singapore tourist costs

The Cost of Travel in Singapore: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

You’ve probably heard that Singapore is expensive.

Well, this is one example where you should pay attention to the rumours: Singapore is expensive.

But not only that, Singapore is particularly expensive post-pandemic.

I’ve spent the past 13 years exploring this planet as a travel writer so have passed through Singapore on countless occasions, thanks to its position as a global travel hub. I love this country, so whenever I spot a flight that calls for a Singaporean layover, I take full advantage and give myself two or three days to explore.

I’ve therefore visited Singapore on all manner of budgets and styles over the years, whether I was a stingy backpacker who was panicking over every spent cent, showing my parents around the country on their post-retirement vacation, adventuring around as a solo traveller on a luxury budget, or travelling with my partner on a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway.

Most recently, I spent three days in Singapore in mid-2024 and was surprised by how rapidly the prices have increased.

But of course, they’ve increased everywhere. 2024 has been my most expensive year of travel to date and it feels like the days of basic, budget guesthouses are starting to evaporate.

That’s not to say that deals can’t be found. I still managed to find plenty of well-priced accommodation, experiences, and meals while I was in town, and I’m looking forward to sharing them with you today.

I’ve been recording every single cent I spend in the countries I visit from day one of my travels, because I want to be able to give a realistic and accurate look at how much you can expect to spend in each country you visit.

Here, then, is how much it costs to travel to Singapore, with all prices updated after my 2024 trip:

How to Save Money on the Cost of Accommodation in Singapore

As always with travel, it’s possible to cut your accommodation costs down to zero if you have the time and patience to seek out an offer. And when you see the prices of accommodation in Singapore, you might just be able to find said time!

Couchsurfing  exists in Singapore and allows you to stay with a local for free, sleeping on their sofa and enjoying a local’s insight into life in their country. It’s not the most comfortable of living situations, but if your budget is tight and you don’t mind roughing it, it’s worth sending out a few requests to hosts to see if anything comes of it. You can search for potential hosts on  the Couchsurfing site .

Housesitting  is another option. This is where you take care of somebody’s house for free while they’re away, and usually look after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees as you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year. If you do have that freedom, though, it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while.  Trusted Housesitters  is the best site for getting started with housesitting — they usually have several dozen housesits available for Singapore at any one time, so it’s well-worth having a look to see if any coincide with your travel dates.

I’m suspecting, though, that for most of you, you’re not interested in the free accommodation and just want somewhere clean, safe, and affordable to rest your head each night. If that’s the case, there are several options available for you.

The Cost of Accommodation in Singapore

The first thing I want to note is that Singapore is home to some truly terrible accommodation. Of the 400 properties that are listed on Booking.com, a mere 15 of them are rated higher than 9/10. I don’t think I’ve come across another major city for which this is the case!

Part of this is simply due to the high prices: you never really feel like you’re getting amazing value for money when it comes to accommodation in Singapore. That doesn’t mean that the properties are terrible, however, just that you’ll feel like you’re paying a lot for them!

In general, you can expect to spend around the following per night:

• $20-35 a night for dorm bed
• $35-60 a night for a capsule hotel bed
• $80-150 for a budget hotel
• $150-250 for a mid-range hotel
• $250+ for a luxury hotel.

Here’s where I’ve stayed when visiting Singapore on a whole range of budgets:

The cheapest hostel in Singapore: 7 Wonders Boutique ( $22 per night (S$30/£18/€21) for a capsule bed in a dorm)

This hostel is close to the subway, has fast wifi, and a basic free breakfast. It’s also located in Little India, which is my favourite Singapore neighbourhood! If you’re backpacking around Southeast Asia and travelling on a tight budget, this is a great option. Each capsule is fitted with a computer tray, power point, reading light, clothes rack with hanger, a locker, and a curtain for privacy. This is pretty much the cheapest accommodation in the entire city.

The best hostel in Singapore: Dream Lodge ( $55 a night (S$75/£45/€52) for a capsule bed in a dorm)

When it comes to budget accommodation in Singapore, this country loves a capsule hotel. And to be fair, I tend to prefer them, too. After all, they give you a little more privacy than a standard dorm room and for a lower price than a hotel. Dream Lodge is the best-rated hostel in Singapore and you really do get great value for money here. You’re in a good location, with friendly staff, a basic breakfast, comfortable beds, soundproofing, clean bathrooms, lockers, and all of that good stuff. There’s nothing to complain about here.

The best budget hotel in Singapore: Lyf Farrer Park Hotel ( $140 a night (S$183/£108/€127) for a double room)

This is my new favourite Singapore accommodation! Lyf Farrer Park was such a cool spot and packed full of amenities. Despite it being priced higher than I’d normally consider a budget hotel, the fact that you had access to a gym, rooftop garden with BBQ, and co-working space was super cool! It was in a great location, one minute away from a metro station, and felt very safe, even at night as a solo woman. The staff were great, too! Overall, I think this is probably going to be my go-to spot in Singapore in the future.

The best mid-range hotel in Singapore: 30 Bencoolen ( $164 a night (S$224/£135/€155) for a double room)

30 Bencoolen is a little bit of a step up from Lyf Farrer Park, simply because you have access to a rooftop swimming pool! This is where I chose to stay when my parents were visiting Singapore for the first time, so I had particularly high standards for the accommodation. The staff were warm and welcoming, there was a free breakfast if you join the hotel loyalty program (which is free), and the rooms were calm and quiet. And the rooftop swimming pool! There was perhaps no better feeling than returning back after a day of sweaty sightseeing and taking a swim while overlooking the city. Finally, the location was great, within walking distance of all of the main attractions and close to the metro for everywhere else. All in all, I’m really glad I stayed here and would recommend it if you’re looking for a pool in your accommodation.

The best luxury hotel in Singapore: Marina Bay Sands ($500 a night (S$680/£410/€480 for a double room)

If you want all the bragging rights in Singapore then there’s perhaps no better place to stay. The Marina Bay Sands is Singapore; you can’t think of the city without picturing its famous design. Not only are the rooms luxurious and modern, with the best views of Singapore, but you also get access to what is one of the coolest infinity pools in the world. Only hotel guests can access the pool that overlooks the city and trust me when I say: this is a bucket list experience! Obviously, this is quite a splurge, but if your budget does stretch that far, I think it’ll definitely be worth it.

The Cost of Transportation in Singapore

Singapore is one of the smallest countries in the world, so getting around is never going to be an enormous expense here. In fact, despite Singapore’s reputation for being expensive, public transport is very affordable here.

Let’s take a look at all the options.

The quickest, easiest, and most comfortable way to travel around this country is via their metro system, otherwise known as the MRT. The first decision you’ll need to make is whether or not to buy a Singapore Tourist Pass, which gives you unlimited use of public transport while you’re in the country. The pass is priced at:

• 1 day: S$17 ($13/£10/€12)
• 2 days: S$24 ($18/£14/€17)
• 3 days: S$29 ($22/£17/€20)

I ran a little experiment during my most recent two-day layover, in order to see whether the Singapore Tourist Pass was worth it or not. During my time in the country, I made a concerted effort to hit up as many tourist activities as I could, from Gardens By the Bay to the Botanic Gardens, to the National Museum, to Little India… I covered roughly 30 different attractions.

I didn’t buy a Singapore Tourist Pass and instead tallied up how much I spent while using the metro in the city. The final amount came to S$27.72 , or $21.18 , but I also travelled a lot . I took roughly 10 MRT journeys and was exploring for 14 hours a day; more than most tourists ever will! Still, I would have saved just over $3 if I had bought the Singapore Tourist Pass.

Because there’s so little price difference in it, I probably wouldn’t bother getting the Singapore Tourist Pass, especially if you don’t plan on rushing around and trying to see as much as possible in a short amount of time. It’s actually pretty tough to take the metro enough times to make the pass worth it.

Note, too, that days on the pass expire at the end of the day you activate it — by which I mean that if you landed in Singapore at 10 p.m., bought a Tourist Pass at the airport and used it on the MRT, your day one of the pass would expire two hours later at midnight. If you’re arriving on a late flight, then, I wouldn’t buy one at the airport.

Speaking of, I definitely recommend using the MRT to travel from Changi to your accommodation, simply because it’s super-cheap and super-simple to do so! The MRT covers basically any area of the city you’re likely to be staying in, so you rarely have to walk more than a few minutes to your accommodation from a station. I paid S$2 ($1.50) to take the MRT from the airport to Lyf Farrer Park .

In comparison, I paid S$24 ($18) to take a Grab taxi between the airport and Lyf Farrer Park, and have paid $27 in the past to use this private car service between the airport and the city before. Why would you pay ten times more when it’s so easy to just hop on the metro? Even my parents were comfortable using the MRT to get from the airport!

You can get to pretty much anywhere you’d want to go as a tourist using the MRT and it’s not too expensive either, averaging out at around $1-3 a ride . If you want to tally up your expected transportation costs before you arrive in the country, the MRT has a useful fare caculator on their site that will tell you how much each ride will come to.

It’s simple to pay for the MRT, too, as you simply tap your credit/debit card (or phone, if you’re using Apple Pay/Google Pay) at the payment terminal at the gates and walk straight through; too easy!

Buses are priced similarly to the metro ( $1-2 per ride ), but slightly more complicated and usually a bit slower, so there’s no real reason to opt for them instead. Much as with the MRT, you can use Apple/Google Pay or your contactless debit/credit card to pay.

If you do want to visit somewhere that isn’t served by the bus or MRT, you’re probably going to end up taking a taxi.

Uber isn’t available in Singapore, but most people use the Grab app, which is essentially the same thing. It’s simple to use, reasonably affordable ( S$0.16 a minute), and better than standing around waiting for a taxi to drive past. If you’re heading to Singapore, I’d recommend downloading Grab before you leave and adding your card details, so that’s it’s all set up when you arrive.

In Singapore, I usually average around $8 a day on transportation costs.

The Cost of Food and Drink in Singapore

Oh man, the Singapore food scene is incredible . You can eat so well in this country, and it’s one of the best ways to save money, too. If you eat from the hawker stalls, you’ll be spending less than S$5 for a tasty, fresh meal.

It’s pretty tough to find bad food in this country, too. One of the great things about a country that’s full of tasty meals is that nobody is going to settle for anything less. If you’re serving bad food in Singapore, you simply aren’t going to survive for long.

One of my personal food highlights from my time in Singapore was the food tour I signed up for. In fact, I loved this tour so much that I bought it for a birthday present for my parents when they came to Singapore last year; that’s how amazing it was! It’s pretty pricey at a cost of $150 per person , but it’s so much more than a food tour! It includes a full day of walking around the city and learning about its history, while introducing you to all of the best dishes in the country.

Aside from the tour, the easiest way to save money is at the aforementioned hawker centres. These are covered areas filled with tons of different food stalls, and are super fun and fascinating to spend time in.

So what type of food can you get in these Hawker centres? 

There’s so much on offer! Singaporean cuisine pulls in influences from Malaysia, China, and India, and all of those flavours and spices mixing together makes for some of the best eating on the planet. Chicken and rice is an iconic dish in this country, but aside from that, you’ll find all manner of curries, soups, grilled meat and vegetables, dumplings, salads, fried noodles, seafood, and practically anything you can think of. The fruit shakes and smoothies are also all cheap, fresh, and delicious — so wash down your meal with one of those.

And before you form an opinion that the food that’s served in these places is going to be mediocre, let me tell you that several of the food stands have been awarded a Michelin star! Yes, Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle Stall, in particular, is where you can score the cheapest Michelin-starred meal in the world. At a price of just $1.42 for a plate of chicken and rice, it’s impossible to be disappointed by it. I made this my first meal in Singapore and couldn’t believe how tasty such a simple dish could be!

Speaking of food experiences to dive into in Singapore, a lot of people go crazy over having a Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel. This famous cocktail was invented there back in 1915 and if you want to have one in its birthplace, you’ll be looking at shelling out $29 (S$39) for the experience! Speaking of shelling… no, the Long Bar isn’t dirty: it’s just tradition to throw your peanut shells on the ground after eating them! (Yes, I almost complained when I sat down because I thought I’d been placed at a messy table!)

When it comes to alcohol, you can expect to pay around S$20 for a cocktail in a nice bar, and a glass of wine for around S$12 in a restaurant. Fun fact: Singapore is the 6th most expensive country in the world for beer, and you can expect to pay S$12 for a 330ml can. Yeah, alcohol sure is expensive in this city!

Singapore’s tap water is totally safe to drink, so you don’t need to buy bottled water (S$4 for a 1-litre bottle) while you’re in town.

In Southeast Asia, in general, I really don’t recommend cooking your own food, unless you have a strict dietary requirement. Buying ingredients for meals is simply too expensive — you can spend $10-15 on ingredients for a dish that you can get for $4 on the streets.

And as for restaurants, they’re everywhere and reasonably expensive compared to the hawker goodness. A two-course meal with a glass of wine can be around S$40 .

In general, I’d recommend expecting to spend around S$15 a day to have all of your meals/drinks at Hawker centres, and S$30 a day if you throw in a restaurant and cafe every now and then.

The Cost of Activities in Singapore

We’ve covered accommodation, transportation, and food, so the only thing left to take a look at is the cost of activities in Singapore! If you’re not careful, this is the category that can obliterate your budget. There’s so many things to see and do in this country.

I’ll start with my favourite free activities in Singapore. If you’re on a tight budget or looking for ways to save money, there’s plenty of opportunity to spend nothing at all.

One of my favourite things to do in Singapore is wander through the city’s botanic gardens. And if you think you’ve seen botanic gardens before — trust me, you’ve never seen botanic gardens like these ! They’re even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The botanic gardens are completely free to enter and cover an enormous amount of ground; I would say you could easily spend half a day just walking around them.

Exploring the diverse neighbourhoods of Singapore is another free activity that is well-worth doing. Little India is packed full of colourful buildings, Chinatown is home to some of the best murals in the city, and Kampong Glam (the Islamic Quarter) is laidback and full of great opportunities for window-shopping. I’ve spent a full day just walking through these three neighbourhoods in the past, comparing the different religions, architectures, cuisines, and temples they have on offer.

If you want yourself an iconic view, head to Merlion Park. The Merlion (half-lion, half-mermaid) is a famous symbol of the country and it’s located across the river from Marina Bay Sands; you can’t get more Singapore than that! I also enjoyed the view from the rooftop art garden at the National Gallery of Singapore; while you have to pay to see some exhibits, many of them are free, including the garden!

Fort Canning Park is another one of my favourite spots in Singapore. Again, it’s completely free to walk around this grassy area of land, snapping photos of the Instagram-famous tree tunnel and learning more about the park’s contributions to WWII (there’s an old bunker you can explore!)

And did you know that you can visit the nightly Gardens By the Bay light show for free? The show runs daily at 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. and is so worth experiencing. I almost cried when I was there because it felt so magical!

As you can see, there’s plenty to keep you busy if you don’t have much money to spend.

But which activities are worth the money?

Gardens By the Bay is really the main attraction of Singapore, comprising multiple opportunities to get up close with tropical plants. You have a whole bunch of different ticket options and combinations here, and to make the most out of your stay, I recommend opting for the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome ( S$59 ) entrance and the OCBC Skyway ( S$14 ). I don’t recommend the Supertree Observatory ( S$14 ), as it provides a similar experience to the Skyway but isn’t as interesting.

Yeah, it’s a pricey experience, for sure! But in my eyes, it’s absolutely worth it, as the whole area is so impressive. It’s one of the coolest places I’ve ever been! If you’re wondering whether to splurge, I say absolutely.

I’ve been to all of the museums and galleries in Singapore and if you were only going to do one of them, I’d suggest the National Museum of Singapore ( S$10 ). I was so impressed with this museum and learned so much about the history of Singapore while I was there; in particular the Japanese occupation of the country, which I didn’t know much about.

Other Expenses for Singapore

A Singapore guidebook :  A guidebook will give you an in-depth look into Singaporean culture, suggest the perfect itineraries for the amount of time you have, and offer recommendations for where to eat and what’s worth doing. I like Lonely Planet guidebooks and their  Singapore offering receives some of the best reviews .

A local SIM card:  I don’t know about you, but one of my least favourite aspects of arriving in a new country is having to figure out how to get connected. Specifically: buying a local SIM card so that I have data to use while I’m in the country.

There’s locating a store that will sell you one, language barriers to deal with, various forms of ID you might need to bring, scams to navigate, and… well, it’s a headache.

This year, I started using  Airalo , which sells local e-SIM cards for travellers. What that means is that you can buy your SIM card online  before  you arrive in Singapore, and then as soon as you land in the country, you can switch on your data and start using it. It’s worked flawlessly for me and now, I’ll never go back to physical SIM cards. You’ll pay  $7.50 for 1 GB of data  or $22.50 for 5 GB for Singapore and can also top-up through the Airalo app.

Make sure you have an e-SIM compatible phone before buying — all recent iPhones and many Androids are.

Travel insurance : If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Singapore. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re affordable, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

How Much Did I Spend on My Trip to Singapore?

I always like to share my own personal expenses when travelling in a country, as I think it helps you figure out what you should be expecting to pay each day while you’re there. A list of expenses is great and helpful, of course, but putting them all together in order to come up with a reasonable estimate can be trickier.

Here’s what I spent on my 2024 mid-range trip to Singapore

Accommodation: $70 per day Transportation: $10 per day Food and drink: $13 per day Activities: $60 per day

My average daily cost of travel in the Singapore was therefore:  $150 per day. It’s certainly not as cheap as elsewhere in Southeast Asia, but it’s still a lot more affordable than I expected! Had I skipped out on all of the paid experiences and focused just on the free activities, I’d have averaged under $100 per day !

Related Articles on Singapore 🇸🇬 25 Incredible Things to Do in Singapore 🚇 How to Spend Four Days in Singapore 🦁 Is Singapore Zoo the Best Zoo in the World?

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

Related Posts

What’s it Like to Travel in Kazakhstan?

The Cost of Travel in Mauritius: My Detailed Budget Breakdown

The Cost of Travel in Thailand: My Detailed Budget Breakdown

2023: My Travels in Review

The Cost of Travel in South Korea: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

How to Spend Three Perfect Days in Delhi: An In-Depth Itinerary

28 comments.

We really enjoyed the night safari at Singapore Zoo. The highlight though was when we were walking round and a tram went past to which a child on board pointed at us and the other people waiting to cross the road and said “Look mummy, humans!”. That made us giggle.

We love reading your blog by the way.

WHY aren’t more zoos open at night? Even just one day a week, I feel like this would bring in a lot more business.

The Night Safari is actually a separate zoo, so it’s not just the Singapore Zoo being open at night

This looks unreal! I agree with John – Why aren’t more zoos open at night?!

Hi! I am going to Singapore for a 3 day vacation. If to choose between Singapore zoo and night safari. Which do you think is a better choice?

Definitely the Night Safari!

Can’t wait to do this in a few weeks! Eeeeee!

Flying into Singapore tomorrow and only just starting to do my research! Your post helps us a lot, as we now know what to expect from our visit. Definitely going to be eating in hawker centres for every meal.

Have an amazing trip, Simone! The hawker centres are easily one of the highlights of travel in Singapore, so it’s an added bonus that they help to keep your travel costs low.

One of the reasons why I love Singapore is all of its green spaces and plants. I could spend days just walking around the botanical gardens. It may be expensive, but there are definitely ways in which you can save your money, as you mentioned in this post.

Yes, for sure. And I agree — I’m big into houseplants at the moment, and I’d love to return to Singapore just to take a look at all of its wonderful gardens.

hey Lauren Do you have a hostel to recommend in Singapore?? The OSS Backpackers you mentioned is the best one? Thank you!

Yep! Unfortunately, hostels don’t have the best reviews in Singapore, so if you’re tight on money, I’d recommend the OSS Backpackers :-) — it’s the best option for backpackers/budget travellers.

Thanks for the budget information and also for covering how to get to Malaysia, as that’s the route I’m planning to take. Have to admit the pod hotels sound like an experience and I might try one for a night or two! The fact that it helps save you money makes it all the more appealing.

Absolutely! If you’re planning on spending most of your time outdoors and exploring Singapore, they make even more sense. All you need is a place to sleep then :-)

Thanks for this guide Lauren! I’m working my way south from Bangkok to Singapore over the next three months and your guide was helpful for showing me what to expect when I reach the end. I’m 100% going to stay in one of those capsule pods lol they look so cool!

