🇸🇬 The First-Timer’s Guide to Singapore Everything You Need To Know

Your Ultimate Singapore Guide for Visiting Singapore For The First Time

The ultimate travel companion for first-time visitors to Singapore — curated by a full-time traveling family!

Planning your first trip to Singapore? Don’t waste hours trawling the internet — we’ve done the legwork so you can focus on enjoying this incredible city.

This instant digital download is your go-to guide, packed with practical tips, cultural insights, and tried-and-tested recommendations from our own trip as a family of four. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with kids in tow, this guide helps you feel confident and prepared from the moment you land.

✨ What You’ll Get:

✅ Quick Overview: Language, currency, weather & the best time to visit

✅ Before You Go: Visa & entry requirements, SG Arrival Card, vaccinations

✅ Practical Know-How: Is the tap water safe? Local laws, safety & etiquette

✅ Getting Around: Transport options from airport to MRT, buses, Grab & more

✅ Wi-Fi & SIM Cards: Best SIM/eSIM options to stay connected

✅ Where to Stay: Area breakdowns with recommendations for all budgets

✅ What to Eat (and Where): Must-try dishes + the best hawker centres to visit

✅ Top Places to Visit: Our can't-miss landmarks and hidden gems

✅ Festival Calendar: Time your trip with Singapore's vibrant celebrations

✅ Shopping Tips: Where to go, what to buy & how to haggle

✅ Emergency Info: Just in case — essential numbers and apps

✅ Bonus Travel Hacks: Save money, skip queues & travel smart

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Insights

Created by a family traveling full-time with kids, this guide is real-life tested — especially for budget-conscious travellers looking for authentic experiences.

🎁 Format:

Instant PDF download — perfect for printing or saving to your phone/tablet for offline use. With Clickable links. Some links are affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

💬 What Others Say:

"Loved how easy it made planning our first trip to Singapore. Everything was covered — from airport tips to where to eat with our kids!"— Claire, first-time visitor from the UK

Get Yours Here Now:

🇸🇬 Your First-Timer’s Guide to Singapore

A curated companion for a smooth and unforgettable trip for first-time visitors to Singapore. Filled with practical tips and cultural insights to make your trip seamless.

📍 Quick Overview

• Language: English is widely spoken, alongside Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil.

• Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)

• Weather: Hot and humid year-round (25–32°C / 77–90°F)

• Best Time to Visit: February to April (dry season); avoid June–August if you dislike humidity.

🧠 Practical Tips

• Power Plugs: Type G (British-style). Voltage: 230V, 50Hz.

• Tap water: Safe to drink!

• Safety: One of the safest cities in the world – but always stay aware.

• Laws: Singapore has strict laws. Do not bring in drugs, vapes, or prohibited items.

• Don’t chew gum: It's banned!

• Stand on the left of escalators — right side is for walking.

• Be polite and smile — Singaporeans are friendly but reserved at first.

🛬 Before You Go

✅ Entry Requirements

• Visa: Most nationalities get visa-free entry for 30-90 days. Check ICA Singapore for the latest.

• SG Arrival Card: Must be submitted online within 3 days before arriving. It's free and mandatory.

• Vaccination: No COVID-19 restrictions currently, but it's good to be updated.

💵 Currency

• Singapore Dollar (SGD)

  • $1 SGD ≈ $0.74 USD (as of early 2025)

• Cards are widely accepted, but it's good to carry small cash for hawker stalls or taxis.

📱 Staying Connected

• Wi-Fi & SIM Cards: Airport and 7-Eleven stores sell tourist SIMs. Free Wi-Fi is common in cafes/malls.

• SIM Card / eSIM options at airport or 7-Eleven

  • StarHub, Singtel, M1 – tourist packages available

• Free Wi-Fi in many public areas and malls

💡 Cultural Tips & Etiquette

• Singapore is very clean – littering, chewing gum (importation), and smoking in public places are fined.

