Singapore

Singapore

A city that runs with near-perfect order, yet somehow never feels entirely relaxed.

Photo by Swapnil Bapat

Is Singapore right for you?

Singapore is expensive and busy, and you feel both the moment you arrive. Hotel rates run well above the rest of Southeast Asia, a few-dollar hawker plate sits next to a twenty-dollar cocktail, and the crowds around Marina Bay Sands, Orchard Road, and Gardens by the Bay peak on weekends and school holidays. The heat and humidity never let up, April to June is the most punishing, and the haze that drifts over from Sumatran fires can grey out the skyline between August and October. It is spotless and it runs on time. It also runs at the volume of a city moving millions of visitors a year.

Singapore suits travelers who want comfort, clean transit, and a safe base, families with young kids, and anyone on a layover with a day or two to fill. The food alone justifies a stop. Skip it as a main event if you are on a tight budget, or if you want the rough edges and improvisation you get in Bangkok or Manila, because Singapore designs those out on purpose. Worth it for a focused two or three days, especially as a first or last stop on a wider trip. Not worth a long stay if value for money or spontaneity is what you came for.

singapore traditional houses with skyscrapers in background
Photo by Cris Tagupa

Singapore Right Now

LAST UPDATED 16 AUGUST
Weather
31°/26°
Hot and humid
August is typically hot and humid, with frequent afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Rain can be heavy but is usually short-lived.
Wet Season
Air quality85US AQI · Moderate
UV index7.8HighLimit sun exposure around midday.
Daylight12h 9mSunrise 07:05 · Sunset 19:14
SeasonWet Season
Heads up

Air quality is a concern due to a high risk of transboundary haze, which is expected to peak from August to September.

Monitor the National Environment Agency's (NEA) latest air quality readings and limit outdoor activity if the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) rises above 100.
Environment
Upcoming

&Team - Blaze the Way · Singapore

K-pop group &Team performs in Singapore as part of their 'Blaze the Way' tour.
Aug 22Festival

Baybeats · Esplanade, Singapore

Singapore's longest-running alternative music festival showcases regional heavyweights and emerging indie bands across multiple stages, with free admission.
Sep 3Festival
Currency
1 USD = 1.2732 SGD
Rate is lower than usual. You're getting fewer Singapore dollar than on most days this year.
Year low 1.2617Year high 1.3077
Send money to Singapore
Bad rate
−0.9%vs 12-month average
Popularity
Stable

Interest in travel to Singapore remained about the same as a year ago, suggesting demand is holding steady.

Google Trends travel searches · last 24 months
+2%vs last year

When to go to Singapore

37/100

Off-seasonRegional haze episodes

Score for August

National Day celebrations around August ninth bring parades, fireworks, and larger local crowds, while weather stays hot and humid.

Weather35
Air Quality78
Crowd Level57

SCORE BY MONTH

Singapore sits just north of the equator, so it stays hot and humid every month, with highs around 31 to 33°C and frequent afternoon storms. There is no real high or low season for weather, but February to April are the driest, sunniest stretch. The wettest months run November to January with the northeast monsoon, and haze from regional fires can settle over the city between August and October.

High °CLow °CRain daysCrowd levelAQI

Visitor data: Singapore Tourism Board, monthly international visitor arrivals (2024-2025 average)

February, the driest month of the year and one of the quieter ones. It is hot and humid whenever you come, so the choice is really about rain, haze and crowds rather than about weather.

Guide Best time to visit Singapore Why February is the pick, when the haze usually shows up, and the weeks when hotel rates jump.

Day-to-day in Singapore

Walkability

81/100

Excellent

0255075100

Singapore is excellent to walk in short stretches and hard to cover entirely on foot, and the weather is why. The infrastructure is first-rate: covered link-ways, wide sidewalks, and an MRT that reaches every district. By mid-morning the heat and humidity push most people onto a train or into a Grab, and the cost of getting around, like everything here, runs well above the rest of the region.

Sidewalks 23 / 25

Wide, well-kept sidewalks almost everywhere, with sheltered link-ways tying MRT stations, malls, and HDB blocks together so you cross much of the city out of the sun and rain.

Compactness 22 / 25

The island is about 50 km across and the MRT reaches nearly every district, so most trips start with a short walk to a station rather than a long haul on foot.

Traffic safety 22 / 25

Drivers stop for signals, crossings are everywhere, and enforcement is strict, so walking feels safe day and night. The one thing to watch is cyclists and PMDs on shared paths.

Climate 14 / 25

Heat and humidity are the real limit on walking. Open stretches in the middle of the day are draining year-round, though the covered link-ways take the edge off.

  • Monthly cost

    $3,813 / month

    VERY EXPENSIVE

    Solo mid-range stay including rent, daily eating out, groceries, and routine costs.

  • FOOD AND CAFES

    Daily life in Singapore revolves around eating. Locals move from a hawker-center breakfast to a third-wave coffee in the afternoon to supper at a zi char stall, and the rhythm of the city follows the food. Beyond that, East Coast Park, the Rail Corridor, and the Southern Ridges give you long green walks and cycling without leaving town.

  • Coworking

    $373 / month

    VERY EXPENSIVE

    Coworking is everywhere and priced for business, not budgets. WeWork, JustCo, and The Great Room run polished spaces across the CBD and Tanjong Pagar, with reliable hot desks that are not cheap. For lighter days the cafe scene around Tiong Bahru, Telok Ayer, and Chinatown works well, with strong wifi and good coffee.

  • Gym

    $63 / month

    AFFORDABLE

    Gyms are easy and cheap by Singapore standards. ActiveSG runs public gyms across the island for a few dollars a session, Anytime Fitness has 24-hour branches in most neighborhoods, and Virgin Active and Fitness First cover the premium end around the CBD and Orchard. Short-stay and class passes are common, so you do not need a long contract.

Need to Know

Population
6,111,200 SingStat · Jun 2025
International visitors
16,912,288 (2025) +2.3% YoY STB · Last updated: 2026
Annual visitors per resident
2.8× Annual international visitors divided by the population

Top visitor markets

  • China 18.3%
  • Indonesia 14.4%
  • Malaysia 7.5%
  • Australia 7.5%
  • India 7.1%
Show fewer Show 5 more
  • Philippines 4.3%
  • United States 4.2%
  • Japan 3.7%
  • United Kingdom 3.5%
  • South Korea 3.5%

Source: STB · 2025

Annual visitor arrivals

  • 2025 16,912,288 +2.3%
  • 2024 16,526,344 +21.5%
  • 2023 13,602,215 +115.7%
  • 2022 6,305,744
  • 2021 330,059 COVID
Show fewer Show 2 more
  • 2020 2,742,443 COVID
  • 2019 19,116,016

International visitor arrivals. COVID years (2020-2021) are included for completeness. Source: STB · Last updated: 2026

Currency
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Language
English is the de facto main language and widely spoken; Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil are also official languages.
Tap water
Safe to drink
Time zone
GMT+8 (SGT)
Power plug
Type G, 230V
Dialing code
+65
Driving side
Left
Tipping
Tipping is not customary; a service charge is often added to bills.
Internet
Mobile coverage is excellent across the island, including 4G and 5G, with reliable Wi-Fi in most visitor areas.
Emergency
995 (Ambulance/Fire), 999 (Police)

When not to go

  • Haze can ruin the skyline

    Aug – early Oct · peaks Sep

    Skip this window if clear views and outdoor sightseeing are a big part of the trip. In bad haze years, smoke from fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan can turn Marina Bay into a grey blur and make long walks unpleasant. Some years barely notice it, others are significantly affected. If clean air matters, pick another season.

