Joanna James
As one of Asia's most popular travel hotspots, Singapore welcomes visitors from around the globe. Whether one is heading to the Lion City for a weekend getaway or a lengthier stay, here are 10 facts and tips all tourists should know when planning a trip to Singapore.
Although Singapore is geographically smaller than the capital of Sri Lanka, the country is home to some of the region's top cultural and recreational points of interest. This means that a 3 or 4-day stay is required to enjoy some of the top things to do in the Lion City and get a feel for the country.
While Singapore enjoys cooler temperatures during the winter months, it is quite warm and humid for most of the year. This is why it's crucial to pack for hot summer weather when packing for a Singapore trip while an umbrella may also come in handy for those sudden rain showers.
Singapore is one of the world's top tourist destinations. In this country, most attractions, theme parks and excursions including the Singapore Zoo's Night Safari experience must be booked in advance. Those who do not plan their visit may miss out on enjoying some of these highlights or have to spend hours in queues to secure access.
Although it's possible to pay for most consumer goods with credit and debit cards, smaller boutiques and food stalls in Singapore typically only accept cash payments. This is why it's necessary to carry both.
Whether one is wining and dining at Venue Hotel or any of the other boutique hotels in Singapore, a 10% service charge is usually added to all bills. This is why tipping waiters and service staff is not essential. Some local cafes and bakeries will have a tip box, so it's prudent to contribute only when necessary.
Singaporeans reserve seats at hawker centres by placing umbrellas, handbags or other personal belongings. Tourists who come upon tables where personal items have been placed on the seats should move on and try to find empty seats as those are clearly reserved.
Travellers can save on buying bottled water by drinking tap water or using drinking fountains in Singapore.
Contrary to popular belief, Singapore, unlike Hong Kong, was never a part of the Chinese Republic although there is a large Chinese immigrant community in the Lion City.
Visitors will be relieved to find that most Singaporeans speak fluent English. Although there are 4 official languages in the country, English is the lingua franca for both business and education.
Due to stringent government policies and effective law enforcement, Singapore maintains one of the lowest crime rates globally, ensuring a secure environment for travelers to explore and enjoy.
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.