• No tipping culture – service charge is included in most bills.

• Always queue (and respect the queue)!

• Dress modestly when visiting religious sites (cover shoulders and knees).

• Public displays of affection are okay but keep it respectful.

🛬 Arrival & Transportation

At the Airport

• Changi Airport is often ranked the best in the world. Free Wi-Fi, indoor gardens, and even a butterfly dome! If you can, take some extended time there to explore either side of your flight times. It's pretty amazing.

🏙️ Getting Around

🚇 MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)

• Efficient, clean, and affordable.

• Get an EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay card, or use contactless credit cards.

• Trains stop running around midnight.

🚌 Buses

• Extensive network, and same payment methods as MRT.

🚕 Taxis & Rideshares

• Taxis are metered, clean, and safe.

• Apps: Grab, Gojek, TADA.

🏨 Where to Stay

• Marina Bay – Iconic skyline, upscale hotels.

• Orchard Road – Shopping district.

• Bugis/Little India – Culture and budget options.

• Chinatown – Food, culture, central location.

🍜 What to Eat (and Where!)

Must-Try Local Dishes:

• Hainanese Chicken Rice

• Laksa (spicy noodle soup)

• Chilli Crab

• Satay

• Char Kway Teow

• Kaya Toast + Kopi for breakfast

Where to Eat:

• Hawker Centres – Delicious, cheap, and authentic and you'll eat like a King or a Queen

  • Maxwell Food Centre

  • Lau Pa Sat

  • Newton Food Centre

  • Tiong Bahru Market

  • China Town Complex

💡 Tip: Look for long queues and "Michelin Plate" signs – that’s where the magic happens.

Tissue Pack Trick: Locals "chope" (reserve) tables with tissue packets.

🧭 Top Places to Visit - But check out our 21 Things To Do in Singapore for the absolute low down on all things Singapore

• Marina Bay Sands SkyPark – View from the top! But failing that view from the Helix Bridge with a cheap picnic here

• Gardens by the Bay – Supertree Grove & Cloud Forest

• Sentosa Island – Beaches, Universal Studios, S.E.A Aquarium

• Singapore Zoo / Night Safari – Among the world’s best

• Botanic Gardens – UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Neighbourhoods of Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam – Culture & colours

🛍️ Shopping Tips

• Orchard Road = Luxury brands. Big malls.

• Bugis Street = Bargain shopping & quirky finds. Cheap souvenirs and streetwear

• Mustafa Centre = 24/7 shopping in Little India

• GST Refund: Tourists can claim tax back on purchases over SGD 100 in participating stores.

🇸🇬 Local Etiquette & Safety

• Cleanliness is Serious Business – No littering, spitting, jaywalking, or chewing gum.

• No tipping required – Service charge is usually included.

• Respect public transport etiquette – Queue nicely, give up priority seats.

• Very safe city – But always be aware of your belongings.

📅 When to Visit

• Singapore is hot and humid year-round (25–32°C / 77–90°F).

• Dry months: February – April

• Festivals to catch:

  • Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb)

  • Hari Raya (varies)

  • Deepavali

  • National Day (Aug 9)

  • Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay

🆘 Emergency Info

• Police: 999

• Ambulance/Fire: 995

• Non-emergency Ambulance: 1777

• Tap into the Singapore Tourism Board’s Visitor Centre (found in main tourist areas) for help.

🌐 Useful Apps

• Grab – Ride-hailing

• CityMapper – For MRT/bus navigation

• Visit Singapore – Official tourism app

• Chope – Restaurant reservations

• Google Translate – For occasional sign translations in Mandarin or Malay

✅ Final Travel Hacks

• Bring an umbrella – sudden rain is common.

• Avoid rush hours (7:30–9:00 AM and 6:00–7:30 PM) if taking MRT.

• Singapore is walkable – wear comfy shoes!

• Book attractions online in advance for discounts.

