Singapore Travel Guide 2026
Hawker centers, Gardens by the Bay, and one of the world’s most efficient, walkable cities.
Search flightsWhy Singapore
Singapore packs an unusual mix into a small footprint — Michelin-starred hawker stalls where a full meal costs a few dollars, futuristic Gardens by the Bay, and a genuinely spotless, easy-to-navigate transit system that makes it one of the least stressful cities in Asia to visit.
What to know before you go
Most Western passport holders enter visa-free for up to 30-90 days depending on nationality. Singapore has notably strict laws (littering, chewing gum, drug offenses) enforced with real fines — worth being aware of, though it rarely affects a typical tourist’s day.
Best time to visit
Singapore is close to the equator and warm/humid year-round, so there’s no dramatically better season — February-April tends to be slightly drier, but rain is possible any month.
Getting there
Changi Airport is consistently rated among the world’s best, with extensive global connections and enough attractions inside (including the Jewel’s indoor waterfall) to make a layover genuinely enjoyable.
Getting around
The MRT (metro) is clean, cheap, and covers the whole city extremely well — rarely necessary to take a taxi except very late at night.
Where to stay
Marina Bay for iconic skyline views and proximity to Gardens by the Bay; Chinatown or Kampong Glam for more character and better hawker food access.
eSIM & connectivity
Coverage is excellent island-wide — among the best and most reliable anywhere.
Travel insurance for Singapore
Standard coverage works well; Singapore’s healthcare is excellent but expensive if uninsured, making coverage genuinely worth having.
Everything else for your trip
Flights
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Find a rentalTaxis & Transfers
Pre-book an airport transfer. Fixed price, driver waiting, no haggling on arrival.
Book a transferTravel Insurance
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Get an eSIMWhat to Pack for Singapore
The non-obvious stuff people forget, plus what genuinely helps.
Don’t forget
- Light, breathable clothing for constant humidity
- A light jacket or sweater — indoor air conditioning runs very cold
- Comfortable shoes for extensive walking between attractions
- Universal power adapter (Type G sockets)
Nice to have
- An umbrella — sudden downpours are common year-round
- A reusable water bottle — tap water is safe to drink
- Cash for hawker centers, though cards are widely accepted
- A portable fan for the outdoor heat between air-conditioned stops
Not Sure When to Go?
What a Day in Singapore Actually Costs
Real per-day cost ranges based on our destination research, broken down by travel style. Your total will vary, but this gives you a realistic starting budget.
| Per day | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25 | $65 | $170 |
| Food | $12 | $25 | $55 |
| Local transport | $5 | $12 | $25 |
| Activities | $8 | $20 | $50 |
| Total / day | $50 | $122 | $300 |
Practical Info: Culture, Currency & Electricity
Top Attractions
- Gardens by the Bay
- Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
- Hawker centers (Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat)
- Sentosa Island
- Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam neighborhoods
Culture & Etiquette
Singapore enforces strict fines for littering, jaywalking, and chewing gum import/sale — rules that are genuinely enforced, not just posted. It’s a multicultural, multilingual society (English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil are all official) with a strong food culture centered on hawker centers, where it’s normal to share tables with strangers.
Currency & Exchanging Money
Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Money changers in Singapore’s malls (Lucky Plaza, Peninsula Plaza) are licensed, competitive, and generally beat bank rates for cash. Bank ATMs (DBS, OCBC, UOB) are reliable and everywhere. Singapore is highly card- and app-friendly, so carrying much cash is rarely necessary.
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Electricity & Adapters
Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
Plug type: G (UK-style 3-pin rectangular)
If your home plug type doesn’t match, bring a universal travel adapter — it’s the one item worth packing regardless of destination.