[Tips] Singapore- First Time Traveller to Singapore

A guide for first-time travellers to Singapore. Understand that it can be a hassle searching for some of the information. I have consolidated some of the common questions and information about Singapore.

Weather

When is the best time to visit Singapore?

The best time to visit Singapore is Anytime. Singapore has a tropical climate as we are near the equator, we do not have 4 seasons, only summer. Weather can be rainy, sunny, windy and cloudy. We are relatively humid, and our temperature do not show a large variation from month to month. The highest temperature on the record is 37 ºC and the lowest record is 23.9ºC

We have 2 monsoon seasons, from December to early March and from June to September. During this period, we will experience heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

Source from: Meteorological Service Singapore

What to bring?

Bring along sunblock, sunglasses, an umbrella and a poncho.

What to wear?

• T-shirt
• Jeans
• Pants
• Bermudas
• Slippers
• Walking shoes
• Shirt short sleeve
• Lightweight Jacket
• Dress

Currency

Singapore’s official currency is the Singaporean Dollar (SGD). The Brunei Dollar (BND) is also considered legal tender in Singapore, operating on a 1:1 exchange rate with the Singaporean Dollar.

For your information:

If you are entering Singapore with more than SGD20,000 or its foreign currency equivalent in cash, you must submit a completed NP727 form: to the Customs Red Channel on your arrival at Singapore’s Changi Airport

Bank notes: S$2, S$5, S$10, S$20, S$50, S$100, S$1,000

Coins: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, S$1

ATM access

ATMs are available everywhere.

Credit card

AMEX, JCB, UNIONPAY, WEPAY, VISA, MASTERCARD

Top 3 credit card brands accepted in Singapore: VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX

What are the bank charges?

It depends on the individual bank and their exchange rate charges. typically ranging from 1% to 3% of the transaction.

My best suggestion to the traveller who is using credit cards is to always choose to pay in overseas currency.

Is Wisecard, Revolut and Youtrip acceptable in Singapore?

Yes, is acceptable since it is a Visa debit card.

Is cash widely accepted?

Yes, we still accept cash especially if you are heading to our local hawker centres.

Tipping

Tipping is not required in Singapore but offering a small gratitude is always appreciated.

Phone and Internet access

Internet is pretty stable and free Wi-Fi are available in Shopping mall and restaurant.

Better to purchase a travel sim card or e-sim.

Click here to read more about the Prepaid Simcard that can be purchased/ collected at the Airport.

[Help] Prepaid SIM card Singapore Changi Airport (Update: 2023)

Voltage

In Singapore, the supply voltage is 230V the power plug sockets are of type G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Most of the hotels do provide travel adapters or USB ports. You can contact your hotels to check on it.

Language

The common language spoken in Singapore is English and our National language is Malay.

Transportation

Public Transport

MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) and Bus

App: MyTransport.SG

By taxi or ride-hailing apps

Cabs here are metered, but there may be surcharges depending on when, where and which company’s taxi you board.

https://www.cdgtaxi.com.sg/ride-with-us/

There are quite a few ride-hailing applications available in Singapore to book a ride from your preferred pick-up point to your desired destination. Some options available include Grab, Gojek, Ryde and TADA. The most commonly used would be Grab.