You may know Singapore as the fine city for more than one reason. Yes it’s tidy and shiny, but at a cost. In a place where a fine for littering can cost you at least S$300, there are some serious rules and laws in place to keep this utopia running. This is my list of 29 Singapore tips for tourists that you should be aware of before visiting the Merlion City.
1. Cameras Are Everywhere
Smile! You are on candid camera! One of my first Singapore tips for tourists is quite obvious! There are CCTV cameras everywhere; at MRT stations, on the trains, buses, at hawker centres, at registers, inside malls and stores. This makes Singapore quite safe! Just don’t do something stupid.
2. Supermarkets Can Be Expensive!
Most things in Singapore are imported. So my second of many Singapore tips for tourists would be to bring your favorite toiletries, cosmetics, and skin care products with you from your home country, unless you want to stock up on Asian goodies.
I also found it difficult to find bug repellent in many grocers, pharmacies, and convenient stores. This product is a must so be sure to bring plenty if you plan on visiting Gardens by the Bay and other Singapore parks, to include the zoo!
If you are looking for fresh produce, wet markets will be the best bang for their buck. Freshly cut fruit is also available at many wet markets, to include some of the more tricky to cut fruit like jackfruit and durian.
Many hawker centres also have a market side attached to them, like Tekka Centre and Chinatown Complex, just to name a couple of the centrally located ones. Please know that haggling/bargaining is not a common practice and rather frowned upon, especially for tourists.
3. The Napkin Thing
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I imagine this was designed this way to keep down litter, but napkins at Singapore food establishment are hard to come by. To mitigate this issue, my third of 29 Singapore tips for tourists is to bring your own packs of tissues. Although many sit-down restaurants do offer cloth napkins, I have experienced some without.
The no-napkin self-service rule usually applies to hawker centres, food courts, and other street vendors, but always be prepared to always have some on you. Some drink stalls or uncles/aunties will sometimes sell tissues at food courts or hawker centres as well.
4. Singapore’s Drug Policy
Singapore is incredible strict on drugs. Bring all prescription drugs in their original containers. Consider brining a the actual prescription with you if you feel extra worried.
Singapore can drug test tourists! If you pop positive, even if drugs were taken outside of Singapore, you can be jailed and/or fined. This is no joke; Singaporean citizens and permanent residents can still face these consequences if they consume drugs abroad. Find out more information here.
Basic medications can be purchased over the counter in Singapore if you do not have the original containers for things like allergy or headache pills.
Another one of many Singapore tips for tourists is that e-cigarettes are not allowed in Singapore. In fact, no form of nicotine delivery is allowed with the exception of cigarettes and cigars. Please note that if you do bring them into Singapore, they are taxable.
Nicotine gum, ironically enough, and patches may be available at certain Singapore pharmacies.
5. Left or Right?
Just like how they drive their cars on the left side, you also stand on the left side of the escalator and walk right. This is somewhat true for passing someone on the street, but many locals will conform to you and pass you by the right (assuming you look blatantly foreign).
If you take one thing away from this list of Singapore tips for tourists, please do not be the tourists that travels in a group and/or with your family and take up the entire sidewalk, stairway, or hiking trails. It is incredibly frustrating when others try to pass you and there is no room to make a quick pass.
6. Public Bathrooms Can Be a Doozie
As you can see, many public bathrooms in Singapore are very fancy. Many even have bidets, although some people use them to wash their bodies and then flood the stall. You may even find showers at beachside bathrooms on Sentosa Island.
However, if you find yourself at a mall or other public restrooms that is more designated towards the locals, you may find that the toilet paper is only available at the entrance of the bathroom.
If you see this GRAB SOME; this tip of my Singapore tips for tourists is a must to remember. This means that there is no extra toilet paper in the stalls. Keeping those napkins on you can really be a life saver in this instance.
You may also find squat toilets at many locations. Many bathrooms are built in an open air/outside concept with no air conditioning to help with odor.
7. The Spoken Language(s)
English is indeed one of official languages of Singapore. You will get around just fine with more of an Oxford English or Singlish at public establishments.
However, my many Singapore tourist tips also include what you need to know about ordering food, as you will encounter locals who do not speak English.
At food courts and hawker centres, there are usually pictures of food you can point at, as well as the size you want. All prices are listed as well. The most they may ask of you in their native language if you would like it for here or for take-away. The other official languages of Singapore include Tamil, Malay, and Chinese.
