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Travellers Essentials

Find out which power adaptor to bring, what clothes to pack to suit the weather, whether you need to apply for a visa, and other useful information before you visit Singapore.

Visa requirements

Check up on visa requirements and the Visa Free Transit Facility with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority or the Singapore Overseas Mission closest to you.

Currency

The official currency of Singapore is the Singapore dollar (SGD or S$). Credit cards are widely accepted in taxis, hotels, restaurants, malls, etc. Find out the current exchange rate HERE.

No Smoking Areas

Smoking is prohibited in public transportation, air-conditioned and common places, including areas within 5 metres of building entrances and bus shelters.

Weather

Singapore is hot and humid all year round, with temperatures reaching highs of over 30°C. Rain storms are unpredictable, and often torrential but brief. Always bring an umbrella around.

Languages

Singapore has four official languages - Malay, English, Mandarin and Tamil. English is the working and common language among races.

Power Plug

The standard electrical current in Singapore is 220-240 volts AC (50 cycles). Power plugs are large with three square prongs, similar to the UK.

Safe drinking water

Water from the tap is safe to drink in Singapore. Bottled water is also widely available.

Seasonality

Singapore's social calendar is marked by annual festivals and major events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix (14-17 Sept 2023).

Closure Information

Hotels, attractions, shops and restaurants are open seven days a week. Some small businesses such as hawker stalls close either in the morning or evening.

GST Refund

Apply for a refund on the 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST) when you make purchases worth more than S$100 from participating outlets. Please visit IRAS for more information.

Alcohol Consumption

From 10.30pm to 7am, liquor consumption in public areas is prohibited. At this time, alcohol can only be purchased and consumed at licensed premises and at home.

Tipping

Tipping is not a Singaporean culture. It is voluntary and out of goodwill for good service. Some restaurants and hotels may impose service charges.

Common expenses

Accommodation

Mid-range hotels start from S$75 (US$56) a night. Luxury hotels in good locations start from S$300 (US$225) a night.

Fast Food

A McDonald's regular McValue Meal cost S$7.50 (US$5.60).

Movies

A movie ticket costs around S$13.50 (US$9.50). Prices can vary according to screening times.

Taxis

A 2km taxi ride during non-peak hours can cost S$7.00 (US$5.20). A ride from airport to Marina Bay can cost more than S$30 (US$22).

Public Transport

The bus/train fares are based on total distance per trip, regardless of transfers. EzLink Card fare starts from S$0.99 (US$0.70) to S$2.26 (US$1.60).

Cigarettes

A 20-stick packet of cigarettes costs around S$16.00 (US$11.50). This is due to a 75% duty on all cigarettes including those brought in by visitors.

Green Singapore

Bring Your Own

We are building a bring-your-own (BYO) culture here. You are welcome to use your own bottle, cutlery, etc.

Plastic Bag

Each plastic bag will be charged from 5 cents to 20 cents from 3 July 2023.

Straws

Singapore phased out plastic straws in F&B outlets on 1 July 2019.