Singapore

Key Information Guide Singapore

Key Information Guide

INTRODUCTION

Singapore is a compact city-state where neighbourhoods change fast over a short distance. One hour can cover a waterfront walk, a museum stop, and dinner at a hawker centre.

The city works well for first-time visitors who want clear logistics, and for repeat travellers who prefer neighbourhood-led exploring.

Plan your days by theme. Use the centre for skyline viewpoints, galleries, and riverside dining. Use the heartlands for food courts, local markets, and community parks. Use the islands and coastal parks when you want a slower pace.

Public transport makes these shifts simple, which helps you stack experiences without losing time to long transfers.

Getting There

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Local Transport

Metro (MRT) & LRT
The MRT covers all major tourist zones across six lines, including the Thomson-East Coast Line. Trains run from around 5:30 AM to midnight, with frequencies of 2–5 minutes at peak times. Stations connect directly to malls and underpasses, which helps during heavy rain. You can pay with a contactless Visa or Mastercard via SimplyGo, or use an EZ-Link card.
Buses
Buses fill the gaps between MRT lines and work well for neighbourhood hopping. Stops are frequent and routes show clearly in mapping apps. All buses are air-conditioned and wheelchair-accessible. Flag the bus down at stops or it may not stop.
Taxis
Taxis are regulated and metered. Flag-down fares start from around SGD 3.90–4.30, with surcharges for peak hours, CBD zones, midnight rides, and airport pickups. Use official taxi stands at airports, hotels, and malls.
Waterways
The Singapore River area has boat services focused on sightseeing. Use them as an evening activity rather than primary transport. Ferries run to Sentosa and the Southern Islands.

PAYMENTS

Credit Cards

Cards are accepted widely across hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, and attractions.
Visa and Mastercard have broad coverage. American Express is accepted at larger establishments but may not work at smaller shops or hawker stalls.
Contactless payments are standard across most retail outlets.

Cash

ATMs are easy to find in malls, MRT stations, convenience stores, and bank branches. Look for Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, or PLUS logos.
Withdrawal fees depend on the local bank and your home bank , expect SGD 5–8 per withdrawal from most international cards. DBS, OCBC, and UOB are the three largest local banks with the widest ATM networks.

Money Exchange

Exchange a small amount at the airport for immediate needs.
Use licensed money changers in town for better rates — The Arcade at Raffles Place and Mustafa Centre in Little India are known for competitive rates.
Compare 2–3 locations before exchanging large amounts.
Check XE.com for the live mid-market rate as a benchmark. Keep receipts for your records. Avoid unlicensed street vendors.

ATMs

ATMs are easy to find in malls, MRT stations, convenience stores, and bank branches.
Look for Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, or PLUS logos. Withdrawal fees depend on the local bank and your home bank — expect SGD 5–8 per withdrawal from most international cards. DBS, OCBC, and UOB are the three largest local banks with the widest ATM networks.

travel essential

Weather

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Singapore sits near the equator. Heat and humidity are consistent year-round, with average temperatures of 25–31°C. The climate is shaped by two monsoon seasons with inter-monsoon periods.

Northeast Monsoon (Dec to early Mar)
Higher chance of sustained rain, especially in December and January. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that handle wet pavements.
Southwest Monsoon (Jun to Sep)
Rain is still common, often in shorter afternoon bursts. Pack light rain protection and quick-dry clothing.
Inter-Monsoon Periods (Apr–May, Oct–Nov)
Thunderstorms are frequent, usually late afternoon. Mornings tend to be clearer.

Plan outdoor walks early in the day, and use indoor stops — museums, malls, underground walkways — as breaks from the heat.

Festivals

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January/February
Major public holiday. Chinatown lights up with decorations and markets. River Hongbao festival runs along Marina Bay. The Chingay Parade a multi-ethnic street procession follows soon after.