Singapore Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

While Singapore may be small, there's still plenty to do across the city-state - and for anyone heading here for the first time, there are always going to be some crucial must-knows and must-dos with regard to transport, local etiquette, safety, and budgeting. 

Preparation is key if you really want to make the most of your time here - and while you can explore and enjoy the best of what's on offer day by day, the SIMOVO crew knows more than a few different tips and tricks to help make Singapore vacations memorable for all the right reasons.

If you're already a seasoned traveler to and from Singapore, there's a chance you've already put some of these tips into practice - or, you might just learn something new! Keep reading and uncover some Singapore travel tips for your next adventure.

Singapore travel tips overview

We've put together this Singapore travel tips guide as a general overview of basics and a few hidden hints - but far be it from us to tell you exactly how to enjoy your time here! We know only too well that everyone experiences Singapore slightly differently, and that you may have a few vacation ideas you'll want to add to your own itinerary that fall outside of this guide.

Therefore, feel free to use this guide as a launching pad for building your own holidays - but just remember that safety, budgeting, and etiquette tips are must-dos. On top of all that, it just makes sense to have an eSIM ready to go so that your data is fully covered before you travel (more on that a little further down).

Essential travel tips for Singapore

Essential travel tips for Singapore split into transport, safety, accommodation, and local etiquette. Further down, we'll talk about the best time to visit, and how you can make your money travel further here, too.

Transport in Singapore

As explored in our guide to apps for Singapore, there are a few must-download programs for your phone that will help you stay connected across the city. While Singapore is relatively small, you're still going to want safe, speedy connections from one area to another.

Therefore, we recommend you download the city's local twist on cab-hailing, the Grab app. Think of it like Uber - it's available in English, and it's easy to find local drivers who will pick you up and get you to where you need to go. From there, consider downloading Citymapper, a fantastic travel app companion for Singapore that outlines different transit routes and keeps you updated on traffic disruptions.

When it comes to traveling on public transit across Singapore in general, it pays to get an EZ Link card before you go, or a Singapore Tourist Pass (which will also cover discounts for certain attractions). You can check out both at SimplyGo.

Safety in Singapore

Singapore is generally a very safe place to visit and explore, but as always, we recommend that you try to travel in groups if you can, and to always keep your personal belongings and valuables with you. Crime is low here, but it still pays to be safe rather than sorry.

In terms of health and safety, you can drink straight from the faucet here - meaning you won't have to carry bottled water around unless you can factor it into your budget.

Best areas to stay

The best places to stay in Singapore for your specific vacation will naturally depend on what you're looking to get out of the city! However, many travelers, SIMOVO gurus included, recommend checking out the world-famous Marina Bay in the heart of the city, though accommodation here usually comes at a premium.

Families, meanwhile, might want to check out the likes of Sentosa Island, which is super laid-back and close to a variety of attractions. If shopping is a bigger priority for you, however, make sure to look for hotels and accommodations on Orchard Road.

Local etiquette

Here are a few quick tips to help you make sure you're following basic etiquette as a new visitor to Singapore:

• Empty tables or seats with random items on them are likely reserved by others - this is an informal, local way to reserve spots while people queue for food or drink, for example. Don't just take them!
• Littering or throwing your trash on the street is punished - always try to take your refuse with you.
• If you're from the UK, you're probably used to queueing - and in Singapore, there is a similar, unspoken politeness when it comes to waiting your turn. So, respect lines, and always prioritize older people over you.
• If you smoke, you can only do so in designated outdoor zones.
• In Singapore, it's commonly accepted that you must shake hands or eat with your right hand - the left hand is kept clean.

Best time to visit Singapore

There are scores of things to see across Singapore, no matter when you visit, but remember that this is a tropical destination - so plan ahead for humidity based on your own comfort. With that in mind, we recommend heading here either in early spring or late summer for the best balance in comfortable weather and manageable crowds.

You may even find that it is cheapest to book Singapore holidays in the off-season, too, but keep in mind that it puts you at risk from particularly heavy rainfall.

Budget tips for Singapore

Here's a lightning-round look at how to save some money when planning a Singapore vacation ahead of time:

• Use services like Skyscanner to book flights as far ahead as you can - chances are, early fall will offer up the cheapest travel.
• Prioritize hawker centers! Hawker centers are open-air food courts packed with vendors that typically offer cheaper eats and drinks compared to restaurants and cafes elsewhere in the city.
• Fill up a reusable water bottle - faucet water is safe to drink here, so don't waste money or plastic where you can help it.
• Pass on expensive breakfast or brunch deals that are built into hotel stays - there are plenty of cafes and eateries downtown that serve delicious food early in the day at a fraction of the cost.

Singapore travel planning tips

While this all seems like a lot to take in, it's always worth being prepared! So, to close off our Singapore travel tips guide, here are some final planning hints you can get started with right away.

• Are you sure your devices are using the right plug type for Singapore? Plan ahead by consulting our linked guide and investing in the right adapter.
• Whether or not you use your phone a lot every day, it's always worth downloading an eSIM for Singapore to make sure your mobile data is fully covered. That way, if you want to stream or browse on the go, you won't have to worry about running up data bills.
• English is broadly spoken across Singapore, so don't get too concerned about learning the local language. In fact, English is widely spoken in the tourist and business areas of the city, so there's not much need to break out a phrase book!