17 Singapore Travel Tips Every First-Time Visitor Should Know

Friend, is that a packet of chewing gum you’re packing? You need to throw that out the window ASAP because chewing gum is illegal in Singapore. Yeah, I’m not even kidding.

Planning your first trip to Singapore actually sounds pretty simple, until you get there and find out about all its strange laws. Some people call them authoritarian. I say they’re amazing. Why?

Not returning your tray at a hawker center is illegal. So is not flushing after using a public toilet. If someone reports you, it’s a big stack of money out of your pocket… or worse, jail time. Isn’t that wonderful? You’ll never walk into an unflushed toilet in Singpaore!

As a frequent traveler who’s fresh off her 15 days there, let me help you mentally (and logistically) minimize any surprises with some Singapore travel tips for first-timers.

From all the things (yes, there are a handful) that can get you in trouble, how to save money on food, how much to tip in Singapore, and what clothes to pack in those bags, I’ve got you. Seriously!

“Singapore is a Fine Country.”

During the first small-group food tour I took in Singapore, our guide said, “Singapore is a fine country. They fine you for a lot of things!” Isn’t that hilarious? 😂

He also showed us the CCTV cameras installed at every street corner, sometimes hidden on a building, but usually on light poles.

Thanks to these cameras and Singapore’s effective police force, culprits are usually caught within 24 hours of a crime, no matter how petty.

Of course, this system works to guarantee your safety as much as that of the locals, but only if you know how things work here. And you will by the end of this post.

Before You Go: Entry & Arrival Tips

I’m not counting these few tips as one of the 17, but they’ll help set your expectations for Singapore and streamline your arrival. We’re limiting surprises as soon as you land.

As always, don’t forget to check if you need a visa for Singapore.

Fill Out the SG Digital Arrival Card in Advance

Like many other countries, you need to fill out an arrival card before passing through immigration in Singapore. In this case, it can be done completely online, and no more than 3 days before you arrive.

I recommend downloading the MyICA mobile app and filling out the form on your phone. This way, you’ll have your entry information with you whenever you need it. Another way is to do it on the webpage.

Immigration Is Automated

This surprised me the most, but all immigration into the country is automated. All of it.

There were no lines of foreigners waiting five years to get cleared, and there were no booths with officers stamping passports.

What awaits you here is a row of automated machines and people getting cleared so fast that it looks almost like they just walked past it.

You know how we usually budget 1-2 hours from touchdown to get out of the airport? I was in a taxi within 30 minutes. It was amazing.

Don’t forget to visit the biggest indoor waterfall in the world at Jewel. (Or do it before you fly out!)

Must-Have Apps for Singapore

The two must-have apps you need on your phone are Grab, the Singaporean ride-hailing app, and City Mapper, which helps you navigate the public transportation system.

Singapore’s Famous Rules

I mean, sure, you can’t drive in Singapore without a driver’s license and an international driving permit. But we’re not even going to get that technical. Plus, there’s not much need to drive.

1. Chewing Gum Is Illegal

Yup, you read that correctly. Chewing gum (the noun and the action) is prohibited in Singapore.

You’re not allowed to bring it into the country, you won’t find any in stores there, and you’ll get fined for having or chewing one.

But is the place wonderful enough for anyone to forget about chewing gum for a while? Yes, absolutely.

2. Spitting is Also Illegal

But why would you, anyway? If you wouldn’t spit on the floor in your own house, don’t do it somewhere else. It’s basic decency, plain and simple.

3. Littering Is a Serious Offense

You will be fined from S$300 to thousands for littering. For bigger or repeat offenses, you may end up in court, or in an embarrassingly bright green vest picking up trash in public… or both.

I don’t know about you, but I’d rather just hold on to my trash and find a bin somewhere. I’ll live.

4. You Can Be Fined for Not Flushing a Public Toilet

I freakin’ love this one. You can and will be fined for not flushing in public toilets!

I don’t know how they’ll catch you, but I’m assuming that if the person going in after you decides to report, then you get in trouble for it. This is pretty basic, though.

I’m sure we all got this one under control. And if you don’t, then… well… you deserve it.

Food Culture & Eating Etiquette in Singapore

The food scene in Singapore is a bit different from what we’re used to in the Western hemisphere, in a great way.

The following five tips will save you from surprise fines.

5. Eat at Hawker Centers and Kopitiams

While there are certain sit-in restaurants I highly recommend you try, it’s a good idea to keep as many meals in hawker centers and kopitiams (smaller cafeterias with 4-6 vendors) as possible.

There are no taxes and no service charge at these places. The food prices are already very low compared to restaurants (S$3-10), but you also pay exactly what’s on the price tag. They’re perfect for budget foodies.

6. Bring Cash for Hawker Centers and Kopitiams

One downside to eating on a budget at hawker centers and kopitiams, though, is that they don’t accept credit cards.

So, have cash ready for your meals. It’s a small inconvenience, but the taste and experience are more than worth it.

Some vendors at bigger hawker centers like Lau Pa Sat may take cards, but don’t rely on that.

7. Don’t Forget to “Chope” a Table

Don’t forget to what?

“Choping” is a Singlish slang for “reserving” or “calling dibs” on a table at kopitiams and hawker centers. You chope a table by putting your personal belongings there, right on the table or in one of the seats.