8. Hawker Center Norms
There are a few things to note about Hawker Centre etiquette that you must be aware of. Number 8 of Singapore tips for tourists includes returning your tray! There are designated areas in each Hawker Centre to return your tray after your meal. Sometimes you are even expected to throw your trash out before returning your dishes.
Please note that many places offer a separate return are for halal and non-halal trays/dishes. If you know for a fact that the food stall you ordered from is 100% vegan/vegetarian, this is halal. Many stalls may also indicate if they use pork or lard. If you are not sure, some places have different colored items; but please ask if you are uncertain.
Some hawker stalls only serve certain dishes on certain days. Drinks are available for purchase only at drink/coffee stalls. Sugarcane juice and lychee are a must try. If you go to a popular hawker centre let alone a popular stall within that hawker centre, chances are that they may be sold out if you come late. A long queue usually indicates that it is good.
When ordering, please be prepared to place your order when it is your turn in the queue; there’s no time for small talk at hawker stalls. “Self-Service” is very common and means that you will grab your own tray, silverware, and sauces/toppings; the stall will only bring out your plate of food at the front of the stall. Things like this keep Hawkers so affordable. Don’t forget your napkins.
Most hawkers and food courts are cash only or via an online Singaporean pay portal (via QR code). Be prepared to pay with small bills and coins. P.S. unless you order a hot soup or something fresh out of the fryer, many hawker food dishes are not piping hot, but rather lukewarm. Many stalls do cook to order, so this is more of a concern for roasted meat dishes and chicken rice. Nevertheless, the food is still tasty, and nothing truly gets cold in hot and humid Singapore.
9. Queuing is Truth
Queuing, or waiting in line for your turn, is a common curtesy anywhere, but especially in Singapore. Cutting in line is not tolerated. The only place you may not see much of this other than at the tellers/ticket machines is at the MRT itself.
However, people do usually queue for the bus. Tourists are incredibly bad at queuing, especially for the bathroom. Please do not be this person and take number 9 of my Singapore tips for tourists to heart.
10. Choping Culture
Choping is a Singlish word for reserving a table at a food court or hawker centre by using personal belongings to mark the table as “taken”. Many people will place an item down on a table while they go order; you can expect water bottles, lanyards, purses, keys, wallets, clothing and accessories, and the famous pack of napkins.
Yes, if you see one or two packs of napkins sitting alone on a table, this table has been choped and is not available! Please keep these Singapore tips for tourist in mind when dining at hawker centres!
11. MRT Do’s & Don’t’s
The Singapore Metro, or MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the probably the cleanest subway system in the world. The MRT also includes the green public busses and the small neighborhood above-ground trains known as LRT (Light Rapid Transit). There are some things to know about the MRT; no eating, drinking, smoking, or durians are allowed, inside the train/bus or at the station, although I am not sure what the rules are regarding bus stops. You can bring food and drinks, they just cannot be consumed. There are also no restrooms aboard but each MRT station has public restrooms.
Let’s talk payment, which is generally quite cheap, especially the buses; but it can all add up. Many foreigners will tell you that getting an MRT card or a Singapore Tourist Pass is not worth it, and that paying with an Apple device or a tappable credit card is fine, which may be the case if you are only in Singapore for a few days and don’t plan on using the MRT excessively/are staying centrally in the downtown area. However, foreign transaction fees and credit card fees are usually applied each time you tap your card out of the MRT Station or bus, so a cheap fare can easily add up. Getting a tourist pass may be worth it, or a regular MRT pass if you have plans to return to Singapore in the coming years.
My final MRT tip for this list of Singapore tips for tourists is that if you do use an MRT card/Singapore Tourist Pass, the ticket machines at MRT stations do not accept foreign credit cards, so you will have to use ones that accepts cash or go to see a teller. It is also common practice to offer your seat up to the elderly, families, and pregnant women. The best part about the Singaporean MRT other than its cleanliness is that all trains and busses are air conditioned and you will have great cell signal while zooming through the deep metro tunnels across Singapore.
12. Walking in Singapore
Singapore is a very walkable city, despite its climate. Crossing the streets can be tricky as pedestrians do not always have the right of way. To Westerners, Singapore drivers would be considered reckless, but jaywalking is also illegal! If crossing the street using a crosswalk, make sure you make eye contact with the merging driver before crossing.
