Passport and document validity
All visitors to Singapore must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country. Identity cards and temporary documents are not accepted. During border control in Singapore, you must present a valid passport in good physical condition. A damaged document may be considered invalid, therefore in extreme cases a traveler may be refused entry at the border. It is also advisable to make sure that the passport contains at least one blank page for the entry stamp. This is not always required, however in practice it makes the airport control procedure much easier.

SG Arrival Card
The SG Arrival Card (SGAC) must be submitted within 3 days before arriving in Singapore, including the day of arrival. The application can be submitted on the official Singapore government website. Then you must complete personal and health details, provide the dates of arrival and departure, and indicate your accommodation in Singapore. The form is completely free, therefore there is no need to use paid intermediaries. Moreover, the application can be submitted online through the government website or the MyICA mobile application (Google Play and App Store). After completing the SG Arrival Card, it is worth saving the confirmation or taking a screenshot, because it may be useful during check in and airport control. If a traveler does not submit the form, entry into Singapore may be problematic. However, the arrival card does not apply to travelers in transit who do not pass through immigration control, as well as Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and holders of long term passes.

Visa to Singapore
Many travelers can enter Singapore without a visa. The permitted length of stay depends on citizenship and often allows up to 90 days. Therefore, before arriving in Singapore, you must complete the SG Arrival Card form online, because it is mandatory for all travelers. During border control in Singapore, the immigration officer makes the final decision on the length of stay. Information about whether citizens of a particular country need a visa can be checked on the official website of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.

Immigration control
During immigration control in Singapore, you must present a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country. In addition, you must have confirmation of submitting the SG Arrival Card. The officer may also ask for a return ticket or proof of onward travel, although this is not always checked. In Singapore, there is no requirement to have a specific amount of money for each day of stay, therefore you do not need to prepare proof of financial means. Besides the documents, it is useful to have the address of the hotel or place where you will stay in Singapore. It is also a good idea to write down your flight number. Thanks to this, the control process runs faster and you do not need to search for the necessary information in a hurry.

Local time in Singapore
The official time in Singapore is UTC+8. The country does not observe daylight saving time. Because Singapore lies close to the equator, the length of the day hardly changes during the year. The sun usually rises around 7:00 am and sets around 7:00 pm. As a result, day and night remain almost equal throughout the year.

How to dress in Singapore
Breathable, natural fabrics work best in high temperatures and humidity. It is best to choose clothes made of cotton or linen. In Singapore, people usually dress casually, therefore T-shirts, tops, dresses, and shorts are common and accepted in public spaces. However, it is worth carrying a light sweatshirt or a long-sleeved shirt, because air conditioning in shopping malls, the MRT, buses, and airplanes can be very strong.

In places of worship, knees and shoulders should be covered, therefore it is worth preparing an appropriate outfit in advance. In some temples, scarves or sarongs are available for visitors. For everyday use, light and comfortable shoes are useful for walking around the city, as well as quick-drying flip-flops or sandals, because frequent rain showers can easily soak footwear. Additionally, it is good to bring a hat and a light rain jacket or poncho, because short and intense downpours occur in Singapore throughout the year.

Rainy season and seasonality in Singapore
Singapore has a tropical climate, therefore rainfall occurs throughout the year. The region experiences two monsoon seasons. The first, the northeast monsoon, usually lasts from December to March and brings the heaviest rainfall. The second, the southwest monsoon, occurs between June and September. Between them there are short transitional periods, from April to May and from October to November, when intense storms and heavy showers often appear. According to locals, the monsoon always ends during Chinese New Year. Singapore can be visited all year round, because there is no single clearly best travel season.

Climate and humidity
Because Singapore lies only about 137 km from the equator, the country has a hot and humid climate. Temperatures usually range from 23 to 32°C (73–90°F). However, during transitional periods between the monsoons they can rise to around 35°C (95°F). Air humidity most often remains between 75% and 80%. During heavy rainfall it can reach up to 100%. Rain showers are intense and short, therefore they often appear suddenly. They usually occur in the morning or early afternoon and last about 30 minutes. Moreover, thunderstorms occur very frequently. In Singapore they appear on average about 186 times per year and can be described as spectacular.

Health and vaccinations
Singapore’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world. Not only in terms of quality of services, but also affordability. Healthcare is paid for both residents and tourists in Singapore, therefore it is necessary to purchase health insurance before traveling. A visit to a general practitioner usually costs between 20 and 40 SGD. In the case of hospital treatment, the bill is issued at discharge and must be settled before leaving the hospital.

There are no special vaccination requirements for most travelers. Vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetanus, dengue, and typhoid fever are most commonly recommended. In some cases, vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is also considered. Before traveling, it is worth contacting a travel medicine doctor to check your vaccination status and determine whether additional vaccinations are needed.

The yellow fever vaccination requirement applies to travelers arriving from countries where there is a risk of this disease. In such cases, you must have an international vaccination certificate. If a traveler does not have this document, authorities may refuse entry or place the traveler under mandatory quarantine.