    Go here instead:

    • Japan Clear autumn weather and far lower haze risk.

  • Formula 1 takes over downtown

    Late Sep · shifts yearly

    Avoid this weekend unless the race is the reason you are coming. Large sections of Marina Bay are fenced off, road closures spread across the center, and the city feels focused on a single event. Singapore works best when you can wander freely through its core. During race weekend, that becomes harder.

    Go here instead:

    • Tokyo Big city energy without a citywide event takeover.

Events & Holidays

Upcoming events, next 30 days

20 Aug
IVF Va'a World Sprint Championships
Singapore
SportingInternational
21–22 Aug
Singapore Night Festival
Bras Basah.Bugis Precinct, Singapore
FestivalInternational
21 Aug
POP TOY SHOW Singapore
Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 1 (Halls A–C), Singapore
EntertainmentInternational
22 Aug
&Team - Blaze the Way
Singapore
MusicInternational
28 Aug
Sands for Singapore Charity Festival
Event Plaza, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
FestivalNational
3 Sep
Baybeats
Esplanade, Singapore
MusicNational
19 Sep
Singapore Performing Arts Festival (SPAF) – Music
Suntec Convention Centre, Singapore
MusicNational

On the horizon

SEP25
Post Malone Concert
Post Malone brings his stadium-sized production to Singapore's National Stadium, with Don Toliver as a special guest.
OCT9
Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix
The Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix is a premier night race held on a street circuit, attracting international visitors for both the race and accompanying music festival.
OCT17
PLAVE World Tour [KEEP IT MANIC] in Singapore
Virtual idol group PLAVE embarks on their first world tour, bringing their unique blend of virtual technology and real-time performance to Singapore.
OCT27
Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH)
Asia's premier innovation festival connects innovators, investors, startups, and business owners to explore cutting-edge deep tech and scale ventures.

Public holidays & observances, next 12 months

8
NOV
Deepavali
Deepavali, also known as Diwali or the Festival of Lights, is the most important Hindu festival, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Little India will be adorned with colorful decorations and lights, and many families will gather for prayers and festive meals.
Public holidayHigh impact Worth timing around
9
NOV
Deepavali Holiday (in lieu)
Since Deepavali falls on a Sunday in 2026, the following Monday is observed as a public holiday, creating a long weekend. Government offices, banks, and most businesses will be closed.
Public holidayMedium impact
25
DEC
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Expect festive decorations and a generally celebratory atmosphere, though some businesses may have reduced hours.
Public holidayMedium impact Worth timing around
1
JAN
New Year's Day
New Year's Day marks the beginning of the calendar year and is a public holiday in Singapore. Many people use this day to recover from New Year's Eve celebrations or spend time with family.
Public holidayMedium impact
6
FEB
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is one of Singapore's most significant holiday seasons, marking the first day of the year on the Chinese lunar calendar. Chinatown will be lively with festive decorations, markets, and performances, and many families will gather for reunion dinners.
Public holidayHigh impact Worth timing around
7
FEB
Second Day of Chinese New Year
The second day of Chinese New Year is also a public holiday, extending the celebrations. Many businesses, especially those owned by Chinese families, will remain closed.
Public holidayHigh impact Worth timing around
8
FEB
Chinese New Year Holiday (in lieu)
As the second day of Chinese New Year falls on a Sunday in 2027, Monday, February 8th, will be observed as a public holiday. Government offices, banks, and most businesses will be closed.
Public holidayMedium impact
10
MAR
Hari Raya Puasa
Hari Raya Puasa, also known as Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. It is a joyous occasion for the Muslim community, celebrated with family gatherings, traditional food, and visits to mosques.
Public holidayMedium impact
26
MAR
Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is a public holiday in Singapore, creating a long weekend, with most businesses and public institutions closed.
Public holidayMedium impact
1
MAY
Labour Day
Labour Day is a public holiday in Singapore, commemorating the achievements of the labor movement. Most businesses and government offices will be closed.
Public holidayLow impact
17
MAY
Hari Raya Haji
Hari Raya Haji, also known as Eid al-Adha, is a Muslim festival commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. It is a time for reflection and acts of charity.
Public holidayMedium impact
20
MAY
Vesak Day
Vesak Day is a significant Buddhist holiday marking the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha. Temples are decorated, and devotees engage in prayers, offerings, and acts of charity.
Public holidayMedium impact Worth timing around
9
AUG
National Day
Singapore's National Day celebrates its independence. Expect large crowds, especially around Marina Bay, due to parades and celebrations.
Public holidayHigh impact Worth timing around

Singapore Visa & Entry

Good news for most travelers: Singapore lets the great majority of nationalities in without a visa, and for many Western passports that's up to 90 days. There's really only one thing everyone must do, and it's free: submit the SG Arrival Card online within the three days before arrival. Look-alike sites try to charge for it, so use ica.gov.sg and pay nobody.

Which visa you need

For a vacation, almost certainly none. Singapore admits most visitors for up to 30 or 90 days on arrival, and only about 34 nationalities need a visa in advance. Staying longer to work, study or settle each has its own pass, and there's no digital-nomad or retirement visa. What most often catches people out is Singapore's strict overstay rules.

The free arrival card, and the real costs

The SG Arrival Card costs nothing on the government site, yet fake pages charge a 'processing fee' and collect your passport and payment details. If your nationality does need a visa, the official fee is just S$30 through ICA. We show the real government cost for every route, so you never overpay a reseller for something free or cheap.

Guide Singapore Visa Guide Everything you need to know about entering Singapore: who gets 30 or 90 days visa-free, who needs the S$30 e-visa, the free SG Arrival Card, the work, study and long-stay passes, and the overstay rules to avoid.

Getting To Singapore

  • Changi Airport (SIN)

    20 km east of the city, on the MRT East-West line

    Changi is the main gateway and one of the best-connected airports anywhere, with four terminals and the Jewel mall attached. The MRT runs from Terminals 2 and 3 to the city for about S$2.50 but stops near midnight. Taxis to Marina Bay run S$20-40 with a Changi surcharge added in the evenings, and Grab or the fixed-price airport limousines cost a few dollars more.

    • MRT: ~45 min to city, ~S$2.50
    • Taxi: 25-35 min, S$20-40
    • Grab / airport limo: 25-35 min, S$25-45
    • Airport shuttle: door-to-door, ~S$10 per person

    Direct flights to Singapore

    Serves 157 direct destinations, all international, about 538 flights a day.

