Singapore offers a wide range of beautiful attractions to explore and is one of the most famous destinations in Southeast Asia. This island city has managed to strike an outstanding balance between cultural and modern attractions which people of all age groups can enjoy. This city has everything needed for a memorable holiday, from verdant parks, incredible zoos, and luxurious hotels to amazing shopping, mouthwatering cuisine, and historical wonders. No wonder the footfalls to this fantastic destination keep increasing year after year. Here are some great travel tips that will ensure that you enjoy your first trip to Lion city.
First Time To Singapore: Everything You Must Know is Here
Visa and other documents
Applying for a Singapore visa is easy compared to many other countries. Check all the visa rules pertaining to your country and apply well in advance. Carry originals and photocopies of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and other important documents. Your passport is required to buy a sim card, shop in malls, enter casinos, and even in duty-free shops for discounts.
Best time to visit Singapore
Singapore is a tropical destination, and you can visit it any time of the year. The average temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius. But it would be best if you also braced yourself for heavy rains at any time of the day. That said, December to June is the best time for traveling and sees a lot of tourist influx.
Budget
Singapore has the highest percentage of millionaires globally and is it more expensive than many other Asia destinations. It is highly recommended to plan a budget for your trip and try not to spend beyond that.
Rules
Singapore has a set of laws and rules that you must follow as a tourist. Smoking in all air-conditioned places such as malls, restaurants, cafes, etc., is prohibited. Drug-related offenses can even attract a death penalty. So do your research well in advance and follow everything to avoid harsh punishments or heavy penalties.
Currency
The local currency of Singapore is the Singapore Dollar, denoted as S$. You can carry some change for small purchases and public transport. Many international ATMs are available everywhere, and all major credit and debit cards are accepted.
Getting around
Public transport is world-class with all the latest infrastructure and technology. All essential landmarks and attractions are well-connected by trains. Taxis run on meter and ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Grab are also convenient modes of transport.
Internet
Wi-Fi is available in most public places such as shopping malls, restaurants, museums, libraries, etc., so you can easily stay in touch with your family back home.
Get a tax refund on purchases
If you have spent more than 100 Singapore dollars on your purchases, you can claim a 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) refund. Isn’t that wonderful? Check for stores having Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) at the airport while leaving the country, show all the bills, and claim the refund.
Packing
The weather is very humid in Singapore, so pack light and comfortable clothes. Also, carrying sunglasses, sunscreen, scarf/hat, comfortable footwear, umbrella always will be helpful.
To tip or not to tip
Tipping is not a very common practice in Singapore, as most eateries charge a 10% service charge on the bill amount. However, if you like the service at someplace, you can always tip the staff as a token of appreciation.
Food
Singaporean cuisine is delectable so ensure you indulge in some local cuisines. Some famous delicacies include Laksa, Chicken Rice, and Chilli Crab. If you want authentic and delicious food at reasonable prices, visit The Hawker Centers. Several eateries in Singapore are open 24/7, so you will find something to munch on even in the middle of the night. You can safely drink the tap water in Singapore and carry your own water bottles to refill them.
Alcohol
Alcohol is costly in Singapore due to the high tax levied on it. Even a single cocktail can cost you around 22 SGD. It is a great idea to keep an eye on Happy Hour deals that are offered by most clubs and bars. You can also buy liquor from the local supermarkets at reasonable rates.
Conclusion
Singapore is a city of several contrasts, and whether you are looking for culture, nature, shopping, or adventure, you will find enriching experiences at every turn you take. This melting pot of Asia is hands down one of the fabulous destinations to visit at least once in your lifetime.
