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Updated by Joanna James on Mar 16, 2024
Headline for First Timers Survival Tips To Singapore – Your Ultimate Guide To Beat Those Travel Jitters
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Joanna James Joanna James
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First Timers Survival Tips To Singapore – Your Ultimate Guide To Beat Those Travel Jitters

Is it your first time heading to Singapore? Read up on this list of survival tips and other important things to know before flying here!

1

Travel

Singapore's public transport system is amazing. The MRT and the bus networks are modern, fast, convenient, inexpensive and reliable. The MRT is the fastest way to get around the city and explore the various attractions as most of them are located in close proximity to many popular tourist attractions. If you're planning on using the MRT and the bus a lot during your holiday, the Singapore Tourist Pass is a special pass that offers unlimited rides on either mode of transport for S$10 for one day, S$16 for two days and S$20 for three consecutive days. The cards can be purchased from a number of MRT stations from Orchard, Bayfront, Harbourfront, Chinatown, City Hall, Changi Airport, Bugis and much more! Another way to travel around the city, especially if you're in a hurry is by taxi. The taxis are convenient to use when trying to get to places which aren't accessible by the public transport methods. As all taxis are metered, you don't have to worry about getting ripped off!

2

Shopping

Singapore is best known as a shopper's haven – and with good reason. From designer stores to the streets market of Chinatown, there are plenty of things you can buy that you might even consider buying an additional suitcase to carry your stuff back! Don't forget to buy some iconic local souvenirs for your friends and family back home.

3

Tax Refund

The best part about going shopping in Singapore is the tax refund that ONLY tourists are eligible for! When you spend more than S$100 at retail outlets that are marked as "Tax Free", you are entitled to a 7% Goods and Services Tax from your purchases. You can use up to 3 receipts from the same day to meet the minimum amount of S$100. You can claim your tax refund using the self-help kiosks marked as Electronic Tourist Refund, which can be found at the Changi Airport Departure Check in Hall. Don't forget to apply for the refund before checking in your luggage. However, if you intend on hand carrying your luggage, then proceed to get your tax refunds from the Departure Transit Lounge.

4

Stay Connected

With modern technology taking up 80% of our lives, the metropolitan has a number of options for you to stay connected with your friends and family back home. Many accommodation properties such as Somerset Bencoolen Singapore offer complimentary Wi-Fi, but what about when you step out of your service apartment in Singapore? Buy a prepaid SIM card which will provide you with a data package and also allow you to make calls, or invest in a pocket Wi-Fi device – the latter would be more useful if you're planning a long stay. Changi Airport and some restaurants and shops in the country offer free Wi-Fi services, however, you could also look for Wireless@SG – a popular Wi-Fi hotspot in Singapore's public areas.

5

General Tips

Don't chew gum. Chewing gum is banned in Singapore. Tap water is completely safe to drink. Expect hot, humid weather with temperatures usually reaching to 30°C during your holiday. Spells of rain are quite random but don't always last too long. Smoking in air conditioned places is strictly prohibited. For the police, call 999