Travel tips · Singapore
Singapore travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Shiny Things ., CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
Singapore's Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian communities live side by side, so temples, mosques and churches stand on the same streets and public holidays cover Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali and Christmas. Rules are strict and enforced, from no eating on trains to fines for littering, and English is the common language.
Key facts
- Language
- English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil
- Currency
- SGD
- Plugs
- Type G (three square pins), 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink, and refill points are common in malls and parks.
- Emergency
- 999 (police), 995 (ambulance and fire)
Things to know
- Eating and drinking are not allowed on the MRT or buses, and durians are banned on public transport.
- Remove shoes before entering Hindu temples and mosques, and cover shoulders and knees in all places of worship.
- Littering, jaywalking and smoking outside designated areas can bring on-the-spot fines.
- Chewing gum is not sold in Singapore; bring only a small amount for personal use.
- Queue patiently at hawker stalls and MRT doors; locals let passengers off first.
- Book Gardens by the Bay ahead: Buy conservatory tickets online on weekends and school holidays to skip the counter queue.
- Book Singapore Zoo ahead: Online tickets are often cheaper than the gate and combined Mandai park tickets are available.
- Book Night Safari ahead: Timed entry slots sell out on weekends and holidays; book online.
- Eat most meals at hawker centres, where a full meal costs a fraction of a restaurant bill.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary. Restaurants and hotels add a 10% service charge to bills, and hawker stalls and taxis do not expect tips.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Makan | To eat (Malay, used by everyone) |
| Tapau / da bao | Takeaway, please |
| Kopi-o kosong | Black coffee, no sugar |
| Shiok | Delicious or very satisfying |
| Chope | To reserve (a seat or table) |
| Terima kasih | Thank you (Malay) |
What to wear
Wear light, breathable clothes and comfortable sandals or trainers, but carry a light layer: malls, cinemas and buses are strongly air-conditioned.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type G (three square pins), 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink, and refill points are common in malls and parks.
- Emergency number
- 999 (police), 995 (ambulance and fire)
- Phone and internet
- Free Wi-Fi is widespread in malls, Changi Airport and public buildings; eSIMs and prepaid SIMs from local operators are easy to buy at the airport.
- Time zone
- Asia/Singapore
Street crime against visitors is uncommon, but laws are strict and fines are enforced for littering, smoking in non-designated areas and other offences. The main hazards are heat, sudden lightning storms and dehydration on long walks.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Singapore's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Singapore?
Tipping is not customary. Restaurants and hotels add a 10% service charge to bills, and hawker stalls and taxis do not expect tips.
+Can you drink the tap water in Singapore?
Tap water is safe to drink, and refill points are common in malls and parks.
+What plugs are used in Singapore?
Type G (three square pins), 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Singapore?
English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil.