Capital city, Singapore
Singapore
Asia's easiest hub: spotless, very safe, hawker food, superb transit and fast internet. Housing and alcohol are very expensive, humidity is constant, and the city can feel over-regulated.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$4,300–6,250Comfortable, one person · S$5,500–8,000Details
- Value for money5/100Better value than 4% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb–JulWarmest: Apr, 30°CDetails
- Air quality12 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · ModerateDetails
- Internet463 MbpsFixed broadband, Singapore medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water meets WHO standards and is safe to drink; refill bottles at public fountains and hawker centres.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$31–78Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereContactless cards and phones work almost everywhere, including MRT; a few hawker stalls and small shops are cash-only or PayNow.Details
Where to stay in Singapore
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Bugis–Kampong Glam | Central, hostels, cafés, mid-range hotels, quick MRT access |
| Chinatown–Tanjong Pagar | Hawker food, bars, coworking and rooftop nights |
| Tiong Bahru–Redhill | Cafés, quiet streets, local life, long stays |
| Joo Chiat–Katong | Peranakan streets, cafés and longer rentals east of the center |
| Little India–Jalan Besar | Budget hostels, vegetarian food, 24-hour Mustafa |
Apps that work in Singapore
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- MyICA Mobile: Submit the SG Arrival Card
- MyTransport.SG: Live bus arrivals and train status
- Taxis: Metered taxis are honest; no haggling. Surcharges apply for airport, peak hours and ERP tolls.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Singapore.
- Cards almost everywhere Contactless cards and phones work almost everywhere, including MRT; a few hawker stalls and small shops are cash-only or PayNow.
- Currency: Dollar (SGD). US$1 ≈ S$1.28 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs are everywhere; fees depend mostly on your home bank. Decline conversion to your home currency.
- Tipping: Not expected. Restaurants add a 10% service charge plus 9% GST; hawker centres and taxis need no tip.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work widely; tap cards on transit. Hawkers use PayNow or NETS QR.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Submit the free SG Arrival Card on the ICA website or MyICA app within 3 days before arrival; ignore paid lookalike sites.
- Passport needs 6 months' validity. Automated lanes scan face, iris and fingerprints; your visit pass arrives by email.
- Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned at the border, and arriving travellers can be drug-tested.
Emergency numbers
Police 999 · Ambulance 995 · Fire 995
Plugs
Type G · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Tourist SIMs and eSIMs from Singtel, StarHub and M1 at Changi and convenience stores, roughly S$12–30; passport needed. eSIMs work for visitors.
Going to Singapore solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Singapore meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.