    International 157
    • Kuala Lumpur KUL Malaysia
      AirAsia Ethiopian Airlines Firefly
      Malaysia Airlines Malindo Air Scoot Singapore Airlines
      40/day
    • Jakarta CGK Indonesia
      Batik Air Citilink Garuda Indonesia
      Indonesia AirAsia My Indo Airlines Pelita Air Scoot Singapore Airlines TransNusa
      37/day
    • Bangkok BKK Thailand
      FedEx - Federal Express Scoot Singapore Airlines
      Thai Airways International
      19/day
    • Bali DPS Indonesia
      Garuda Indonesia Jetstar KLM
      Saudi Arabian Airlines Scoot Singapore Airlines TransNusa
      19/day
    • Shanghai PVG China
      Air China China Cargo China Eastern Airlines
      Juneyao Airlines Shanghai Airlines Singapore Airlines Spring Airlines
      17/day
    • Hong Kong HKG Hong Kong
      Cargolux Cathay Pacific Scoot
      Singapore Airlines
      16/day
    • Penang PEN Malaysia
      AirAsia China Airlines My Indo Airlines
      Scoot Singapore Airlines UPS
      14/day
    • Ho Chi Minh City SGN Vietnam
      Scoot Singapore Airlines VietJetAir
      Vietnam Airlines
      13/day
    • Manila MNL Philippines
      Cebu Pacific Air Philippine Airlines Scoot
      Singapore Airlines
      13/day
    • Melbourne MEL Australia
      Jetstar Qantas Scoot
      Singapore Airlines Turkish Airlines
      11/day
    • Taipei TPE Taiwan
      China Airlines EVA Air Scoot
      Singapore Airlines Starlux Airlines
      11/day
    • Sydney SYD Australia
      British Airways Emirates Qantas
      Scoot Singapore Airlines
      11/day
    • London LHR United Kingdom
      British Airways Qantas Singapore Airlines
      9/day
    • Seoul ICN South Korea
      Asiana Airlines Jeju Air Korean Air
      Scoot Singapore Airlines T'Way Air
      9/day
    • Guangzhou CAN China
      China Southern Airlines ET Scoot
      Sichuan Airlines Singapore Airlines Spring Airlines Virgin Australia
      9/day
    • Perth PER Australia
      Jetstar Qantas Scoot
      Singapore Airlines
      9/day
    • Phuket HKT Thailand
      Scoot Singapore Airlines
      9/day
    • Tokyo HND Japan
      ANA Japan Airlines Scoot
      Singapore Airlines
      9/day
    • Shenzhen SZX China
      China Southern Airlines Shenzhen Airlines Singapore Airlines
      7/day
    • Hanoi HAN Vietnam
      Scoot Singapore Airlines UPS
      VietJetAir Vietnam Airlines
      7/day
    • Ko Samui USM Thailand
      Bangkok Airways Scoot
      7/day
    • Brisbane BNE Australia
      Qantas Singapore Airlines
      6/day
    • Chennai MAA India
      IndiGo Scoot Singapore Airlines
      6/day
    • New Delhi DEL India
      Air India IndiGo Singapore Airlines
      6/day
    • Mumbai BOM India
      Air India IndiGo Singapore Airlines
      6/day
    • Yangon RGN Myanmar
      Myanmar Airways International Myanmar National Airlines Singapore Airlines
      6/day
    • Da Nang DAD Vietnam
      Scoot Singapore Airlines VietJetAir
      5/day
    • Surabaya SUB Indonesia
      Scoot Singapore Airlines
      5/day
    • San Francisco SFO United States
      Singapore Airlines United Airlines
      5/day
    • Osaka KIX Japan
      Peach Aviation Scoot Singapore Airlines
      5/day
    • Tiruchirappally TRZ India
      Air India Express IndiGo Scoot
      4/day
    • Bangalore BLR India
      IndiGo Singapore Airlines
      4/day
    • Colombo CMB Sri Lanka
      Singapore Airlines SriLankan Airlines
      4/day
    • Hangzhou HGH China
      China Eastern Airlines Loong Air Scoot
      Singapore Airlines Xiamen Airlines
      4/day
    • Phnom Penh KTI Cambodia
      Emirates Singapore Airlines
      4/day
    • Chengdu TFU China
      Air China Sichuan Airlines Singapore Airlines
      4/day
    • Dhaka DAC Bangladesh
      Biman Bangladesh Airlines Singapore Airlines US-Bangla Airlines
      4/day
    • Paris CDG France
      Air France Singapore Airlines
      4/day
    • Xiamen XMN China
      Singapore Airlines Xiamen Airlines
      4/day
    • Istanbul IST Türkiye
      Singapore Airlines Turkish Airlines
      4/day
    • Auckland AKL New Zealand
      Air New Zealand Singapore Airlines
      3/day
    • Dubai DXB United Arab Emirates
      Emirates
      3/day
    • Frankfurt FRA Germany
      Lufthansa Singapore Airlines
      3/day
    • Haikou HAK China
      Hainan Airlines Scoot
      3/day
    • Ipoh IPH Malaysia
      Scoot
      3/day
    • Kuching KCH Malaysia
      AirAsia Scoot
      3/day
    • Lapu CEB Philippines
      Cebu Pacific Air Scoot Singapore Airlines
      3/day
    • Bandar Seri Begawan BWN Brunei
      Royal Brunei Airlines Singapore Airlines
      3/day
    • Beijing PEK China
      Air China
      3/day
    • Chongqing CKG China
      Air China Chongqing Airlines Singapore Airlines
      West Air
      3/day
    • Kunming KMG China
      China Eastern Airlines Scoot
      3/day
    • Doha DOH Qatar
      Qatar Airways
      3/day
    • Hyderabad HYD India
      IndiGo Singapore Airlines
      3/day
    • Amsterdam AMS Netherlands
      KLM Singapore Airlines
      1-2/day
    • Bangkok DMK Thailand
      Thai AirAsia Thai Lion Air
      1-2/day
    • Malé MLE Maldives
      Singapore Airlines
      1-2/day
    • Nanjing NKG China
      China Eastern Airlines Scoot
      1-2/day
    • Zurich ZRH Switzerland
      Singapore Airlines SWISS
      1-2/day
    • Duong Dong PQC Vietnam
      Scoot VietJetAir
      1-2/day
    • Langkawi LGK Malaysia
      AirAsia Scoot
      1-2/day
    • Munich MUC Germany
      Lufthansa Singapore Airlines
      1-2/day
    • Jo'anna JNB South Africa
      Singapore Airlines
      1-2/day
    • Kochi COK India
      Singapore Airlines
      1-2/day
    • Xianyang XIY China
      China Eastern Airlines Scoot
      1-2/day
    • Beijing PKX China
      China Eastern Airlines Singapore Airlines
      1-2/day
    • Busan PUS South Korea
      Jeju Air Singapore Airlines
      1-2/day
    • Fuzhou FOC China
      Scoot Xiamen Airlines
      1-2/day
    • Hat Yai HDY Thailand
      Scoot
      1-2/day
    • Subang SZB Malaysia
      Malindo Air Scoot
      1-2/day
    • Angeles City CRK Philippines
      Cebu Pacific Air Scoot
      1-2/day
    • Davao City DVO Philippines
      Scoot
      1-2/day
    • Kota Kinabalu BKI Malaysia
      Scoot
      1-2/day
    • Los Angeles LAX United States
      Singapore Airlines
      1-2/day
    • Port Darwin DRW Australia
      Qantas Singapore Airlines
      1-2/day
    • Siem Reap SAI Cambodia
      Singapore Airlines
      1-2/day
    • Tokyo NRT Japan
      Air Japan ZIPAIR Tokyo
      1-2/day
    • Wuhan WUH China
      China Eastern Airlines Scoot
      1-2/day
    • Yogyakarta YIA Indonesia
      Scoot
      1-2/day
    • Adelaide ADL Australia
      Singapore Airlines
      1-2/day
    • Kolkata CCU India
      IndiGo Singapore Airlines
      1-2/day
    • Krabi KBV Thailand
      Scoot
      1-2/day
    • Lombok LOP Indonesia
      Scoot
      1-2/day
    • Taipa MFM Macau
      Air Macau Scoot
      1-2/day
    • Chiangmai CNX Thailand
      Scoot
      ~1/day
    • Jeju City CJU South Korea
      Scoot T'Way Air
      ~1/day
    • Abu Dhabi AUH United Arab Emirates
      Etihad Airways
      ~1/day
    • Ahmedabad AMD India
      Singapore Airlines
      ~1/day
    • Christchurch CHC New Zealand
      Singapore Airlines
      ~1/day
    • Coimbatore CJB India
      Scoot
      ~1/day
    • Copenhagen CPH Denmark
      Singapore Airlines
      ~1/day
    • Fukuoka FUK Japan
      Singapore Airlines
      ~1/day
    • Helsinki HEL Finland
      Finnair
      ~1/day
    • Kathmandu KTM Nepal
      Singapore Airlines
      ~1/day
    • Manado MDC Indonesia
      Scoot
      ~1/day
    • Milan MXP Italy
      Singapore Airlines
      ~1/day
    • New York JFK United States
      Singapore Airlines
      ~1/day
    • Newark EWR United States
      Singapore Airlines
      ~1/day
    • Tokoname NGO Japan
      Singapore Airlines
      ~1/day
    • Changsha CSX China
      China Southern Airlines Scoot
      ~1/day
    • Addis Ababa ADD Ethiopia
      Ethiopian Airlines
      ~1/day
    • Athens ATH Greece
      Scoot
      ~1/day
    • Jeddah JED Saudi Arabia
      Saudi Arabian Airlines Scoot
      ~1/day
    • Balikpapan BPN Indonesia
      My Indo Airlines Scoot
      ~1/day
    • Manama BAH Bahrain
      Gulf Air
      ~1/day
    • Manchester MAN United Kingdom
      Singapore Airlines
      ~1/day
    • Pekanbaru PKU Indonesia
      Scoot
      ~1/day
    • Qingdao TAO China
      Scoot
      ~1/day
    • Rome FCO Italy
      Singapore Airlines
      ~1/day
    • Seattle SEA United States
      Singapore Airlines
      ~1/day
    • Trivandrum TRV India
      Scoot
      ~1/day
    • Barcelona BCN Spain
      Singapore Airlines
      5/week
    • Brussels BRU Belgium
      Singapore Airlines
      5/week
    • Cairns CNS Australia
      Singapore Airlines
      5/week
    • Iloilo City ILO Philippines
      Scoot
      5/week
    • Jinan TNA China
      Shandong Airlines
      5/week
    • Naha OKA Japan
      Scoot
      5/week
    • Nha Trang CXR Vietnam
      Scoot
      5/week
    • Shenyang SHE China
      Scoot
      5/week
    • Sibu SBW Malaysia
      Scoot
      5/week
    • Tianjin TSN China
      Scoot
      5/week
    • Makassar UPG Indonesia
      Scoot
      5/week
    • Vienna VIE Austria
      Scoot
      5/week
    • Zhengzhou CGO China
      Scoot
      5/week
    • Amritsar ATQ India
      Scoot
      4/week
    • Guiyang KWE China
      Tianjin Airlines
      4/week
    • Kuantan KUA Malaysia
      Scoot
      4/week
    • Labuan Bajo LBJ Indonesia
      Scoot
      4/week
    • Malacca MKZ Malaysia
      Scoot
      4/week
    • Muscat MCT Oman
      Oman Air
      4/week
    • Nanning NNG China
      Scoot
      4/week
    • Palembang PLM Indonesia
      Scoot
      4/week
    • Port Moresby POM Papua New Guinea
      Air Niugini
      4/week
    • Semarang SRG Indonesia
      Scoot
      4/week
    • Wuxi WUX China
      Juneyao Airlines
      4/week
    • Chiang Rai CEI Thailand
      Scoot
      3/week
    • Guwahati GAU India
      Drukair
      3/week
    • Hefei HFE China
      China Eastern Airlines
      3/week
    • Kaohsiung City KHH Taiwan
      China Airlines
      3/week
    • Kota Baharu KBR Malaysia
      Scoot
      3/week
    • Miri MYY Malaysia
      Scoot
      3/week
    • Nanchang KHN China
      China Eastern Airlines
      3/week
    • Ningbo NGB China
      China Eastern Airlines
      3/week
    • Nouméa NOU New Caledonia
      Aircalin
      3/week
    • Padang PDG Indonesia
      Scoot
      3/week
    • Pontianak PNK Indonesia
      Scoot
      3/week
    • Shantou SWA China
      Scoot
      3/week
    • Tanjung Pandan TJQ Indonesia
      Scoot
      3/week
    • Vancouver YVR Canada
      Air Canada
      3/week
    • Vientiane VTE Laos
      Scoot
      3/week
    • Visakhapatnam VTZ India
      Scoot
      3/week
    • Anchorage ANC United States
      FedEx - Federal Express
      2/week
    • Bandung KJT Indonesia
      Scoot
      2/week
    • Dili DIL Timor-Leste
      Aero Dili
      2/week
    • Nadi NAN Fiji
      Fiji Airways
      2/week
    • Wenzhou WNZ China
      Loong Air
      2/week
    • Dayong DYG China
      Loong Air
      1/week
    • Paris LBG France
      Qantas
      1/week

