Singapore is one of the most efficient, clean, and genuinely easy destinations to visit — a small city-state where you can go from gardens to skyscrapers to hawker stalls in the same afternoon, all connected by a transport system that simply works. Here's what to know before you go.
Best Time to Visit
Singapore's climate is warm and humid year-round, with no real "off season" in terms of temperature. The wetter months (November to January) bring more frequent afternoon showers, but they're typically short. December is the busiest time, with Christmas and New Year events drawing large crowds — if you want a quieter visit with similar weather, the months just before or after tend to be less crowded.
Top Things to Do
Gardens by the Bay — The Supertree Grove, especially during the evening light show, and the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories are genuinely impressive — a must for first-time visitors.
Marina Bay Sands — Even if you're not staying there, the SkyPark observation deck offers one of the best views in the city, and the surrounding Marina Bay area is stunning at night with the light and water show at the waterfront.
Sentosa Island — Home to Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, beaches, and a cable car ride across from the mainland — easily a full day on its own, more if you're traveling with kids.
Hawker centers — This is where Singapore's food culture truly lives. Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, and Old Airport Road Food Centre offer an enormous range of dishes at a fraction of restaurant prices — and the experience of eating among locals is part of the appeal.
Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam — Three distinct cultural neighborhoods within walking distance of each other (or a short MRT ride apart), each with their own temples, markets, and food streets worth exploring.
Singapore Zoo and Night Safari — Consistently rated among the best zoos in the world, with the Night Safari offering a genuinely different experience — exploring naturalistic enclosures after dark.
Orchard Road — Singapore's main shopping district, ranging from luxury malls to more affordable shopping — worth a visit even just to see how seamlessly air-conditioned walkways connect everything.
Practical Tips
- Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD). Cards and contactless payment are widely accepted, including on public transport.
- Getting around: The MRT (subway) is clean, efficient, and connects almost everywhere you'll want to go. An EZ-Link card (or contactless bank card) works across MRT, buses, and even some taxis.
- Local laws: Singapore enforces certain rules strictly that are more relaxed elsewhere — chewing gum import is restricted, and littering, jaywalking, and eating on the MRT carry real fines. None of this should worry a normal tourist, but it's worth being aware of.
- Tipping: Not customary and not expected — most bills already include a service charge.
Common Scams to Watch Out For
Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, and outright theft or aggressive scams are rare. The handful of things to watch for are mostly about overpaying rather than safety:
Unpriced seafood at touristy restaurants — A small number of seafood restaurants in busy tourist areas have been known to serve dishes priced by weight without clearly displaying the rate, leading to bills far higher than expected for a "small" portion. Always check the menu has clear prices before ordering, especially for seafood priced "per 100g" — ask for the total estimated cost upfront if unsure, and stick to well-reviewed, established restaurants.
Fake "monks" asking for donations — Genuine Buddhist monks don't typically approach tourists asking for money. If someone in robes offers a blessing or trinket and then asks for a donation, it's safe to politely decline.
Taxi change in the wrong currency — A rare but reported trick involves receiving change in Malaysian Ringgit instead of Singapore Dollars (the two look similar at a glance but have different values). Check your change before pocketing it, or use cashless payment via ride-hailing apps to avoid the issue entirely.
Fake travel package websites — As with any destination, be cautious of unfamiliar websites offering significantly cheaper "packages" that require upfront deposits. Booking through an established agent removes this risk entirely.
Overall, Singapore remains one of the easiest and most stress-free destinations on this list — these are minor things to know rather than serious concerns.
Visa Requirements
Entry requirements for Singapore can vary by nationality and are updated periodically. As part of our Singapore packages, we confirm current entry requirements for your trip and handle the arrangements for you.
Ready to Plan Your Singapore Trip?
RHT Tours offers Singapore holiday packages — often paired with Malaysia for a combined itinerary. Get in touch and we'll help you plan the right trip.
