Top Singapore Travel Tips Every Visitor Should Know

Coming to Singapore? Great choice! It’s clean, safe, easy to get around… and yes, the food really is that good.

But beyond the big-name spots like Marina Bay or Gardens by the Bay, there’s a lot more that first-timers often miss.

Simple things, like which MRT line not to take during peak hour, or where locals actually go for chicken rice (hint: not the airport).

I’ve lived here my whole life, and this guide’s everything I’d tell a friend visiting for the first time from how to save time, avoid tourist traps, and enjoy Singapore without feeling lost or overspending.

Let’s dive in.

Arriving at Changi: What to Expect

Changi Airport runs like clockwork. Fast immigration, free Wi-Fi, and more creature comforts than most malls. But once you’ve grabbed a shot at the Jewel waterfall, it’s time to head into the city.

The MRT is by far the cheapest and easiest way in. It links directly from Terminals 2 and 3, and most rides cost under S$3.

If you’re staying anywhere along the East-West or North-South line, just hop on the train. It’s clean, fast, and you’ll skip traffic.

During peak hours, it’s actually quicker than taking a cab.

And about taxis, here’s what many don’t realise: there’s an airport surcharge. From 5pm to midnight on weekdays, it’s an extra S$5.

From midnight to 6am, it’s 50% of your fare. If you really need a car, Grab is usually the smarter choice. At least you’ll see the price upfront and skip the meter anxiety.

Where to Stay (and Why Location Matters)

Yes, Singapore is small. But where you base yourself still makes a real difference.

Many first-time visitors head straight for Marina Bay. Hotels cost more and food tends to be polished so you won’t get much local flavour.

If it were me planning a trip here? I’d look at Bugis or Chinatown.

Bugis is right in the middle of things. Arab Street’s just around the corner, and Kampong Glam has plenty of small shops to wander through. If you’ve got time, take a quick ride to Little India. This whole stretch is packed with food, easy to explore, and connects smoothly to other parts of the city.

As for Chinatown, don’t write it off. Locals come here too for strong kopi, supper at old-school dim sum joints, and bars tucked away above shophouses. It’s busy, but not too much. Just the right amount of buzz.

Getting Around Singapore

Public transport in Singapore just works.

The MRT trains are fast, buses are frequent and there’s generally proper signage so it’s easy to find directions.

Skip the single-trip tickets. Just tap in with your phone using SimplyGo, or get an EZ-Link card. Both are easy, but SimplyGo is fuss-free and doesn’t need top-ups.

Everyone takes the MRT, but here’s what most visitors miss: the bus system is just as good, and sometimes even faster. Plus, you’ll actually see the city instead of riding underground. Google Maps handles both well, so you’re covered.

Try to skip the rush hours which is from 7 to 9am and 6 to 8pm. Trains get packed, buses crawl, and you’ll spend more time waiting than moving.

Need a car? Grab’s great for short trips, but for longer rides, regular taxis can be cheaper outside rush hour.

How to Eat Like a Local

Food’s a big deal here. Ask anyone… we’ll travel across the island just for a good bowl of noodles. But eating like a local? That takes more than just knowing what to order.

First, tray return. Always do it at hawker centres. No one’s going to chase you down, but it’s just what we all do. Keeps things clean and moving.

When you order, be clear. Say “roasted chicken rice” if that’s what you want — not just “chicken rice.” Want it less salty? Try “shao yan” in Mandarin or “kurang masin” in Malay. Don’t worry if your accent’s off as most hawkers get the idea.

As for what to eat?
Forget chili crab unless you’ve got something to celebrate. We’re more likely to go for:

• Hokkien mee — wet-style noodles, prawn broth, wok hei goodness
• Kway chap — herbal soup, braised pork, and flat rice noodles
• Satay — smoky skewers, peanut sauce, ketupat rice on the side

Now, where to find the good stuff?

• East Coast Lagoon — best with a sea breeze
• ABC Brickworks — not fancy, but everything slaps
• Maxwell — early mornings are your best bet
• Tiong Bahru — low-key, very local

Money & SIM Cards

You don’t need to carry much cash in Singapore. Most places take cards, and even hawker stalls are starting to accept PayNow or QR payments. Bring maybe S$100–200 just in case — for kopi at an old-school shop or the odd cash-only stall. If you run low, ATMs are everywhere.

Staying connected? Two easy options:

• Local SIM cards — good if you’re here for more than a few days. Look for Singtel, Starhub, or M1.
• Tourist eSIMs — quick and painless for short stays.

You’ll find mobile shops in most malls, and staff usually speak decent English so they’ll sort you out fast.

