔗Embassy Finder
Find Singapore embassies and consulates worldwide via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- 🔗Customs & Prohibited Items
Singapore Customs — what you can and cannot bring into Singapore
- 🔗Health & Vaccination Requirements
Ministry of Health Singapore — health advisories and entry health requirements
Rules & Restrictions
⚠️ 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 can be heavy.
- 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 laws are extremely strict. Singapore has mandatory death penalty for drug trafficking above certain quantities. Zero tolerance policy.
- Jaywalking is illegal. Always use designated pedestrian crossings. Fines apply.
- Eating and drinking on the MRT is prohibited. Fines of up to S$500 apply.
🎭Cultural
- Remove shoes before entering someone's home or a place of worship.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples, mosques, and religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees.
🏥Health
- Durian is banned on public transport (MRT, buses) due to its strong smell. Look for the 'No Durian' signs.
Apps & Getting Around
Singapore has one of the world's best public transport systems. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) covers the entire island and is the easiest way to get around. Buy an EZ-Link card or Singapore Tourist Pass at any MRT station for unlimited rides. Buses are extensive and cheap. Taxis and Grab are widely available. The city is also very walkable in most areas.
Transport
- GrabTransport✅ Foreigner-friendly
Southeast Asia's super-app. Use for ride-hailing, food delivery, and payments. Works with international cards and phone numbers.
- ComfortDelGroTransport✅ Foreigner-friendly
Book taxis directly. Accepts international credit cards. Good alternative to Grab for taxis.
Food
- foodpandaFood✅ Foreigner-friendly
Food delivery app. Works with international cards.
Navigation
- SG BusLRTNavigation✅ Foreigner-friendly
Real-time bus and MRT arrival times. Essential for navigating public transport.
- Google MapsNavigation✅ Foreigner-friendly
Excellent MRT and bus routing for Singapore. Works offline with downloaded maps.
Public Holidays 2026
Plan Your Trip
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Power & Plugs
Type
Type G
Voltage
230V
Frequency
50Hz
SIM Card Guide
Typical price range
S$10–S$20 (approx. USD $7–$15) for a 7-day tourist SIM
Singtel
hi!Tourist SIM — 100GB data for 7 days, available at Changi Airport and 7-Eleven stores. ~S$15.
StarHub
Travel SIM — 100GB data for 7 days. Available at airport and convenience stores. ~S$15.
Circles.Life
Tourist SIM with generous data allowances. Available online and at selected retailers.
Suggested Attractions
Gardens by the Bay (Flower Dome + Cloud Forest)
Iconic indoor gardens with stunning architecture. The outdoor areas are free.
Singapore Zoo
World-class open-concept zoo. Night Safari is a separate ticket and highly recommended.
Universal Studios Singapore
Theme park on Sentosa Island with rides and shows. Book online for discounts.
Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck
Panoramic views of the Singapore skyline from the 57th floor.
Sentosa Island (cable car + beach)
Beach resort island with cable car rides, Siloso Beach, and various attractions.
Chinatown / Little India / Kampong Glam
Cultural districts perfect for walking, street food, and photography. No entry fee.