A Free practical travel packing guide for Singapore, tailored for its tropical climate, urban conveniences, and diverse activities

🧳 Travel Packing Guide for Singapore

🌤️ Climate Overview

• Hot and humid year-round

• Daily temps: 25–32°C (77–90°F)

• Frequent, short rain showers (especially Nov–Jan)

👕 Clothing Essentials

Item	Notes
👚 Lightweight tops	Breathable cotton or linen
🩳 Shorts or skirts	Comfortable for walking
👖 Lightweight pants	For modest areas or indoor aircon
👗 Casual dresses	Optional, but great for dinners or photos
🧥 Light jacket/cardigan	For cold air-conditioned malls & transport
☔ Compact umbrella / raincoat	For daily rain showers
👟 Comfortable walking shoes	You’ll walk a lot—museums, malls, gardens
🩴 Flip-flops/sandals	For the beach or pool
🧢 Hat / cap	For sun protection

🛁 Toiletries & Health

Item	Notes
🧴 Sunscreen	SPF 30+ is a must
🦟 Insect repellent	For parks, especially in the evening
💊 Personal meds	Bring a small first-aid kit
🪥 Basic toiletries	Hotels provide some, but bring your favorites
😷 Face masks	Optional, but useful in crowded areas or haze

📱 Electronics & Essentials

Item	Notes
📱 Phone + charger	SIM cards or eSIM available at airport
🔌 Travel adapter	Singapore uses Type G plug (UK-style)
🔋 Power bank	For long days out
📸 Camera	Optional, phone may suffice
💼 Day bag / backpack	Handy for carrying water, umbrella, etc.
🪪 Passport + photocopies	Keep a digital backup too
💳 Credit/debit cards	Widely accepted (Visa, MasterCard)
💵 Some SGD cash	For small vendors, hawker centers

🌴 Optional Items

Item	Notes
🩱 Swimwear	If you’re hitting Sentosa or a pool
🕶️ Sunglasses	Strong equatorial sun
🧳 Packable tote bag	For shopping sprees or laundry
📖 Book/e-reader	For flights or chilling at cafes
🚿 Travel towel	For adventures like kayaking or biking

💡 Local Tips

• Pack light: Singapore has fantastic shopping if you forget anything.

• Modest dress: Respectful attire is appreciated in religious sites.

• Reusable water bottle: Tap water is safe to drink.

• Stay fresh: Consider wet wipes or a mini deodorant for humid days.

A Free practical language survival kit with basics that you'll need for your Singapore trip - Coming Soon to this page.

LOVE THIS? YOU MIGHT LIKE:

3 Days in Singapore. Search our other Singapore Guides in the search box above

Check out our One day in Singapore Itinerary here

What to see in Singapore in a weekend?

Check out of weekend guide here. If you have more time, you can expand your itinerary to include other attractions from above.

I hope you found this post helpful. Don't forget to keep up with our daily updates of our full time travel life below and use our handy travel planning tools below to get best prices for flights, hotels and more. Want help planning your Singapore adventure? Let me know in the comments & I can help you create the perfect itinerary for you. I hope you found this post helpful. In the meantime keep up with our daily updates below:

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💡HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR SINGAPORE TRIP 💡

✈️ - FLIGHTS - We use this flight checker to search cheap flight tickets for our Singapore trip and got flights from Bali to Singapore for just £33 each! But mostly we use Skyscanner for the cheapest mostly. Use to check dates and flight costs to Changi Airport Singapore now or go to our Flight Planning Page fore more

🏨 - ACCOMMODATION - We use this hotels checker to search hotels and accommodation for our Singapore trip. Use to check dates and costs to hotels and hostels in Singapore now or go to our Accommodation Planning Page for more

🧭🗺️👣 - SINGAPORE TOURS & GUIDES - We use Get Your Guide for most of our trips in Singapore. But we also love Klook too and it was Klook where we booked this bus tour. TIP: Use both to compare offerings.

This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!