What You Need To Know About Singapore Before You Go
It may be a tiny country, but it packs in a punch. Singapore is continuously evolving, reinventing, and reimagining itself, with people who are passionate about creating new possibilities. It’s where foodies, explorers, collectors, action seekers, culture shapers, and socialisers meet and new experiences are created every day.
The country experiences warm, tropical weather throughout the year but the dry winter months are generally considered the best time of year to visit Singapore due to the cool and pleasant weather. Singapore is brimming with attractions for people of all ages and interests – from the stunning natural wonderland of Gardens by the Bay, to the buzzing nightlife of Clarke Quay. Exploring the family-friendly Universal Studios and Sentosa Island, and the experiential Singapore Zoo, are also considered some of the best things to do in Singapore.
With so much to see and do, it is essential that you plan your trip well and keep in mind all the important details to make your vacation easier. Our Singapore travel guide below consists of all the details you need to know – from language to getting around. No matter what you choose to do, you will always be welcomed warmly by the locals, who feel that visitors help boost the economy!
Health Information
Singapore is generally a very safe destination when it comes to health concerns. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Singapore: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
We also advise you to purchase international travel health insurance, should you fall ill during your trip, require medical assistance, or hospitalization.
Cash and Cards
Singapore is extremely traveler-friendly when it comes to currency and purchasing. Credit cards are widely accepted in all the restaurants and hotels. You will easily find ATM machines everywhere around the city.
High-end hotels, airline offices, upmarket boutiques and restaurants generally accept most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, sometimes American Express), but normally charge an additional fee of 3% on the bill in the way of passing on charges directly to customers.
Money transfers from abroad can be collected through currency exchange services associated with either Money Transfer or Western Union. It’s important to be aware that these transactions often incur significant fees. To retrieve the cash, you will be required to present your passport along with the name and reference number of the sender.
Language and Communications
Mandarin and other Chinese dialects are the mostly commonly spoken languages in Singapore. Malay and Tamil languages are also quite common. Almost all Singaporeans speak fluent English so you can communicate easily while in the country. The country code of Singapore is +65.
The telecommunication infrastructure of Singapore spans the entire city-state. It is highly developed, with close accessibility to the infrastructure from nearly all inhabited parts of the island and for all of the population. Today, the country is considered an international telecommunications hub.
Shopping and Nightlife
The sheer range of products and competitive pricing has rightfully turned Singapore into a shopping mecca. For many tourists this is the main attraction for visiting and silks, electrical goods, tailored clothing, handbags, jewelry and silverware are among the most sought items. Orchard Road and the Marina Square are where you will find more upmarket shopping while in and around Haji Lane and Sungei Road there is a more eclectic array of markets and boutiques. Singapore also hosts an annual shopping event when locals and visitors alike can avail of city-wide sales.
Singapore is famous for its nightlife and in particular its two casino resorts at Marina Bay Sands and Sentosa. Away from these, there are two all-in-one entertainment riverside districts at Boat Quay and Clarke Quay. Trends are always changing however, with one area being the go-to area one month and somewhere else the next. Like any city it’s always good to explore the lesser-known areas which you can do with our local experts.
Popular Trips to Singapore
Discover the multicultural heritage of Singapore on this 4-day tour. An ideal stopover destination, this city state has much to offer, and is a vacation in itself. Visit the Botanical Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, go on an exciting night safari at the Singapore Zoo, stroll through the iconic Gardens By The Bay or…
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Combine your Malaysia tour with a delightful Singapore sojourn. With a vibrant melting pot of culture, heritage, cuisine and natural beauty, and unique experiences curated by our destination experts, there are charming surprises awaiting you around every corner. End your private Southeast Asia vacation with some sun and sand at Langkawi’s gorgeous beaches.
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Best Time To Visit
What is the best time to visit Singapore? Owing to its location in Southeast Asia, Singapore generally remains hot and humid all year round. Here is an overview on the climate and when to visit.
Things To Do
Don’t let its small size fool you! There’s a whole host of things to do in Singapore and attractions to keep your entire family busy. Here are our top ten favorite Singapore attractions.
Festival & Events
There are a whole host of festivals and events to choose from all year round in Singapore. Discover our favorites!
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History
Singapore as we know it now, was founded in the 19th century under the British Empire. Learn more about its complex history and development into a central hub.
Culture
Singapore is very much a cosmopolitan society where people live harmoniously and there’s easy interaction between citizens. Learn more about modern day influences and more!
Cuisine
Singapore’s cuisine is as ethnically diverse as its peoples. Expect a lot of bright color, and the use of spices and strong flavors, with a beautiful depth to a lot of dishes.
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