Travel Tips for Visitors to Singapore



Weather in Singapore

Singapore has tropical weather with uniform temperature and pressure, high humidity and abundant rainfall year around.

Best time to visit Singapore is any time of the year. Bring an umbrella or plastic poncho to Singapore.
Clothes & Shoes in Singapore Bring a good pair of walking shoes as you will be walking a lot. 

Rain can be torrential so bring an umbrella or plastic poncho.

Clothes and shoes are Asian size (0-9) for women and (s-m) for men. 
Finding clothing/ shoes may be difficult in Singapore if your size is outside these parameters.
Attractions Closed day in Singapore Some Singapore tourist attractions are closed on Sunday, so check and plan accordingly.
Singapore Local transportation Tourist attractions are connected very well either by Singapore MRT/Subway/trains network and/or bus system.

Singapore MRT subway trains and public buses are inexpensive, organized, clean, efficient, and the fastest way for local commute in Singapore and surrounding areas.

Singapore's Taxi cabs are inexpensive and affordable.
Mass Transit (Singapore MRT)

Singapore mass rapid transit system (SMRT):

Singapore MRT is frequent, travels to most attractions, organized and fairly inexpensive.

MRT in Singapore is easy and efficient once you get a hang of its network & transfer stations between different lines.  

For your convenience buy the EZ link (stored value smartcard) at a MRT Station Ticket Office or convenience stores in Singapore. 

EZ Link card saves the time of purchasing new tickets every time you go on the MRT or bus in Singapore. 

EZ link card can be reloaded as needed at an Add Value Machine (AVM+) or General Ticketing Machines (GTMs) in MRT stations and bus interchanges (SD $10 minimum) in Singapore.

Go to the TransitLink Ticket Office and you will receive a refund of the remaining travel value on your card.
Please note that the $5 per EZ card cost price is non-refundable.

You can find out detailed information about fares for the SMRT website.
Eating in Singapore

Singapore is heaven for foodies. 

The infusion of Asian cultures and English influence has created a delicious food experience in Singapore.  

Chicken and Rice is considered Singapore's 'National dish'. 

This simple dish steeps chicken in boiling water or stock to a tender texture, then served over rice cooked in chicken stock with ginger and pandan leaves.  It is accompanied with tangy red chili sauce dip.

For Breakfast try kaya toast.  Kaya is coconut jam combined with butter on thin slices of fresh bread toasted over a charcoal fire served with soft-boiled eggs and rich coffee.

Chili Crab is a must try!  Crab cooked in a sweet, spicy, and savory sauce. 

Dip fried or steamed buns, called mantou, to soak up the sauce. 

Other dishes include Fish Head Curry, Fried Coconut Cake, Laksa, Nasi Lemak, and Rojak.

Don’t forget to go to one of the many Hawker centers for delicious and affordable food. 

Maxwell Food Center, Hong Lim Food Center, Tiong Bahru Market, and many more!
Safety Watch for signs.  Singapore laws regarding jaywalking, littering, chewing gum, smoking areas are all strictly enforced. 
You will be fined if caught.  

Elders are given respect and preferential treatment.  When on public transportation please give up your seat for elders.

Although Singapore is very safe, be aware of your purse or backpack, especially when on crowded subways or buses.  

Always know where you are going and how to get there before you leave.
Language

English is spoken by hotel front-line staff, mall shops, big restaurants, and tourist places in Singapore.

English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil are the most commonly spoken languages in Singapore.
Electricity (Power) If visiting from outside, 230 Volts (as compare to U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts) power supply.
Miscellaneous Restaurants: Despite a no-tipping rule, locals appreciate a small tip when someone has gone out of their way to help you.

Taxi: Tipping in cabs is not expected, but it is a nice courtesy to round up or tell the driver to keep the change.

Hotel: Tip porters around SG$2-5, if they help you with your bags or help you out.

Other: Airport Staff are definitively not to accept tips.  Do not tip at Changi Airport.