About Singapore

About Singapore

Singapore is a sunny, tropical island in Southeast Asia, a modern metropolis with a rich food scene and lush green nature. The country is well set up for tourists with diverse attractions – see some highlights listed below

The city-state is 710 square kilometres and inhabited by five million people from four major communities - Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian. These cultural influences permeate the language, food, history and arts of the country. Singapore is also a high tech society – with the government announcing in 2025 its next five-year research, innovation and enterprise plan would receive a $37 billion investment https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/national-research-foundation-research-innovation-enterprise-rie-2030-37-billion-5537496.

For travellers, Singapore is ideal as a take-off point for other countries in the region, with its international Changi Airport by some accounts the best in the world https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/changi-airport-reclaims-worlds-best-airport-title-in-2025.

Getting Around

Singapore’s public transport system is a modern, efficient, and extensive network of trains (MRT) and buses. All Singapore buses and trains accept contactless bank cards associated with Visa or Mastercard for payment. Visitors may also choose to purchase the Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited travel for up to five days. These passes are available at train stations or convenience stores in Changi Airport. For car hailing services, you can use Grab, Gojek or Tada apps to hail a ride in Singapore. Uber is unavailable in Singapore.

Good to Know

Official Language: English The Singapore dollar (SGD) is the official currency of Singapore. While credit/debit cards can be used widely, most food courts might only take cash. Use a money exchange at the airport or ATM at train stations. ATM fees vary depending on the foreign bank and your home bank.

Tipping is not practiced in Singapore, restaurants often include a 10% service charge. GST (sales tax) is 9%.

For SIM Card, you can buy local prepaid SIM/eSIM at airport or convenient stores with your passport.

Singapore’s climate is tropical, featuring high temperatures and humidity year-round, with high rainfall. Daily temperatures average between 28°C and 32°C, and relative humidity typically stays around 75% or higher. Power and connectivity: Type G plugs (UK-style), 230V. Emergency numbers in Singapore: - Ambulance: 995, Police: 999

Practical Tips

Dress light; many venues are air‑conditioned—carry a light layer for indoors. Bring reusable water bottles; drinking water is safe from the tap. Smoking is limited to designated areas; e‑cigarettes/vapes are illegal. Alcohol rules: public drinking is restricted from 10:30 PM to 7:00 AM; consumption is allowed in licensed premises (bars, restaurants, etc.) during the hours stipulated. Chewing gum sales are restricted; don’t litter or vandalise—laws are strictly enforced.

Attractions

• Marina Bay Sands Skypark - https://www.marinabaysands.com/attractions/skypark-observation-deck.html
• Singapore Botanic Gardens (UNESCO) - https://www.nparks.gov.sg/SBG
• Gardens by the Bay - https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/
• Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve - https://www.nparks.gov.sg/visit/parks/park-detail/sungei-buloh-wetland-reserve
• National Museum of Singapore - https://www.nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum/
• ArtScience Museum - https://www.marinabaysands.com/museum/whats-on.html
• Sentosa Resort World and Universal Studios - https://www.rwsentosa.com/
• Singapore Zoo and Night Safari - https://www.mandai.com/en/singapore-zoo.html
• Dining and nightlife along Singapore river - https://www.visitsingapore.com/neighbourhood/featured-neighbourhood/singapore-river/
• Hawker centres - https://www.visitsingapore.com/things-to-do/dining/local-food-and-drinks/experience-local-delights/

Visa Information

To ensure a smooth journey, travellers seeking to enter Singapore should comply with the general entry requirements & public health requirements listed in the link : https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore

Check if You Need a Visa

If you hold a passport issued by one of the countries or places listed below, you will require a valid Singapore entry visa to travel to, and seek entry, into Singapore.

You may submit visa application:

• Through an authorised visa agent appointed by the Singapore Overseas Mission; or
• At the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission