As you plan your trip to Singapore, here are 10 things you should know beforehand.

1. Getting here 

Singapore is an island-city located near the equator at the tip of the Malaysian Peninsula. Depending on where you are coming from, you can get here by: 

Air – Most major airlines like British Airways, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic and (of course) Singapore Airlines fly to Singapore's Changi Airport daily. Budget airlines like JetStar and AirAsia also fly in to Changi Airport. 

Land – You can travel to Singapore overland by train or bus from Bangkok (up to 48 hours including overnight stay).   

Sea – Ferries or cruises from nearby Indonesian islands like Batam and Bintan.  

2. Visa 

Citizens from USA, Canada, UK, European Union, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and selected countries are entitled to visa-free entry for 30-day or 90-day stay. Please visit this website for more details on other countries. 

More information on visa application for PRCs can be found here. 

3. Where to stay 

For easy access to most attractions in the downtown area, choose from many centrally located hotels and hostels to suit your budget: 

Hostels – Many backpacker inns are located in Bugis, Chinatown and Little India 

Mid-range hotels – Hotel chains like Ibis can be found in locations like Bencoolen and Clarke Quay 

5-star hotels – Upscale hotels like Raffles Hotel are located in City Hall, Orchard Road and Marina Bay area 

For quieter yet central location, you can consider Robertson Quay vicinity. 

4. Length of trip 

Singapore may be small but a 3 to 7-day itinerary is recommended to fully explore what she has to offer. 

Singapore is also a popular stopover for Southeast Asia (SEA) travel as there are budget flights to many neighbouring destinations under 4 hours’ flight time. It’s especially popular for first-time visitors to SEA.  

5. When to come 

To avoid rainy seasons and hot afternoons (above 32°C), come during June to September and December to March.   

Temperature – ranges from 26°C to 33°C in the day, and drops slightly at night. 

Rainfall – average of 178 rainy days per year, with afternoon thunderstorms common in April, May, October, November 

Humidity – average of 84%   

6. Packing tips 

Light clothing (suitable for hot & humid weather), Umbrella/poncho, cap/hat, sunshades, sunblock, insect repellent 

DO NOT PACK: 

• Controlled drugs (severe penalties include death sentence for narcotic offences) 
• Cigarettes and tobacco products (unless you are fine with paying the excise duties at customs) 

• Chewing gum (banned with the exception of therapeutic purposes like nicotine and oral dental gum; click here to find out the story behind this ban) 

7. Special dietary requirements 

Halal and vegetarian foods can be easily found in Singapore. Gluten-free food can be found at selected cafes and restaurants. 

8. Currency & cost of living 

Our currency is Singapore Dollars (SGD) and is interchangeable with Brunei currency since an agreement that was made in 1967. 

SGD denominations come in notes ($2, $5, $10, $50, $100, $1000 and $10,000) and coins (5c, 10c, 20c, 50c and $1). 

Guide to cost of living: 

9. Electricity 

Voltage: 220-240 volts 

Electrical Socket: Type “G” British BS-1363 

10. Wi-Fi router rental 

If you are travelling in a group of 5 to 8 pax, it is actually very affordable to share a Wi-Fi router rental for your duration in Singapore. Reserve the router online before your trip and collect it at Changi Airport upon arrival (return it at the airport too!).

Tip: Free Wi-Fi is also available at many hotspots (up to 5 Mbps)