No problem! I’m happy you found it useful :-) Have a wonderful (and delicious) adventure in Southeast Asia!

Useful post, thanks Lauren. I’m going to be ending my nine months in Southeast Asia (sob) with a week in Singapore and this helped me work out how much money I should be leaving for my final week on the road. Looking forward to heading there and seeing how it differs to the other places I’ve been to in Asia so far.

I need someone to give me estimate number how much it costs me if I need to stay 3 days with my girlfriend. attending a special occasion and sightseeing.

Thanks for this great post about budgeting for Singapore! I’ll be going that way during my RTW trip and it’s good to hear it doesn’t have to be expensive. Great information!

Thanks so much, Cindy! No, it definitely doesn’t have to cost a lot :-)

Thanks for this, Lauren. Another detailed post! I know Singapore is more expensive than neighboring countries, but it’s good to see it can be visited on a low budget too.

Thank you! Yes, Singapore can still be done on a tight budget, and especially with the food!

I completely agree with your observations about Singapore’s rising costs after the pandemic, particularly in the accommodation sector. I appreciate your warning with Heritage Collection; reading about the treatment you got was disheartening, and I will surely try to avoid it. Your recommendations for affordable hostel options like 7 Wonders Boutique and Dream Lodge, are such great finds, and I am eager to check them out on my next travel there.

Your insight on the transportation options like the Singapore Tourist Pass sounds very worth it, with the unlimited rides for up to three days, which by then travelers already get the most out of Singapore. Your exploration on Singapore’s delicious culinary also got me wanting to give a taste on the cheapest Michelin-starred meal by Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle.

I am curious about your thoughts of the must-visit paid tourist attractions or activities in Singapore other than Gardens by the Bay. Do you think purchasing a Universal Studios ticket is also going to be worth it? Also, have you ever been caught off-guard by unplanned travel costs? How did you deal with it? I would love to know about your experiences and advice!

Thank you for the great insight and tips. We live in the Philippines and this will be my first trip to Singapore. I grew up in USA and traveled as a child with my family (British Mum) and young adult on my own. No blogs way back then.

Hi! is the dollar AUD or USD?

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Meet the Team
• Our Manifesto
• Work with Us
• Budget Travel
• Personal Development
• Work & Travel
• United Kingdom
• More of Europe
• Philippines
• More of Southeast Asia
• More of South America
• More of Central America
• South Korea
• More of Asia
• More of North America
• New Zealand
• Pacific Islands
• More of Oceania
• South Africa
• More of Africa
• More of the Middle East
• Travel Essentials
• Travel Gear

Home » Southeast Asia » Singapore » Travel Expensive

Is Singapore Expensive? (The Cost to Travel Singapore in 2024)

With tropical gardens nestled between gleaming skyscrapers, Singapore is a city of harmonious contrasts. Apart from stunning views, tourists are entranced by the rich history that has made the city a cultural melting pot. Exploring Hindu temples, mosques, and traditional Chinese and Indian districts are some of the best experiences!

The city is routinely listed as one of the world’s priciest destinations. Why is Singapore so expensive? Well, the way “priceyness” is measured is via an index of goods that most ex-pats make use of.

Remember that as a tourist, your costs are very different from those of ex-pats (no private schooling, for instance). If you travel with your budget in mind, you can still enjoy a great holiday. So, is Singapore expensive? No.

This guide is your comprehensive A-Z for having the time of your life while sticking to a budget. Affordable accommodation, cheap flights, free attractions…you’ll find it all here!

Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??

Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’.

So, How Much Does a Trip to Singapore Cost on Average?

Cost of flights to singapore, price of accommodation in singapore, cost of transport in singapore, cost of food in singapore, price of alcohol in singapore, cost of attractions in singapore, additional costs of travel in singapore, some final tips for saving money in singapore, so is singapore expensive, in fact.

• Buy Us a Coffee!

When you’re working out your Singapore travel costs, there are multiple expenses to keep in mind. This guide looks at the costs associated with flights, on the ground transport, accommodation, and food, as well as admission to attractions and miscellaneous expenses.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

All the costs in this post are estimates and are subject to change. They’re helpful in establishing a benchmark but you should also leave money in your budget for “just in case”. Remember that all costs are listed in US Dollars.

The Singapore Dollar (SGD) is the country’s currency. Find out how much your money is worth today by using the up-to-date converter below.

3 Days in Singapore Travel Costs

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $388 for a round trip ticket.

Flight prices fluctuate throughout the year. Some seasons are cheaper to travel in than others. If you’re wanting to travel Singapore on a budget, it’s a good idea to try and book flights during cheaper times.

Here are the estimated airfares for return flights from four major cities:

• New York to Changi International Airport: $503 USD
• London to Changi International Airport: £383 GBP
• Sydney to Changi International Airport: $405 AUD
• Vancouver to Changi International Airport: $757 CAD

Fortunately, you can keep the cost of a trip to Singapore low with a few expert tricks! Always use the incognito browser when you’re booking your own flights. This helps you avoid cookies which, basically, ensure that the price goes up every time you search. Using a flight comparison website and watch for error fares will also help you bag a cheap flight.

There are two major airports in Singapore: Changi International Airport (SIN) and Seletar Airport (XSP). With its stunning architecture and indoor garden, Changi is a tourist attraction in its own right. It’s also been named the world’s top airport a number of times! Although Changi is the city’s major airport, Seletar has cheaper airport fees so you’ll generally find affordable flights arriving here.

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $20-$70/day

Is Singapore expensive to visit when it comes to accommodation? That really depends on what you’re looking for from your accommodation and what area of Singapore you stay in ! Hotels and hostels operate on the same price range you’ll find in Western Europe so you’ll have to make compromises to keep costs low.

If budget is your priority, then book a bed in a dormitory. For those who crave privacy and a little luxury, it’s hard to beat a hotel. Traveling in a group? Want to live like a local? An Airbnb is for you. Looking to live in Singapore for longer? You’ll probably have to get a long-term accommodation.

Hostels and Homestays in Singapore

Hostels and Homestays offer the lowest Singapore prices for accommodation. Not only is the actual rate per night lower than that of a hotel but you can save in other ways, too. Most budget hostels in Singapore have a communal kitchen where you can cook your own meals, instead of eating out at pricey restaurants. The trade-off is that you have to share a room and a bathroom.

Looking on the bright side, however, this sharing-is-caring environment lends a social atmosphere to hostels and you can easily meet new people! Some hostels can even be quite fancy, with curtains around the dorm beds and plenty of modern appliances. Expect to pay around $20-$30 per bed per night.

Singapore’s homestays offer a bit more privacy, however, they’re slightly more expensive. If you prefer to have your own room but shared common spaces and living in a local’s home, then homestays are your go-to.

• Drea m Lodge:  A lovely hipster neighborhood, pod-style dorm beds, and homey touches like reading lamps make this place a favorite. Dream is one of the cheapest hostels in Singapore.
• Happy Snail Hostel:  Free walking tours and all-day air con are the highlights here. Is Singapore expensive? Not here.
• Wink Capsule Hostel:  If you like your hostels with a bit of style, then this is for you. It’s rather like a boutique hotel on a budget.

Airbnbs in Singapore

It’s hard to estimate the cost of a short-term apartment. It depends on how many bedrooms, the area and the kinds of amenities on offer. On Airbnb, you’ll pay upwards of $30 for an entire apartment and around $25 for a private room.

Staying in an apartment is the best way to avoid the generic atmosphere of a hotel and offers a sneak-peek into local lives. While an apartment is pricier than a hostel, you still save money by being able to cook your own food.

Airbnb is the best place to find short-term rentals, and there are heaps of amazing apartments in Singapore . Using Airbnb to find a place in Singapore is easy: has a number of helpful filters (for instance, the ability to choose between a private room and an entire apartment) to assist in your search.

• Homey One-Bed Apartment:  There’s no shortage of space in this apartment. A full modern kitchen and the views are the highlights.
• Bright Loft Room:  There’s character galore in this loft room that can sleep three. A shared kitchen and convenient location round off the package.
• Central, Sleek Studio:  For convenience and comfort, this is a smart choice. The complex offers a pool and a rooftop terrace.

Hotels in Singapore

Is Singapore expensive when you’re staying in the best hotels ? Most of the time, definitely yes. Expect to pay upwards of $60 for a basic but comfortable hotel room with a private bathroom.

Hotels do have their advantages, though. The private rooms and bathrooms mean you don’t need to worry about loud dormmates or about leaving your belongings when you’re out.

They offer the kind of luxury and convenience that most people associate with going on holiday (you’ll never have to wash up, for instance). In fact, there are some incredible rooftop pool hotels that offer world-class service, if you have the money for it.

Hotels, especially the larger ones, offer plenty of amenities and can organize activities for you.

• Hotel Mono:  With a sleek monochrome design, there’s nothing out of place at Hotel Mono. The rooms are spacious and the location in Chinatown is very central.
• ST Signature Jalan Besar:  This hotel is spotless and super comfy. The central location in Little India offers easy access to Singapore’s cultural charms.
• Arcadia Hotel:  Friendly staff and comfortable rooms make for a delightful stay. Three railway stations in the vicinity make getting around a breeze.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $2-$7/day

Is Singapore cheap? When it comes to transport, the city actually offers very affordable options. This is thanks to the city’s small size and a very efficient network which makes scooting around Singapore on a quick itinerary a breeze!

To get around the city you can take the metro, MRT, or the bus. There’s also the option of taking a taxi or hiring a car or scooter.

Train Travel in Singapore

MRT is the most convenient and time-effective way of getting around the city. Trains run from 05:30 am to midnight and you’ll seldom wait more than seven minutes for a train. All in all, it’s a great way of getting around.

Train fares are pretty cheap, especially considering their efficiency. You’ll pay $1-$2 per ride.

To save money on train travel, there are some great hacks. Remember that using these discounts is only worth it if you plan on using public transport a lot!

An EZ-Link card offers you up to 30% off train fares. There’s a small deposit but this is refundable when you’re done with the card. It’s also a lot more convenient to use this card rather than to keep buying individual tickets. It’s $8 for the card, including the $3.5 deposit.

A Singapore Tourist Pass is an even better option to keep your Singapore trip costs low. It offers unlimited travel on buses and trains for a select period.

• One-day pass: $7
• Two-day pass: $11
• Three-day pass $14

Bus Travel in Singapore

With the low cost and superior convenience of MRT, buses are less popular in Singapore. The only time the bus is more convenient is in the hours after midnight (only on weekends and public holidays) when the trains don’t run.

If you take the bus, you’ll generally have a good experience as the vehicles are clean and run on a regular schedule. There’s an app, SG Bus, that helps to track real-time bus arrivals.

The bus is cheaper than MRT but only by a narrow margin. You can pay between $1 and $1.50 per journey.

You can use both the EZ-Card and the Singapore Tourist Pass to travel by bus. It’s $8 for the card, including the $3.5 deposit. There are a number of options for the Singapore Tourist Pass:

Renting a Scooter or Bicycle in Singapore

Although renting a scooter or a bicycle is possible, it’s not the best way to get around in Singapore. The roads are hot and congested, and drivers are impatient. If you want to take a bicycle ride, you’re better off doing so in one of the lovely public parks. E-scooters are also not allowed on roads or pavements, and only on designated cycling paths.

Bike-sharing used to be popular but it has declined in popularity recently. The only company still operational is SG Bike. If you want a scooter or bicycle, try JoyScoot which hires them out from $7 per hour.

With a cost of $7 per hour, hiring a bicycle is not the best way to travel in Singapore for cheap. SG Bike offers free 30-minute rides, although you do have to pay a flat $4 to access the service for seven days.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $10-$80/day

Food is a major expense to consider when calculating your Singapore trip costs. If you’re planning on eating out in restaurants, be prepared for high prices. But if you’re willing to try the hawker stands, which serve fabulous dishes, then your budget will be just fine!

Singapore’s rich culture means you’re in for a real treat when eating out. The epic combination of Indian, Chinese, Malay and Indonesian influences means there are quite a few dishes that you have to try!

Chilli crab is the top dish on every tourist’s bucket list. Hawker stalls serve it but if you have money to spare, try Mellben Seafood where the dish costs about $40.

Laksa is another delicious meal. With noodles and lots of spice, it has both Malay and Chinese influences. It costs around $3 at hawker centers.

To keep your Singapore cost of travel low, avoid eating out in restaurants. You can still get yummy meals from informal stalls. Keep an eye out for meal specials while you’re sightseeing and come back for dinner.

Where to Eat Cheaply in Singapore

In any city around the world, some eateries are cheaper than others. Singapore is no different and there are plenty of top-class options for those who want to travel on a budget .

• Hawker centers: These are the backpacker’s go-to come mealtime. It’s kind of like a food court but the authenticity is much better. Chinatown Complex Food Center is the largest one in Singapore. Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle is one of a number of hawker stalls to be awarded a Michelin star! The average dish costs just $2-$3.50!
• Affordable restaurants: Most restaurants are expensive but there is a handful where you can grab a main course for under $20. Try The Green Ducklings where you can get a Shabu Pork Rice Bowl for $13. If you’re in the city center, head to Hans im Glück where you’ll get a burger for $15.
• Grocery stores: Cooking your own meals in the hostel or Airbnb kitchen is the cheapest way to eat in Singapore. Even if you’re staying in a hotel, you can pick up bread for $2 and a few apples for under $3. Sheng Siong outlets offer the lowest prices, while Fair Price stores have lots of variety.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $2-$21/day

Remember that in Singapore, drinking in public places is illegal (this excludes restaurants and bars but includes spaces like parks). Some areas, such as Little India, have stricter restrictions. Be sure to heed these rules as the penalties are stiff (a fine can cost up to $705).

How expensive is Singapore when it comes to drinking? Thanks largely to steep taxes, alcohol can get pricey. You’ll save money by drinking beer as opposed to wine and cocktails.

Thanks to the pricing, beer is the most popular drink in town. Try the local brand, Tiger Beer. Singapore Sling, a fruity, gin-based cocktail, is another favorite.

• The cost of Tiger Beer depends on where you get it: pay around $1.70 for a small can at the supermarket and $10 for a pint at a bar.
• Singapore Sling costs around $21 per glass at a swanky bar.

To get the best deals on alcohol, you need to be creative and think ahead:

• For a 0.63L bottle of beer, you’re better off drinking in Chinese restaurants. This will cost $3-$6, whereas bars can charge double that.
• If you really want that bottle of wine, buy it in the duty-free section at the airport when you arrive.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $14 – $44/day

Singapore is a modern metropolis that’s bounding with culture and natural beauty. In the Gardens by the Bay, you’ll be in awe of the 114-foot waterfall. The National Gallery, meanwhile, boasts an epic 8000 pieces of art!

Is it expensive to go sightseeing in Singapore ? Well, as with most things, that depends. If you pick a few attractions to see and stick to free or low-cost landmarks for the rest, then you’ll manage just fine.

Despite Singapore’s reputation for priceyness, there is a number of ways you can stay on budget or even explore for free!

• The Singapore City Pass is a lifesaver when it comes to sightseeing Singapore on a budget. There are options for 2, 3 and 5 days. It includes unlimited hop-on, hop-off sightseeing, and entrance to two attractions over the course of the ticket.
• Some of the city’s top attractions are actually free. This includes Sentosa Island and Singapore Botanic Gardens.
• You can enjoy great views without paying a dime. Check out the view of Gardens by the Bay lit-up from the free part of the garden. There’s also a free laser light show in the evening at Marina Bay Sands Boardwalk.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

There are some expenses that you just can’t factor into your budget ahead of time. Things like souvenir shopping, tipping, storage fees and buying medicine can all wreak havoc on your budget.

Plan ahead for Sinapore, write a list of what to pack , and set aside a miscellaneous amount. Around 10% of your total trip to Singapore’s cost should be sufficient.

Tipping in Singapore

Since tipping isn’t customary in the city, this is another area where you can keep your Singapore vacation cost down.

Bear in mind that most restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge. If you wish to tip for good service, then hand the cash directly to your waiter. While taxi drivers generally return any extra money, bellhops will be happy with $1-$2 per bag.

Get Travel Insurance for Singapore

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Still looking for ways to travel Singapore on a budget? We’ve got a few more tricks for you to try.

• Try Couchsurfing : Signing up on the site is free and you’ll be able to connect with locals who have a spare bed or a couch for you to crash on for free. It’s a great way to experience authentic Singapore. Just choose hosts who have good reviews!
• Share meals with other travelers: This is especially useful if you’re staying in a hostel. It’s much cheaper to cook in bulk (so long as everyone pays their share) and if you take turns cooking each night, you’ll also spend less time in the kitchen. Not to mention, this is a cool way to make friends.
• Save on foreign exchange: Using your normal bank card overseas means you can rack up a lot of foreign exchange fees. Ask your bank if they have a card with no foreign transaction fees. Limit the number of times you draw cash as each withdrawal might have a flat fee.
• Use free WiFi: Make sure that your hotel offers free WiFi. Google all the places you’re visiting the next day and take screenshots of important information. This way you won’t need to put your phone on roaming, which costs a lot, while you’re out!
• Pack a travel water bottle : Don’t waste money on plastic, bottled waters; carry your own and refill it in the fountains and the tap. If you’re worried about potable water, get a filtered bottle, like the GRAYL, which filters out 99% of viruses and bacteria.
• Earn money while you travel: Teaching English while traveling is a great way to make ends meet! If you find a sweet gig, you may even end up living in Singapore.
• Become a volunteer with Worldpackers : Give back to the local community and, in exchange, you’re room and board will often be covered. It’s not always free, but it’s still a cheap way to travel in Singapore.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

Knowing how much a trip to Singapore costs is the first step to staying on budget, no matter how much money you’re prepared to spend. Although it has a dizzying reputation for being expensive, there are so many ways that you can travel Singapore on a backpacker’s budget

By staying in a hostel or Airbnb, you not only save on accommodation but also on food expenses, since you’ll be able to cook your own meals. For just a few dollars, you can get Michelin-starred meals to supplement your diet. Transport costs are almost negligible. As for sightseeing, there are so many free attractions in Singapore that you’ll scarcely have time to see all of them!

In short, Singapore needn’t be an expensive destination. So long as you plan ahead and make smart choices with your money, you’ll be able to both explore the city and stick to your budget!

What we think an average daily budget for Singapore should be: $60-$100.

Buy Us a Coffee !

A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Monique MacPhail

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Lists by Lukiih 🍀

Practical travel guides with less fluff

💰 My 2024 Singapore Trip Cost: A Budget Breakdown

Singapore, a country famous for its impressive skyline and hawker centers, can be visited with a budget of $70 to $140 a day .

My three-day trip to Singapore cost a total of $630 . In this post, I share:

• 💰 Expected travel costs
• 💡 Budgeting tips
• 💵 How much cash to bring
• ✈️ My trip’s costs by category
• Is Singapore Expensive?
• How Much Is a Trip?
• About My Trip
• Cost Breakdown
• Daily Budget: $122
• Flight: $218
• Accommodation: $159
• Transportation: $19
• Entertainment: $34
• Withdrawing Cash
• How Much Cash To Bring
• Tipping Etiquette

Lists By Lukiih is readers-supported. When you buy with my affiliate link, I may earn a small commission. Thanks!

Is Singapore Expensive To Travel To?

Singapore ranks as  one of the most expensive  destinations in Asia. Although it offers affordable food at hawker stalls, it also has a relatively high cost of living, costly accommodation options, and pricey attractions and entrance fees.

Along with Japan and Hong Kong, Singapore is often considered a  luxury destination  in Asia.

However, with advanced planning and the willingness to forego certain experiences, Singapore  can be visited on a tighter budget .

💰 Trip Daily Budget for Destinations in Asia

For comparison, I visited these countries in Asia within a year of visiting Singapore, and here’s how much I spent per day at each one:

*My Cambodia daily budget is high because I splurged on accommodation.

See all my daily budgets .

How Much Is a Trip to Singapore?

This section covers estimated trip costs depending on your travel style. I share my actual travel expenses further below.