    Nonstop routes only. Flights per day are an average, each way. Data: AeroDataBox, updated July 2026.

  • Woodlands & Tuas Causeway (from Malaysia)

    Two land crossings from Johor Bahru, Malaysia

    Most overland arrivals come from Johor Bahru over the Woodlands Causeway or the Second Link at Tuas. The crossing itself is cheap, but immigration lines at Woodlands are brutal at rush hour and on weekends, sometimes over an hour each way. The five-minute JB Sentral to Woodlands shuttle train and the cross-border buses are the smoothest options.

    • JB-Woodlands shuttle train: 5 min, ~RM5
    • Cross-border bus: 1-2 hr with immigration, ~S$5
    • Taxi: fixed cross-border fare, ~S$50

  • Ferry terminals (from Indonesia)

    Tanah Merah, serving Batam and Bintan

    Ferries from the Indonesian islands of Batam and Bintan dock at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in the east, running several times a day. Crossings take 45 to 90 minutes. From Tanah Merah a short bus or taxi connects to the MRT for the ride into the city.

    • Batam: 45-60 min ferry to Tanah Merah
    • Bintan: 60-90 min ferry to Tanah Merah
    • Bus or taxi to MRT, then ~30 min to city

Safety Advice

90/100

Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world, and every major government rates it at the lowest advisory level. Violent crime is exceptionally rare and the streets are safe day and night. What you actually manage here isn't crime, it's the law: some of the strictest drug, vaping and public-order rules anywhere, with heavy fines, caning and, for serious drug trafficking, the possibility of the death penalty. The main health risk is dengue.

