Get To Know Singapore

Thinking about a trip to Singapore? Brilliant choice! This city-state is an incredible blend of futuristic technology, stunning tropical gardens, and a rich culinary culture. It's the place where you'll feel like the future is already here while you soak up the magic of the East. Here’s everything you need to know before you fly, to make sure your trip is perfect.

Time - A Few Hours Ahead

Singapore is on Singapore Time (SGT), which is UTC+8. This means it's 13 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time. When it's 10:00 AM in New York, it's 11:00 PM in Singapore. It’s a significant time difference, so give yourself a day or two to adjust once you arrive.

Visa - Great News!

The good news: U.S. citizens can travel to Singapore visa-free for up to 90 days. Other nationalities may have different requirements, so always check with your local embassy or a reputable travel website beforehand. There's also a mandatory online arrival card (Singapore Arrival Card) you must fill out up to three days before you arrive.

• What you'll need: A passport valid for at least six months past your planned departure date, and a confirmed onward or return ticket.

Airport - A Masterpiece in Itself

Changi International Airport (SIN) is Singapore's only major airport, and it’s consistently ranked as one of the best in the world. It’s located about 12 miles from the city center.

• My Tip: Don't rush out of the airport! Changi offers incredible attractions, like an indoor waterfall, butterfly gardens, a movie theater, and tons of amazing restaurants. It’s a destination in its own right.

Getting Around - Peak Efficiency

Singapore's public transportation is one of the most advanced and efficient in the world. It's clean, safe, and gets you everywhere.

• The MRT: The Mass Rapid Transit system is the best, fastest, and cheapest way to get around. It connects every part of the city flawlessly.

• Buses: The bus network is very developed and complements the MRT coverage, reaching even the more remote areas.

• Taxis: Readily available everywhere. Use apps like Grab or ComfortDelGro, which work just like Uber, to avoid any surprises with the fare.

• Pro Tip: You can pay easily with credit cards or your phone on public transport. You can also get a special tourist pass called the EZ-Link card.

Weather - Endless Summer

Singapore is located near the equator, which means the weather is tropical and humid all year long.

• Temperatures: Generally range from 77-88°F (25-31°C).

• Rain: Short, heavy tropical downpours can happen at any time, so it's always smart to have an umbrella or a light rain jacket with you.

Language - A Fascinating Mix of Cultures

Singapore has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese, and Tamil. English is the most common language and is spoken everywhere, so you’ll have no trouble communicating.

• "Singlish": Don't be surprised to hear the local language, a fascinating mix of English with dialects and words from other languages. It can be a little hard to understand at first, but it's part of the fun!

Water - The golden rule of the tap

Good news: The tap water in Singapore is safe to drink. In fact, it is considered to be of very high quality! This is one of the most pleasant surprises for travelers. You can fill up bottles from the tap and use them for brushing your teeth without any worry.

How to Behave - Order and Cleanliness

Singapore is known for its strict rules and incredible cleanliness.

• No Littering: It’s strictly forbidden to litter, and violators face high fines.

• Dress Code: Casual and light clothes are perfect for the weather, but dress more modestly when visiting religious sites.

• Right Hand: It is customary to use your right hand when giving or receiving items, as a sign of respect.

Internet and SIM - Always connected, easily

Okay, pay attention:

• At the airport: Convenient and fast, but usually more expensive.

• Cellular stores in the city: The cheapest, with a large variety of plans.

• eSIM: You can order it online in advance, which allows you to have active internet from the very first moment.

• My recommendation: If you're not in a hurry, wait for a cellular store in the city. It will save you money.

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Holidays and events - When not to go (or maybe you should!)

Singapore has a wide range of national and religious holidays. It's good to know about them in advance:

• Chinese New Year: Usually celebrated in January or February. The entire city enters a festive atmosphere, but many businesses are closed.

• National Day (August 9): A national holiday with parades and spectacular fireworks displays.

• Diwali (Deepavali): Usually celebrated in October/November, filling Little India with lights and colors.

• Hari Raya Haji and Hari Raya Puasa: Muslim holidays with special events.

Money - A Strong, Convenient Currency

The local currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD).

• How to Pay: Singapore is a very advanced society where using credit cards and contactless payments (via your phone) is extremely common everywhere, from street food stalls to fancy restaurants. It's a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for small purchases, just in case.

• My Tip: You can exchange currency at the airport or at currency exchange offices in the city.

Electricity - Check Your Plugs

The voltage is 230V, and the plugs are Type G (with three rectangular pins).

• Heads Up: Your U.S. plugs will not fit the Singaporean outlets. Make sure you have a universal adapter to use all your electronic devices.

The Local Cuisine - A Food Lover's Paradise!

Singapore is a true culinary haven. Its famous Hawker Culture (street food) is an essential part of local life and has even been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Hainanese Chicken Rice: Singapore's national dish. It’s a simple but flavorful dish of rice cooked in fragrant chicken stock with slices of steamed chicken.

• Chilli Crab: A dish of crab cooked in a spicy, savory, and slightly sweet chili sauce.

• Laksa: A spicy noodle soup with coconut milk and curry.

• Satay: Grilled meat skewers served with a rich peanut sauce.

• Hawker Centres: These food centers are the best place to taste authentic local cuisine at incredibly affordable prices.

  
  

I hope this guide has given you a glimpse into all that Singapore has to offer. Whether you’re fascinated by the futuristic architecture, admiring the botanical gardens, or spending hours savoring the wonderful flavors of street food, Singapore is a destination that always manages to surprise and excite. It's clean, organized, and perfect for a vacation you won't forget.

Enjoy your trip! ✨