🎒 Budget Traveler – Singapore Trip Cost

Budget travelers can expect to spend approximately $70 per day or $210 for three days of travel in Singapore, excluding flights.

Here’s what a budget traveler’s cost breakdown can look like:

Traveling Singapore on a Budget

To travel to Singapore on a budget, here are some things you’ll need to do:

• 🏠 Accommodation – For the cheapest option, stay at a  dorm-style hostel for about $25 a night . For more privacy, a private room at a capsule hotel typically costs about $35 a night.
• 🚇 Transportation – Take advantage of Singapore’s modern public transportation, the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit). A metro ticket price varies by distance, but it’s generally less than $3 per ride.

Singapore offers different types of Singapore Tourist Pass that give unlimited rides on public transport.

• 🦀 Food – Eat at hawker centers, which are popular open-air food courts that serve traditional, authentic Singaporean foods. Meals can be less than $5 there.

Tap water is safe to drink in Singapore, as it meets WHO guidelines for water quality. Bring a reusable water bottle to avoid having to buy bottled water.

• 🪴 Entertainment – Singapore has many pricey attractions with an entrance fee, but you can also visit them for free if you’re okay with not paying for the viewpoints or special exhibitions. For example, you can visit Singapore’s most famous tourist attraction, Gardens by the Bay, for free by skipping the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. I did this, and I still thoroughly enjoyed my visit.
• ☀️ Travel Season  – Unlike many other countries, Singapore doesn’t have a well-defined low season because of its consistently warm weather, making it a year-round destination. For the best deals on accommodations, avoid Singapore’s major festivals (e.g., Chinese New Year in early February) and public holidays.

💰 Mid-Range Budget Traveler – Singapore Trip Cost

A mid-range budget traveler like myself can expect to spend approximately  $140 per day   or $420 for three days  of travel in Singapore, excluding flights. I break down my trip expenses by travel category below.

About My Singapore Trip

To give context to the expenses below, here’s what you need to know about my trip:

• 🗓️  3 days – I spent three days in Singapore, which gave me enough time to see some of the top attractions and go on a day-long biking trip.
• ☀️ High season – I visited Singapore in November, which is considered the high season.

Singapore has two peak seasons : one from November to January and another from June to July.

• ✌️ Group travel – I traveled with one other person, so we were able to split some costs, such as housing.
• 💰 Mid-range budget – I consider myself a mid-range budget traveler, and these expenses reflect that. I don’t aim to travel on a budget, but I’m thoughtful about how and where I spend.
• 🍀 Self-funded – My trips are self-funded, so I paid for everything listed below. None of my excursions or experiences are sponsored.
• 💵 US dollars – All costs listed in this post are per person and in US dollars, converted from Singapore’s local currency, the Singapore dollar.

The exchange rate was $1 USD = S$1.35 at the time of writing.

Singapore Trip’s Total Cost: $630

My three-day trip to Singapore cost a total of $630 , including flights.

💰 Cost Breakdown for Singapore

Here’s a quick overview of my expenses by travel category:

🗓️ Daily Budget in Singapore: $122

My Singapore trip cost $122 per day , excluding my flights from Malaysia and to Taiwan.

A mid-range budget traveler can expect to spend $140 per day in Singapore. This generally means staying at accommodations that cost about $60 per night, eating a mix of hawker stall and restaurant food, and paying entrance fees for popular attractions.

✈️ Flight Cost to Singapore: $218

I usually take round-trip flights from the United States, but I flew into Singapore from Malaysia and out to Taiwan for this trip. Here are my flight costs:

A round-trip flight between the US and Singapore that costs under $800 is considered cheap; international flights typically cost over $950.

🏠 Accommodation Cost in Singapore: $159

My average cost of accommodation in Singapore was $53 per day. I was able to split accommodations with one other person at all times.

I stayed at a hotel near Little India that was a conveniently short walking distance to the Farrer Park metro station.

Accommodations in Singapore are expensive . Well-rated mid-range hotels typically cost between $150 to $200 per night . Luxury hotels, like the famous Marina Bay Sands featured in Crazy Rich Asians, start at around $530 a night.

🦀 Food Cost in Singapore: $156

My average cost of food in Singapore was $52 per day.

A mid-range budget traveler can expect to spend about  $40 per day  on food in Singapore.

Cheapest Meals in Singapore

Here are the most affordable meals I ate during my trip:

The most affordable meals in Singapore are in the hawker centers (e.g., Tiong Bahru, Old Airport Road, East Coast Lagoon Food Village). You can get authentic Singaporean meals for less than $5 there.

Most Expensive Meals in Singapore

Here are the most expensive meals I ate during my trip:

The easiest and best way to discover authentic, delicious food is to go on a Singapore street food tour early in your trip.

🚇 Transportation Cost in Singapore: $19

My average cost of transportation in Singapore was $19 per day.

Here are the transportation methods I took and how much I paid for each:

You can keep transport costs low by using Singapore’s well-maintained public transit system. If you’re staying for an extended period, consider getting an EZ-Link card , a rechargeable card you can use at metro stations, convenience stores, and other businesses.

🪴 Entertainment Cost in Singapore: $34

My average cost of entertainment in Singapore was $11 per day. My entertainment costs are on the lower end because I did many free things and skipped many of the country’s paid attractions.

A typical mid-range traveler in Singapore can expect to spend about  $20 a day on entertainment.

Costs of Activities and Attractions in Singapore

Here are all the activities and attractions I paid for and how much each cost:

Free Things To Do in Singapore

It’s easy to rack up a large entertainment budget in Singapore because many attractions have an entrance fee. You can save money by taking advantage of its free attractions, gardens, and outdoor areas.

Here are six great free things to do in Singapore:

• Singapore Botanic Garden – The garden has no entrance fee and is more like a large park you can walk through. I spent more than an hour walking through it.

• Orchard Road – This road is an iconic landmark and commercial street lined with high-end stores, upscale hotels, and festive decorations around Christmas. You can spend some time window shopping here.
• Changi Airport – Singapore’s airport is considered one of the best airports in the world. The stunning airport has several worthwhile attractions, such as the Jewel.

• East Coast Park – This free park is next to sandy, accessible beaches. You can bike around it.
• Sentosa Island – This nearby island offers free entertainment and attractions, such as beaches, hikes, and a skywalk.
• Light shows – Catch one of Singapore’s impressive light shows (the most famous being Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay).

Do You Need Cash in Singapore?

Singapore has an  excellent credit card infrastructure , so you’ll only need to carry a bit of cash.

Below are tips on bringing and using cash in Singapore.

💵 1. Withdraw cash in Singaporean dollars.

Singapore’s local currency is the Singapore dollar (S$), and the US dollar is not widely accepted.

Since cash is rarely used , I recommend withdrawing once at the airport so you don’t have to worry about finding an ATM throughout your trip.

🏧 2. Carry about $10 to $15 worth of cash per day in Singapore.

On a typical day, a mid-range budget traveler in Singapore will need at least $15 in cash to mainly cover food expenses at hawker centers. If you don’t plan to eat at hawker stalls or local restaurants, you can likely carry $5 to $10 of cash daily.

I only needed cash in Singapore at hawker stalls, food court places, and small souvenir shops where most items were less than $20.

I keep my cash in my crossbody bag , but if you want extra protection against pickpocketing , carry it in a hidden money belt instead.

💰 3. Tipping is not customary in Singapore.

Tipping is  often appreciated  in Singapore, but it’s completely optional. Tipping is usually not expected as a service charge is already included in restaurant bills.

Thoughts? Questions? Leave a comment below .

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Australasia
• Central America
• North America
• South America
• Buenos Aires
• Mexico City
• New York City
• Rio de Janeiro
• Overwater bungalows
• Cruise tips
• Sightseeing Passes
• Attractions
• Theme parks
• When to visit where
• Backpacker Indexes

Sign up for our monthly Priceoftravel newsletter

How Much it Cost to Travel to Singapore: Detailed Prices

One of the world’s most modern cities, Singapore has transformed itself in recent years to a must-see city for anyone going to Asia. It’s now quite expensive compared to most other large Asian cities, but it still mostly feels like good value.

Travel Costs to Singapore

What is the average price of a hotel in singapore.

Hotels and even hostels in Singapore are now even more expensive than those in Tokyo, so this will be your biggest expense. You’ll find some cheaper places mixed in the listings, but they will all be in inconvenient neighborhoods and often there will be no window in the room. For a proper 3-star hotel (with a window), you’ll spend a small fortune.

Singapore Hotel Seasons

Hotels and hostels in Singapore tend to be popular all year round, although there are some seasonal variations to be aware of. June and July tend to be high season in Singapore as many foreign tourists have free time during that period. November and December are also a high season for hotels in particular as many Malaysians and other nearby people have long holidays during this period.

The rest of the year could generally be considered the low season, but don’t expect the prices to drop much. If anything this just means you’ll have to book further ahead if you are coming during high season while during the rest of the year you have a decent chance of booking something in person or at the last minute.

Singapore Hotel Prices

Singapore hostels prices, how much does it cost to visit top attractions in singapore.

Singapore has long been an excellent shopping destination with dozens of nice shopping centers featuring chain stores and one-offs at reasonable prices.

Again, the food scene in Singapore is legendary. You can find a dizzying array of Asian specialties at the traditional sit-down restaurants, and many other local delights at the famous hawker centers.

With its combination of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures, Singapore features a wide variety of temples and other cultural sights that feel like you are visiting several places at once.

Best tours in Singapore

The hop-on, hop-off tours of Singapore are very worthwhile and a great way to get your bearings early in your visit. The main tourist districts are spread apart and being able to take a double-decker open-top bus between them is helpful.

Walking tours of Singapore are worth a look if they cater to your specific interests.

What’s the average price of food and drink in Singapore?

Food in Singapore is one of the main highlights, with its famous hawker stalls all over the city preparing excellent and generous meals for a very low cost, in very sanitary conditions. Drinks can be a bit expensive by Asian standards, but happy hour bargains can be found. Restaurants meant for tourists can be expensive, especially in the main hotel districts.

Featured articles

What are the costs of transportation in singapore, getting to singapore.

Most visitors arrive in Singapore into Changi Airport, which frequently tops the world’s-best airport lists. Fares from within Asia are usually very reasonable, and fares from Europe and North America are competitive as well.

Train service connects Singapore with Malaysia, although it’s necessary to go through immigration and customs and then change trains on the other side.

Bus service from Kuala Lumpur and elsewhere in Malaysia is frequent and affordable, although going through the border is similar to the train so it’s a bit more complicated than it could be.

Getting around Singapore

Many of the tourist districts of Singapore are very pedestrian friendly and the island is almost completely flat, but it is always quite warm and humid so walking long distances isn’t always ideal.

The MRT is the metro system and it’s very affordable and efficient. It connects most of the tourist hubs as well as the airport.

Taxis in Singapore are easy to use and are more honest than most other places in Asia.

When to visit Singapore

Temperature and rainfall, singapore weather advice.

More than just about any other place on earth, Singapore’s rainforest-like climate stays almost exactly the same every day of the year. You can count on it being hot and humid during the day and very warm and humid every night. It also rains a lot virtually every month so it’s a good idea to be prepared for a sudden downpour or two, also keeping in mind the sweltering heat and humidity you’ll still be swimming in.

November through January are the slightly wetter “monsoon” months, but that really doesn’t change things much in Singapore. Curiously, May is generally the hottest month of the year by a little bit, and it’s typically the most uncomfortable as well.

Sunrise and sunset

Where to go before and after.

How to visit Singapore on a budget

Mar 8, 2024 • 5 min read

A visit to Singapore doesn't have to be tough on your wallet © Carlina Teteris / Getty Images

Singapore is often ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in. While prices in Singapore are akin to most other major international cities, most travelers feel the pinch when doing a Southeast Asian jaunt where neighboring countries are generally much cheaper to visit in comparison.

But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to explore Singapore without breaking the bank. Here are our tips for budget-conscious travelers looking to stretch their Singapore dollars.

Daily costs in Singapore

• Dorm bed in a hostel room: S$30-40 per night
• Hotel room for two: S$200-300 per night
• Public bus/MRT fare (distance-based fare): S$1-3 per trip
• Singapore Tourist Pass (1-3 days unlimited travel): S$22-34
• Meal at a hawker center: S$5-10 per person
• Meal at a cafe/small eatery: S$10-30 per person
• Meal at a restaurant: S$20-100 per person
• Pint of beer at a bar: S$10-$20 per pint
• Average daily cost: S$100-$300

Find a cheap connection to Singapore

Singapore has a well-connected airport serving over 100 airlines across its four terminals, including many budget airlines that often offer cheap discount tickets to countries around the region, so a multi-city trip could be one way to travel to Singapore cheaply. You could also consider a long layover in Singapore – Changi Airport offers free three-hour transit tours for layovers between 5.5 and 24 hours. 

Save money by arriving in Singapore during the day – public transport stops around midnight and taxis include an additional midnight surcharge on top of the airport surcharge.

Pick the right time to visit

Hotels in Singapore are quite pricey, but if you want to avoid paying peak rates, some key dates to skip – other than the Singapore school holiday months at mid-year (June) and year-end (December) – include the rare 2-day public holiday during Chinese New Year (end of January/early February), National Day (August 9) and the Formula 1 Grand Prix (mid-September). 

Check Singapore’s annual public holiday calendar to see when long weekends fall, which usually result in high demand for staycations and more expensive hotel rates.

Eat at hawker centers 

One thing that has remained relatively affordable in Singapore is the food found in its hawker centers . Not only do you get to eat cheap tasty Singaporean fare , it’s the best way to immerse yourself in the culture and eat like a local. Singapore even has Michelin-rated street food stalls so you can indulge in award-winning nosh without blowing up your budget. 

Drink at off-peak hours

Alcohol is very heavily taxed in Singapore and a night out at a posh bar or club can be alarmingly expensive. Pints of beer at a typical pub range from S$15-$20 while the famous Singapore Sling at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel costs almost S$40 for a glass. 

The best way to save on drinks is to take advantage of supermarkets or hawker center drink stalls that serve bottled beer – do so before 10:30pm as there is a curfew on alcohol sales in Singapore. Alternatively, start drinking earlier and look for happy hour deals around the nightlife districts to save some dollars.

Opt for public transport

Singapore’s public transport network is well-developed and efficient, offering a good, affordable way to explore the city. Fares are calculated based on distance traveled and while you can easily pay with your credit card, opt for a day pass if you expect to do a lot of commuting.

If you want to avoid expensive taxi rides, make a note of cheap or free shuttle options around major tourist attractions to cut down on transport costs. For example, you can walk for free or take the public bus to Sentosa versus paying for a scenic but more expensive cable car ride, and the Mandai Wildlife Reserve also has cheap shuttle connections to the MRT.

Consider where to stay

Most of Singapore’s famous sights are clustered in the south/central area, so while hotel rates there tend to be higher, the convenience of being able to walk to attractions may be more worthwhile than the cost and time spent commuting to a cheaper hotel outside the city center.

Alternatively, staying close to an MRT station can help cut transport costs – the subway lines connect to most major attractions, run till midnight and also connect to Changi Airport, so budget travelers with time to spare can consider skipping the taxi queues.

Pick supermarkets over convenience stores

If you need to stock up on daily necessities, hunt down a supermarket chain store like Fairprice, Cold Storage, Giant or Sheng Siong. There are plenty of smaller convenience stores around like 7-11 and Cheers, but the food and drink sold there tend to be significantly more expensive than the supermarket options. 

Tip: instead of a kitschy fridge magnet souvenir, pick up pre-packaged sauces, seasonings and foods to bring the local tastes of Singapore home after your trip. 

Save money by drinking tap water

There’s no need to buy bottled water in Singapore as the tap water is perfectly safe to drink. Carry around a reusable bottle – most attractions have a water cooler to refill bottles. In restaurants and cafes, ask for tap water instead of still or sparkling water as it's usually free, but note that some eateries may still charge for water (even if it came from the tap).

Plan ahead to save money

If you know exactly what you want to see in Singapore, you could save a little by purchasing bundled tickets beforehand. Major tourist attractions usually offer family bundles as well for those traveling in groups or with children.

Alternatively, skip the paid attractions and check out the many free things to do in Singapore , from hiking its beautiful outdoor spaces to visiting unique places of worship.

Savor a panoramic view for free

Visiting panoramic viewpoints like the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark or the Singapore Flyer can be pricey, while rooftop bars often have a cover charge and/or require some spending on an expensive alcoholic drink or two. 

Some free viewpoints if you’re not in the mood to splurge: take a hike along the Southern Ridges. Mount Faber offers great views while the undulating Henderson Waves is Singapore’s tallest pedestrian bridge. The more sedentary can visit CapitaSpring Sky Garden with landscaped gardens and a bistro with a view smack in the middle of the city, or pop over to Skyville@Dawson, public housing with a rooftop garden 47 stories high. 

This article was first published Sep 30, 2023 and updated Mar 8, 2024.

Explore related stories

Budget Travel

Aug 5, 2024 • 6 min read

Tipping is an elusive custom all over the world, and Asia is no exception. Here's what you should know.

Oct 28, 2023 • 9 min read

Dec 25, 2021 • 5 min read

Feb 10, 2020 • 8 min read

Jan 29, 2020 • 9 min read

Dec 11, 2019 • 5 min read

Aug 16, 2024 • 10 min read

Aug 7, 2024 • 8 min read

Aug 1, 2024 • 5 min read

Jul 25, 2024 • 10 min read

How Much Does a Trip to Singapore Cost?

Marianne Rogerson

May 5, 2023

It’s known as one of the most expensive cities in the world but just how much does a trip to Singapore cost ? We dive in to find out.

Planning a trip to Singapore and wondering about the costs involved? Read on!

Singapore is one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia, but it is also known as one of the most expensive countries in the world. 

The cost of travel in Singapore can obviously vary significantly depending on whether you’re eyeing luxurious hotels or budget-friendly hostels, dining at hawker stalls or experiencing fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants.

To help you plan your trip better, we’ll cover aspects such as accommodation, dining, transportation, and activities, ensuring you can prepare your budget accordingly.

Whether you’re a hostel and street food kind of guy or a luxury hotel and fine-dining gal, you’ll see that there’s something for everyone’s taste buds and wallet. 

So, let’s take a look at the costs and experiences you are likely to encounter to help you make the most out of your stay in this diverse, exciting destination.

Looking to save money? Check out our article about planning a visit to Singapore on a Budget .

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a booking using these links, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Got questions? Come join our Singapore Travel Tips Facebook group . It’s the perfect place to ask questions and get inspiration for your trip!

Table of Contents

Trip to Singapore Cost Overview

A trip to Singapore can vary greatly in cost depending on your budget and preferences.

For a low-cost visit, you may spend as little as $40 per day (not including accommodation). This would require you to eat local food in hawker centres, travel by public transport and avoid the most expensive attractions. 

In contrast, a luxury trip could have you spending over $400 per day if you choose to eat in high-end restaurants and visit the most popular attractions. 

The most popular attractions, such as Universal Studios Singapore , can cost as much as $180 per person if you opt for the Express pass. Conversely, you can wander around the Botanic Gardens for free. 

It’s difficult to give an overall average cost, as how much money you spend is dependent on a lot of factors. We break these down below to help you put together your Singapore travel budget. 

Singapore Dollar

The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD, or S$). All prices in this article are in SGD. 

Cost of Accommodation in Singapore

Whilst you can find some of the world’s most expensive and luxury hotels in Singapore , there are plenty of other budget options too.

Average accommodation costs are as follows (based on a per-night cost).

• Hostel – $25-50
• Budget hotel – $80-100
• Mid-range hotel – $200-350
• Luxury hotel – $400 + (the sky’s the limit!)

Price is also variable on location and number of guests in the room. You will find that hotels in the popular areas of Marina Bay, Orchard Road and Sentosa command higher rates than those in budget-friendly neighbourhoods such as Little India and Bugis.

Read more about the best areas to stay in Singapore here.

Other tips for working out your accommodation budget include:

• Hotel room rates in Singapore are subject to a 10% service charge and 8% GST. These surcharges are often not quoted in hotel prices, so be sure to check.
• Check if breakfast is included. Hotel breakfast buffets tend to be expensive.
• Most Singapore hotels come with free WiFi, but check that it is included. 
• Choosing a hotel close to an MRT station will mean taking less taxis. 

