Planning a trip to Singapore? I’m so jealous! Singapore is one of my favorite places on earth.
Known for its beautiful scenery, clean streets, safety, and vibrant culture – there’s nothing like Singapore.
But before you set off on your journey, it’s crucial you know some essential tips for a seamless and enjoyable experience.
One of the reasons Singapore is so safe is because of the laws. There are a lot of different laws than we have in the States and you need to respect them. It doesn’t matter if you’re a tourist. Respect the laws and respect the people.
Here’s everything you need to know before setting foot in this dynamic city.
What to Know Before Visiting Singapore
You’re going to settle into Singapore very easily. With good food, easy and clean transportation, and endless activities – you’re not going to want to leave.
We walked home after a late night of dinner and drinks with our friends and walked through a park at 1 AM and we didn’t die! We weren’t mugged, there were no homeless people.
There were tons of other groups of friends walking around AND we saw a couple drinking wine on a blanket. Craziness!
Singapore truly is one-of-a-kind.
And after visiting twice in one year, I have a few tips for your first trip.
Public Transportation
Unless you live in New York or Tokyo, public transportation can be kind of confusing. I know I always struggle with it when we visit New York City.
Singapore has a really nice transportation system, with a subway – called the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and bus systems.
We took both during our extended stay in Singapore and they are both clean and safe. I will say the bus transportation, like in the U.S. takes longer. So if you have the option, choose the MRT.
Use ‘GRAB’ Instead of Lyft or Uber
If you’re going a bit of a distance, longer than a 20-minute drive, I would suggest calling a GRAB. GRAB is the equivalent of Lyft and Uber.
We used it a TON and I used it by myself a number of times during our trip and always felt safe.
It’s a simple app download on your phone and you’re all set!
Pack Your Own Napkins
Odds are you’re going to end up grabbing one or two meals at a hawker center. And they’re all good!
Singapore is known for its street food so be sure to try as much of it as you can.
Something we noticed almost immediately is there are no napkins. Maybe a chain restaurant might have some and a nice full-service restaurant but Hawker Centers and food stands don’t offer napkins.
Pack some wet wipes or napkins in your bag or some cash to buy some. We saw a few people selling napkins at the hawker centers. It’s best to pack your own though.
Chewing Gum Is Illegal
In Singapore, chewing gum isn’t just a sticky situation – it’s illegal. Unless you have a medical prescription, leave your chewing gum at home to avoid hefty fines ranging from $500 to $1000. Embrace this unique law as part of Singapore’s commitment to cleanliness.
No Eating on Public Transportation
When riding the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), refrain from eating or drinking onboard to respect local norms and maintain cleanliness. It isn’t just polite, it’s also the law. Failure to adhere to this rule may result in fines ranging from $300 to $500. Keep your snacks and beverages for later.
Prepare for Tropical Weather
Singapore is like Florida but more tropical. Lots of heat and lots of humidity. Prepare yourself and pack a small umbrella in your bag for random rain storms. It’s also best to dress in light layers and breathable fabrics.
No Trash Cans
Similar to Japan, Singapore has relatively few public trash cans. Prepare accordingly by bringing along a small bag for your trash, ensuring you can dispose of it responsibly while on the go. Keep the city clean and green!
Little Words To Know
Some of the signage around town may confuse you a bit. Elevators are called Lifts, the subway is called MRT and coffee is called Kopi. Little changes but it helps to know!
Languages Spoken
English is spoken by most people but not all. Other languages to know some phrases in are Mandarin and Malay. A lot of the owners and workers at the smaller food stalls will most likely not speak English. It helps to use Google Translate or even spend a few weeks on Duolingo to learn some easy words for your trip.
How To Prepare For Your First Trip To Singapore
Singapore moved up to the top of my travel list after watching Crazy Rich Asians – like most people hahaha. But Singapore is a can’t-miss destination.
I’m so thankful for the books and movies that introduce us to new places. I love to learn about new cultures, traditions, and foods.
Singapore has so much to offer and you’re going to want to plan your return trip before you even leave. If you have any questions about what to do, restaurant suggestions or fun day trips, let me know in the comments below.
You can also check out my Stories on Instagram of my entire trip to Lion City (Singapore). It was so much fun!!!!
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