Essential Singapore Travel Tips You’ll Want To Know Before You Go
Singapore is an island country in Southeast Asia. It is made up of one main island and 62 small ones, so it’s essential to have great Singapore travel tips for planning your trip. Singapore is renowned for turning itself from a poor country into one that is the richest in the world in just one generation. The standards of education, healthcare, innovation, tourism, trade, and technology are all high and it is known to be one of the safest countries in the world, as well as one with the best investment potential.
Bearing all this in mind, it should be no surprise that Singapore is one of the most popular tourist destinations. If you are planning a trip to this wonderful place, be prepared and you will have a vacation experience that you will never forget.
Dress To Suit The Weather
As Singapore lies just 1 degree north of the equator, its climate is warm and sunny whenever you travel there. However, it can be quite humid too, so expect to sweat when you are outside. You should take clothing that will cope with this so that you do not end up looking like one big sweaty mess. Plan any outdoor trips for the mornings when it is cooler, and always carry an umbrella with you. The tropical climate means the weather can change from sunny to torrential rain and back again in a matter of minutes.
Realize It Is Not Cheap
Singapore is one of the more expensive destinations, but the services you receive in return will soon show you why. This might seem even worse if you have spent some time in some of the outlying areas, such as the Woodlands, which is an area popular with the locals that is much more affordable. Not everything is expensive though.
You can save money on food by skipping the fancy cafes and restaurants and eating at the hawker centres. Thee hawker centres tend to be off the beaten track for tourists, but the food is a very good quality and the hygiene standards regulated. There are many of them that do the food buffet style, where you can eat as much as you want for just a few dollars.
The other thing that is really cheap is the brilliant public transport system. It is very modern, well maintained and a safe way to get around Singapore. There are apps that will tell you how to get to whatever location you are heading for, but if you are really stuck there are always taxis, which are metered, or you can share a bike.
Alcohol and smoking are both expensive and you will need plenty in your budget if you are looking for a vacation full of partying. Some bars do have happy hours when alcohol is a bit cheaper, but that all stops at 10.30, which is when the shops stop selling beer.
Learn The Rules
Singapore has many rules and if you are caught disobeying them you could face a heavy fine or worse. If you drop chewing gum in a public place, throw a cigarette end down a drain or spit in the street you will be fined. However, commit an act of vandalism and you will go to prison and for drug-related offenses, there is a death penalty in force.
The government’s stance on crime is hard, but that is one of the reasons that Singapore has the reputation of being one of the safest places in the world. Safety is a high priority on the island, with crime levels being generally low. You should still be sensible however, and never leave valuables unattended.
You also need to be aware of what you bring into the country. The only tobacco you are allowed is an open packet of cigarettes and e-tobacco products are banned. The alcohol that is allowed is 1 liter each of spirits, wine, and beer, or some other combination of the three such as two liters of beer and one of wine.
Tipping in bars and restaurants is not customary as you usually get a service charge on top of your bill. This can vary from 5% to 10%, but even the hawker centers include it in what they charge you.
Don’t Miss The Attractions
Singapore has a great deal of attractions for you to visit, and you should get to see as many of them as you can. Between great food, easy travel around the island and sights you will not see anywhere else in the world, Singapore is a great place for a vacation and it is no wonder that visitors return there many times.