Cost of Transport in Singapore

Singapore offers a well-connected and efficient public transport system. Transport costs are low too, making it easy for you to explore the city without blowing your daily budget.

You can read our full guide to Singapore Public Transport here.

The most popular mode of public transport in Singapore with tourists is the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit). This efficient train system is affordable, with fares calculated based on distance. 

• For trips under 5km, you can expect to pay under S$1. 
• Longer trips with station changes may cost up to $2.50.

MRT services typically operate from 5:30 am until midnight, with peak hours occurring between 7 am and 9 am. Announcements and signage in the MRT are in English, so you shouldn’t have any difficulty navigating the system.

Another option for getting around is the public buses. Singapore’s bus network is extensive, covering most parts of the city, and bus fares are comparable to the MRT.

Taxi / Grab

Taxis are also surprisingly cheap in Singapore. All taxis run on meters, so you don’t need to worry about negotiating a fare or encountering dishonest drivers.

Note that taxi surcharges of 25-50% apply at certain times of day, and there are also airport surcharges. Booking fees also apply if you use an app to call out a cab. 

Download the Grab and Gojek apps (similar to Uber) to compare costs with taxis and private hire pick-ups. You will often find that taxis are cheaper and can also be booked using Grab.  

As an idea you can expect to pay around:

• Taxi from the airport – $25-40 depending on the time of day.
• Taxi across town – $5-10

Paying for public transport

You can use a debit or credit card to tap on and off public transport. Note that foreign-issued cards can incur extra charges though, so if you plan on using a lot of public transport, it can work out cheaper to get an EZ-Link card. You can read more about this in our guide to public transport in Singapore .

Singapore Tourist Pass

Another option for visitors is the Singapore Tourist Pass , a special EZ-link card that offers tourists unlimited travel on buses and the MRT. 

These are available as 1-3 day passes, and cost as follows. Note that costs are inclusive of a $10 refundable deposit:

• 1 day: $22 
• 2 days: $29
• 3 days: $34 

2-day and 3-day cards must be used on consecutive days. 

Another option is the 3-day SG Tourist Pass, which costs $29 and doesn’t require a deposit.

I advise thinking about how much you are planning to use public transport before purchasing one, as they can work out more expensive if you don’t use several trains or buses in a day.

Cost of Food and Drink in Singapore

Food in Singapore varies from cheap hawker meals to very expensive Michelin-starred dining and everything in between. 

Fine dining in Singapore is expensive (especially those with a coveted Michelin Star or with a celebrity chef to their name), but beyond that, you can find a large choice of reasonably priced restaurants.

Here’s what you can expect to pay:

• Hawker centre meal – $5-10
• Mid-range restaurant – $25-50 per person (not including alcohol)
• Luxury restaurant – $100+ per person (not including alcohol)
• Michelin-starred degustation – $300+ (not including alcohol)

Hawker Centres & Food Courts

For a more budget-friendly option, visiting hawker centres in Singapore is highly recommended. Not only will you find the best local food in Singapore, but you will also save those dollars.

These food havens offer a wide variety of food stalls selling local dishes, with prices ranging from S$4 to S$10 per dish. Some popular hawker centres include Tiong Bahru Market, Lau Pa Sat, and Maxwell Food Centre.

Water in Singapore

The good news is that when it comes to drinking water in Singapore, tap water is completely safe to drink. Instead of spending money on bottled water, which can cost around S$4 for a 1-litre bottle, you can simply refill your own bottle from the tap, saving both money and the environment.

Alcohol in Singapore

For those who enjoy a tipple, it’s worth noting that alcohol is expensive in Singapore. If you want to indulge while in Singapore, consider visiting bars during happy hour to take advantage of discounts and promotions, or enjoying a beer at a hawker centre.

The average price you can expect to pay:

• Beer – $15 per pint in a bar or $6-7 per bottle in a hawker centre
• Wine (glass) – $12-18 house wine in a restaurant
• Wine (bottle) – $60+ house wine in a restaurant
• Cocktails – $20+
• Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel Long Bar – $37

Cost of Attractions and Activities in Singapore

The main attractions in Singapore tend to come with high ticket prices, so if you are planning to visit a number of them, you will need to budget accordingly. 

You can often get discounted attraction tickets via Klook and you can also sometimes buy combo tickets for a number of attractions for a discounted price. 

Here are some examples of attraction and tour prices:

• Singapore Zoo – $48 (adult) / $33 (child)
• Gardens by the Bay Cloud Forest & Flower Dome -$53 (adult) / $40 (child)
• Hop on Hop off bus – $38 (adult) / $30 (child)
• Universal Studios Singapore – $82 (adult) / $61 (child)
• National Musuem of Singapore – $15 (adult) / $10 (concession)
• Food tour – $120 per person

Combo tickets examples :

• The Klook Pass allows you to bundle 2-10 attractions at discounted rates
• The Mandai Pass allows you to combine the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders and Night Safari at discounted rates.
• The Resorts World Sentosa pass gives you discounted entry to Universal Studios, the SEA Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark.
• The Sentosa Fun Pass gives you discounted entry to various Sentosa attractions.

Free Attractions

Despite its reputation for being expensive, there are several free attractions in Singapore to discover. 

The iconic Gardens by the Bay, known for its impressive Supertree Grove and light shows, cost nothing to enter, although some areas, such as the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, have an entrance fee. There are plenty of other beautiful parks in Singapore to visit. 

It also costs nothing to explore the cultural neighbourhoods of Chinatown , Little India , and Kampong Glam . These areas feature picturesque architecture, delicious food, and vibrant markets.

Here are some of our favourite free activities in Singapore :

• Gardens by the Bay (except the OCBC Skyway and conservatories)
• Botanic Gardens (except the Orchid Garden)
• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum
• Fort Siloso
• MacRitchie Reservoir & Treetop Walk
• Changi Museum
• Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
• Southern Ridges Walk

Cheap Flights to Singapore

Singapore’s Changi Airport is one of the world’s busiest transport hubs and so you have a huge choice of air carriers to choose from when flying to Singapore.

Singapore Airlines is one of the best airlines in the world, but it is also an expensive option. If you are flying in from a neighbouring Asian country, you can also take advantage of the variety of budget airlines offering flights to Singapore.

I recommend using Skyscanner to compare all the available options. You can also use it to look for the cheapest days to fly and set up price alerts to receive and email if the price changes.

Keep an eye on airline sales and promotions, and consider travelling during off-peak seasons to find the best deals on flights.

Travel Insurance for Singapore

Yes, travel insurance will add to your travel costs, but do not be tempted to skip it. 

Medical and hospital expenses in Singapore are very expensive, so I highly recommend having medical insurance when you travel to Singapore. It’s really not worth the risk. 

If you are travelling from Australia, we always use CoverMore for our travel insurance. If you are travelling from elsewhere, we suggest you look at WorldNomads.

Tips for Saving Money in Singapore

While visiting Singapore can be expensive, there are several ways to save money during your trip. By following these tips, you’ll be able to stretch your budget and get the most out of your Singapore adventure for less.

• Use public transport. The MRT is cheap, clean and efficient and will get you to most places you need to get to.
• Eat in hawker centres . Eating out in restaurants can be expensive, but it’s easy to get a cheap meal in a hawker centre and you can find some great local food here.
• Drink in hawker centres. Drinking a beer in a bar will set you back around $15 per pint. A bottle of beer in a hawker centre will cost just $6-7.
• Look out for happy hours. There are always happy hours advertised in bars around Singapore. Look for 1-for-1 deals to keep your costs down.
• Look for lunch deals. Some high-end restaurants offer great value lunch deals. This way, you can try Michelin-star dining at a fraction of the usual cost.
• Don’t buy bottled water. The tap water in Singapore is safe to drink. You need to drink a lot of water in Singapore to stay hydrated in the humidity. Bring a reusable water bottle and save up to $10 per day on water!
• Buy discounted tickets. Booking ahead and using websites such as Klook can help you save money on attraction tickets.
• Save on roaming charges by buying a Singtel Tourist SIM card and pick it up at Changi airport when you get here. This costs just $12 SGD and gives you 100GB 4G data, 500 mins of local calls and 30 mins of IDD calls over 14 days!
• Use free WiFi . Lots of attractions, hotels, restaurants and shopping malls have free WiFi which will help keep your data usage down. 
• Download the Grab and Gojek apps and compare costs between ride shares and taxis at the time of booking.

How to Plan a Trip to Singapore

9 best hawker centres in singapore.

Cost of a Trip to Singapore, SG & the Cheapest Time to Visit Singapore

The average price of a 7-day trip to Singapore is $1,717 for a solo traveler, $3,084 for a couple, and $5,781 for a family of 4 . Singapore hotels range from $49 to $224 per night with an average of $90, while most vacation rentals will cost $120 to $480 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Singapore Changi International Airport ( SIN ) are between $1,049 and $1,809 per person for economy flights and $3,292 to $5,677 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $34 to $68 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Singapore, SG

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to SIN and stay in a Singapore hotel:

• February 5th to May 27th
• August 13th to October 14th

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Singapore is usually mid to late September .

Average Singapore Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Singapore for a week is $1,093-$2,626 ($156-$375 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $34 to $68 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $561 to $1,520 for economy

Lodging : $49 to $82 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $86 to $105 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Singapore for a week is $2,868-$5,200 ($410-$743 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $68 to $136 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,122 to $3,040 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Singapore for a week is $3,784-$8,992 ($541-$1,285 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $136 to $272 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,244 to $6,080 for economy

Lodging : $98 to $164 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $138 to $168 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Singapore

How cheap can you make a vacation to Singapore? The cheapest trip to Singapore is about $115 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 3% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $20 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $39.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Singapore for a week is $807-$2,132 ($115-$305 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $18 to $36 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $39 to $49 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $20 to $60 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Singapore for a week is $1,494-$3,904 ($213-$558 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $36 to $72 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Singapore for a week is $2,928-$7,676 ($418-$1,097 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $72 to $144 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $78 to $98 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $30 to $96 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very possible to travel to Singapore cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Singapore Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Singapore.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Singapore for a week is $2,539-$10,797 ($363-$1,542 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $65 to $129 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,352 to $4,134 for first class

Lodging : $122 to $224 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $480 to $960 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Singapore for a week is $4,346-$15,834 ($621-$2,262 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $130 to $258 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,704 to $8,268 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Singapore for a week is $8,692-$28,212 ($1,242-$4,030 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $260 to $516 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $5,408 to $16,536 for first class

Lodging : $244 to $448 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $768 to $1,344 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Singapore Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Singapore is slightly lower than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Singapore due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Singapore Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Singapore hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in Singapore.

Flight Costs to Singapore

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,809 average in mid December to a low of $1,049 in mid to late September. Median flight price is $998. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Singapore our data includes 792 originating airports, and 220 airlines. The area has more variance in price compared with other locations. Flying to Singapore from an airport like Stewart International ( SWF ) in Newburgh/Poughkeepsie, NY (the United States) for an average $9,650 trip fare will obviously cost a lot more than from an airport like Kuala Lumpur International ( KUL ) in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) at an average of just $73.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Wednesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Singapore, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $760, so you can easily save about 72% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Singapore can easily cost $270 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $18 per person. Private tours can cost $540 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Singapore Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Kampong Glam, Singapore
• Little India, Singapore
• Chinatown, Singapore
• Thomson Road, Singapore
• Geylang, Singapore
• Harbourfront, Singapore
• Sentosa Island, Singapore
• Central Singapore, Singapore
• Saint-Hilaire, France

Travel Costs in Popular Places

• Corfu, Greece
• Tbilisi, Georgia
• Taichung, Taiwan

Singapore Travel Costs: How Expensive Is It?

Is Singapore expensive to visit? If you’re considering a visit to one of my favorite places in the entire world, you’ve probably heard mixed responses about how pricey it is (or isn’t). I’ve laid out our two-person, 1-week long trip to Singapore and broken down all the expenses so you can have a clear understanding of the costs involved. From accommodation and transportation to food and attractions, I’m about to delve into the nitty-gritty details of how much it truly costs to explore this enchanting destination so you can make informed decisions and make the most of your trip to Singapore.

All prices are in USD.

The flight is one of the most expensive single expenses when it comes to an international trip. This cost can vary wildly depending on where you’re flying from, what month or day you’re flying, or even just if you got a good deal from the airline or not.

We didn’t hunt down any specific deal and paid $352.19 each for our one-way flight from Japan to Singapore. This might not sound like a long flight because both destinations are in Asia, but Japan is approximately an 8-hour flight away from Singapore!

Take care to choose a good flight, and you’ll want to consider things like fare class, layovers, and baggage fees. Our total flight cost includes one checked bag and one carry-on suitcase each.

Total: $704.37/2 or $352.19 each

Local Transportation

Local transportation includes things like the MRT (Singapore’s metro), the bus, and taxi fares. We spent most of the time taking the MRT and the bus but did call a few taxis on Grab for some locations that were inconvenient to get to. Luckily Singapore’s transportation system is very extensive so it was mostly when we were up early for photoshoots!

Total: $154.66/2 or $77.33 each

Ah, the delicious food of Singapore! I loved everything that we ate and Andrew has quite an appetite, so we spent a good amount of time just devouring everything in front of us. We did eat at lots of hawker centers, but when meeting up with friends we tried out some more expensive restaurants in the fancy malls as well. If you’re on a budget, definitely consider eating at hawker centers instead, but there are so many incredible restaurants if you’re willing to spend just a little bit more.

Total: $878.92/2 or $439.46 each

Accommodation*

We stayed in two hotels while in Singapore and one of them was a press stay, so the amount for lodging is rather smaller than for a typical out-of-pocket trip. First, we stayed at the Fairmont Singapore for 2 nights (thank you so much to the Fairmont Singapore for hosting us!), and spent the rest of the week at a budget hotel in the Balestier area called Value Hotel Nice . We definitely didn’t splurge on accommodation, but there are great hotels in Singapore for every traveler’s budget.

Total: $339.45/2 or $169.73 each

Activities & Sightseeing

Singapore has so many beautiful gardens and museums, but the best thing is plenty of them are FREE. For example, it costs no money to walk around the gorgeous Fort Canning Park or under the iconic Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay. We also had a press pass from Viator that allowed us free entry to the Cloud Forest, Floral Fantasy, Flower Dome, and S.E.A. Aquarium at Sentosa Island, so this sum doesn’t reflect those entry costs. Actually, this category only covers the price of entry to the popular ArtScience museum, which we got tickets for on Klook .

Total: $30.30/2 or $15.15 each

By the way, there is SO much to see and do in Singapore. If you’re interested in these activities, make sure to check out my article about the top things to do while in Singapore !

So how much was the total for our 2-person, 1-week trip to Singapore? Drumroll, please…the numbers come out to $2107.70 for 2 or $1053.85 per person! That’s including every single expense, from flights to food to hotels.

I’ve also summed this up in the table below:

While we weren’t running a super-tight budget for our trip, we didn’t splurge full-on luxury for everything either. Singapore ended up being more affordable than I expected, and I absolutely loved every moment of our trip. Hopefully, this breakdown of expenses helps with your travel planning too!

Have a wonderful trip to Singapore!

Post navigation

Previous post.

Singapore on a budget – ultimate guide to the city

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

This ultimate Singapor e on a budget guide covers everything from getting there, best budget accommodation in Singapore and all the cheapest and best activities.

I’ll also show you what you can expect to pay, how to save costs in Singapore, as well as my TOP TIPS to save more money while you’re there.

Reading relating to this article

Further Reading: A cheats guide to saving money while traveling.

Further Reading: 5 day Singapore Itinerary – an affordable itinerary

Is Singapore Expensive?

Budget trip to singapore – daily costs, distance from other major locations, fast facts about singapore, 8 singapore travel tips for saving money, how to get cheap singapore flights, budget accommodation singapore, budget and free attractions in singapore, estimated food costs, getting free wifi in singapore, conclusion to singapore on a budget.

In a nutshell, yes.

Singapore is a dazzling city of spectacular scenery. It’s modern skyline seamlessly stands alongside it’s older and more cultural precincts, making it a destination of abundant opportunity. For many first time visitors to Singapore it is a pleasant surprise, just like it was for me.

Where to start?

During my initial research I discovered that Singapore was going to be a challenge to budget. I also didn’t want to get carried away as this was just a stopover trip on my way to the Maldives.

Having a cheap vacation in Singapore means knowing up front what you can and can’t afford. This is because Singapore has a lot to offer, maybe more than you first imagined. And while there are many amazing attractions that do cost money, there are also many wonderful places and sights that are completely free , which of course I will go into more detail about.

I suggest looking at what attractions you want to see and do. Once you have established how much this going to cost, you can start budgeting everything else such as food, accommodation and transport.

This is my travel motto –

Before heading to Singapore, it is worth knowing these handy travel tips.

• WiFi connectivity
• local food and much more

Check out my othe r article:  First time in Singapore – 16 handy travel tips

Starting with at least an idea of how much you want to spend is a good way to understand what it is gong to take to make it happen. After some initial research you might discover Singapore is more expensive than you expected. Or even cheaper than you thought. Wouldn’t that be awesome!

Your budget trip to Singapore comes down to the type of travel you usually do. Are you a backpacker or a couple wanting to keep their costs down.

Now, let’s face it, everyone’s budget is going to be different.

Are you a couple, family or flying solo?

Are you looking a dirt cheap holiday or just cheaper alternatives to everything?

Firstly, I always suggest having some backup funds in case…well just in case.

Type of travel – back packing

• dorm room in hostel
• no paid attractions
• MRT transport (train)
• local food at Hawker Centres (street food)

Expect to pay USD $40 – $60 / AUD $50 – $70 per person per day

Add a mix of paid attractions – an additional US $40 – $60 / AUD $50 – $80 per day

Type of travel – Budget travel – based on 2 people

• cheap hotels in cheap locations – twin share
• a mix of free and paid attractions
• a mix of street food and cheaper restaurants

Expect to pay USD $110 – $130 / AUD $150 – $170 per person per day

Type of Travel – budget travel- family of 4

• cheap hotels – sharing the same space
• a mix of street food and restaurants
• Expect to pay USD $300 / AUD $400 per family per day

If you can truly pinpoint what brings you to Singapore, what attractions and activities are unmissable, and what you are willing to sacrifice (budget on), you can end up having a cheap vacation to Singapore that you will love.

Where is Singapore?

Singapore lies at the southern tip of the Malay peninsula. It is 85 miles (137 km) north of the equator.

While there are some 60 small islets, Singapore Island makes up the main population within a land mass expanding 50 km east to west and 27 km north to south. From a tourists perspective, this means many of it’s most treasured attractions are relative close by, with many within walking distance to each other.

Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) to Singapore – 354 km / 220 miles / Flight time 55 minutes

Australia (East Coast) to Singapore – 6300 km/ 3900 miles / Flight time 7.40 hours

Australia (West Coast) to Singapore – 3900 km/ 2420 miles / Flight time 5.05 hours

Japan to Singapore – 5250 km / 3260 miles /Flight time 6.30 hours

USA ( West Coast ) to Singapore – 8700 km / 5450 miles / Flight time 15.10 hours (add 3 extra hours from East Coast)

• Population – 5.686 million
• Currency – Singapore Dollar (conversion AUD to SIN dollars aprox 0.98 / USD to SIN dollars approx 1.36 )
• Official Languages – English, Malay, Mandarin &Tamil. English is most common
• Yearly Visitors – 19.2 million (2019) – the year of COVID in 2020 was 2.7 million
• Climate – Singapore has a tropical climate being so close to the equator. Typically is experiences a dry and a wet season though rain is experienced most months of the year. It also typically experiences high temperatures and high humidity.
• Yearly Average temperatures- steady year round temperatures range from highs of 30C to 32C ( 86F – 90F) and lows of 23C to 25C (73F to 77F)
• Average Stays in Singapore- most tourists spend 3 days on average in Singapore. This is mainly due to treating it as a stopover city.
• Compare flight costs through companies such as Skyscanner and CheapOair for the best deals
• Use the rapid & reliable train system to get around. Renting a car is not necessary.
• Avoid high season for the best deals (November, December & January)
• Book your accommodation in budget friendly precincts such as Bugis, Chinatown and Little India
• Discover the many free activities
• Eat at the many Hawker Centres dotted across the city for cheap local street food.
• Walk as much as possible
• Purchase a Iventure Unlimited Attraction pass if you are planning to visit multiple attraction s (2,3 or 5 day passes)

Further reading: Planning a trip overseas you can actually afford

Singapore Estimated Costs – Singapore on a Budget

It’s time to look at all the main costs associated with doing Singapore on a budget , including flights, accommodation, transport and food.

