Singapore has a well-cultivated picture of being a secure nation.

Too secure maybe for some, who balk at its infamously strict guidelines and fines for flouting them, and discover the gleaming fashionable metropolis too sanitized for his or her liking. Others respect the clear streets and manicured gardens amidst the tall buildings together with the intriguing mixture of those who make up Singapore’s multifaceted tradition.

As a Singaporean who’s lived right here all her life (and who has at all times had to clarify the nation to fellow vacationers in international hostel frequent rooms) right here’s what you want to know about Singapore, its cultural panorama, and its native customs and quirks, to assist you to plan your journey to the Little Crimson Dot.

1. Singapore is small, however with heaps to see and do

Compact Singapore takes lower than an hour to drive from finish to finish however there’s quite a bit packed into this small nation. For a first-time customer, three to 4 days is normally adequate to see the principle highlights and get a really feel of the highest things to do in Singapore. 

For those who’re actually quick on time, plan a layover with at the least 5.5 hours and you’ll be a part of one in all three free transit excursions organized by the wonderful Changi Airport for a fast taster of what the nation has to provide.

2. Pack for the tropics

Virtually situated on the equator, count on scorching tropical climate starting from 25 to 35ºC (77 to 95ºF) each single day in Singapore. A small umbrella is important in case of scorching rays or sudden downpours.

What could be robust for these used to temperate climates is Singapore’s excessive humidity – 60 to 90% on common all year long, so be ready to sweat it out. Pack mild supplies or deliver a small fan or hankie round with you. Anybody basking underneath the afternoon solar who’s not on the seaside is unquestionably a vacationer – make sure to slap on the sunblock!

Funnily sufficient, it tends to be quite a bit colder indoors than outdoor as a result of purchasing malls and central cooling overcompensate for the warmth.

A shawl or a lightweight jacket will maintain you heat, provide further solar safety and are the right cover-up should you plan to go to non secular buildings.

3. Singapore is an impartial nation 

With a majority Chinese language inhabitants, some individuals mistakenly assume that Singapore is part of China, which isn’t the case. Most Chinese language Singaporeans are descendants of southeastern Chinese language immigrants who sailed throughout the seas many years in the past. 

Singapore could also be onerous to spot on a map, however you’ll discover it simply south of the Malaysian peninsula in Southeast Asia, 4 hours away from China by airplane. On that observe, regardless of its proximity and commonalities in shared tradition and historical past, Singapore can also be not part of Malaysia, although it was very briefly again in 1963 before Singapore grew to become absolutely impartial in 1965, making subsequent yr – 2025 – the 60th anniversary of the republic.  

4. Most Singaporeans converse glorious English

Singapore is a straightforward place for Western vacationers to discover on their very own due to the widespread use of English right here. Enjoyable truth: Singapore truly has 4 official languages: Mandarin, Bahasa Melayu and Tamil symbolize the three main ethnic teams discovered right here (Chinese language, Malay and Indian respectively), and English is the principle language utilized in colleges and for enterprise, which additionally permits for dialog throughout ethnicities.

5. Pure disasters are unlikely in Singapore 

Singapore might not have scenic mountain ranges or awe-inspiring topography, nevertheless it’s additionally out of the trail of any main tectonic motion. You’re unlikely to face any main pure disasters – no earthquakes, volcanos, typhoons or sandstorms right here.

Within the worst case, there could also be flash floods throughout significantly wet intervals or haze blanketing the island from forest fires across the area, however these are normally momentary and minor inconveniences.

6. Singapore is a secure and secure place to go to 

Singapore can also be well-known for its usually secure political and enterprise local weather, usually ranked as one of many least corrupt nations on this planet. Strikes that may disrupt journey plans are virtually nonexistent right here.

The crime price in Singapore can also be comparatively low with a lot of surveillance and a police power that folks belief in. As a single lady, I’ve by no means been too frightened about wandering round Singapore alone even at night time, however do keep some frequent sense on your personal security as one in all our common slogans right here goes: low crime doesn’t imply no crime.

7. Carry each money and bank cards

What number of Singapore {dollars} you alter before your journey largely is dependent upon the place you intend to go. Most main vacationer sights and outlets in purchasing malls will settle for bank cards, and different cashless choices like contactless funds and good wallets are additionally frequent.

These planning to take public transport in Singapore can use their bank cards on the general public buses and MRT card readers for comfort, however buying a neighborhood EZ-Hyperlink card or transport cross could also be extra worthwhile relying on how a lot journey you intend to do. Nevertheless, do carry some money round with you because it stays the prevalent methodology of cost for many small companies, consuming at hawker heart stalls, or taking a taxi. Strive to break notes of bigger denominations ($50/$100) into smaller ones ($2/$5/$10) when attainable.

8. Prebook sights to keep away from ready in line

There’s a joke {that a} Singaporean’s favourite pastime is to queue for things, however that’s not one thing you need to waste time on. If there’s an choice to prebook tickets on-line or make a reservation, simply do it. That is key on busy weekends and peak trip intervals just like the mid- and year-end college holidays.

An attraction’s official web site is normally one of the best place to get tickets, however browse different reserving platforms before you try as these websites might provide particular seasonal reductions or multi-bundle costs. Additionally examine the Go to Singapore web site because it generally runs incentive packages for vacationers.

9. Tipping will not be anticipated

Tipping will not be anticipated in Singapore. For those who’re consuming out in a restaurant or cafe, there’s normally a 10% service cost included within the invoice. Some locations might have a tip field however in any other case, extra suggestions aren’t obligatory or anticipated, although they’re appreciated within the service line.

10. Perceive the artwork of “chope-ing”

In case you are consuming at meals facilities or working at co-working areas, significantly inside the central enterprise district, it’s possible you’ll discover empty tables with strategically positioned objects like umbrellas, tissue packets or lanyards on the seats. This can be a native observe to “chope” or reserve a seat whereas everyone seems to be queuing up on the stalls. Most individuals honor this casual reservation system and can look elsewhere for obtainable seats.

11. Sure, you may drink the faucet water

There is not any want to purchase bottled water in Singapore. The faucet water right here is handled and completely secure to drink. You will discover that almost all sights have water coolers the place you may refill your reusable bottles whilst you’re out and about through the day.