The locals will straight up put their personal bags down. I know Singapore is that safe, but I don’t trust other tourists, so I usually do it with a packet of tissues, a museum pamphlet, or something of less value.

This goes without saying, but if you see anything on a seemingly vacant table at hawker centers, it’s taken. Don’t sit down, or it’s gonna turn awkward pretty quickly.

8. Tipping Isn’t Expected

There is no tipping culture in Singapore. If you’re eating at a restaurant, you’ll notice on the bill that a service charge is usually included.

While hawker centers don’t include service charge on their price tag, it’s basically self-service, so vendors don’t expect a tip either.

9. Always Return Your Trays

In countries with over-the-top hospitality, like Thailand, most people leave their tables at food courts and leave them to the cleaners.

There is no such inconsideration in Singapore. You’re expected to clean up after yourselves and keep everything clean for everyone else. Always return your trays at hawker centers and kopitiams. Not doing so will get you fined.

Getting Around Singapore

Traveling around the country is not complicated at all, but there are a few things you should know.

10. Grab and City Mapper Saves Lives

For convenient, personal rides when you’re in a rush, download Grab, Southeast Asia’s superior version of Uber, made in Singapore. It’s cheaper than taxis and even lets you order food and groceries.

For help routing and navigating the public transportation, City Mapper is amazing. Say goodbye to looking up bus stops and trying to DIY your own transfers.

11. Eating on Public Transport Is a No-Go

Hey, guess what, here’s another common thing that’s straight up illegal in Singapore. No food or drink consumption allowed on MRT or buses, not even water.

It’s okay to buy takeaway food for dinner as long as you keep it safely in containers. As soon as you bring it out to eat, then tah-dah, you’re fined!

12. Crossing the Street? Obey the Lights.

Where are my East Coaster friends? I know y’all cross the street on the red man when there are no cars in New York and Boston, but do it in Singapore and you may get fined (again).

Jaywalking is technically illegal. While you’ll see very few locals in a rush doing it (I saw maybe 4-5 of them during my entire stay), always wait for the green man.

Cultural Etiquette & Local Customs

Below are a few cultural tips to help you avoid confusing (or offending) the locals.

13. Dress Modestly at Temples & Mosques

If Singapore feels to you like it’s not a religious place, that might be because it’s all the religions at once. You’ll see mosques, Buddhist temples, and churches coexisting in one neighborhood. Most of them are open to tourists.

When visiting these establishments, dress modestly. Sleeved top, with pants or a skirt that covers your knees. I also recommend asking before taking photos of anything.

14. Don’t Assume Everyone Speaks Mandarin

Singapore has four official languages: English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. You’ll see signs in all four languages in most places you go.

If Mandarin is your first language, do not assume that everyone speaks it here.

Everyone speaks perfect English, though, especially the younger generations.

15. Understand the Local Coffee Culture

This tip sounds a bit over-the-top, but I spent what felt like an hour waiting for a pair of tourists to order coffee at a joint in Bangkok, too. So, while very basic, I don’t think it’s completely uncalled for.

When visiting boutique coffee shops, you’ll see the usual like Americano, Latte, Flat White, and whatnot.

But when visiting traditional kopitiams, you may see things like Kopi, Kopi-C, Yuan Yang, and stuff you’re not used to. Knowing what they are helps save you (and the people in line) a lot of time.

Weather & Lifestyle Tips

Last but not least, some tips to help you get mentally (and financially) ready.

16. The Weather Is All the Seasons at Once

The temperature in Singapore is steady year-round, never leaving the 77-91°F (25-33°C) range, with sudden downpours.

Some days, you’ll wake up to scorching morning suns, then an afternoon drizzle. And some other days, you’ll wake up to a storm that clears up in the afternoon.

Always carry an umbrella in your bag. Wear light, breathable clothes with layers, and hydrate well.

Ah, we can never forget sunscreen. Don’t ever forget sunscreen, especially around 4-5 PM. The sun murders.

17. Alcohol Is Expensive, So Budget Accordingly

If you enjoy drinking more than usual while on a trip, set aside an extra budget for that in Singapore. A glass of wine or a cocktail can cost you S$30-40, and even more at fancier bars.

Follow My Itineraries For Singapore!

If you’re looking up visiting tips, I assume you’re already done brainstorming what to do, is that right? Then I have pre-designed itineraries for 2 days and 3 days you can use for your trip.

Got less than 24 hours on a layover? Follow my layover itinerary to maximize your 10-12 hours with cultural sights and eats!

Check out my Singapore Cultural Travel page for more information you can use to plan your trip!

Resources For Your Trip to Singapore

Below are some of the resources to help you get ready for your time in Singapore.

Don’t forget to check your visa requirements, and fill out the Digital Arrival Card no more than 3 days before you land.

• Get your trip covered with Safety Wing Insurance
• Stay connected in Singapore with this eSIM
• Must-have Apps: Grab, City Mapper

Find a Place to Stay in Singapore

Still looking for somewhere to stay? Read my guide on the most convenient neighborhoods to stay in and use the map below to find the best hotel for you!

Grab My Singapore E-Checklist

To make sure you don’t leave anything important out of your preparations, I’ve made a digital checklist to help you get ready. I leave 2 pages blank for you to customize your own checklist, too!

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