Safety in Singapore
While in Malaysia people are often warned about pickpocket thefts by scooter riders, here such incidents are very rare. You can go out into the street at any time of day or night and feel safe. Interestingly, lost or forgotten items left in a taxi usually find their owner within a few hours.

Water and hygiene in Singapore
Singapore does not have large natural sources of drinking water, such as major rivers or lakes, therefore it has developed its own water management system for many years. Some water is imported from Malaysia. However, the country also uses rainwater collected in reservoirs, water treated through advanced purification processes, and desalinated seawater. As a result, Singapore is gradually reducing its dependence on imports.

Tap water in Singapore is considered safe to drink and meets high quality standards. Ice in restaurants is also usually safe, because it is made from the same drinking water. Hygiene standards in the city are very high, and restaurants and food outlets undergo regular sanitary inspections.

Travel insurance
As I mentioned earlier in the health section, medical care in Singapore is of the highest standard, but it is still paid. Hospital stays, medical treatment, evacuation to your home country, and protection of luggage or equipment are usually covered by travel insurance. It is worth knowing that insurance is not required to enter Singapore. However, it is strongly recommended to purchase it before traveling. It is a must have before every trip. In my opinion, it is better to buy insurance and never use it than not have it and face serious problems. I recommend using Visitors Coverage or InsureMyTrip.

Law, fines and prohibitions in Singapore
For many people from outside, the law in Singapore may seem very strict. Corporal punishment, such as caning, is still used in the country, and the death penalty applies to the most serious crimes. Therefore, before traveling it is worth learning the basic rules to avoid high fines or more serious legal consequences.

• possession, smuggling and trafficking of drugs are punished very severely, in extreme cases the death penalty may apply
• murder is also punishable by the death penalty
• import of chewing gum into Singapore is prohibited, except for therapeutic gum
• eating and drinking are prohibited in the MRT metro system, the fine is about 500 SGD
• bringing durian into public transport and many hotels is prohibited
• littering is subject to zero tolerance in Singapore, fines range from about 300 to 1000 SGD
• spitting in public places is prohibited
• import, sale and use of e-cigarettes are prohibited in Singapore
• smoking cigarettes is allowed only in designated areas, fines may reach about 1000 SGD
• crossing the street outside designated crossings is prohibited, the fine may reach about 1000 SGD
• flushing the toilet in public restrooms is mandatory, failure to do so may result in a fine of about 150 SGD
• sale and consumption of alcohol in shops and public places are prohibited between 10:30 pm and 7:00 am
• public nudity is prohibited
• operating drones in many locations requires a permit
• feeding birds and wild animals in public spaces is prohibited
• urinating in public places is prohibited
• since 2023 same sex relationships in Singapore are legal after the repeal of article 377A of the penal code

Currency in Singapore
The official currency is the Singapore dollar, available in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 50, and 100 SGD. Coins in circulation include 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 SGD. Banknotes also exist in denominations of 1000 and 10,000 SGD, but they are rarely seen in everyday use.

Payments and cards in Singapore
Card payments are very common in Singapore, in restaurants, pubs, and shops. Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted, and American Express also works in many places. Mobile payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are also commonly used. The risk of credit card information theft is very low, and such cases occur very rarely.

Prices and tipping in Singapore
Singapore often appears in rankings of the most expensive cities in the world. Therefore, many people assume that traveling to this country will be very costly. You can read such opinions almost everywhere. When comparing prices in Singapore and Malaysia, Singapore is indeed more expensive. However, when you look at it more closely, prices are often similar to those in Europe.

A mid range restaurant usually costs between 15 and 50 SGD. Coffee typically costs about 4 to 8 SGD, while beer averages around 8 to 12 SGD. A fine dining restaurant may cost 100 SGD or more. At the same time, in popular hawker centres you can eat a local meal for as little as 5 to 10 SGD. Therefore, food in Singapore does not always have to be expensive. In many cases, prices are simply similar to those in Western Europe.

When it comes to tipping, it is not required and nobody will expect it. In most places, the bill already includes about a 10 percent service charge, which replaces a tip. In addition, GST is added to the bill, which is a tax currently set at 9 percent.

Roaming and bank card blocks
Before traveling, check your operator’s roaming rates, because mobile internet abroad can be very expensive. Then enable roaming on your phone, which also applies to eSIM cards. It is also worth setting a data limit to avoid additional charges. Therefore, the cheapest solution is often using a local SIM card or eSIM.

Before departure, also inform your bank about traveling abroad, because security systems may block your card after an unusual transaction. In addition, check whether international payments are enabled and what limits apply to payments and ATM withdrawals. It is also worth having a backup card or funds in a Revolut or N26 account as additional security.