Guide Singapore Safety Guide Our guide covers the risks that matter most in Singapore, from its very strict drug and vaping laws and the everyday fines to dengue, the seasonal haze and the heat, with the current advisories and a neighborhood-by-neighborhood read.

Travel Advisories

UPDATED 16 AUGUST

Source: US State Department. Always verify current advice before traveling.

Source: UK FCDO. Always verify current advice before traveling.

Source: Global Affairs Canada. Always verify current advice before traveling.

Source: Auswärtiges Amt. Always verify current advice before traveling.

Unrest & security

  • Terrorist attacks in Singapore are possible.
  • Possessing even small amounts of illegal drugs carries severe penalties, including death.
  • Do not offer money to officials; bribery attempts can lead to arrest.
  • Avoid street gatherings and demonstrations; foreigners cannot attend outdoor demonstrations.
  • Jehovah's Witness meetings and publications are illegal.

Transport & infrastructure

  • Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned; bringing them into the country is illegal.
  • You can drive with a UK license for 30 days, then need an International Driving Permit.
  • Drinking alcohol in public is illegal between 10:30pm and 7am, except in licensed venues.
  • Piracy and armed robbery occur in waters around Singapore and the Malacca Strait.

Other notes

  • Littering, vandalism, and disrespecting public officials carry harsh penalties.
  • Using false identification is illegal.
  • Be aware of online and phone scams impersonating officials or bank employees.
  • You may not be allowed to speak with anyone, including a lawyer, while questioned if arrested.
  • Your passport may be held by authorities during investigations or after conviction.

Always check your own government's official travel advice before traveling.

Common Scams in Singapore

  • Bar bill shock

    MEDIUM RISK

    Trigger:A tout waves you into a bar without prices

    A small number of hostess bars and nightlife venues use vague pricing and inflate bills, especially when customers buy drinks for staff. Most reports come from late-night entertainment areas rather than mainstream bars.

    How to avoid: Check menu prices before ordering and walk away if costs are unclear. Stick to venues with visible menus and recent reviews.

  • Fake tax-refund help

    LOW RISK

    Trigger:Someone offers help at the airport refund kiosks

    A stranger claims the GST refund process is complicated and asks for a fee, your card, or your documents. The eTRS system is self-service and does not require paid assistance.

    How to avoid: Use the kiosks yourself or speak only to official airport staff. Nobody should charge you to process a GST refund.

  • Hard-luck money con

    LOW RISK

    Trigger:A stranger needs cash for an emergency

    Someone claims they lost a wallet, missed a train, or need money for a sick relative. The story is designed to create urgency and guilt rather than solve a real problem.

    How to avoid: Politely decline and move on. Genuine emergencies are usually handled through family, friends, police, or social services.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting Singapore's fines

    SERIOUS CONSEQUENCE

    Eating or drinking on the MRT, littering, smoking outside designated areas, and other rule breaches can result in real fines. Visitors sometimes assume the rules are mostly symbolic and find out otherwise.

    Fix: Read posted signs and follow them. Singapore's regulations are generally enforced rather than ignored.

  • Packing a vape

    SERIOUS CONSEQUENCE

    Many travelers arrive with e-cigarettes assuming personal use is allowed. Importing, carrying, or using vaping devices can lead to confiscation and significant penalties.

    Fix: Leave vaping devices and related products at home. If you are unsure about an item, check customs rules before flying.

  • Not tapping out

    MINOR CONSEQUENCE

    Forgetting to tap out on the MRT or bus system usually triggers the maximum fare for that trip. It is an easy mistake that quietly adds up.

    Fix: Always tap in and tap out, and check that your card or phone registered correctly.

  • Eating only tourist restaurants

    MINOR CONSEQUENCE

    Many first-timers stick to Marina Bay and mall restaurants, then conclude Singapore's food is overpriced. Some of the city's best meals are found in ordinary hawker centers.

    Fix: Eat at places such as Maxwell, Old Airport Road, Tiong Bahru, and Tekka before judging the local food scene.

  • Underestimating heat and rain

    MINOR CONSEQUENCE

    Long outdoor itineraries often fall apart by midday. High humidity, strong sun, and sudden thunderstorms can turn a simple walk into an exhausting slog.

    Fix: Schedule indoor breaks during the hottest hours and carry water plus a compact umbrella.

Money & Payments

Singapore is one of the easiest places in the world to pay. Cards and phone wallets work almost everywhere, right down to the hawker stall, and you can tap a contactless card straight onto the MRT gate. You barely need cash, and if you do carry some, changing it here can genuinely pay: Singapore's licensed money changers are among the most competitive anywhere.

  • Cards, contactless and the MRT

    Visa, Mastercard and Amex are accepted nearly everywhere, Apple Pay and Google Pay too, and many hawker stalls now accept them. Best of all, SimplyGo lets you tap a foreign contactless card or phone straight on the bus and MRT gates, no separate travel card needed. Carry a little cash for the odd stall and you're set.

  • Where Singapore is different: money changers

    Unlike most places, Singapore's licensed money changers give consistently strong rates, better than the airport, the hotels and a traditional bank card. The Arcade at Raffles Place and Mustafa in Little India are the go-to clusters. ATMs take foreign cards fine too. We show the fees, the SimplyGo trick and how to dodge dynamic currency conversion.

Guide Singapore Money Guide How to pay in Singapore without losing money: tapping onto the MRT with SimplyGo, which ATMs and money changers to use, the 9% GST and tourist refund, why you don't tip, whether tourists can use PayNow, and live exchange rates.

Costs in Singapore

39/100

Singapore is the most expensive city in the region and one of the priciest in the world. Rent is the reason: a central condo costs thousands a month. Hawker food, healthcare and the MRT stay cheap; housing, cars and anything with alcohol are where it gets expensive.

Hotel 3-star (per night)$114
ibis Singapore on Bencoolen (Bencoolen)
SGD 160.00 / night
Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay (Clarke Quay)
SGD 185.00 / night
V Hotel Lavender (Lavender)
SGD 150.00 / night
Hotel Yan (Lavender)
SGD 140.00 / night
Hotel Boss (Lavender)
SGD 130.00 / night
Average (inc. tax & service)$114

Standard nightly room rate for an entry to mid-level three-star hotel located near central transit hubs.

Last checked on: June 2026

Hotel 5-star luxury (per night)$616
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
~S$1,045 / night (Deluxe room)
Marina Bay Sands
~S$800 / night (Deluxe room)
The Fullerton Hotel
~S$520 / night (Courtyard room)
Average (inc. tax & service)$616

The average of three flagship 5-star hotels, one room type each.

Last checked on: August 2026

Airbnb 1-bed (per night)$134
Studio near Orchard (Orchard)
SGD 180.00 / night
Modern Apartment (Chinatown)
SGD 210.00 / night
Cozy Suite (Geylang)
SGD 150.00 / night
Average (inc. tax & service)$134

Nightly base price for an entire private studio or one-bedroom apartment in central areas.

Last checked on: June 2026

Hostel dorm (per night)$37.31
The Pod Boutique Capsule Hotel (Bugis)
SGD 55.00 / night
Dream Lodge (Lavender)
SGD 50.00 / night
Wink Capsule Hostel (Chinatown)
SGD 48.00 / night
Average (inc. tax & service)$37.31

One night stay in a single mixed capsule or standard dorm bed at well-rated central hostels.

