Being one of the richest countries in the world, Singapore is one of the favorite travel destinations in Asia. It offers modern attractions while it combines its rich history. Being a progressive city, the cost of living can be very expensive, compared to its neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. In case you would like to visit Lion City, here is a simple Singapore Travel Guide that can make your trip hassle-free.
Essentials
If you are going to Singapore by plane, it is most likely that you will land at the world’s best airport – the Changi Airport. If ever you land on any of the four terminals, it is interconnected to each other via their ‘Skytrain’ (for T1, T2, and T3) or through a shuttle bus (T2 to T4 and vice versa). There are many attractions inside the airport itself so don’t miss out.
English is widely spoken, as well as a number of population that speaks Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. It will not be hard to converse in different establishments or ask for directions. In terms of money, the country uses Singapore Dollar (also known as SGD or S$). Most stores accept cashless payments, but it is still preferable to bring cash.
Since we are living in a world that electronics are essential, Singapore uses a 230V supply voltage and 50 Hz. The common plug used is type G, where there are three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. However, there are a number of places that offer wireless charging for mobile phones.
Getting Around
Singapore has a very efficient public transportation system. First is Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit, which has interconnected train lines that will make visiting major places easier. Most trips will cost around 4 SGD, but tourists can take advantage of the Singapore Tourist Pass. There is 1, 2, or 3 days of unlimited travel to most bus and train lines.
As mentioned, bus lines are also available in Singapore. There are double-decker buses where tourists can go to the upper deck and enjoy the view while commuting. To know more about the bus routes and timing, it is suggested to use a travel app like ‘gothere.sg lite’. It will show the bus timings from a certain bus stop and how to reach a certain destination.
Taxis are also available in the city, but it is definitely not cheap. They are metered but there could be certain surcharges applicable depending on where you are going. Flag down starts at S$3 and could be higher depending on the type of taxi.
Weather
Singapore’s weather usually has a high level of humidity and has plenty of rainfall. December to March (also known as the Northeast Monsoon Season) is the preferable month to visit Singapore, compared to June to September (Southwest Monsoon Season) that visitors may experience showers and thunderstorms.
Accommodation
There are many backpackers hostels as well as high-end hotels in Singapore. Since booking online through hotel comparison sites are popular, make sure to consider reviews and photos provided to make sure you are getting the best of your money’s worth.
Singapore is a tourist-friendly country. There are visitor information centers you can visit, as well as informational leaflets and maps that you can get for free at the airport. In addition, you may also get coupons and freebies from these maps and guides, so make sure to read them thoroughly!
