Singapore Travel Tips for First-Timers (Like Me!)

For those who will travel to Singapore for the first time - it's a lovely, squeaky clean, and kinda strict country. Here are some useful tips I can share with you that will be quite useful (coming from a first-timer who went there solo).

1. Pack more shirts. The country is just above the equator which makes it a tropical country. But coming from a warm place myself, I was greeted by humidity that made me take 2-3 baths a day. If it's not the humidity, there is a chance for rain. Otherwise, you can buy clothes in the malls. Singapore is a fantastic place to shop ... but if you're on a budget, pack the shirts.

PS: Don't bring bubble gum. They are anti-gum.

2. Get a TOURIST PASS. The Singapore Tourist pass is like their E-Z link card that you can use to ride the bus and MRT. It's about the size of a typical ATM card and looks like one. It's gonna save you money when traveling around the city. It's available in Changi Airport at the MRT interchange.

3. Get a MAP. You don't really need to buy one. There are free maps and guides inside at Changi Airport. It's beside the Visitor Center.

4. Don't exchange all your money at the foreign exchange counter at the airport. There are better rates outside. You need only SG$20-25 for a cab to the city, or SG $20-40 for a Tourist Pass. You don't need to tip the driver, actually for any service for that matter. It's strongly discouraged.

5. Don't plan a walking trip from 12PM to 5PM. It's hot and you'll be sweaty all over. Plan those trips in the morning or evening (The Esplanade is specially lovely in the evening). You can escape to the numerous malls during these unholy hours.

PS: Follow the pedestrian lane and stops so you won't get in trouble. FYI, vehicles are right-hand drive. So people used to the left-hand drive, they drive on the wrong side of the road (hehehe), turn your necks and watch where you walk.

6. Try the hawker food centers ... it's safe, cheap, and yummy. Unless your stomach is on the sensitive-side. But then you can always bring anti-diarrheals or stomach pills. :-)

7. If you are going to buy souvenirs - go to Chinatown, it's cheaper there. There's 3-for-SG$10 stores scattered all over there. You can get shirts, bags, SG souvenirs, etcetera.

8. Catch a show at The Esplanade. Lovely place ... specially the Concert Hall - fantastic acoustics. Sometimes,they have free shows at the lobby at night. You can go to the rooftop(?) and have a nice view of the Marina. I recommend that you visit it in the evening.




9. If you're on a heritage and cultural tour, start off in Bencoolen St - the riverside end. You'll be able to pass by the museums. It's also one of the lovely parts of the city. Don't miss out the Singapore Art Museum and the National Singapore Library. End it at Fort Canning Park, where you can sit and rest under the trees. It's also near Dhoby Gaut MRT station.




10. If you're going for the Night Safari, it opens 7:30 PM. If you're not taking a cab, take the MRT to Ang Mio Kho station. Go to the bus interchange - no need to get out of the MRT station ... there is an underground (?) pass that will lead you there. Just follow the signs. Take Bus 138. It's a 30-45 minute ride.


11. When buying goods, make sure you get a GST receipt/paper from your retailer. It's like a receipt form wherein you can fill out your details. You will need that when you get your tax refund at the airport.

12. Buying gadgets such as cellphones, laptops, computer parts etc.? Go to Sim Lim Square. Don't mistake it for the Sim Lim Tower - which is almost across it. The square is 5 floors of that electronics. You can go crazy there. Though Mustafa Center has those too, the choices are kinda limited. Just make sure you're really decided to buy something, they don't like it if you hop from one place to another, and haggle, and end up not buying.

13. Don't leave SG without trying the Singapore Sling, Chili Crab, Fish Head curry, Kopitiam, Gelare, and the exotic dishes in Little India. If you're food adventurous, observe which food stall has a line. If the Singaporeans fall in line for that stall, it's usually good (that's what I did, hahaha). You have to be patient though.

14. You can skip the Singapore Flyer .... unless you want to propose with 26 people around you or you're rich enough to cough up SG$1,000 for your own cab. It's nice to take pictures though in the evening.

15. Before checking in your baggage, go to the GST Tax Refund counter first. Produce your receipt, your GST receipt form (properly filled out to avoid delays), and passport (sometimes your e-ticket too). They might inspect the stuff you bought, so be ready to produce them (that's why don't check in your baggage). They should stamp it. Don't put it in your check-in baggage. You're gonna get your money back on the second GST counter AFTER immigrations, and you need to produce that stamped receipt/receipt form. After that you can go shopping again with your refunded cash inside the airport, which offers a lot of stuff. Otherwise, you can go to the foreign exchange counter.

Also of note: There's a small postal kiosk inside the airport, so don't fret if you haven't sent your postcard just yet. They sell stamps, so there's no need to go paranoid of not buying one outside. They also have postcards, forgetful you. :-)

Hopefully, my tips will make your touring a bit easier and fun in SG.