International flights will arrive at Changi International Airport

There are over 100 carriers flying into Changi Airport at any given time. So chances are one of your preferred airlines are heading there.

Singapore’s National Carrier- Singapore Airlines has a huge network right around the world. It is also regularly rated the worlds best airline.

Note: while flights are not fully up and running with many airlines, the below information was correct prior to COVID restrictions. Hopefully these flight routes will be back up and running very soon.

For Australian travellers to Singapore , there is generally no shortage of cheap flights heading to Singapore on various carriers. It is not unusual to find return flights from AUD$300 which is incredibly cheap.

There are currently around 5 budget airlines moving in and out of Singapore’s bustling airport, and 3 main budget airlines flying from Australia to Singapore. These include:

1. Scoot Airlines

Based in – Singapore (subsidiary of Singapore Airlines)

Flies direct from Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Gold Coast

2. Jetstar & Jetstar Asia – flies direct

Based in – Australia (subsidiary of Qantas Airlines) Jetstar Asia is based in Singapore

Flies direct from most major Australian capital cities

3. Air Asia – via Kuala Lumpur

Based in – Kuala Lumpur

Most flights from Australia will fly via Kuala Lumpur unless under a code share airline

Major carriers  within the US include United Airlines at present. American Airlines are currently code sharing with British Airways, Iberia and Japan Airlines. (AS OF EARLY 2022).

More ways to save on flights to Singapore

• sign up to newsletters and notifications from the airlines direct
• use your frequent flyer / mileage points
• be flexible with month of travel (key in various dates and days to make comparisons)
• Use a multiple search across all airlines such as CheapOair or Skyscanner.

The sooner you know you are going, the longer you can keep an eye out for flight specials which do come up quite regularly. If you can secure good priced flights, you should be able to do Singapore on a budget much easier.

The following accommodation prices reflect what you might expect to pay if you were on a budget and looking for cheaper deals. Most properties are around a 3 star rating at most. Note: prices may fluctuate at different times of year, and you may also find cheaper prices if on sale.

Something to be aware of is the size of many hotel rooms. In most western countries you would expect the average room to be around 20 to 30 square metres but not in many  Asian  countries.

In Singapore, an average priced hotel might be only 9 to 12 square metres. That’s just enough room for a bed and not much else. Even the bathrooms can be super cramped with showers virtually over the toilet. But it’s not always like this, you might just want to check these details on your booking if it’s going to be an issue.

Also, many budget rooms have no window, so it’s an interior room within the hotel.

Pricing in both US dollars and Australian dollars and are average prices.

Hostel – Single in dorm

Per Day USD $20 – $50 / AUD $30- $70 Ave 3 Days USD $60- $150 / AUD $90 – $210 Ave 5 Days USD $100 – $250 / AUD $150 – $350

Go to: Hostel World

Hostel – Couple in Private Room

Per Day USD $73- $145 / AUD $100 – $200 Ave 3 Days USD $219 – $435 / AUD $300 – $600 Ave 5 Days USD $365 – $725 / AUD $500 -$1000

Hotel Room – 2 people

Per Day USD $95- $115 / AUD $130 – $160 Ave 3 Days USD $285 – $345 / AUD $390 – $480 Ave 5 Days USD $475 – $575 AUD $650 – $790

Note: For families, seeking cheaper deals, opting for a single room with multiple beds will save you much more than a 1 to 2 bedroom apartment. You will also gain more 2 to 3 star options this way.

PRO TIP: Did you know that Hotels.com give members a free night for every 10 nights booked. This is based on the average amount you spend per night. So far I’ve redeemed well over 25 free nights, and around $5,000 worth of hotel stays simply by booking through Hotels.com. How cool is that. Plus members receive special “member only prices” and lots of bonuses such as late check out, free parking or chocolates and wine. I love it! Melinda

Hotels and private rentals worth checking out Singapore on a Budget

The Hotel 81 chain is located in many areas within the city. It is cheap in comparison to other hotels but doesn’t come without it’s negatives. Generally small rooms, small bathrooms, no windows in some rooms and limited amenities. But it’s cheap and does the job. Perfect for those who don’t want to do hostels. I have stayed in a Hotel 81 to save money . As I really only needed a bed that was not far to get to on foot, it was suffice.

HOTEL 81 BUGIS – Standard Room -1 queen bed from US $65 / AUD $90 – HOTELS.COM

Click here for US Site / Click here for Australian site

HOTEL 81 CHINATOWN – Standard Room -1 queen bed from US $88 / AUD $120 – HOTELS.COM

FURAMA CITY CENTRE – Superior (up tp 3 people) US $97 / AUD $132 – HOTELS.COM

HOTEL CLOVER 33 – Plush queen (up to 3 people) from US $111 / AUD $155 – HOTELS.COM

Click here for US Site / Click here for Australian Site

For Families: HOTEL CLOVER 33 – loft (up to 5 people) from US $145 / AUD $200 – HOTELS.COM

Still not sure where to stay?

I suggest reading my article on Best Area to stay in Singapore for Cheap Hotels. It also includes a handy walking guide from each location to all the top attractions. This way you can calculate how far everything is to get to on foot from your hotel.

Related reading: Best area to stay in Singapore for cheap hotels

Singapore is an easy place to get around, and best part is, it’s cheap.

With a world class train system that is always on time, there’s no need to worry about how much time you’ll lose getting to each destination.

Using the MRT (mass rapid transport)

Singapore has an extensive track system with stations all over the city. It’s cheap and reliable. The longest wait in time I had on any train was 4 minutes so if you miss one, the next train will be along any minute. The trains are also well maintained and extremely clean. You really won’t have an issue using it. Also, because everything is in English there is no language barrier.

Most single train trips cost between $1 to $2.50 within the greater city area. You can then top up you ticket as you go.

Use the MRT to get from the airport to your hotel. Train $2.50. Taxi approx $20

Alternately you can purchase a  tourist pass  which will get you unlimited rides on the MRT, LRT and basic bus services.

Tourist Pass Costs

1 Day – $10 + $10 refundable Deposit

2 Day – $16 + $10 refundable Deposit

3 Day – $20 + $10 refundable deposit

3 Day – $25 No deposit required.

Purchase your tourist pass directly at the train station. Click to see the locations and more information on the MRT Tourist Pass

Can I walk around Singapore easily?

Absolutely, the city is perfect on foot, and even if you stay in one of the budget locations you can still get around easy enough. But you will most likely at some stage need a train. Places like the Singapore Zoo and River Wonders are located well out of town so impossible on foot.

Singapore is a big city so you will clock up the miles even walking. I estimated doing minimum 10 km each day and that was in conjunction with using the train. It is also very hot and humid at times so you may want to conserve some energy.

Train stations in Singapore are also airconditioned and many have shopping centres connected to them. This ultimately means when it rains or when you are desperate for a cool place to hide, you can virtually walk an entire block inside without getting wet. It is such a god send at times.

There is a tonne of great things to do during your stay in Singapore. Some free, some budget friendly and some on the more expensive side. Seeing we are talking about Singapore on a budget, let’s jump into affordable options.

Free Attractions in Singapore

Here are some free attractions & activities in Singapore.

Other great free attractions include:

• Singapore Botanical Gardens
• Fort Canning Park
• Art Science Museum
• Sultans Mosque

Areas to explore on foot include:

• Little India
• Kampong Glam
• Clarke Quay
• Orchard Road
• The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

My favourite attractions that won’t break the bank

Other great attractions include:

Breakfast with Orangutans at Singapore Zoo USD $25 / AUD $35

• Singapore river Cruise on traditional bumboat USD $19 / AUD $25
• Singapore Cable Car Sky Pass – to Sentosa Island USD $19 / AUD $25

Jurong Bird Park USD $25 / AUD $35

Related article: Breakfast with Orangutans – Singapore Zoo

Save with the iVenture pass or Flexi Attraction Pass

For those who are keen to not miss a thing, I suggest the iVenture card which can be used as 3,4 or 5 day pass. All the attractions are unlimited, so you can do as many as you can fit into your day. Plus you’ll skip the line. (saving you time too)

To see more of Singapore’s most popular attraction pass – iVenture pass.

Alternately, a cheaper option again is the Singapore Flexi Attraction Pass . It enables you to choose between 3 to 5 attractions and is valid for 5 days. You can see pricing on Viator here.

For individual attractions you can book through Klook which also has discounts regularly.

Singapore Zoo – an open air concept Singapore Zoo USD $32 / AUD $44

River Wonders – see the giant pandas and more USD $28 / AUD $38

Singapore River Cruise – 40 minute cruise $19 / AUD $25

Gardens by the Bay – both domes included USD $22 / AUD $30

Singapore Cable Car Sky Pass – to Sentosa island USD $19 / AUD $25

Singapore Flyer – observation wheel USD $24 / AUD $33

Marina bay Sky Park – observation Deck USD $19 / AUD $26

TOP TIP – head to the top of Marina Bay Sands to the outdoor bar, Ce Le Vi bar for a cheeky Singapore Sling (it will set you back about $18) instead of paying entry to the Sky Park. You’ll still have great city views and an iconic drink to try.

The wonderful news is YES you can totally save heaps of money on food in Singapore.

Hawker Centres are outdoor food halls that serve up delicious local food at next to nothing prices. Expect to pay $2 to $5 for a delicious meal. The food is fresh and will generally not upset your tummy.

Some of the top Hawker centres are:

Maxwell FoodHall – China Town

Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre – central business district

China Town Food Street – China Town

Tekka Centre – Little India

The cafes and restaurants in many shopping malls are also reasonable priced, Grab a bowl on Singapore noodles for less than $10.

Other ways to save include eating at the many bakery’s dotted across the city and by grabbing snacks at 7/11.

By budgeting your food this way you can expect to pay around $15 per day. Pretty cheap right

The internet is fast so staying connected has never been easier than here in Singapore.

Your  hotel  should most definitely have it and it should be working at full speed.

When you are out you’re sure to find service throughout the day.

You will also find Free Internet at:

• major tourist attractions
• many restaurants
• the MRT (trains)
• Sentosa Island.

I love the  Changi international airport  also has free WiFi with no time or usage restrictions. Handy when you need to pass some time before boarding your flight.

A trip to Singapore is filled with endless possibility and exciting adventure. It is sure to be a whirl wind trip.

While 3 days is what most people average, I highly recommend 4 to 5 day if you can afford it.

I hope this guide has given you some tips and ideas to make your perfect vacation a reality, without breaking the bank.

Be sure to check out my perfect 5 day itinerary below.

Booking resources for budget travel

CheapOair – these guys service over 400 airline carriers with huge discounted prices.

Booking.com – the biggest range of hotels / apartments / entire homes

Hotels.com +plus get a free night for every 10 nights you save up.

VRBO – for private rentals on condos, cottages, homes and apartments.

RentalCars.com – why look at one car rental company when you can look at them all.

Expedia – Book your flight and hotel together to get great discounts. Plus cruises.

Viator – for day tours from a range of tour suppliers

Klook – for all your entry tickets plus skip the line

You may also like

First time in Singapore – 16 handy things to know

Maldives on a Budget – best ultimate travel guide

5 day Singapore itinerary – plus how to make it affordable

Breakfast with Orangutans Singapore Zoo -amazing & unique

Hawaii on a budget – the best guide to paradise

Best area to stay in Singapore for great cheap hotels

Singapore Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Singapore is one of my favorite cities in the world. It’s a foodie’s dream, bursting with tasty hawker stalls, delicious Indian food, and fresh seafood. There are hiking trails where you can stretch your legs and beaches for chilling out and soaking up the sun.

Home to around 5.7 million people, Singapore is a cosmopolitan city-state that gained independence from the British in 1965. It is now one of the world’s leading economic centers in shipping and banking.

Because of its status as a global economic hub, Singapore is expensive by Southeast Asian standards, with everything costing almost double what it does elsewhere in the region. In fact, it consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the world!

For this reason, visiting Singapore isn’t as popular with budget travelers compared to affordable destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, or elsewhere in Southeast Asia .

But while most people come here for a couple of days just to see the highlights, the city actually has a lot to offer and requires more time than you might think. Don’t rush your visit if you can afford it; Singapore can fill any schedule.

Use this Singapore travel guide to help plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to this lively multicultural metropolis.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Singapore

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Singapore

1. Eat at the Boat Quay

Boat Quay is the place to go for dining and entertainment. The alfresco pubs and restaurants make Boat Quay ideal for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. Try Wakanui for quality Japanese steak cooked over a white oak fire, or Kinara for reasonably priced North Indian cuisine.

2. See the supertrees at Gardens by the Bay

This urban landscaping project is a series of towering metal “supertrees.” There are roughly 200 species of orchids, ferns, and other tropical plants coating their structure. It’s free to walk through the outdoor gardens, but you have to pay 8 SGD for the canopy walk (which is worth doing!) as well as for the stunning Flower Dome and Cloud Forest biodomes .

3. Hang out (and party) on Sentosa

This little island is home to a nighttime light show on the beach and a host of bars, restaurants, and beaches to enjoy. Hang out at Bora Bora Beach Bar or splash out and try the cable car sky dining experience (it isn’t cheap). You can get to Sentosa via the Sentosa Express train (4 SGD). Entering on foot/bicycle is free.

4. Tour the Singapore Zoo

Spanning 70 acres, the Singapore Zoo is massive, boasting over 3,600 mammals, birds, and reptiles. There are lions, tigers, sun bears, Komodo dragons, primates, and much more! The zoo offers a night safari featuring over 900 different nocturnal animals (41% are endangered). Admission is 44 SGD and the night safari is 48 SGD.

5. Hang with the Merlions

The Merlion is Singapore’s mascot and has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The original statute (and most impressive Merlion) can be found in Merlion Park, but the 37-meter-tall (121-foot) replica on Sentosa is also pretty cool to see. There is no entrance fee for Merlion Park.

Other Things to See and Do in Singapore

1. admire thian hock keng temple.

Thian Hock Keng (Palace of Heavenly Happiness) is one of the most photogenic buildings in Singapore. The temple originated as a small building that served the local Chinese population. It was expanded in 1840 and made from the finest materials available at the time, paid for by years of donations from the local community. It’s the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore, dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea (Chinese immigrants came here to ask for safe passage before leaving to cross the South China Sea). The temple was designated as a national monument in 1973. Admission is free.

2. Explore Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Bukit Timah, located within Singapore’s only remaining stretch of rainforest, is the country’s premier eco-tourism attraction. On the hiking and biking trails, you’ll be able to get up close to the macaques, squirrels, flying lemurs, and various species of birds. The reserve covers over 400 acres and is 30 minutes from the city center. It’s open daily from 7am-7pm. The weekends get really busy, so come during the week if you want to avoid the crowds.

3. Wander around Chinatown

Chinatown encompasses two square kilometers of traditional Chinese life, nestled beside the modern Central Business District. This remains the place to get a real sense of Chinese culture within Singapore. The streets are filled with temples, craft shops, stalls, and restaurants and are a great place to pick up a bargain. Head down Chinatown Food Street to find some char kway teow (stir-fried noodles) or grilled meats. If you can, eat at Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle (aka Hawker Chan), the world’s most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is another Michelin-starred hawker stall worth a visit. Like Hawker Chan’s, it’s located in the Maxwell Hawker Center.

4. Eat hawker food

Singapore’s hawker food scene is one of the best in the world. It has been recognized by Michelin in 2016 with the world’s first street food Michelin star and by UNESCO in 2020 with Cultural Heritage status. Whether you go to Newton Food Center (of Crazy Rich Asian fame), to the Old Airport Hawker (many locals’ favorite), or to one of the other 103 centers across the island, you won’t be disappointed and you can grab a cheap meal surrounded by locals. Don’t miss the chili crab, satay, dim sum (dumplings), or nasi lemak (fried chicken with coconut rice). If you’re not sure where to go or what to eat, take a guided food tour!

5. Take a trip to Pulau Ubin

This island lies off the northeastern coast. It’s incredibly different from the modern city; locals still use a diesel generator for electricity and fetch water from wells. Rent a bike and explore the sights, villages, and beaches of this island. To get there, hop on a bumboat from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal, which costs about 3 SGD and takes 10-15 minutes. There are no fixed departure times — just line up and wait. Very few tourists make it out this way; it’s one of the most off-the-beaten-path things you can do here.

6. Relax in the Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens lie close to the city and consist of 128 acres of gardens and forest. Founded in 1859, the main attraction is the National Orchid Garden, home to over 1,000 species of orchids. There is also a ginger garden, a rainforest, and various streams and waterfalls to explore. The Botanic Gardens are Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage site (and the only tropical botanic garden on UNESCO’s World Heritage List). It’s open daily from 5am-12am, and admission is free to everything except the National Orchid Garden, which is 15 SGD.

7. Eat in Little India

No trip to Singapore is complete without a visit to Little India, where you can get amazing, cheap, and delicious food, fresh vegetables, snacks, and souvenirs. Seek out local favorites like roti prata (pancakes) and teh tarik (“pulled” tea). Make sure you stop off at the Tekka Center, a hawker center with Indian clothing, groceries, and food. The food here is cheap and delicious and makes for an authentic Little India experience.

8. Learn about Singapore’s History

For a more cultural experience, visit the former British naval base of Fort Siloso located on Sentosa. It’s a decommissioned coastal artillery battery the only preserved fort on the coast of Singapore, providing a fantastic look into the city-state’s complicated history. You’ll get to see the coastal guns and the remains of tunnels under the fort. It’s a well-constructed, interactive attraction. Entrance is free.

9. Visit Sri Mariamman Temple

This extremely colorful, ornate temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, built in 1827 in Chinatown. It was constructed in what is known as the Dravidian style and is devoted to the goddess Mariamman, known for curing illnesses and diseases. During the post-war colonial period, it was a hub for community activities and was even the Registry of Marriages for Hindus. Admission is free.

10. Watch a free concert

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra hosts various free concerts at different venues around the country. You might just be lucky enough to catch one of their shows — just check their website for details during your visit.

11. Visit the MacRitchie Reservoir Park

MacRitchie Reservoir is Singapore’s oldest reservoir, dating back to 1868. Today, this beautiful and lush city park is a relaxing place to spend an afternoon. Walk the 8-kilometer (5-mile) treetop hike, with bridges suspended high above the forest floor, where you might see long-tailed macaque monkeys, squirrels, monitor lizards, owls, and even flying lemurs. In addition to the TreeTop Walk, there’s also a network of walking trails. Admission is free.

12. Visit the National Museum of Singapore

First opened in 1849, this is the oldest museum in Singapore . Learn about the country’s history, culture, and people through the various permanent and temporary exhibitions. There are gold ornaments, 18th-century drawings and artwork, the mace used by King George VI when he declared Singapore a city in 1951, and the Singapore Stone (an indecipherable stone with inscriptions from the 10th century). Admission is 15 SGD.

13. Admire the street art

Singapore has some really incredible street art to admire. While none of it is spontaneous (unauthorized graffiti is illegal), it can be found all over the island. Yip Yew Chong is probably the best-known artist as he has murals everywhere from Chinatown to the East Coast. His images depict scenes from days gone by and range from small pictures to entire walls. Kampong Glam, Chinatown, and Little India all have masses of art to look at, as does the east coast, but you can find it on random buildings in most areas. Take a walking tour if you want more detail, or Art Walk Singapore has three self-guided walks outlined on their website.

14. Marvel at the rain vortex in Jewel

Located adjacent to Changi International Airport, Jewel Mall is home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Cascading from the roof, the water falls seven stories (around 130 feet) to the basement through a huge tiered garden. At night it is lit up for a light and music show. There’s more to do at Jewel if you have time including two mazes, a canopy bridge, sky nets, slides, and a topiary walk. It’s free to see the rain vortex and prices range from 5-22 SGD each for the other activities. You can get bundles that work out cheaper.