Before you land, get these apps:

• Grab — for getting around or ordering food
• Google Maps — works great with buses and MRT
• SG MRT Map — handy when you’re underground with no signal
• Trip — for booking attractions at lower prices

That’s it. Cash light, Wi-Fi strong… you’ll be fine.

What to Pack

Singapore’s heat is no joke. It’s humid too… not dry heat but the kind that clings. And when it rains? It pours. Usually for 20 minutes, but enough to soak your shoes. November to January tends to be wetter.

Now here’s the twist. While it’s warm outside, the air-con indoors can be freezing. I’ve had meals in restaurants where I regretted not bringing a hoodie. So yeah, pack something light you can throw on inside.

Stick to clothes that feel okay when you’re sweaty. Loose shirts, quick-dry fabrics, that sort of materials. I wouldn’t go heavy on cotton as it just stays damp.

Good shoes make a difference. You’ll be walking way more than you expect. Malls, train stations, food hunts. It adds up.

If you heat up easily, a little fan in your bag helps. This is super useful if you’re stuck outside with no breeze.

And if you forget something? Just buy it here. There’s a mall every few blocks, and most things are easy to find.

Local Customs & Unspoken Rules

Singapore’s easy to get around, but there are a few unspoken things we locals just… do. And you’ll blend in better if you know them.

First, we’re big on queues. You’ll see lines for food, buses, even lifts. Just join the queue, no need to ask

Because we’re such a mix of cultures, you’ll probably end up visiting a temple or mosque. Just be respectful. Cover your shoulders and knees, remove your shoes if others do, and try not to walk through when people are praying. If in doubt, just watch what others are doing.

A few more things locals care about:

• Don’t touch someone’s head
• Use your right hand (or both hands) when giving or receiving things, not just your left.
• And no chewing gum. It’s not a myth… it’s actually banned for sale.

Other rules? Pretty strict. Littering gets you fined. Same for smoking in non-smoking spots or feeding birds in parks. You’ll see “fine” signs everywhere.

Tipping isn’t expected here. Most places already include service charge. If someone really goes above and beyond, a small thank-you is appreciated, but it’s not the norm.

Safety, Health, and Emergency Tips

Singapore’s really safe. Most people walk around at night with no problem. You can leave your bag on a seat at a hawker centre to chope a table and nobody touches it.

That said, if you’re squeezing through a crowded spot like Orchard or Marina Bay on a weekend, just keep your stuff close. Not because anything’s likely to happen but it’s a good habit.

If you feel unwell, you can easily find help.

• Guardian or Watsons: great for simple things like flu meds, plasters, or even advice from the pharmacist.
• For something more serious:
• • Polyclinics: affordable, but usually got a queue.
  • Private clinics: faster, more expensive, but sometimes worth it.

For emergencies, here’s what you need:

• 999 — police or ambulance
• 995 — fire
• You can also get the SGSecure app. It gives alerts and lets you report stuff.

Most locals speak English. If you’re unsure or lost, just ask someone nearby. People will usually help, no fuss.

Local Tips Before You Go

When you come matters more than people think. June and December are school holidays, so expect more crowds, especially at places like the zoo, Sentosa, and anywhere with air con. Hotel prices tend to creep up too.

If you’re into shopping, the Great Singapore Sale usually runs from May to July so just be ready for packed malls.

Don’t spend your whole trip chasing big-name attractions. Some of the best bits of Singapore are quiet, everyday things. The chess games downstairs at the void deck. Aunties bargaining at the wet market. That one uncle who’s been making kopi at the same stall for decades. That’s the stuff locals grow up with.

Even if you only have a few days, try to set aside half a day to walk through an HDB town. Somewhere like Toa Payoh or Ang Mo Kio. Take the lift to the top floor of a random block, look out at the city. Wander past the notice boards, maybe grab lunch at the coffee shop nearby. It’s slower, but more real.

And hey, pick up a bit of Singlish before you go. Not because you need it, but locals warm up when they hear it. Try “can or not?” for asking if something’s okay. “Shiok” when something tastes amazing. Add a “lah” for flavour. You might even get better food. Who knows?

Before You Head Off

Singapore’s not big, but if you take your time here, you’ll notice it’s more than just clean streets and shopping malls.

Wander into a neighbourhood. Eat where office workers queue during lunch. Talk to the auntie at the kopitiam. That’s when things get interesting.

We like our trains on time and our buildings cool, but we also hold onto old habits, old places, old flavours. It’s a mix. A little messy sometimes, but real.

If you catch a glimpse of that side of things, even just a little, we’re glad.