I found that Little India especially, has few crosswalks and many locals are forced to jaywalk, so be careful of motorcyclists especially. My final part of tip 12 for this list of Singapore tips for tourists is that pedestrians cannot walk into express tunnels, though I am not sure why you would want to. Please also stay out of bike lanes and walk left.
13. Expectations at Restaurants
Sit down restaurants in Singapore are not like the ones in the West. Depending on the restaurant, you may receive a physical menu or not. Either way you will view a menu online and place your order through their website while seated at the table. Unless it is a hot pot/table top BBQ type of restaurant, most people usually order all at once, and food comes out as its ready.
You will only see wait staff when your meal comes out and when they clear your dishes. If you would like more, you have to order it online. At the end of your meal, they may bring the bill to the table but you are expected to pay at the host’s stand on your way out.
Also, though Singapore usually accepts casual dress, beware that many fancier bars and fine dining establishments do adhere to a dress code, perhaps just at certain hours (i.e. CÉ LA VI at the Marina Bay Sands).
Slurping noodles loudly is also not uncommon, and it seems that knives are not a popular utensil in Singapore, at hawkers or at restaurants. You will find scissors instead. Please do not ignore these Singapore tips for tourists!
I want to emphasize this again; the level of service in Singapore is very different compared to “the West”, especially if you are used to the southern hospitality in many parts of the US. This is not a bad thing, just different. The more reserved/non-confrontational culture across many parts of Asia means that wait staff are minimally seen throughout your dining experience.
Also, refills on beverages are also not free regardless of what you order, to include water. I actually find it more time effective and convenient to order refills and extras online instead of having a waiter run the order to the kitchen manually.
14. Tipping
Tipping is not a common practice in Singapore. Instead, many sit-down restaurants will charge a GST, a Guest Service Charge of 8%, 9%, or 10%. Every place is different; at some places, the GST may already be included in the prices shown on the menu, or it will be applied to the total at the end.
Another important tidbit for this list of Singapore tips for tourist is that haggling/bargaining is rather frowned upon, especially for tourists.
15. Visiting a Temple
I hope you have some time to visit a temple or mosque while you are in Singapore! Although the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the Sultan Mosque are the de facto religious sites to see in Singapore, there are dozens of other shrines and temples.
But these Singapore tourist trips are important to note; please adhere to temple/mosque dress code or you will likely not be admitted. This usually means no shorts and covered arms/shoulders, but always check the site’s website. You can also expect not to bring non-vegetarian food inside and you may be expected to take off your shoes.
Please be aware of photography etiquette and of others praying/performing rituals.
16. Who is Your Uncle and Auntie?
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The term “uncle ” and “auntie” are endearing terms of respect used for older people in Singapore. You will hear others use this term with strangers, so do not be surprised that they are probably not related. I hope you are enjoying these Singapore tips for tourists!
17. Be Mindful of Noise Levels
Noise discipline is essential in a public setting across Singapore, especially on public transportation. You are expected to talk on the phone quietly, play music and videos through headphones, and speak quietly amongst each other.
While you may see some not locals doing this, it’s a big no-no for tourists, take it from this list of Singapore tips for tourists!
18. Smoking in Public
Although smoking cigarettes is perfectly legal, you can only smoke in publicly designated areas. Please keep this in mind, and yes, vaping/e-cigarettes are still illegal in Singapore. I don’t recommend ignoring tip 18 from this list of Singapore tips for tourists.
19. Vaping is Illegal!
Not only is vaping illegal in Singapore (as mentioned many times above), but possessing an e-cigarette is also not permitted. So do yourself a favor and do not ignore my Singapore tips for tourists. Leave your vapes at home.
20. PDA
PDA (Public Display of Affection) is rather frowned upon in Singapore. Holding hands is okay, but kissing and hugging in public is not common. Many people in Singapore adhere to a more conservative religious lifestyle and prefer to keep to themselves.
Singapore’s diversity makes it so unique. I bet you didn’t think you’d see this on a list of Singapore tips for tourists, nor does it apply to everyone.
21. Tap Water & Water Fountains
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Good news! Unless indicated otherwise, the tap water in Singapore is safe to drink. Please know that most water fountains around Singapore do not have chilled water.
However, you can get both hot or cold water at a dispenser located inside baby changing stations at many popular Singapore tourist attractions’ bathrooms. So more Singapore tips for tourists now also includes that you should bring your own reusable water bottle.
22. Littering
Littering can be finable in Singapore. As mentioned above, it starts at S$300 but can be as high as S$10,000. This also includes spitting on the street. Not sure why you would even need to litter as there are many waste receptacles all across the city, even along popular hiking trails in the jungle.