15. Explore Kampong Glam

Also known by its most popular street, Haji Lane, and as the Arab Quarter, Kampong Glam is one of Singapore’s oldest neighborhoods. The shophouses here are now stores selling textiles, rugs, and Turkish homewares such as dishes and glass lamps. There are some great Arabic restaurants around here all under the shadow of the enormous golden-domed Sultan Mosque. There’s some street art around here and Haji Lane has some cool eclectic shops by day and a buzzing nightlife with outdoor live music by night. If you have time, check out the Malay Heritage Center (admission is 8 SGD).

16. Get spooked at Haw Par Villa

Hands down the quirkiest thing you can do or see in Singapore, Haw Par Villa is a huge outdoor art gallery. It was built in 1937 by Aw Boon Haw, a millionaire philanthropist one of the men behind Tiger Balm, for his younger brother. Once a theme park for locals, Haw Par Villa was also used as an observation point by the Japanese army during World War II. It’s filled with dioramas depicting Chinese mythology and has recently reopened after a 9-month refurbishment and renovation project. Entry to the grounds is free but the museum — called Hell’s Museum as it includes an exhibit depicting the 10 Courts of Hell — is 18 SGD.

Singapore Travel Costs

A budget hotel room with amenities like air-conditioning, private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and a TV starts around 65 SGD per night. Most larger chain hotels cost at least 80-110 SGD per night.

Airbnb is available in Singapore, with private rooms starting at 25 SGD per night (though they average closer to 60 SGD). Entire homes/apartments average 85 SGD per night.

Food – As a cosmopolitan hub, Singapore has food from all over the world, however, there is an abundance of Chinese and Indian food, which is usually around 8-9 SGD per meal. Rice or noodles are usually the backbone of most meals, and popular dishes include steamed chicken, chili crab, fishhead curry, satay, and nasi lemak (coconut rice cooked in a pandan leaf). The city’s hawker centers (large halls full of various food stalls) are one of the most popular and cheapest places to try Singapore’s vibrant cuisine.

As for Singaporean specialties, try the seafood, which costs around 20-35 SGD for a main dish. For drinks, beer is typically 8-10 SGD, a glass of wine is about 10-16 SGD, and a cappuccino is around 5 SGD.

There are also plenty of low-cost eateries around Singapore, with street stalls typically selling food for less than 6 SGD per meal. A fast-food burger is around 8-10 SGD while sandwiches at a café are around 11-14 SGD. There are many restaurants offering a set lunch menu for around 12-16 SGD, and a dish at dinner in most casual restaurants is around 20 SGD. After that, the sky is the limit.

If you want to cook your own meals, expect to pay 95 SGD per week for basic staples like rice, noodles, vegetables, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Singapore Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Singapore, expect to spend around 90 SDG per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, eating at the cheap hawker stalls and in Little India, cooking some meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like walking tours and enjoying nature.

On a more mid-range budget of 175 SGD per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out for all your meals at cheaper hawker stalls, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting the zoo and the botanic gardens.

On a “luxury” budget of 300 SGD or more per day, you can eat out for all your meals, take taxis everywhere, stay in a hotel, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in SGD.

Singapore Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Singapore isn’t a super cheap destination so you’ll need to tread carefully if you want to avoid blowing your budget. Here are some ways you can save money during your visit:

• Take public transit – Singapore’s public transit system is fast and efficient, making it the best way to get around. Unlimited travel on public transport is 10 SGD per day with a Singapore Tourist Pass. If you’re staying a few days, the pass gets cheaper per day, as a two-day pass is 16 SGD and a three-day pass is 20 SGD.
• Eat on Smith Street – The stalls here offer food for less than 6 SGD and are a great place to sample local snacks.
• Eat cheap – Save money on food by eating in Little India, Chinatown, or the hawker stalls throughout the city. Meals in these places cost only a few dollars and are some of the tastiest around!
• Stay with a local – Use Couchsurfing to stay with a local for free. You’ll not only save money but you’ll get to connect with someone who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Stick to happy hour – Alcohol is expensive in Singapore, so limit your drinking to save money. If you do plan on drinking, stick to the happy hours.
• Avoid bottled water – The tap water here is perfectly fine to drink, so avoid buying water and just refill your bottle. It will save you money and it’s better for the environment! LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Singapore

Looking for budget-friendly accommodation? Here are some of my suggested places to stay in Singapore:

• Dream Lodge
• The Pod Capsule Hostel

How to Get Around Singapore

Like the MRT, Singapore’s bus system is extensive and efficient. You can use your Singapore Tourist Pass on the buses as well. You can also pay with cash, but it has to be the exact change. A single trip costs between 1.40-2.50 SGD.

Trishaws – Trishaws (like rickshaws) are less popular these days in Singapore, and now they’re largely used for guided tours that cost around 40 SGD for a 30-minute run. Trishaw Uncle is the only licensed trishaw tour operator in the city, offering various guided tours by trishaw.

Taxi – Taxis are comfortable and convenient, but they’re not cheap! All cabs are metered, but there might be surcharges depending on the company and where you’re going. For example, if you’re hiring a taxi from midnight to 6am there is a 50% surcharge on the total metered cost, while rides in the mornings and evenings carry a 25% surcharge. Prices start at 3.20 SGD and then increase by 0.22 SGD every 400 meters. Skip them if you can!

When to Go to Singapore

It’s always a good time to visit Singapore! The island is warm year-round with a tropical climate that boasts daily temperatures in the high 20s°C (80s°F). December to June is the busiest time to visit, especially during the Chinese New Year. February-April is the driest period with the most sunshine and least amount of rain.

Monsoons occur between December-March, with December usually being the rainiest month. The weather is windy, cloudy, and humid.

Late summer and early fall (July to October) are also a good time to visit if you’re hoping to avoid all the tourist traffic. The weather is still pleasant, averaging around 30°C (87°F) each day, and accommodation might be a bit cheaper during this time as well.

How to Stay Safe in Singapore

Singapore is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. In fact, it’s one of the safest countries in the world (it’s currently the 11th safest country).

Solo female travelers should feel comfortable here, though the standard precautions apply (don’t walk home alone at night, don’t accept drinks from strangers, etc.)

Be aware that penalties for breaking the law here are stiff. For example, you’ll be fined up to 1,000 SGD for things like littering, spitting, and smoking in public. Singapore is also notoriously strict on drugs. If you’re caught even with marijuana in your system you could do jail time. In short, say no to drugs here!

Scams are rare in Singapore, however, if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

If you don’t do it at home, don’t do it when you’re in Singapore. Follow that rule and you’ll be fine.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Singapore Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Singapore Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Singapore travel and continue planning your trip:

The 5 Best Hotels in Singapore

The 4 Best Hostels in Singapore

Where to Stay in Singapore: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

18 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Singapore

Get your  free travel starter kit.

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Singapore Itinerary + Budget Travel Guide for first-timers

Singapore is South East Asia’s most prosperous city and smallest nation by land area. In recent years, newly developed mega-attractions and casino driven integrated resorts had transformed this “all work” economic powerhouse into one of the region’s most popular destinations for leisure travel.

Because of its compact size, Singapore is very easy to travel and generally safe. It is a top choice for first-time international travel, family trips, and those seeking to indulge in metropolitan luxuries. While costs are significantly higher than the rest of Southeast Asia, a lot of people continue to visit Singapore because of its unique and top-notch attractions that cater to almost every type of traveler.

I honestly didn’t expect to travel to Singapore as often as I have, considering the high number of seemingly more “exotic” and adventurous destinations elsewhere in the region. Singapore was just too irresistibly accessible with so many direct flights to other cities all over the region as well as convenient border crossings to Malaysia & Indonesia.

Singapore continues to be a worthwhile jump-off point to Southeast Asia and a fitting “last stop” for indulging in urban comforts before the journey home.

Traveling to Singapore for the first time?  This detailed travel guide will make it easy for you to plan a trip, save money, and maximize your time.

Scroll down to read must-know travel tips before you go, followed by a sample itinerary + budget breakdown , recommended hotels/places to stay , things to do/places to visit and lots of extra travel tips.

Follow me on Instagram

Get Started

Singapore travel essentials

Click below to compare rates & read reviews:

Singapore Hotels Tours + discounts Flights Airport transfers WIFI Internet/Data SIM

See also: 2024 Singapore Itinerary , 33 Things to do in Singapore + Tourist Spots .

Popular tours & discounts booked by other travelers:

Universal Studios Singapore Admission Ticket

Legoland Malaysia Admission Ticket

Singapore 4G Data SIM Card (SG Airport Pickup)

SG Tourist Pass – Unlimited MRT/LRT Rides in Singapore

Klook Pass Singapore

Singapore Gardens by the Bay Admission Ticket

View all travel tips on: Singapore .

How to get to Singapore — Touchdown at Singapore-Changi International Airport, the gateway to Singapore and one of Asia’s largest transport hubs. From the Philippines, you can fly directly from Manila. Flights are operated by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, Singapore Airlines & Scoot. Direct flights from Cebu & Davao are also operated by Cebu Pacific.

Search cheap flights

Book your hotel early  — Grab rock-bottom rates and avoid fully-booked rooms by booking online as soon as you know you’re going. Click below to compare discounts and read reviews by other travelers.

Cheapest rates Best hotel reviews

Check prices online and pre-book discounts  — Save money by checking discounts on tours, airport/city transfers & sim card/WiFi hotspots. Booking before you leave also saves you time by avoiding the hassles of bringing large amounts of cash & exchanging currency/money during your actual trip.

See top discounts

Singapore Cable Car Skypass

Visa-free travel for Philippine citizens  — 80% of all nationalities, including Filipino tourists, do not need to apply for a visa before arriving in Singapore for short visits. Scroll down to the extra tips for the list of things you might need to prepare.

Traveling on a tight budget is possible  — I’ve included a lot of money saving tips on this guide in case you are traveling on a limited budget. Spending less does not mean that you have to miss out on awesome travel experiences in Singapore. You can achieve cheaper expenses by knowing where to find and book the best travel deals.

Getting around Singapore  — Getting between different areas of the city is very convenient. Singapore has a small land area and the infrastructure is highly developed. It’s easy to go on a do-it-yourself (DIY) trip, even on your own. Plus all signs are in English and most Singaporeans can speak/understand English. Public transport is very efficient. It’s the best way to get around if you want to travel cheaply.

Singapore 3G/4G internet data sim card & pocket WiFi rental

Best time to visit Singapore  — Singapore gets little weather variations the whole year round. Any month is generally good to schedule your visit. If you just want to go sightseeing, however, you need to be aware of popular holidays and events, which usually happens from January-February, June-July, September-October. It’s super peak season for hotels. Book your accommodations well in advance.

Spend two days or more  — With a 2-day trip in Singapore, you can already see most of the major travel highlights. Though, I recommend spending three days or more, especially if you want to enjoy multiple theme parks/attractions and explore the different cultural districts. If you are spending a long layover at Changi Airport, don’t miss the free city tours for transit passengers.

See more blogs & travel guides

Singapore Travel Guide Blog

Singapore itinerary, singapore budget, where to stay in singapore.

Travel Tips Before You Go

Places to Visit in Singapore + Things To Do

More Travel Guides & Blogs

What to do in Singapore in 3 days?  Here’s a 3 days & 2 nights (3D2N) itinerary for your do-it-yourself (DIY) trip.

Day 1: Old & New Singapore

Day 2: universal studios singapore + sentosa, day 3: heritage & shopping.

If you only have 3 days to spend in Singapore, you can skip “Day 3” of the itinerary posted above

Go to the 4 days  Singapore itinerary  guide for the budget estimates, expenses breakdown, and step-by-step do-it-yourself (DIY) tips for the itinerary above. Scroll down for more budget & money saving tips.

Your travel expenses will largely depend on your traveling style and how much you plan to spend on activities, accommodations & food. To help you set your own budget, here are budget estimates if you follow the 3 days and 2 nights (3D2N) itinerary posted above. Make sure to review all discounts & online booking prices.

I’ve included backpacker budget estimates for food & accommodations to give you an idea of how cheaply you can do the trip. If you have money to splurge on hotels, food, and luxuries, simply use the expenses posted to calculate your own budget.

Book your stay near MRT train stations if you plan on getting around conveniently by public transport.

Clark Quay (Riverside), Chinatown, Little India & Bugis are the most popular places to stay for backpackers and budget travelers.

You can find most of the mid-range and luxury hotels in Orchard Road, Marina Bay, Promenade/City Hall area & Sentosa Island.

Check discounts See more

Click below to compare rates and Singapore hotel reviews within your budget.

Top-rated places to stay in Singapore

Marina Bay Sands ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Upscale / Marina Bay

JEN Orchardgateway by Shangri-La ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Upscale / Orchard Rd

V Hotel Bencoolen ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Mid-range / Bencoolen

Hotel 81 Bugis ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Budget / Bugis

Butternut Tree Hotel ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Budget / Chinatown

Galaxy Pods Chinatown ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Budget Backpacker / Chinatown

7 Wonders Hostel Upper Dickson ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Budget Backpacker / Little India

Where to book

Book your room through these trusted booking sites. I use them frequently to grab rock-bottom prices & enjoy convenient bookings. Click below to confirm the lowest prices:

Booking.com Airbnb Agoda

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Singapore Travel Tips Before You Go

How to get to singapore, how to find cheap flights to singapore, what to prepare for a trip to singapore, how many days is enough, how to get singapore dollars (sgd), when is the best time to visit, how to get around singapore, useful travel apps, get rent a pocket wifi or buy a mobile data sim card., where to book tours & attraction tickets, typical travel costs in singapore, money-saving tips.

Unless you’re traveling by land from Malaysia, flying to Singapore is the best way to get to Singapore. Many budget airlines, including AirAsia, Tiger Air, Jetstar, Cebu Pacific, fly to Singapore from all major destinations in Southeast Asia.

If you’re coming from the Philippines ,  Philippine Airlines ,  Cebu Pacific , and  AirAsia offers direct flights to/from Manila, Cebu, Clark, Iloilo, Kalibo & Davao.

The easy way is to search on airfare comparison sites that can show you the lowest fares on many airlines in one go.

Start your search on Wego , Momondo , and Skyscanner .

Check  Singapore promo  alerts several weeks or months ahead of your trip if you are planning your trip early. The cheapest promos are sold up to a year in advance of the travel/flight departure date & are often only available if you book directly with the airline.

To learn more, visit the guide on  how to book cheap flights .

Singapore Tourist Visa  — Tourists from around 80% of all nationalities do not need to apply for a visa or entry permit to travel in Singapore. If you are a citizen of one of these nations, you may be able to visit Singapore visa-free for a maximum stay of 30 days, to up to 90 days depending on the passport provided.

Go to the  Singapore Immigration website  to check if you need to apply for a visa before going on your trip. Foreign visitors from countries not listed in the “Assesment Level Countries” can visit Singapore visa-free.

If you are from a country that is not listed under the visa exception scheme, see if you are eligible to apply for a Visa on Arrival (VoA).

Travelers can enter Singapore through immigration checkpoints found in various international airports, seaports, and land border crossings. Including the Singapore-Changi International Airport, Singapore-Malaysia land border, and international ferry terminals.

Always remember that all countries have the right to refuse entry to any person. Even if you are eligible for the free tourist visa or already have one in hand at the border.

Make sure that you are able to provide the following:

Passport not expiring within 6 months.

Evidence that you are visiting for travel or holiday purposes only.

Evidence that you are able to fund your stay for the entire duration of your visit.

Have confirmed flight tickets back to your home country or an onward destination that you are allowed to enter.

Visa for Filipino citizens  — Philippines nationals can enjoy visa-free travel in Singapore, for up to 30 days.

Filipino citizens (Philippine passport holders) do not need to apply for a visa before arriving in Singapore granted that the purpose of the visit is for tourism or transit only. Simply show up at the immigration checkpoint and get your passport stamped. Filipinos usually get a maximum stay of 30 days in Singapore.

Singapore may be a small country but there’s a ton of interesting things to do that could keep most travelers busy for weeks on end. A shorter visit of three to four days is the tourist norm and is enough to get a feel of Singapore and skim through the main highlights.

For a weekend trip, squeezing most of the highlights in two full days is doable but depending on how many stops you make and how you choose to get around, there might not be a lot of time to explore each stop extensively or at a relaxed pace. Regardless, you can see a lot of the city in two days or even less. Though, taking three or more days is recommended to allow for time to explore Singapore at a more relaxed pace. Take an early morning flight to Singapore and a late evening flight on your return to maximize your stay in Singapore.

For travelers on connecting flights through the Singapore Airport, a long layover can provide a decent visit to one or two sites. The downtown area is just a 30-minute taxi ride away from the airport. There are many short tours that can be booked at Singapore-Changi International Airport.

To be safe, bring US Dollar bills if you already have them in hand. Money exchange stalls in Singapore, including those at the airport, accept a wide range of currencies and it’s not a problem if you bring other major currencies. Popular foreign currencies include USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, THB, MYR, TWD, PHP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, CNY, and HKD.

For convenience, carry enough cash to last the first night or two and then withdraw cash in SGD using your ATM card (bring a backup just in case). ATMs that allow international withdrawal are found all over Singapore. They accept ATM cards with a logo from major interbank networks (American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, and the like). Don’t forget to activate your card for international withdrawal before leaving your home country.

Philippine Peso  — Bringing Philippine Peso for your trip is possible since most currency exchange stalls in Singapore accept them. Exchange a small amount at the airport and then the rest at the city center for better rates. When exchanging large amounts or if you happen to be in the area, the stalls at Lucky Mall along Orchard Road are your best bet for favorable exchange rates.

Singapore gets little weather variations the whole year round. Any date is generally good to schedule your visit. However, if you are traveling from the second half of September to the first week of October, be mindful of Singapore Grand Prix (F1 Race) schedule. It’s a super peak season for hotels. Book your accommodations well in advance.

Singapore has a convenient, extensive, and affordable Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and bus network. From the airport, the MRT is the cheapest way to get to the city center. Train fares starts from SGD 0.95.

Buy an EZ-Link Card sold at Changi Airport station & many ticket offices around Singapore. This prepaid card can be used to pay for train and bus rides. Enjoy discount fares if you use this card. The cost is SGD 12 per card. Includes SGD 7 stored value and SGD 5 non-refundable card cost. You can top-up at any 7-Eleven store. Only 1 person is allowed per card.

You can also buy the Singapore Tourist Pass, which offers unlimited rides on non-premium trains and buses. The price is SGD10 for the 1-day pass, SGD16 for the 2-day pass & SGD20 for the 3-day pass.

Private airport transfers

Book airport transfers online for stress-free private transfers between Singapore airport and your city hotel. Cars can seat up to 3, 5 and 9 people.

See discounts

Taxi stands can be found at the Arrival levels of each Terminal. A ride to the city takes around 30 minutes and costs between $20 and $40. Better yet, avoid the taxi queue with the Grab app. You can book Grab vouchers online & enjoy additional discounts on your rides.

Google Maps — This travel app will make it a lot easier to navigate around Singapore on your own. The directions feature only works online. Available on iOS and Android.

MyTransport.SG — Useful information on MRT, LRT & bus services in Singapore. Available on iOS and Android.

XE Currency — Free & easy currency converter. Available on iOS and Android.

Stay connected online during your whole trip. Not only does it make it possible to share your travel moments instantly, you can also travel better by having access to all your favorite travel apps anytime.

Singapore Pocket WiFi Hotspot with 4G Unli Internet

As mentioned, booking online can save you money, time and let you enjoy cashless convenience. In case you want to see more discounts and options, here’s a list of sites that you can check.

Klook Kkday Expedia

Here’s a list of typical costs when traveling in Singapore. This country is one of the most expensive travel destinations this side of Asia. It is generally twice as expensive as Malaysia or at least three times more than traveling around other countries in Southeast Asia including Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Transport — One train or bus ride within the city typically costs between SGD 0.95 to 2. For a whole day of sightseeing, you may likely spend between SGD 5 to 15. The Singapore Tourist Pass, which offers unlimited MRT & bus rides, costs SGD 10 for a 1-day pass and SGD 20 for a three day pass.

