Singapore

Supertree Grove Observatory, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

General Info

Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is an island country and city-state in the same time.

Known as a global financial hub and having a highly developed market economy, the Singaporean economy is free, dynamic and business-friendly, fact that attracted many multinational corporations.

The country is highly urbanized, with a population density among the highest in the world.

The official currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD).

the country is known for its various ethnic groups. The major ethnic communities include Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian. There are four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil, but English is the most common spoken language.

When to visit Singapore

The best time to visit the country is generally during the months of February to April and July to September.

These dates are ideal due to the dry season, perfect for outdoor activities.

You will NOT need cash!

Credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment options such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, hotels and even for the public transportation.

I mostly used Klook for organizing my activities in Southeast Asia as it is very intuitive and has some great deals!

You can use the platform to book tours, buy tickets for diverse shows, rent a car, or even to get your public transportation card beforehand!

Check it out before planning your trip to Singapore!

Transportation and getting around

It is easy to walk around the city, as there is always something to admire around: a building, a park, a bridge etc.

In the same time, the country has an efficient and well-connected transportation system consisting in buses, trains (MRT and LRT), and taxis.

The payment options make it even easier to use the public transportation! You can entirely pay by card or even use your apple pay. You will always be charged as soon as you exit the subway or get off the bus, therefore you need to tap again your card/apple pay to the reader by the time you make it to your station.

When it comes to transportation from the airport to the city, the best option is to use the MRT. From the airport (Changi Airport Terminal 3), take the train to Tanah Merah (Platform B). From there, you can choose your desired line who will bring you to the city.

The price of the MRT depends on the travelled distance and varies between 1.50 SGD (1.10$) and 2.50 SGD (1.90$) per journey.

Safety

The country has a low crime rate, with strict regulations that contribute to its reputation as one of the safest countries in the world.

The locals are very polite and trying to help you if you seem lost, fact that indicates how welcoming and safe the country is.

In Singapore it is rude to…

The country is known for its cleanliness as littering is impolite and strictly sanctioned by the police.

In the same time chewing gum is forbidden and it is not allowed to eat and drink inside the MRT.

Feeding the pigeons is also not accepted.

Last but not least, smoking is only allowed in designed ares.

Fun facts about Singapore

Singapore is one of the smallest countries in the world, having about 719 square kilometers. This is also why owning a car can be very expensive.

Despite its urban landscape, modern buildings and bridges, Singapore has a surprising amount of vegetation. The city has numerous parks, gardens, and nature reserves, including the Gardens by the Bay. The best part is that the majority of these are having free entrance, which leads me to another fun fact: Singapore can be affordable.

I know this is an unpopular opinion about Singapore, but I do think that you can visit and travel to Singapore on a budget!

Yes, I am saying on a budget because:

The majority of the attractions are free of cost
Walking around the city is a great option for budget travelers, as you only need comfortable shoes, a cap and water.
The food is affordable. Of course, there will be some restaurants having extremely high prices, but not all of them are charging exorbitant amounts on dishes.

You can get a traditional breakfast at Ya Kun Kaya Toast Marina Square for 6 SGD (soft cooked eggs, kaya toast and coffee or tea) or a tuna sandwich for 4.2 SGD, or a pepperoni and cheese pizza at Little Caesars Singapore for 10.5 SGD.

The city is famous for its diverse cuisine. Hawker centers and open-air food courts, offer a wide variety of affordable dishes influenced by Chinese, Malay, Indian, and other cuisines.

The accommodation is going to be expensive, but Singapore is also known for the multitude of capsule hotels, so you can book a capsule for your stay in Singapore.

Did I make you curious about visiting Singapore? Then click on the button below to find the best things you can do and the must see places in Singapore!