Speaking of trash in the jungle, please still dispose of biodegradable waste in trash bins during your hike. The issue in Singapore is that many wild monkeys associate humans with food. They can actually get quite aggressive if they find that you have food on you.
Keep Singapore beautiful and be mindful with your trash out in public…keep this list of Singapore tips for tourists handy just in case! Recycling is also a common practice in the city.
23. Drawing Your Curtains Shut
Another one of many Singapore tips for tourists includes this rule; nudity and drawing your curtains shut. It is in fact illegal to be naked at home or in a hotel room if you can be seen from the window, so be sure to draw the curtains!
24. Photography
Of course take many pictures on your Singapore vacation, just be mindful of this…There are many buildings around Singapore that cannot be photographed, and there will be signs that make it quite obvious. These usually include military bases and government buildings as well as any other restricted area.
Please also be mindful of taking pictures inside religious shrines, temples, churches, and mosques. These Singapore tips for tourists are important as many locals and perhaps even other tourists do not prefer to have their photo taken.
25. Midday Siestas
This one surprised me the most, but if you are visiting Gardens by the Bay, Jurong Lake Gardens, the Southern Ridges, or the Singapore Botanic Gardens you may find local workers enjoying a mid-afternoon nap. During the peak of the day’s heat, many gardeners will seek a secluded shady spot or a bench to rest on.
This took me quite by surprise as I was snooping around World of Plants at Gardens by the Bay and saw a handful of gardeners napping, but this practice is quite normal here and amongst many parts of Southeast Asia. These Singapore tips for tourist may be new or totally normal to you.
26. Masks
As of my visit in December 2023, masks were not mandatory in Singapore, although they are always good to have on hand. You never know if you may need one in case of a medical emergency or if you need to seek medical care while in Singapore (masks are usually not required for outpatient care). Although it seems like we are long past the Covid-19 pandemic, you will see locals wearing masks. If you want to fit in, these Singapore tips for tourists are for you!
27. Bike Safety is No Joke
If you are planning to ride bikes during your visit, consider some of these Singapore tips for tourists. Careless bike riding is an offense, so be sure to push your bike in pedestrian areas/anywhere you see signage. You must also wear a helmet (unlike the cyclist above) while riding and conform to red light signal; riding on the high speed roads is also not permitted, not sure why you would want to anyways. Also, don’t use your phone while you cycle, this can be punishable. Take no Singapore tips for tourists for granted.
28. Complete Your Singapore Arrival Card
A mistake I saw many people make upon arrival in Singapore is that they did not complete their entry card. This takes less than five minutes, but it will delay you if you have not completed it upon arrival in Singapore. This is done online via the ICA App or website and is officially known as the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC); the Singapore Arrival Card can be filled out up to 72 prior to your arrival, whether that is via plain, train, bus, taxi, ship, or otherwise. Yes, fill one out if you are here for a cruise.
This is not a visa, just a basic document that includes your information and length/location of your stay. Please consult the ICA website if you require a visa and ensure your passport is not due to renew. Also please inform yourself about entry requirements if you are staying in Singapore, but visiting Johor Bahru or Indonesia for the day. As basic as it is, this Singapore tips for tourist is essential.
29. The Chewing Gum Thing
One of Singapore’s most famous laws is about chewing gum, I imagine this was put into law with the intention to keep the city clean. You cannot import it, although it has been said you are allowed to bring it for personal use. However, it is difficult to justify this upon entry, so it is best leave it at home and stick to mints. Nicotine gum is also not permitted to bring in although you may be able to find it at a Singaporean pharmacy. Did you know that among all these Singapore tips for tourist, this one still surprises people?
Bonus: Wifi
Did you know that connecting to an unsecured network in Singapore is illegal because it is considered hacking! You read that right. Although there is a plethora of free public wifi access across the city, you may want to think twice about connecting to a suspicious source. P.S. bootleg/illegal DVDs or CDs are also strictly prohibited. I had no idea about this law until I researched more for this list of Singapore tips for tourists.
Summary & Final Thoughts
I hope you got to learn something new from my list of now 30 Singapore tips for tourists! I also hope you feel well prepared after reading through this blog post. It is meant to inform anyone who is visiting Singapore for the first time and is not acquainted with their rules, laws, and norms. I do not want you to learn the hard way, so this list will serve you well!