Accommodations — Booking a room or bed in Singapore is noticeably more expensive than neighboring countries. A dorm bed in a backpacker hostel or guesthouse starts from SGD 20 per night and averages from SGD 30 to 40 per night. A room for two in a budget hotel would set you back SGD 50 to 90 per night. Most mid-range hotels offer rooms for around SGD 100 to 200 per night. If you are staying in a luxury hotel or resort, room prices usually start at SGD 300 to 500 per night.

Food — A meal at hawker centers costs around SGD 3 to 15. Hawker stalls are Singapore’s version of side street stalls and low-cost eateries. Mains at casual restaurants start at SGD 15 to 20.

Activities  — Admission fees may take up a huge chunk of your expenses if you plan on visiting many themed attractions, rides, and museums. Many museums offer free admission, while most usually cost SGD 10 or less. Entry to theme parks & attractions are priced between SGD 20 to SGD 70.

Eat at hawker centers & taste Singapore’s multi-cultural food  — Meals are cheap and the food is prepared in relatively high quality and sanitation. A long line of people queueing at a stall is usually a sign that it serves good food that is safe to eat.

Ride MRTs and buses  — This is the cheapest way to get around. Public transport in Singapore is quite efficient and safe. However, when traveling in a group, particularly in a group of 3 or 4, consider taking the taxi for short rides around the city center. The price difference (calculated per person) is not a big wallet buster. Your feet will thank you from the tiring walk to/from train stations, especially if you’re planning to spend the whole day sightseeing

Stay at hostels  — There are a lot of reliable hostels in Singapore that cater to budget-conscious travelers. They are not only cheap, but a good way to socialize with other travelers.  Boutique hostels in Singapore are particularly good. If you are traveling in a group of 3 to 6 people, consider getting a family room in hostels or guesthouses to save money on your stay.

Get a good map and explore the city on your own tour  — Go on a do-it-yourself (DIY) around Singapore’s different cultural districts if you want to save yourself from expensive admission fees at themed attractions. There are a lot of awesome things to do in Singapore that doesn’t cost a dime.

Check out these top tourist spots, best places to visit & things to do in Singapore.

1. Merlion Park

2. singapore riverside and civic district, 3. chinatown, 4. marina bay, 5. gardens by the bay, 6. singapore zoo, 7. sentosa island.

Pretty hard to miss anyway because of its prominent location at the mouth of the Singapore River. Not only could you get a good photo with the Merlion statue, Singapore’s most iconic monument, but there are amazing views to be seen of the Singapore Skyline, Marina Bay Sands, The Esplanade: Theatres by the Bay, and the Singapore Flyer.

This relaxing promenaded riverside area is a short walk away from the Merlion Park. Take a stroll down memory lane and get acquainted with the city’s early development and colonial history. A happening nightlife scene can be experienced at Clark and Boat Quay.

Experience Singapore’s multi-cultural diversity by taking a walking and food tour of Chinatown. Visit a church, a mosque, Indian and Chinese temples all in one walk. Go on a food adventure and try dishes from Singapore’s different cultural influences at affordable hawker centers of Chinatown.

Marvel at Singapore’s new urbanscape by taking a walk around Marina Bay. Visit Marina Bay Sands, the Helix Bridge, Singapore Flyer, and Esplanade: Theatres on the bay. Amazing overlooking views can be seen from the Skypark of Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer.

Top discounts

48% OFF Marina Bay Sands Skypark + FunVee Hopper Pass

An ambitious project set to transform Singapore from a “Garden City” to a “City in a Garden.” The main attractions here are the 25 towering man-made Supertrees and two equally extraordinary biodomes.

18% OFF Singapore Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome + Cloud Forest Admission Ticket

An impressively maintained zoo where you can find a wide array of animals from around the world. The River Safari is also worth checking out.

16% OFF Singapore Zoo

31% OFF Singapore Night Safari

Spend a fun day on rides and themed attractions or relax at the beaches of Sentosa. The island is home to Universal Studios Singapore, the first theme park of its kind to open in Southeast Asia and the second in Asia after Universal Studios Japan.

11% OFF Universal Studios Singapore Admission Ticket

4% OFF Singapore Sentosa FUN Pass

42% OFF Singapore Cable Car Skypass

50% OFF Sentosa Wings of Time

Don’t Stop Here

Did you find this travel guide helpful? Share your Singapore experience & tag #detourista. Follow trip updates on: Instagram , Facebook & Pinterest .

See more Singapore blog tips & travel guides:

Check out these pages for more travel inspiration beyond Singapore:

Don’t leave yet. There’s more!

Discover more blogs and travel tips in:

• Southeast Asia

Find more posts about:

• Travel Essentials

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

August 22, 2015 at 3:25 pm

Hi there.. I will be traveling in Singapore this December 30-January 3 this year, I wonder is there a new year’s event in SG that we can attend. And where is the best place to welcome the new year and party? thanks….

September 18, 2015 at 3:24 am

hi, can you recommend a budget place accommodation for a family of 5?

December 17, 2015 at 10:47 pm

what is Free Tourist Visa Upon Arrival?

December 17, 2015 at 10:58 pm

Free tourist visa on arrival means: (1) You do not have to apply for a tourist visa before arriving in Singapore. Once you’re at the airport, the Singapore immigration officer will just “stamp” your passport, which allows you to visit Singapore for a set number of days. (2) A tourist visa is granted for free, without a fee.

January 22, 2016 at 4:17 pm

Hi Marcos! Great write-up.

A question though, what legal documents do I have to prepare as a tourist (aside from my Philippine passport)? My friends and I are planning a trip later this year. All of them have govt jobs however I am working online. I hope Hindi ako magka problema. Thanks for the help and happy 2016!

January 22, 2016 at 4:57 pm

All that’s required is a valid passport that is not going to expire within 6 months, and a return ticket to the Philippines. You should, however, be prepared to show the immigration officers proof that you have the capacity to travel to your destination and that you’re not going there for work. It would help a lot if you bring a copy of your bank statement and reservation on your accommodation, tours, etc… Like you, my work is also primarily based online, but it’s not such a big issue as long as you can satisfy the immigration officer’s questions.

March 9, 2016 at 12:16 am

hi sir! what hostel can you recommend??

March 11, 2016 at 3:38 pm

This posts was really helpful for first timers in Singapore. More so, being a tight-budgeted tourist makes the trip to be very challenging in making it still a memorable one. I agree that there’s nothing more fitting that to have a thorough research before making it to Singapore for a truly fantastic experience and stay that is within the budget.

March 19, 2016 at 2:46 pm

This is really a big help since me and my family will be travelling to Singapore 3rd week of October to celebrate our daughter’s 10th birthday. Hope that you can still give me more info on how to save money during our trip.

Thanks a lot

March 27, 2016 at 9:37 am

hi po.. I would like to ask pano kung ung purpose ko to travel as SG is about my internship.. is it considered as a job? hndi ba ko mahaharang ng IO? your reply is highly appreciated! happy Easter :)

March 27, 2016 at 11:19 pm

If the purpose of your visit is not for a holiday or a social visit to friends/family, then the visitor visa may not be applicable to you. The PH immigration officer will use his/her discretion to decide whether you will be allowed to board your flight. Likewise, the SG immigration officer may deny you entry to the country. I suggest that you obtain the appropriate visa for your stay in Singapore. You should check the SG immigration website ( http://www.ica.gov.sg/index.aspx ) and contact them for advice.

March 30, 2016 at 2:48 pm

Thank you for the above info so helpful. I am scheduled to visit Singapore by end of August and its my first time ( cross finger,,..so scared haha ) . I’ like to ask for that Free Tourist Visa on Arrival (VOA) . Do I have to secure one?or is it ok if there’s no or I don’t have VOI? Who to approach?

Regarding ATM, thanks if they will dispense SG bills even using my Philippine ATM(peso).

Thank you for your quick response.

Regards, Jackie

March 31, 2016 at 3:17 am

cool Jackelyn! As written in the guide, Philippine passport holders do not need to apply for a visa before entering Singapore. When you arrive at Singapore Airport, the SG immigration officer will simply “stamp” your passport, which allows you to travel for, usually, 30 days.

First, make sure your ATM card has a Mastercard, Visa, or Cirrus logo. Then, and this is important, go to your bank and make sure that they activate your card for international withdrawal. I use a BPI Savings ATM card (only has the Cirrus logo) when I travel and I’ve used it in SG and other countries with little problems. I do not rely solely on my ATM card though. Make sure you have backup cash and other cards you can use in case you cannot withdraw using your main card.

April 19, 2016 at 7:50 pm

Hi! My friend and I will travel this coming august to Malaysia then we decided to have a quick trip to singapore via Air. Is there any terminal fee and travel tax we need to pay at the Malaysian airport or Singapore airport?

April 20, 2016 at 3:46 pm

There are no departure (terminal) fees charged at both airports.

April 25, 2016 at 2:51 pm

Ive been to Malaysia, HK, Macau and Singapore within 2 years. Me and my wife loves to travel. Best visited country is the Singapore and we both love the country. Best part was the top of Marina Bay Sands. We really love the view and the people there. I lost my lens cap there :( Sad.

And now we are both thinking which is the next, vietnam, thailand or japan? :) we are from PH by the way.

May 5, 2016 at 10:25 am

Hi. We have a trip diz june wth my friends in singapore. But i dont have a job now. Posibly poh ba mahold ako?

May 5, 2016 at 4:22 pm

There are no laws/rules that prevent you to travel abroad if you are unemployed. You just have to tell the immigration officer that you have enough money to fund your travel and you are going to Singapore for a holiday, and not to look for work.

May 18, 2016 at 2:46 pm

Hi.. im tess from PH.. i have something to ask to clear things.. i have plan to travel to australia his coming july me and my bf meet up to singapore airport and to explore some place in SG. Then travel together to australia as i have AU visa. What documents i bring nor gather for immigration counter check in SG before stamp my passport. I need to know what docu i bring to enter SG.. looking forward so bad your reply soon..thanks alot

May 23, 2016 at 8:54 pm

Hello Tess, if you’re a PH passport holder, you may need the same requirements posted on the article. If you are returning to the Philippines from Australia, you may have to present your return ticket back to the PH and AU travel visa.

June 12, 2016 at 4:19 pm

20,000 philippine peso, is it enough to stay in Singapore for 3 days?

June 17, 2016 at 11:28 am

Yes, it should be :)

August 16, 2016 at 3:41 pm

Hi Marcus, thank you for the travel guide you wrote. Me and my wife are planning to go to SG by the end of the month. I want to ask regarding booking of hotel, do I need to book it online, ahead of time? or we can just go walk in to the hotel?

and also my wife has a PH passport, and I have a USA passport, will I need a different document requirement?

Thank you and I appreciate your response.

August 16, 2016 at 4:09 pm

It is better to book your hotel online to make sure that you have a room available during your trip, and save yourself the hassle of looking for another hotel in case the place you want to stay in is fully booked.

As far as I know, USA & PH passport holders have ‘Free Visa on Arrival’ in Singapore. PH passport holders usually get 30 days stay, while USA passport holders may get up to 90 days. Best to check the Singapore Immigration website to confirm in case there are changes in SG’s visa policy. https://www.ica.gov.sg/page.aspx?pageid=96&secid=94

Enjoy your trip!

August 16, 2016 at 4:24 pm

thank you for quick response Marcos! any suggestion for website where I can book a hotel in SG? and also is there a bunch of free wifi around the country?

August 16, 2016 at 5:25 pm

August 17, 2016 at 9:50 pm

Hi Marcos!! thank you for your DIY-backpackers guide in HK-Macau tour it was a big help, nasulit namin ang oras!! :) Help naman ulit,I am looking for your travel guide to SG na kagaya sa HK, un naka-indicate na kung anung uunahin naming puntahan, kung saan sasakay and approx. amount ng fare&tourist attraction. We’re heading to SG end of Aug, staying for 3days, sa Selegie,SG ang hotel namin. Pa-send naman ako ng link ng itinerary mo ng SG tour please. TIA!!

August 17, 2016 at 9:56 pm

Pwede mo magamit yung “Search” dito sa site para mag hanap ng mga travel tips. https://www.detourista.com/x/search/network/?q=singapore+itinerary .

August 17, 2016 at 9:57 pm

hi marcos, im looking for your SG itinerary blog just like the one you did in your HK-Macau tour, yung naka-indicate na kung saan ako magsisimula ng tour,tapos kung pano pumunta sa susunod na tourist attraction pati kung magkano ang fare, pa-share naman please.

November 1, 2016 at 10:52 pm

I recently returned from a 5 day trip to Singapore. We did a lot a research before arriving (unfortunately I did not find this blog until after our return) and covered about everything you mentioned. We found the hawker centers to be the best places to eat for the most value. We stayed on Orchard Road, which was nice, but a little busier than we would have liked. However, if you are looking to spend time shopping for luxury goods, that’s definitely the place to stay. We payed for a couple tourist activities, but mainly just set out and explanatory the city ourselves. The MRT was very efficient; we bought a 3 day pass for SGD 28. If you return the pass within a week after it expires, you receive a SGD 10 credit. A majority of activities we did were free (i.e. Botanic Gardens, Chinese and Japanese garden, China Town, Haji and Arab streets, etc.). Our trip centered around food so much of our exploring was about finding a great place to eat!

November 3, 2016 at 7:17 pm

Hi.. Im planning to travel to singapore next year maybe april 10 to may 4 .. is it okey ? or do i need a visa.. my boyfriend is working there so i plan to visit him next year..

thanks…

November 3, 2016 at 10:48 pm

Hi Maine, the answer is already posted on the article.

January 4, 2017 at 4:26 pm

Hi, I will travel this coming April to India then we are decide to have a trip to Singapore via Air. Is there any terminal fee and travel tax we need to pay at the Indian airport or Singapore airport? And also tell me which currency should carry with during in this trip and which is the best currency exchange company in India.

January 4, 2017 at 9:13 pm

You don’t have to pay airport terminal fees at Singapore Airport. It is usually already included when you bought the ticket. Same is true with airports in India as I haven’t experienced getting charged terminal fees upon check-in at major international airports there.

I bring USD cash when I travel but only as a backup since I use ATM & Credit Cards most of the time. So, I’m not sure what currency exchange company is the best.

January 25, 2017 at 4:41 pm

Hi Marcos! Thank you for sharing this kind of blog. Siguro ito na rin ang gagamitin naming itinerary namin ng mother ko papuntang SG this coming July. Ask ko lang kung meron kayang tulad ng MRT naten dito na mag loload ka ng 100php then pwede mo ng gamitin in every station? Tipong parang Stored Value na card? Para kung sakaling mag MRT nalang kami to go sa mga different places, hindi na magiging hassle.

January 25, 2017 at 4:46 pm

Yes, meron sila & I highly recommend you get one. It’s called an EZ-link card. You can buy one at the Airport LRT station. Just ask the ticket booth for assistance.

You can save a lot of time if you use the card rather than buying at the vending machine, each time you go on the train. PLUS, you get discount fares if you use the card :D You can also use the card on all public buses.

February 18, 2017 at 1:49 am

Thanks for giving the information.This year i am planing to go Singapore with my friends.But i know that Singapore is costly country but you made easy to everyone to travel on an an affordable budget..I will sure follow this and i think this will be our memorable trip

February 24, 2017 at 10:52 am

Hi,Marcos! Thank you for sharing this. I find it really useful in planning our trip to SG. Question: Is booking accommodation really necessary? Our plan is to stay at my husband’s cousin. Will it be a problem if we do not book any? We want to stay 3 days in SG and 3 days in Malaysia(where we will book a hotel). Thank you so much in advance!

March 9, 2017 at 5:05 am

You do not have to book a hotel room if you are staying with family/friends. The immigration officer might ask you to show a written/printed invitation. Better have it prepared. I would also bring a copy of your cousin-in-law’s work permit & employee card.

March 17, 2017 at 3:44 pm

Hi. I’m always reading pinoy blogs. This coming October I think we want to go Singapore (first time) .My son is 11y/old .What can you advice to me. Thanks.

March 17, 2017 at 10:08 pm

Singapore is a great place to go when traveling with kids. Sentosa Island has a lot of fun attractions you might want to check out. Also, consider a trip to Singapore Zoo in addition to must-visit spots in Singapore.

https://www.detourista.com/guide/singapore-best-places/

March 27, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi Marcos, i will bring my niece on my 5 days SG tour, does she still need affidavit of support from me? she’s still a student though not minor anymore.

March 28, 2017 at 12:29 am

Maybe not, if you are funding the trip yourself, and you are on the same flight with your niece (e.g. you will be present at the same time when clearing the immigration checkpoint).

April 23, 2017 at 8:25 pm

Thank you so much for the info. My family are planning to have a tour in singapore this may. We already booked a hostel and plane tickets, how can we get an online booking for universal studio is it more cheap than getting the tickets in the hostel thanks! God Bless Sir!

April 23, 2017 at 8:59 pm

You can book cheaper Universal Studios Singapore admission tickets on Klook .

Just go to this page for more info: http://affiliate.klook.com/jump/activity/117-universal-studios-singapore/?adid=1242&af_wid=356

May 24, 2017 at 2:01 am

Wow thats a lot of great info. Thanks for the post

June 12, 2017 at 10:59 pm

For the singapore immigration checkpoint, is it ok if i don’t have hotel reservation? Coz i am planning to stay on my friend’s place (she’s working in sg). Besides am gonna visit sg for 4days only. Thanks! ☺

June 13, 2017 at 3:05 am

Yes, it’s fine. Be sure to prepare a letter of invitation from your friend. Even just an informal email-type correspondence. Plus, a copy of her work permit/employee ID in case they look for it. Though, I’ve only been asked to show it once, on my first trips.

August 3, 2017 at 2:19 pm

I agree with Marcos. Also indicate in your friend’s invitation letter the address where will you be staying, the dates, and also an affirmation that your friend will be responsible for you during your stay in the country.

July 12, 2017 at 4:19 pm

We’re a family of 3 and scheduled for a trip this sept. The thing is, we are coming from KL. May i just ask if there are trains from KL to Sg? Also, is it possible for is to go and visit changi airport even if we’re not flying? i mean, just to see what’s with changi being the top listed airport. Im hoping for your kindest reply. Thank you so much.

August 19, 2017 at 10:36 pm

1. I haven’t taken the direct train yet. Most travelers usually drop off at Johor Bahru and cross to SG by bus. At SG side, you can ride a train to the city center.

2. Yes, it’s OK to visit Changi but you can only roam until the check-in counters.

July 14, 2017 at 3:21 pm

Hi…im planning to go travel for 3 days at SG how much is specific the Hotel rate per day in Peso rate if i book on line.. thanks

July 31, 2017 at 1:03 pm

OMG!!! Thank you so much for the guide. I’ve learned so many tips I can apply for my trip in SG this coming Sept. 2017.

August 19, 2017 at 10:24 pm

Enjoy your trip to Singapore!

August 6, 2017 at 8:10 pm

Hi Marcos, this will come in a handy, thank you! Just a few question, what are the chances that my flight will be cancel if I tell the officer that I’m actually going for a job hunting at SG during my 5 days stay. Also, is it okay if I don’t provide a return ticket as my stay might get extended?

August 19, 2017 at 10:19 pm

You will almost certainly get denied entry/boarding if you tell them that and/or if you don’t provide a return ticket.

August 21, 2017 at 10:00 pm

Touring Singapore is really safe and easy even for first-time visitors. Many people think that vacationing in Singapore is expensive but you really don’t have to spend a lot as long as you budget your money wisely. I only spent 200 USD in my Singapore trip (including plane tickets and accommodation) :)

September 26, 2017 at 12:33 pm

Great article about Singapore. One big difference I noticed i this article when comparing to other article about Singapore travel is your guide to travel the city in tight budget. really appreciated the effort. Lot of backpackers will find this article really helpful. Keep writing these. Cheers.

September 26, 2017 at 10:58 pm

Hello. Me and my friends were planning to go to sg next month for vacation. Tanong ko lang po sana kung paano if I dont own an atm or credit card or something from a bank? But I have a job as an blogger. Magkakaproblema po kaya ako? Kasama ko po ang friend ko which is also my boss and sasagutin din niya ang ticket ko. Ano po kaya ang magandang advice niyo for me para di mahold ng IO? May tatak na din po passport ko from Japan. Is it a plus? Thankyou in advance.

September 27, 2017 at 5:59 am

Yung ATM or bank statement, it’s only to show that you have the finances to fund the trip. You can show them that you have enough cash to spend for your trip. So, you don’t need the ATM or credit card.

