Singapore Travel Guide

Yes by Asian standards — but cheaper than London or New York if you eat in hawker centres and use the MRT. Budget travellers manage £60–90 per day, mid-range £120–220, and luxury easily tops £300+.

Three full days covers the headline attractions (Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown and a hawker tour). Five days is the sweet spot — add Sentosa, the Zoo and a deeper neighbourhood crawl.

Yes — one of the safest countries in the world and arguably the easiest solo destination in Asia. Public transport is safe at all hours and English is the working language.

Yes — Singapore's tap water meets WHO standards and is perfectly safe to drink straight from the tap.

Absolutely — even a 12-hour layover is enough for Jewel Changi, a quick Marina Bay loop and Gardens by the Bay. Changi offers free transit tours for stopovers between 5.5 and 24 hours.

February to April have the lowest rainfall and most comfortable conditions. That said, Singapore is essentially a year-round destination — the climate barely changes.

Not really — cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, including hawker stalls. Carry a small amount of SGD for older hawker centres and markets.

Yes — exceptionally so. Sentosa, Universal Studios, the Zoo, Night Safari, S.E.A. Aquarium and Gardens by the Bay are all world-class for families.

Yes — it's the softest possible landing. Clean, safe, English-speaking, with brilliant infrastructure and food. Many travellers use it as a stopover into the rest of Southeast Asia.

Most nationalities (UK, EU, US, Australia, Canada) get visa-free entry for 30 or 90 days. Always check the official ICA website before flying.

Hainanese chicken rice, chilli crab, laksa, char kway teow, satay, bak kut teh, kaya toast and Singapore's Michelin-starred hawker stalls.

Yes — Visa, Mastercard and contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are accepted almost everywhere, including most hawker centres.

Excellent. Free WiFi is widespread (Wireless@SG), and 4G/5G coverage is some of the fastest in the world. Airalo eSIMs work instantly.

Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat, Tiong Bahru Market, Old Airport Road, Tekka Centre, Newton Food Centre and Chomp Chomp in Serangoon Gardens.

Yes — especially with kids or for a beach day. Universal Studios, S.E.A. Aquarium and the beach clubs are highlights. Skip if you're short on time.

The outdoor gardens and Supertree Grove are free. The Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and OCBC Skyway require paid tickets — best bought online in advance.

Spectra at Marina Bay Sands runs nightly at 8pm and 9pm (with an extra 10pm show on weekends). Garden Rhapsody at Supertree Grove runs 7:45pm and 8:45pm — both free.

Yes — non-negotiable. Healthcare in Singapore is excellent but expensive without insurance.

No vaccinations are required for entry. Routine vaccinations (Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus) are sensible if you're continuing into other parts of Southeast Asia.

Generally yes — section 377A was repealed in 2023 and the scene is open in practice, although same-sex marriage is not yet recognised.

Type G sockets (the same as the UK) at 230V/50Hz.

No — most restaurants already include a 10% service charge. Tipping isn't customary and never expected.

No littering, no chewing gum sales, no smoking in many public areas, no jaywalking and zero tolerance on drugs (penalties are severe). Follow the signs and you'll be fine.

Changi Airport runs free 2.5-hour city transit tours for travellers with layovers of 5.5 to 24 hours — bookable on arrival at the airport.

For F1 weekend (Sep), Chinese New Year and Christmas, book 2–3 months ahead. Otherwise a week or two in advance is fine.