Last checked on: June 2026

Local restaurant meal$4.85
Maxwell Food Centre (Chinatown)
SGD 6.00 / dish
Old Airport Road Food Centre (Geylang)
SGD 6.50 / dish
Amoy Street Food Centre (CBD)
SGD 7.00 / dish
Average (inc. tax & service)$4.85

Standard single hawker dish such as chicken rice or laksa at major city-center and residential hawker centers.

Last checked on: June 2026

See the full cost of living for Singapore →

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SIM Cards & Data

Best option for most travelers: an eSIM you set up before you arrive. You'll be online the moment you land, with no airport line and no tourist pricing.

Travel eSIMs Connect the second you land. Zero hassle. Skip the airport line and paperwork. Activate before you fly and land connected. Find the best eSIM →

Prefer a local SIM?

You can buy a prepaid SIM at Changi Airport on arrival, at any telco shop, or at 7-Eleven and Cheers convenience stores, and you need your passport to register it. Tourist SIMs come pre-loaded with data and local credit, and 5G coverage is total across the island.

  • Singtel

    Largest network, hi! Tourist SIM

    Singtel has the widest coverage and the most-stocked tourist SIM. The hi! Tourist SIM is sold at Changi and in convenience stores and is the safe default for a short visit.

    hi! Tourist SIM 100GB / 30 days: ~S$30 (~22 USD)

  • StarHub

    Strong urban coverage

    StarHub's Travel SIM matches Singtel on data for a little less and works well across the dense city core. Easy to find at the airport and in malls.

    Travel SIM 100GB / 30 days: ~S$22 (~16 USD)

  • M1

    Cheapest tourist plans

    M1 undercuts the other two on price, and coverage is fine in a city-state where you are never far from a tower. A good pick for budget travelers.

    Tourist SIM 100GB / 30 days: ~S$18 (~13 USD)

  • GOMO

    App-only, on the Singtel network

    GOMO is Singtel's online-only brand, ordered through an app with no shop visit. It suits longer-stay visitors and expats staying weeks rather than days.

    GOMO 50GB / 30 days: ~S$20 (~15 USD)

What Singapore is Like

people doing a canopy walk at the supertree grove
Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay. Photo by Annie Spratt

Singapore is the easiest place to travel in Southeast Asia and the least like the rest of it. The whole country is one city of six million people on an island you can cross by train in under an hour. Everything works. The MRT is clean and on time, the tap water is safe, the streets are spotless, and you can eat a plate of chicken rice at a hawker stall an hour after a cocktail sixty floors up.

What makes it interesting is the layering. Chinese, Malay, and Indian communities have lived side by side here for generations, so a single afternoon can run from a Hindu temple on Serangoon Road to a mosque in Kampong Glam to a Taoist shrine in Chinatown, with lunch in between at a hawker center selling all three cuisines from neighboring stalls. English ties it together, spoken by everyone and mixed with Malay and Hokkien into the local Singlish. The food is the national obsession, and the hawker centers are where you eat best for the least.

Most first-time visitors spend a lot of time around Marina Bay, and for good reason. The skyline is one of the most recognizable in Asia, but what stays with you is not the view itself. It is the feeling that an entire city has been planned down to the last tree, footpath, and drainage canal. Gardens by the Bay looks slightly absurd when you first see it, like a science-fiction set dropped into the tropics, yet somehow it works. Singapore can feel engineered to within an inch of its life.

Look beyond the CBD and the city becomes less uniform than many visitors expect. Tiong Bahru still has a residential feel despite the cafés. Katong and Joo Chiat hold onto traces of old Peranakan Singapore beneath the modern shopfronts. Little India remains noisy, crowded, and chaotic in a way that feels almost rebellious by local standards. Walk ten minutes in the right direction and the mood can shift completely. For a place this small, it contains more variety than it gets credit for.

The catch is the cost and the polish. Singapore is the most expensive city in the region by a wide margin, and the order that makes it run so well also sands off the chaos and improvisation that travelers love elsewhere. Rules are everywhere and enforced. Even the famous hawker centers, for all their character, operate within a system that is remarkably tidy and controlled. If your favorite travel memories involve missed buses, spontaneous detours, and things not quite going to plan, Singapore can feel almost too efficient.

This is not the place for people looking for beaches, wilderness, or weeks of slow wandering. Many travelers use it as a base for a few days before heading to places like Bali, Phuket, or Tokyo. What Singapore does better than almost anywhere else is combine comfort, food, density, and convenience into a city that is easy to understand without becoming boring. Treat it as three or four focused days rather than a long escape.

Sentosa Strategy

Universal studios entrance in Singapore on Sentosa island
Photo by Pratham Verma

Universal Studios sits inside Resorts World on Sentosa, the island Singapore bolted onto its southern tip to hold what a tidy downtown cannot: a casino, an aquarium, trucked-in beaches, and a theme park. The casino runs around the clock and pulls a very Singapore trick, taxing locals to walk in while waving tourists through free, though it has nothing to do with why you came. The park is small by Universal standards, seven zones you can lap in a morning, and that compactness is the appeal. The Transformers dark ride and the dueling Battlestar Galactica coasters are the equal of anything in the bigger parks abroad. Minion Land, which replaced the old Madagascar corner, now pulls the longest lines. Come on a weekday outside school holidays, or you will spend the day in line.

Heat is the variable nobody plans for. Sentosa sits almost on the equator, and by mid-morning the open-air lines in Ancient Egypt and Sci-Fi City become standing saunas, usually broken by an afternoon thunderstorm that clears the outdoor rides for half an hour. Buy tickets before you go, get through the gates at opening, and ride the coasters first while the lines are short and the sky holds. An Express pass is wasted money on a quiet weekday and the only thing that saves a packed holiday, where it turns six rides into twenty. Bring water and reapply the sunscreen you will sweat straight off.

The rest of Sentosa is where a day quietly unravels. The sand at Siloso and Palawan is imported, and the view from your towel is the Singapore Strait jammed with anchored tankers and container ships, not open sea. The aquarium earns its ticket and the Skyline Luge is more fun than it should be, but most of the island is a row of separately priced attractions built to keep you tapping a card. Getting over is easy, by the Sentosa Express monorail from VivoCity, the cable car down from Mount Faber, or the boardwalk on foot. Pick one or two things and ignore the bundle deals.

This is a day for families, coaster people, and anyone traveling with kids who have hit their limit on temples and hawker centers. It is not the real Singapore and never pretends to be, which suits a day when you want a clean, well-run park and a wave pool over another museum. Treat Universal as the headliner, give it half a day, and leave before the evening crowds arrive for the light shows. Short on time and traveling without kids, you can skip the entire island and miss nothing of the country. Traveling with them, you cannot.

The rules myth

sticker with rules while riding on a subway in singapore
Photo by Jingbo Xia

Drop the chewing-gum panic first. You can chew gum here all you like; the law bans selling and importing it, so the worst case is you cannot buy a pack at the corner shop. Most of what tourists trade is like this, half true and decades stale: the arrested-for-jaywalking stories, the obscure fines passed around like trivia. Nobody is running stings on visitors crossing an empty street. The rules that actually catch people are duller and more specific than the legends, and they are easy to walk straight into if you arrive treating the whole thing as a joke.