ATMs and cash withdrawals in Singapore
The Singapore dollar is not very common in many European countries, therefore it is worth ordering it in advance from a currency exchange office. I usually transfer money to my Revolut account or use my N26 account. With the N26 premium account, for about 10 euros per month, you can make up to 10 free ATM withdrawals worldwide. You can also bring euros or US dollars and exchange them locally. Moreover, international ATM networks are available almost everywhere in Singapore. Many ATMs in Singapore charge a small operator fee for cash withdrawals. Therefore, before confirming the transaction, it is worth checking the message on the ATM screen to avoid additional costs.

Internet, SIM cards and eSIM in Singapore
Internet access in Singapore is widely available throughout the city. Free WiFi can be found in the MRT metro, at the airport, in shopping malls, cafés, and many restaurants. The public network Wireless@SG also operates and is available at thousands of locations across the city.

However, if you need internet together with a phone number, it is best to use local operators such as M1, SingTel, or StarHub. If you prefer constant internet access without a phone number, you can choose from a wide range of eSIM cards offered by Airalo, Saily, Global Yo or Bcengi. You can read more about this in the article “Apps in Singapore that actually work“.

Culture and behavior rules in Singapore
Singapore’s population is close to 6 million people, of which about 3.5 million are permanent residents. It is a true cultural mix, because different ethnic groups live together in one country. The largest part of society consists of people of Chinese origin, about 74%. Malays make up about 13%, and Indians around 9%. The remaining population consists of other smaller ethnic groups. Therefore, respect for the religion, traditions, and culture of each community is one of the important priorities of the Singaporean state.

In such a diverse society, rules of mutual respect and appropriate behavior in public spaces are very important. Therefore, before traveling to Singapore, it is worth learning basic social and cultural norms to avoid misunderstandings or situations that could be seen as disrespectful toward local customs:

• Respect for elderly people is very important, therefore it is customary to offer them a seat and show courtesy.
• Queuing is taken very seriously, therefore pushing in line or skipping others is considered unacceptable.
• When entering a private home or many temples, shoes should be removed.
• In places of worship, modest clothing is expected, so shoulders, knees, and the stomach should be covered.
• Chope is a popular custom of reserving a table in a hawker Centers using a tissue packet or a small personal item. If something is placed on the table, it means the seat is taken.
• Pointing at people or objects with a finger is considered rude.
• Objects are usually handed over with the right hand or with both hands as a sign of politeness.
• Silence and a calm tone of voice are expected on public transport and in many public places.
• During shared meals, people usually wait until everyone has received their food. Starting to eat before others have their dishes is considered impolite.
• People often avoid taking the last piece of food from a shared plate because it may be seen as a lack of courtesy.
• Residents of Singapore value cleanliness and order very highly, therefore in public spaces it is important to leave the area clean and avoid creating unnecessary mess.

Alcohol restrictions in Singapore
In Singapore, the sale of alcohol in shops and its consumption in public places are restricted between 10:30 pm and 7:00 am. However, bars, restaurants, and licensed clubs may serve alcohol after 10:30 pm.

Language and communication
Singapore has four official languages: English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. In practice, English is used most often, because it serves as a common language of communication between different ethnic groups. Locals also use Singlish, which is a local variety of English influenced by Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. Therefore, I had no problem communicating in English.

Public holidays in Singapore
The only holiday that significantly affects how the city operates in Singapore is Chinese New Year. During this time, many shops and restaurants remain closed for up to two days. Other holidays usually do not cause major difficulties for tourists.

• New Year’s Day 1 Jan
• Chinese New Year Jan–Feb
• Good Friday Mar–Apr
• Labour Day 1 May
• Vesak Day May–Jun
• Hari Raya Puasa Mar–Apr
• Hari Raya Haji May–Jun
• National Day 9 Aug
• Deepavali Oct–Nov
• Christmas Day 25 Dec

It is worth remembering that the dates of religious holidays change every year. Therefore, before traveling it is best to check the current public holiday calendar.

Food and culinary customs
Local cuisine is as colorful as the culture and society, because it combines Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences. Therefore, in Singapore you often encounter different cooking styles and flavor combinations from many parts of Asia. Very popular places are Hawker Centers, which are large food halls with many stalls offering affordable meals. They are usually full of residents and tourists throughout the day.

What can you find there? Almost everything, from local Asian dishes to simple Western food. Food stalls often serve dishes such as chicken rice, laksa, chili crab, satay, nasi lemak, roti prata, or hokkien mee. As a result, the variety of food is enormous, and it is difficult to point out only a few typical dishes.

When it comes to drinks, you can easily find freshly squeezed juices, coffee, tea, and the local Tiger beer. Drinks served with a large amount of ice are also very popular, which helps people cope with the high temperature and humidity in Singapore.

In Singapore, type G electrical sockets are used, which are British sockets with three rectangular pins. The standard voltage is 230–240 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Therefore, most devices from Europe work without problems when using the appropriate adapter. Before traveling, it is worth bringing a plug adapter. It is best to choose a universal model that will also work during trips to other countries. I personally use an adapter purchased on Amazon. It works well not only in Singapore but also during other travels.