Posted by If you’re visiting Singapore for the first time, don’t let the fact that it’s the smallest country in the world fool you. It’s also one of the most exciting places you’ll ever visit in your life.
Singapore is one of the most modern and glamorous cities in Southeast Asia. While the city has some of the highest skyscrapers and most expensive buildings globally, its vast gardens and parks offer a place for nature to flourish. A visit to Singapore would allow visitors to do more than check out the city and the malls.
They could also visit the zoo, Singapore tourist spots, take a night safari, and explore a bird park. Singapore is a favourite holiday destination worldwide, especially among families. Here are ten things that you need to know when visiting Singapore.
1. The Entrance Requirements
Singapore offers so many exciting things to see and do that planning an itinerary will be extremely fun. Nevertheless, before you enter the country, you’ll need a visa. You need to know some things before booking your tickets and applying for a Singapore visa.
Visa-free entry for U.SBritish, South Korean, Australian, Swiss and Norwegian passport holders are available for 90 days in Singapore. However, citizens of Afghanistan, Mali, Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran, Bangladesh, Somalia, Iraq, and other countries will need to possess a visa vignette to enter Singapore. If citizens from Libya, Afghanistan, Mali, Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran, Bangladesh, Somalia, Iraq, etc., wish to visit Singapore, they will need an e-visa.
You can obtain an E-visa within a day from a visa agent, the nearest Singaporean embassy, a strategic partner of Singapore, or maybe even an acquaintance who lives in the city. Similarly, a vignette visa can be applied for through the same channels, but it usually takes three working days to receive.
2. Cost
Singapore is a city-state with many millionaires and a high cost of living. There is no doubt that Singapore is a luxurious and comfortable place, but it isn’t free. Experience the Singapore experience by spending money at the singapore tourist spots, malls, hotels, and restaurants. Budget travellers are advised to book tours, transportation, and accommodation packages to help them save money.
3. Access to public transportation
Most people are concerned about transportation when they travel to a new city. While in Singapore, however, you should have no concerns about vehicles. Thanks to the city-state’s excellent transportation system, getting around the city-state is easy. You can easily use the bus, train, or taxi to get from one place to another. Taxis are also a popular mode of transportation since they are quite economical and quite comfortable. During peak hours, surcharges may apply. The city is not too complicated to navigate.
4. The climate
There is a humid climate in the city throughout the year. When going on a city tour or going to a nature park, always pack light and breathable clothes. Thunderstorms can also occur during the day, so carrying an umbrella is a good idea.
5. Safety
Singapore is a very safe city because its laws against crime are stringent. Travellers of all kinds, solo or in groups, can safely explore the city and its alleys at any time of day or night, regardless of their gender. Many accounts of travellers travelling alone in the town at 3 or 4 AM without incident. There is almost no crime in the city.
6. Eating locally
Both local and international cuisine is available in Singapore’s restaurants. The city’s hawker streets are the best places to enjoy tasty food without spending too much money. You can enjoy delicious local and international food for just a few Singaporean dollars. In addition to the wide variety of cuisine, you will try every day; you must not miss certain dishes. These include Hainanese chicken rice, satay, and carrot cake. Furthermore, locals usually dine in the hawker streets if you want to interact with them.
7. It is Expensive to Drink Alcohol
Pubs and bars abound in Singapore. It’s a very happening city at night. It is best to purchase alcohol from duty-free shops before departing the airport because alcohol is pretty pricey in the cities. Coffee shops and hawker streets, on the other hand, sell cheap beer and other alcoholic drinks. Lastly, buying or drinking alcohol in public is prohibited after 10:30 PM. Your glasses can be enjoyed in restaurants, pubs, or even in your hotel room.
8. Different types of local coffee
Coffee shops and brands from around the world can be found in Singapore. However, for just one day, try skipping your regular Starbucks latte and experimenting with the local coffee. It’s sure to be an enjoyable experience! Various variations have been developed in recent years using brewed coffee, evaporated and condensed milk. The local coffee comes in over ten tasty varieties. But that’s not all. There are quite a few hawker markets and food courts in the area that sell them for cheap.
9. Non-smoking policy
Smoking zones have been designated around Singapore. Using a cigarette in public places is forbidden, and you will be fined $1000 for being caught. Therefore, before you light up a cigarette, look for an area designated for smoking.
10. It is illegal to chew gum.
You need to learn how to chew gum discreetly and throw it away carefully if you chew gum every day. It is illegal to buy, sell, or import chewing gum in the country. Having a few in your bag shouldn’t result in you being detained, but you should dispose of them responsibly. Moreover, no chewing gum is available in any Singaporean supermarket, mall, or store. Enjoy Singapore tourist spots.