The one that catches the most travelers now is vaping. E-cigarettes are illegal to bring in, carry, or use, and officers at Changi do check; a vape in your bag means confiscation and a heavy fine, and enforcement has only tightened. Cigarettes come next: every stick is taxed, there is no duty-free allowance, and strolling through the green channel with a carton is an expensive mistake. Smoking is confined to marked zones, even outdoors. Drinking in public is banned from late evening until morning, a rule brought in after a riot in Little India left the government nervous about alcohol on the streets.

One category is not a quirk and not a fine. Singapore executes people for drug trafficking, and the amounts that legally count as trafficking are lower than most visitors assume. The sentences are mandatory and the state carries them out. Whatever you are relaxed about in Thailand or back home, leave it at the border. There is no version of this where the rule bends for a tourist who did not know.

None of this makes Singapore hard to travel. The rules are consistent, posted, and aimed at behavior rather than at foreigners, so you follow them the way you follow them at an airport and soon stop noticing. The people who struggle are the ones who treat every regulation as a dare, usually for an audience. Everyone else adjusts in a day. Read the signs in the MRT and at customs, ditch the vape before you fly, and the strictness stops being the attraction and becomes the infrastructure that makes the city so easy to move through.

Areas of Singapore

  • Sentosa

    Beach, resorts, families

    Sentosa sits apart from the main city and feels almost like a separate destination. Beaches, resorts, attractions, and family-oriented activities dominate the island. It is easy enough to reach the center, but staying here means accepting some distance from Singapore's food and neighborhood culture. Many people enjoy it, others find it artificial.

    Good for: Beach time, family trips, resort stays.

    Skip if: You want to spend most of your time exploring the city itself.

  • Tiong Bahru

    Heritage, cafés, local life

    Tiong Bahru mixes low-rise art deco housing blocks with bakeries, cafés, and long-running local food stalls. It feels more residential than the major tourist districts and gives a better sense of everyday Singapore. The evenings are quieter and the pace is slower.

    Good for: Neighborhood walks, cafés, local atmosphere.

    Skip if: You want major attractions within walking distance.

  • Orchard Road

    Shopping, transport, city access

    Orchard Road is a long corridor of shopping centers connected by underground walkways, food courts, and MRT stations. Locals use it as much as visitors, especially on weekends and evenings. It is a practical base for reaching the rest of the city, but much of the neighborhood revolves around retail.

    Good for: Shopping, transport links, easy city access.

    Skip if: You want heritage streets and neighborhood character.

  • Chinatown

    Food, heritage, walkability

    Chinatown puts temples, hawker centers, cocktail bars, and office towers within a few minutes of each other. Tourist crowds cluster around the main streets, but the area quickly becomes more local once you drift away from the souvenir shops. It is one of the easiest parts of Singapore to explore without constantly using the MRT. Many visitors end up spending more time here than planned.

    Good for: Hawker food, cultural sights, exploring on foot.

    Skip if: You prefer modern towers and a polished business-district feel.

  • Little India

    Culture, food, local life

    Little India packs flower stalls, spice merchants, temples, and crowded eateries into a surprisingly small area. The streets are louder, busier, and more visually chaotic than almost anywhere else in Singapore. Some travelers find it overwhelming, others immediately feel at home.

    Good for: Indian food, street life, cultural immersion.

    Skip if: You want a calm and highly polished environment.

  • Marina Bay

    Skyline, sightseeing, first-time visitors

    Marina Bay revolves around the waterfront, the financial district, and the landmarks that appear on nearly every postcard. Days here are spent walking promenades, crossing air-conditioned malls, and moving between attractions that feel built to impress. Once office workers head home, parts of the area can feel quieter than visitors expect. Stay here if Singapore itself is the main event.

    Good for: Landmark sightseeing, skyline views, short first visits.

    Skip if: You want old shophouse streets and hawker centers outside your door.

  • Kampong Glam

    Nightlife, dining, culture

    Kampong Glam centers on Sultan Mosque and a network of side streets filled with cafés, bars, record shops, and independent boutiques. The neighborhood has more evening energy than most of Singapore without turning into a party district. It feels less polished than Marina Bay and less tourist-heavy than parts of Chinatown.

    Good for: Restaurants, nightlife, urban exploration.

    Skip if: You want quiet nights and early mornings.

Liveability

78/100

Fast internet, reliable public transport, safe streets, and drinkable tap water remove most of the friction from daily life. Getting around is easy without a car, hawker centers keep food affordable, and the biggest day-to-day annoyance is the constant heat and humidity.

Happiness 78

A country-level read of how satisfied residents say they are with their own lives, from the annual World Happiness Report survey. Higher means happier.

Source: World Happiness Report (SDSN)

Getting by in English 90

English is an official language and the everyday language of business, government, schooling and street signs. You never need another language to live here.

Source: English Proficiency Index (EF Education First)

Family & schooling 95

The regional gold standard. A deep bench of top-tier international schools (UWCSEA, Tanglin, Dulwich) feeding top UK and US universities, plus the world's highest-scoring local system. Spotless and exceptionally safe. The cost is the catch.

Source: In-house research

Corruption 92

How clean the public sector is seen to be, from Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index. A higher score means less corruption in everyday dealings with officials and institutions.

Source: Corruption Perceptions Index (Transparency International)

Income equality 46

How evenly income is spread across the population, based on the World Bank's Gini index. A higher score means a smaller gap between the richest and poorest.

Source: Gini Index (World Bank)

Internet speed Excellent

Among the fastest in the world. Fiber is near-universal and cheap, gigabit home plans are standard, and public and hotel Wi-Fi are reliable.

Source: In-house research

Gender equality 64

How equally the country treats women and men across health, empowerment and the labor market, from the UN's Gender Inequality Index. Higher means more equal.

Source: Gender Inequality Index (UNDP)

Press freedom 48

How freely the press can report without censorship or reprisal, from the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index. Higher means fewer restrictions on independent journalism.

Source: World Press Freedom Index (RSF)

Living in Singapore

Singapore is easy to live in, if you can get in. The tax is low and life runs smoothly, but there is no retirement visa and no nomad visa, so the way in matters as much as the life once you are there.

Living guide Your Guide to Living in Singapore Which pass gets you in, why your foreign income is left alone, the 60% stamp duty on a foreign buyer's flat, and the rent that eats the tax savings. Includes a tax estimator.

Sustainability

77/100

Tap water is safe to drink, streets and public spaces are exceptionally clean, and air quality is usually good. The main environmental issues visitors notice are year-round heat and humidity, occasional flash flooding during heavy rain, and periodic haze from regional fires that can affect air quality between July and October.

Air quality 87

How clean the air is on average across the year, based on measured fine-particle (PM2.5) pollution. Higher means cleaner air and fewer bad-air days.

Source: World Air Quality Report (IQAir)

Clean water 100

The share of people with safely managed drinking water at home. Higher means tap water is more widely safe and reliable.

Source: Safely managed drinking water (WHO / UNICEF JMP)

Waste EPI 97

How well the country collects and recovers its waste rather than dumping or burning it, from the Environmental Performance Index. Higher means cleaner streets and better waste systems.

Source: Environmental Performance Index (Yale)

CO2 per capita 84

Carbon emissions per person, scored so lower emitters rank higher. A high score means a smaller per-person carbon footprint.

Source: EDGAR Global GHG Emissions (European Commission JRC)

Renewables 5%

The share of electricity generated from renewable sources like solar, wind and hydro. Higher means a cleaner power grid.

Source: Global Electricity Review (Ember)

Protected land 5%

The share of land set aside as protected natural area. Higher means more of the country is conserved.

Source: Terrestrial Protected Areas (World Bank)

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning & moving around

  • How many days do you need to see Singapore?

    Three to five days suits most first-time visitors. That gives you time for Marina Bay, a few neighborhoods, good food, and a day on Sentosa without rushing. People who treat Singapore as a one-night stopover often leave wishing they had stayed longer.

  • What's the most common mistake first-time visitors make in Singapore?

    Trying to do outdoor sightseeing through the hottest part of the day. The heat and humidity hit harder than many visitors expect, especially around Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay. Start early, slow down at midday, and use museums, malls, or hawker centers as air-conditioned breaks.

  • What's the best way to get around Singapore, MRT or bus?

    The MRT does most of the heavy lifting and reaches almost every place visitors want to go. Buses are useful for short hops and routes that would otherwise require train changes. Both accept contactless cards and mobile payments, so there is no need to buy special tickets.

  • What apps should I download for getting around Singapore?

    Google Maps handles public transport routing very well. Grab is the main ride-hailing app, while Gojek and TADA are worth checking when prices surge. The MyTransport SG app provides more detailed local transport information.

  • Can you do day trips from Singapore?

    Yes. Johor Bahru in Malaysia is the most common option for shopping and food, though border lines can be painful on weekends. Pulau Ubin offers a completely different side of Singapore, while ferries also reach Batam and Bintan in Indonesia.

Safety & medical

  • Is Singapore safe to walk around at night?

    Yes. Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, and walking alone after dark is normal across most of the city. Solo women generally report few problems. Basic caution around alcohol-heavy nightlife areas is enough for most visitors.

  • Can you drink the tap water in Singapore?

    Yes. Tap water is safe to drink across the island, and locals use it without thinking twice. Ice, salads, and brushing your teeth with tap water are all fine. Buying bottled water is usually unnecessary.

  • What are common scams in Singapore to watch out for?

    Singapore has far fewer tourist scams than most cities in the region. The most common visitor problem is inflated drink bills at a handful of nightlife venues. Check prices before ordering and be cautious around aggressive touts.

Laws & local norms

  • What are the drug laws in Singapore?

    Singapore has some of the strictest drug laws in the world. Trafficking above certain thresholds carries the death penalty, while possession and consumption can lead to prison, caning, or both. Whatever your habits elsewhere, leave drugs completely out of your Singapore trip.

  • Is vaping legal in Singapore?

    No. Importing, carrying, buying, selling, or using e-cigarettes is illegal. Devices are regularly confiscated at the airport and fines can be substantial. The simplest advice is to leave all vaping gear at home.

  • What are the LGBTQ+ laws in Singapore?

    Same-sex activity is legal, and Singapore is generally safe and comfortable for LGBTQ+ visitors. Same-sex marriage is not recognized, and legal protections are more limited than in many Western countries. Social attitudes are usually polite but somewhat more reserved than in Bangkok.

  • What are some general etiquette rules in Singapore?

    Wait your turn in line, keep noise levels down on public transport, and do not eat or drink on the MRT. Littering fines are real and widely enforced. A handshake works for most greetings, and public behavior tends to be fairly restrained.

  • What's the dress code for visiting mosques in Singapore?

    Cover your shoulders and knees, and women should cover their hair in prayer areas. Most major mosques provide robes or scarves if needed. Shoes come off before entering the prayer hall.

  • Is using a VPN legal in Singapore?

    Yes. VPNs are legal for personal use and widely used by residents and visitors. Using a VPN does not make illegal activities legal, but ordinary travel use is not an issue.

    See our recommended VPNs

  • Can tourists gamble in Singapore's casinos?

    Yes. Tourists can enter the casinos at Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa with a passport and do not pay the entry levy charged to locals. You must be at least 21 years old to enter.

Money & costs

  • Should I use cash or card in Singapore?

    Cards and phone payments work almost everywhere, including public transport. Hawker centers and older independent stalls are the main exception, with some still preferring cash. Carry a few small notes and you will be covered.

  • Do you tip in Singapore?

    No. Restaurants already add a service charge, and tipping is not part of local culture. Taxi drivers, hawker stalls, and cafés do not expect it either. Rounding up is fine, but nobody expects extra money.

  • How much does a meal cost at a hawker center in Singapore?

    A filling hawker meal usually costs around S$5 to S$8. Seafood dishes and tourist-heavy locations can cost more, but hawker centers remain one of the best value parts of Singapore. Alcohol is where costs rise quickly.

  • Is Singapore really as expensive as people say?

    For hotels and alcohol, yes. Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in Asia, and accommodation often costs more than equivalent rooms in Tokyo or Bangkok. Food and public transport are much better value than many first-time visitors expect.

Culture & etiquette

  • What does almost every tourist get wrong about Singapore?

    Many visitors think Singapore is just Marina Bay Sands, shopping malls, and an airport stopover. The most interesting parts are often the older neighborhoods, hawker centers, temples, and residential districts. A trip built only around the postcard sights can feel surprisingly shallow.

  • How much English is spoken in Singapore?

    Almost everyone speaks English, and it is the main language used in government, business, education, and public transport. Visitors can comfortably navigate the city without learning another language. You will also hear Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, and local Singlish in daily life.

Food & drink

  • Where do locals eat in Singapore?

    Hawker centers are still the default answer. Maxwell, Old Airport Road, Tekka, and Tiong Bahru all attract large local crowds. Long lines are often a better recommendation than online rankings.

  • What are some must-try local dishes in Singapore?

    Start with Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, char kway teow, satay, and Hokkien mee. Chilli crab and black pepper crab are the famous splurge dishes. For breakfast, copy the locals and order kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and kopi.

Families & kids

  • Is Singapore good for families with young kids?

    Yes. Attractions such as the zoo, Bird Paradise, Sentosa, and the aquarium are built with families in mind. Clean public facilities, reliable transport, and easy access to healthcare make traveling with children straightforward. The heat is usually the biggest challenge.

  • Is Singapore stroller-friendly?

    Yes. MRT stations, buses, malls, and major attractions are built with lifts and ramps. Wide sidewalks and accessible crossings make moving around easy with a stroller. The climate is a bigger obstacle than the infrastructure.

Staying longer

  • What's the best neighborhood to stay in Singapore for a first-timer?

    Chinatown is the easiest base: central, well connected, and packed with good cheap food. Marina Bay puts you beside the headline sights but comes with the highest hotel prices. Kampong Glam is a good middle ground for bars and cafés, while Little India is cheaper and noisier.

After dark

  • What are the main nightlife areas in Singapore?

    Clarke Quay is the busiest nightlife district, while Robertson Quay is quieter and more bar-focused. Marina Bay specialises in rooftop bars and expensive views. Tanjong Pagar, Kampong Glam, and Tiong Bahru usually offer better value and more local crowds.

  • Does Singapore have a red-light district?

    Yes. Geylang is Singapore's best-known red-light district, with licensed brothels operating under a regulated system. It is also one of the city's best late-night food areas, so many visitors go purely for the restaurants. The area is easy to avoid if it does not interest you.