Asia · South-Eastern AsiaStar guideIsland country in Southeast Asia
Photo: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Singapore (Chinese: 新加坡 Xīnjiāpō; Malay: Singapura; Tamil: சிங்கப்பூர் Chingappur) is a city-state in Southeast Asia. Modern Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819, and since independence, it has become one of the world's most prosperous countries and boasts one of the world's busiest ports. Singaporean food is legendary, with bustling hawker centres and 24-hour coffee shops offering affordable food from all parts of Asia. Combining the skyscrapers and shopping malls of an affluent modern city with a medley of different Asian cultures and a tropical climate, good shopping and a vibrant nightlife scene, this Garden City makes a great stopover or springboard into the region.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Singapore.
Cards and cash
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted in stores, restaurants, hotels, etc.
Tipping
Merchants are lawfully required to publish the GST-inclusive prices (i.e. you don't need to do further maths) except for hotel and some restaurant (eat-in) prices whereby GST (and service charge) are added right before payment (see Tipping and Sleep sections).
English, Malay, Tamil, Chinese
The Big 3 — Chinese, Malays and Indians — get all the press, but there are plenty of other communities with their own little neighbourhoods (or shopping malls) in Singapore:
They have generally excellent coverage throughout the island, which is blanketed with both 4G and 5G.
Mobile networks
Tap water is safe for drinking with very high sanitation standards.
Tap water is safe for drinking with very high sanitation standards. The hot and humid climate means that drinking plenty of water is advisable.
Covered in the guide
Chinese place their family name first, so Phua Chu Kang is Mr. Phua for business and Chu Kang (or just CK) to his friends. Many have Western names, so he may also be known as Terry Phua.
Covered in the guide
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
Places in Singapore on the World Heritage List.
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Public transport and paid services in Singapore.
By train
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and LRT (Light Rail Transit) are the backbone of Singapore's transit system.
By boat
Tourist-oriented bumboats cruise the Singapore River, offering point-to-point rides starting from $3 and cruises with nice views of the CBD skyscraper skyline starting from $13.
By bus
Buses connect various corners of Singapore, but are slower and harder to use than the MRT.
By taxi
Taxicabs use meters and are reasonably priced and honest.
By rideshare
Rideshare apps have largely supplanted taxis in Singapore. The two biggest players are Grab and Gojek.) surge fares can be much higher.
By car
Hitchhiking is virtually unheard of in Singapore, and given the small size of the country and its cheap, ubiquitous public transport, it's hardly necessary.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Singapore.
Finding apps for Singapore…
Other ways to travel:FaresBy bicycleOn foot
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Singapore · International · SIN
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Singapore
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 28° | 29° | 30° | 30° | 30° | 30° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 28° |
| Avg. low | 24° | 24° | 24° | 26° | 26° | 26° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 24° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 235 | 102 | 168 | 193 | 199 | 164 | 174 | 173 | 167 | 210 | 283 | 300 |
| Humidity | 88% | 86% | 84% | 82% | 83% | 84% | 85% | 84% | 83% | 83% | 85% | 88% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$75
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$205
Per person, per day
Luxury
$540
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $35 | $115 | $310 |
| Food and drink | $20 | $45 | $110 |
| Local transport | $10 | $20 | $50 |
| Activities | $10 | $25 | $70 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 1 of 4Exercise normal precautions
Exercise normal precautionin Singapore. Singapore is generally a safe destination for travelers. Review our travel guidance for Singapore to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel: check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator review your travel insurance policy for coverage monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts Illegal drugs There are severe consequences for drug related crimes in Singapore. Evidence of drug use in your system on arrival or in transit will lead to refusal of entry or arrest. See Entry requirements and Safety and security pages for more information. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Singapore.
ItinerariesThe ultimate 3-day Singapore itinerary covering Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Chinatown hawker centers, and Little India street heritage.
6 min read
Travel tipsRealistic Singapore travel budget breakdown explaining hotel costs, hawker center prices, MRT transit fares, and alcohol taxes to help you travel affordably.
6 min read
Travel tipsDiscover the premier free attractions in Singapore, including Supertree light shows, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Southern Ridges walks, and beach spots.
6 min read
Travel tipsFive countries where women travelling alone find safe streets, easy transport and a warm welcome, with practical advice for each one.
7 min read
Food & drinkMalaysia, Singapore and Brunei are former British colonies in Southeast Asia that are at the crossroads of Malay, Indian and Chinese cultures, and topped off with British influences from the colonial era.
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyFor many Singapore may bring to mind skyscrapers with financial corporation headquarters, high-tech industry and one of the largest harbours in the world.
Wikivoyage
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