4 things you need to know before visiting Singapore
There are a lot of things you can expect when taking a trip to Singapore – good food, great shopping scene, well-maintained historical sites and vibrant culture and nightlife are just a few of them. To enjoy these to the fullest, here are four tips you can follow to make your visit as smooth-sailing as possible.
1. Prepare for the heat
Perched near the equator line, Singapore has a tropical climate with consistently warm weather and high humidity. This means that a short walk outdoors can give you a lot of perspiration. Dressing accordingly can help you beat the heat – opt for breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella just in case of rain or shine.
2. Get around
With great transport system and small land area – the island nation is slightly smaller than Canberra – it’s easy to get around in Singapore. As mentioned above, walking might not be the most comfortable way of getting around as you may end up sweaty and sticky – even locals sometimes choose to grab a taxi for a short trip.
Taxis are quite popular, and the fares are not too expensive. However, you can only hail them at designated spots. Finding an available cab during peak times or rainy weather might also be quite hard. You might want to carry cash – drivers would often prefer them, and cards generally attract surcharges. For more convenience, you can also download ride-sharing apps.
Otherwise, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway system is quite affordable and easy to navigate. Tickets and EZ-Link cards are available to purchase at the stations.
3. Feast on local food
The culinary scene in Singapore is one not to be missed. You can try out degustation menus at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants or go to the hawker centres for authentic local delicacies. If you are concerned about hygiene, fear not – according to The Culture Trip, each hawker stall would come with a coloured placard to indicate the cleanliness level from A (the best) to D (a risk). Have a go at some of the country’s signature dishes such as Hainanese chicken rice, chilli crab, kaya toast, bak kut teh and more.
The nightlife here is also well and alive – however, keep in mind that alcoholic drinks are more expensive.
4. Know the laws
Singapore comes with many rules and regulations. Actions that might go unmonitored in other places – carrying certain kinds of chewing gum, spitting on the street, littering or even not flushing the toilet – could result in a fine if you get caught. Even harsher punishments await those who are found to be doing, possessing or selling drugs, including medical and recreational marijuana.
Have you ever been to Singapore? Share your story in the comments.