Joanna James
Singapore is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and has something to offer to every type of traveller. Here are a few survival tips that'll help make the most of your adventure.
Check alcohol limitations before purchasing any from the Duty-Free; limitations differ based on what you are buying, for instance, you cannot buy more than one litre of spirits or two litres of wine. In addition, you cannot bring cigarettes or other tobacco products from foreign nations into the country. While not as strict as many make it out to be, Singapore does have some laws, considered small offences elsewhere, that are taken very seriously. Laws against littering, smoking, chewing gum, jaywalking, public urination, etc. can, if not adhered to, land you in a lot of trouble.
Lion City makes for a very expensive travel destination. Eating out at a café will cost you at least 20 USD, entry into most museums cost about the same and, the biggest blow of all: alcohol prices – a glass of wine or a pint of beer will cost between 15 to 25 USD. One of the reasons food, drinks and other services cost so much is that bills and prices listed on menus include a 10% service charge and a 7% Goods and Service tax – for this reason, tipping is not customary in Singapore. Look out for offers extended by resorts, hotels and serviced apartments, like Ascott Orchard Singapore, which is one of the many said serviced apartments. Singapore short term rentals are easy to find if you look closer. These can help you save up on food and lodgings during your stay.
Sunscreen, light clothing and water are your best friends. Its proximity to the sun makes Singapore extremely hot but it's the intense humidity that will get you in the end. Plan as many indoor activities as you can during the morning and at midday to avoid the heat and be sure to always carry a full bottle of water with you; you can refill bottles at fountains found inside malls.
Singapore is periodically affected by a severe smoke haze. The severity and duration of the haze vary from year to year but, the Singaporean Government issues early warnings as well as information on air quality measurements, etc. so locals and tourists are not caught unawares. The haze occurs most often in September but it is better to keep an eye out for a government which will help you successfully circumvent the hazardous event.
Singapore's best cuisine is not found in fancy, expensive restaurants but in the relatively inexpensive, street food stalls known as Hawker stalls. Hawker stalls provide all the phenomenal regional cuisine Singapore has to offer, at about 10 USD a plate! You need not worry about their cleanliness, it is mandatory for stalls to prominently display a government-issued placard that rates their cleanliness from A to D.
One way to cut down on travel cost is to make use of the fantastic public transportation available. Singapore's subway (called the MRT) is extremely cheap, easy to navigate, safe, impeccably clean and within walking distance of the city's key attractions. Tourist passes can be purchased from TransLink Ticket Offices located at major MRT stations; these are EZ-Link stored value cards that provide unlimited, pre-paid travel for up to 3 days. The value cards can be used for bus travel as well.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