December 3, 2017 at 6:32 pm

It’s a very good article and helpful. Me and my friend from USA(visited me few times in Phil’s), are planning to go for a 4day cruise that starts from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and end to Singapore again. I am a permanent government employee but I don’t have credit card and no big money in my bank. All my travel expenses will be shoulder by my friend, do I have a problem in immigration even if I show my travel itinerary and back and fort plane ticket and hotel accommodation paid by my friend? Thank you. Hoping Areana

May 29, 2018 at 2:50 am

Hello there! JP here from PH, nice travel blog site you have here :) Is it more cheaper via DIY or go with those tour packages offered by Travel agencies ranging from 12k to 14k (3 days)? If I am to try the DIY, approximately how much will cost for 2 to 3 pax in we will visit major tourist spots, 3 to 4 days? Thanks in advanced! :)

June 4, 2018 at 10:10 pm

Hi JP. It really depends on what activities you plan to include (and what’s included in the tour package offered by travel agencies). You can check budget estimate above as a guide.

June 14, 2018 at 4:40 am

HI! THANK YOU FOR THESE TIPS REALLY HELPFUL :). ME AND MY BOYFRIEND ARE PLANNING TO GO TO SG NEXT YEAR KAYA LANG NATATAKOT AKO MAG DIY PARANG MAS PREFER KO UN TOUR PACKAGE SA MGA TRAVEL AGENCIES LESS HASSLE. MAS COSTLY BA KAPAG NAKAPACKAGE KESA MAGDIY? AND KASYA NA KAYA ANG 25K PARA SA BUDGET 3DAYS PARA SAMENG DALAWA? THANK YOU SA PAG RESPONSE! GODBLESS!

June 18, 2018 at 5:23 am

Hi Jane, depends on what’s included in the tour package offered by travel agencies. Yes, pwedeng mag kasya ang P25K, but again it depends on activities/type of accommodations that you want to enjoy. Singapore is really easy to travel. Going DIY is easy and you can save a lot of money booking activities online. If you don’t want to bother with planning, then going with a travel agency might be a better fit for you.

June 14, 2018 at 5:45 am

Awesome!!! Great and detailed. helps a lot!

August 13, 2018 at 5:38 am

how much all your expenses in singapore total price and food?

August 14, 2018 at 7:45 am

Hi fatima. The breakdown of expenses is already included in the guide above.

October 29, 2018 at 1:58 pm

I have lived here. I think you pay $ 10-15 for each meal.

November 13, 2018 at 6:12 pm

I am very interested with your blog and I am so excited to travel. Actually we are planning to go to SG by next year, kaya I made some ressaech to know more about what will be or how much will it cost? Since we are 5. My husband and I, and our 3 kids (9 yrs. Old, 2 yrs. Old and 6 months baby boy). Tama po ba yung decision ko na wag na sa travel agencies kami makipagcoordinate? Feeling ko kasi mas mapapamahal kami.. This will be our 1st trip with my kids. Sana mahelp mo ako.

Your response is highly appreciated.

November 14, 2018 at 12:22 pm

I suggest na mag decide kayo based more on whether mas gusto mo: (1) Mag customize ng itinerary & organize yourself (2) Let the travel agency arrange everything for you

Madali lang naman getting around Singapore at mag book ng hotel/activities kahit kayo na lang. Mas maka less ka talaga kung mag book kayo ng mga discount prices (make sure to check yung mga na post ko sa guide).

Since you’re traveling with kids, pwede na sundin niyo na lang yung route/itinerary ng mga hop-on hop-off bus. Eto yung info/prices nila:

1. Singapore Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour (Open-Top) 2. Singapore City Sightseeing Bus Tour

Convenient din mag Grab sa Singapore. Pwede niyo ma check yung fares sa app kung gusto niyo ma estimate yung budget niyo.

Ok naman din yung public transport sa Singapore. Kaso if you’re traveling with kids, baka too much walking to/from the stations.

December 7, 2018 at 7:44 pm

Very helpful guide and tip esp for a solo traveler just like me. I will take note all of this in my trip. Thanks

January 5, 2019 at 9:58 pm

Hi. Im travelling alone on February 2019. Can you give me some tips upon arrivibg in Singapore? Do I need to show money to the immigration. And how much? Im staying there for 4days only. Thank you for answering

January 10, 2019 at 4:29 am

Hi Ems, SG immigration does not require show money… but you have to show them your ability to fund your trip. How much money will depend on your itinerary (i.e. attractions you plan to visit and hotel/s where you’ll be staying). You can simply show them hotel reservations and attraction tickets/tour that you’ve pre-booked online. PLUS pocket money. I think SGD100-200 (equivalent or more) should be enough.

January 7, 2019 at 5:57 pm

Very nice and informative article, thanks to sharing it!

January 17, 2019 at 9:32 pm

You wrote very well about Singapore Travel guide. I have found detail info here. Thanks very informative!

February 10, 2019 at 7:22 pm

What if I have a place to stay in SG? What should I need to provide at the Immigration?

February 12, 2019 at 12:08 pm

Hi Anizah! If you have a host in Singapore (not booking a hotel). The first thing you need to provide is an address.

In case they ask about the details, you should be able to provide details about your host & staying arrangement. I suggest that you bring some sort of ID from your host… could be a SG Gov’t ID, work ID, work permit etc. AND, proof that you’ve been invited… maybe a written letter, printed copy of your invite conversation, or something like that.

February 18, 2019 at 9:22 am

Hi. I’m about to visit SG this coming March. First time traveler and solo. I already had two way ticket, hotel reservation, pre-booked ticket in some attractions. I have credit card also. Do you think there’s still a chance for me to be an off load passenger/to be denied entering in SG?

February 18, 2019 at 10:31 pm

Hi Loi. I think you’re good to go! Make sure also your passport is not expiring within the next 6 months (on arrival in SG). Enjoy your trip!

July 8, 2019 at 1:19 pm

Hi friend, i am planning to visit Singapore for 5 days. Can i use singapore tourist pass for more than 3 days as it only provide unlimited rides for 3 days. Also provide me an itinerary for 5 days. Thanks in advance.

October 18, 2019 at 2:20 pm

Wow excellent blog article, very helpful for us to take a 3 day vacation trip in Singapore. A beautiful place to visit as you post ..

May 14, 2020 at 7:48 pm

Singapore will always be one of my favorite countries i have set foot in. And Marina Bay Sands Casino were one of my unforgettable casino visits. Well, aside from the ambience, i had my biggest won in my entire casino winning.

June 18, 2020 at 2:52 pm

I was totally amazed when I read the post. It was interesting and absorbing. I have read a similar piece of content before. When comparing both, I realized this one was surely on the top.

February 4, 2021 at 7:48 pm

Thanks to the author for sharing such a great post. The article was very well written and providing detourista. It can be really great for people like me who are looking for grabbing more knowledge about it. I never thought will get to visit this Amoremotorlodge.co.nz oh, has some nice content for everyone

September 9, 2021 at 3:37 pm

One month vacation

October 30, 2022 at 2:27 am

very good blog for travel and enjoy holidays

we recommend morocco trips to explore africa

February 9, 2023 at 4:17 pm

hi ask ko lng po, can we stay in malaysia and booked a hotel for 4nights even if our flight route is Manila-Singapore-Manila? Per checking hotels in Singapore is super exoensive than in Malaysia .is this possible?

February 14, 2023 at 1:02 pm

I don’t recommend po. Crossing the Johor-Singapore border & traveling between the border & Singapore City Center is time-consuming. Sayang lang sa oras.

September 21, 2023 at 9:03 pm

Your passion for exploring beautiful places is inspiring. The way you have provided detail information about traveling to Singapore is a great advantage for Filipino citizens wanting to visit Singapore.

• Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to Singapore Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to Singapore?

How much does a weekend trip to singapore cost.

• How much does a five-day trip to Singapore cost?
• How much does a one-week trip to Singapore cost?
• Hostel Prices
• Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Singapore

When it comes to exploring Singapore, travelers typically find themselves budgeting between $59 and $430 per day for solo adventures and $118 to $860 if you're traveling as a couple. Now, that's a broad range, but the typical trip, on average, is $156 (SG$205) per person per day. This average cost covers sightseeing, accommodation, meals, and transportation, all from our large repository of travel expenses from previous visitors. Keep in mind, though, your personal spending might vary a bit based on your own level of luxury, travel style, and chosen activities. However, if you're visiting the highlights with some savvy planning, chances are your spending will vibe right around this average cost. For more details, check out the breakdown of expenses by category, plus the breakdown on accommodation and activity prices below.

Budget travelers to Singapore often spend around $59 per day. This usually includes a stay at a hostel and meals at affordable restaurants around town. Many budget travelers also prefer free activities over those that cost too much money. If you have a bit more money to spend, you should budget around $156 (SG$205) per day. This average includes a mid-range hotel and more meals in restaurants, along with a higher budget for entertainment and activities. Luxury travelers should plan to spend around $430 a day which includes higher-end accommodations, restaurants, tours, and activities. For more details, see our average travel costs for Singapore here .

Travelers spend, on average, $467 per person on a three-day trip to Singapore. This includes sightseeing, hotels, food, and local transportation. You can stick close to this average price by staying at mid-range hotels and eating at mid-level restaurants, while also paying for some entry tickets to popular attractions. If you wish to travel cheaper, it's possible to find lower-cost accommodations, eat at less expenive restaurants, and find more free activities. It's also common for many visitors to have a much higher travel budget, as many high-end hotels and restaurants can be found around town.

How much does a five day trip to Singapore cost?

With five days in Singapore, you can expect to spend about $779 total, not including transportation to and from the city. It's possible to stay close to this daily average by booking mid-range hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some entry tickets to popular attractions. It's possible to find lower-cost accommodations, eat at less expenive restaurants, and find more free activities if you want to spent less money.

How much does a one week trip to Singapore cost?

Most visitors spend between $413 and $3,010 for a one week trip to Singapore, with the average being $1,090 . This includes sightseeing, local transportation, food, and hotels. One week is enough time to have a more in-depth experience in Singapore. Also, one week allows you to be more flexible with your time and money, so you can potentially save money on some aspects of your trip while spending more on others.

Hostel Prices in Singapore

With more than 40 hostels in Singapore, the average price is $32 per night for a dorm bed. The cheapest hostel costs $18 and the most expensive is $65. Usually popular with younger travelers, hostels are a great way to save money while also being social. But not all hostels are the same, and we've analyzed the prices of both dorms and private rooms to find the average prices and best places to stay. You can see more details about the hostel prices in Singapore here .

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Singapore.

• $29 for a dorm bed at The Bohemian in Singapore more details
• $19 for a dorm bed at Betel Box Backpacker Hostel in Singapore more details
• $38 for a dorm bed at Wink Capsule Hostel in Singapore more details

Hotel Prices in Singapore

The average price for a hotel room in Singapore is $0 per night. This average is based on our detailed analysis of available hotels in the area. If you want to save money, or if you're planning a more luxurious trip, it's important to look at hotel prices based on the overall star-rating as well as guest reviews. Also, prices can vary by location and amenities. You can see more details from our analysis of hotel prices in Singapore here , and below is a breakdown of hotel prices by star-rating.

Should you do a tour in Singapore?

You'll find a wide range of guided tours in Singapore and many visitors enjoy the convenience of having an expert guide leading them through the chosen activity. Tours range in price from $5 for the Singapore's History of Trade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour to $925 for the Singapore: Games, Challenges and Sporting Events Adventures .

• Half Day or Full Day Private Custom Walking Tour of Singapore Viator $ 229
• Half Day or Full Day Private Custom Walking Tour of Singapore: $229
• Singapore Food & Bike Tour - Downtown: $102
• Singapore Instagram Private Walking Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $115
• Singapore's Historic Chinatown Walking Tour with Lunch: $49
• Singapore Essential Private Walking Tour: $260
• Private Singapore Walking Tour: City Highlights & Hidden Gems: $98
• Singapore: Little India Hawker Food Tasting Tour: $87
• Singapore Private Tours with Locals: 100% Personalized, See the City Unscripted: $170

More for Singapore

If you're planning a trip to Singapore, Singapore, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Coupons and discounts! Travel tips!

1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis. 2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis. For example, the Food 2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment 1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.

• You are welcome to reference or display our travel costs on your website as long as you provide a link back to this page .
• For a basic link, you can copy and paste the HTML link code, or this page's address. Address Link HTML Singapore Travel Costs " disabled />

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.

• Privacy / Terms of Use
• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

I've lived in the world's most expensive city for 20 years. There are 5 ways you can save money as a tourist here.

• Last year, Singapore and Zurich were named the world's most expensive cities to live in.
• There are a handful of ways tourists can save money in Singapore, from dining to hotel picks. 
• One way tourists can stretch their dollars is by eating at hawker centers outside the city center.

Spending time in Singapore can get expensive. In 2023, it tied with Zurich as the world's most expensive city , per the Economist Intelligence Unit.

But there are plenty of affordable — and sometimes free — ways for both transit passengers and Singapore tourists to explore the city.

Travelers on layovers can take advantage of Changi Airport, voted the world's best airport last year by Skytrax. There are gardens to explore and even a movie theater that shows free screenings in Terminal 3. And those with more time between flights can hop on a free two-hour bike ride or three-hour guided tours of different neighborhoods across the city.

After living in Singapore for over two decades , I've learned that there are also ways for tourists spending a few days in the city to stretch their dollars when dining and sightseeing.

Here are five more ways to save money as a tourist in Singapore.

1. Eat at hawker centers outside the city center.

Local food is one of the few things you can still get for cheap in Singapore. Even popular dishes at the city's most frequented hawker centers — open-air food courts — rarely cost over $5.

Related stories

But travelers who want to stretch their budgets further can visit hawker centers in residential neighborhoods. For example, a plate of chicken rice costs around 5 Singapore dollars, or $3.75, at Maxwell Food Center in Chinatown. At Changi Village Hawker Center in eastern Singapore, it can cost as little as SG$3.

Eating out at less-touristy hawker centers also unveils a different side of Singapore. The skyscrapers in the city center turn into towering blocks of public housing apartments , where the vibe is more laidback than what you'll find in the city center.

2. Substitute your latte for a cup of kopi.

Coffee at trendy cafés or popular chains in Singapore can be pricey — it can cost upwards of SG$6. Many locals start their mornings with kopi instead, which is roasted by hand and strained with a sock.

Kopi is served at hawker centers and traditional coffee shops. Known for its deep, aromatic flavors, a cup of kopi costs just SG$1.20 on average — and can be prepared in more than 15 different ways.

A breakfast set — including the kopi, two slices of toast with coconut jam, and soft-boiled eggs — can be found for SG$3 if you steer clear of the tourist spots.

3. Skip the touristy beach clubs and explore the other coasts.

Many tourists in Singapore flock to Sentosa — the offshore island known for its glitzy resorts and beach clubs. But the prices of food and beverages are often inflated. A bottle of Corona at Tanjong Beach Club, a popular spot on the resort island, costs SG$16 . In comparison, a bottle of Corona at a local convenient store is often under SG$4. Despite Singapore being known for enforcing many laws , alcohol consumption on the beach is not one of them, so a six-pack can be enjoyed with a picnic.

Those who aren't looking for BYOB can visit a beach club at Changi Beach in eastern Singapore. Stella Lounge — a beach club in the area — sells beers from the tap for as little as SG$13. There, you can also find dozens of different food options under SG$10 at the nearby hawker centers.

4. Spend the night at a love hotel instead of splurging on a luxury hotel.

I've found love hotels — that offer rooms for couples to rent by the hour — to be the best value for money rental in Singapore. A night's stay at one of the most popular chains, Hotel 81 Chinatown, costs as little as SG$95, and they're typically clean, spacious, and centrally located. Unlike most hostels, love hotels typically offer a private bathroom.

5. Check out the free galleries at Gillman Barracks and NUS Museum.

Many of Singapore's most popular attractions — like Universal Studios Singapore and the viewing deck at the Marina Bay Sands — are pricey, costing SG$62 and SG$32 respectively.

But there are many things you can do if you're on a budget. Admission is free at art galleries and museums like Gillman Barracks and NUS Museum. Free concerts are often performed outdoors at the Esplanade, a theatre complex in the city-state's downtown area. The Botanic Gardens, near the Orchard Road shopping district, offers free guided tours and there's no cost to check out the light and water show at Marina Bay Sands.

Watch: Singapore has the most delicious street food in the world

• Main content

SINGAPORE TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget

If my travel history were an Olympic tournament, Singapore would get a medal in at least two categories: the first foreign city I have visited in my life and second in the list of countries I have visited most frequently, ten times despite its reputation as the most expensive city in the world.

Yep, expensive. Ask travelers who have set foot on Singapore for adjectives that best describe the city, and “expensive” won’t be absent from any list. Many of the key attractions here can burn a hole in the pocket. But it doesn’t mean that budget travel isn’t possible. There are many ways to reduce expenses if you just know where to go.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING SINGAPORE

Singapore is an island city state composed of the main island, 62 islets, and sprawling reclaimed lands. Its strategic location makes it an important and vibrant trade hub for centuries. In 1819, it became a British colony until World War II, when the Japanese occupied the island. After the war, it was handed back to Britain but was granted more self-governing power. In 1963, it merged with the Federation of Malaya to form Malaysia only to be expelled two years later, which gave birth to an independent Republic of Singapore.

Since then, Singapore has catapulted itself to becoming a developed state. Despite the high costs and small land area, it has become a great place to live. It is one of the safest, most organized, most progressive, and least corrupt countries in the region and the world.

Singapore is also a global transport and tourism hub. It is linked to Malaysia by the Johor–Singapore Causeway. Batam in Indonesia is also just one hour’s ferry ride away. And through Changi Airport, widely regarded as the world’s best, Singapore is connected to almost every major city all over the globe.

• Languages: English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese, and Tamil are the four official languages. Malay (Bahasa Malaysia) is the national language, but English is the lingua franca. Most Singaporeans can speak and understand English and another official language.
• Currency: Singapore dollar (SGD, SG$). SGD 1 is roughly USD 0.74, EUR 0.66, PHP 38 (as of May 2019).
• Modes of payment: Although many establishments accept credit cards, cash is still highly recommended.

WHERE TO STAY IN SINGAPORE

Accommodations in Singapore are expensive by Southeast Asian standards, or by any standard for that matter. Budget travelers have three options: backpacker hostels, BnB, and budget hotels. Because space is scarce in Singapore, don’t expect rooms of generous proportions. Rooms are usually just beds with little space around it, and bathrooms are compact. Capsule hotels are also starting to be popular.

Backpackers hostels are concentrated in Chinatown, Little India, Clark Quay, Bugis, and Geylang areas. Most of them offer dorm beds and double rooms. Budget hotels are mostly in Geylang, Little India, and Balestier.

I have personally experienced staying in multiple areas in Singapore: Chinatown, Little India, Geylang, Tiong Bahru, etc. While some are more glamorous than others, all of them felt safe. My Singaporean friends told me that Geylang is the red light district. But I have stayed there too, and it was okay. Our taxi driver, however, that while it is generally safe, female travelers should probably choose another area.

When picking a place to stay, look at its location in the map. Normally, if it’s close to an MRT Station, you should be fine. Most of the attractions in Singapore can be reached via the MRT. But I personally prefer staying in Chinatown because of easy access to the MRT and cheap hawker places.

Here are the best-rated properties in Singapore as scored by Agoda users.

Top Singapore Hostels

• Dream Lodge. Check Rates & Availability!
• Adler Hostel. Check Rates & Availability!
• TRIBE THEORY – Business Hostel for Startups and Entrepreneurs. Check Rates & Availability!
• Ark Hostel. Check Rates & Availability!
• Hipstercity Hostel. Check Rates & Availability!

Top Singapore Budget Hotels

• Hotel Bencoolen @ Hong Kong Street. Check Rates & Availability!
• Hotel 1888 Collection. Check Rates & Availability!
• 30 Bencoolen. Check Rates & Availability!
• Hotel G Singapore. Check Rates & Availability!

Top Capsule Hotels

• Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel @ Chinatown. Check Rates & Availability!
• Chic Capsules. Check Rates & Availability!
• Spacepod@com. Check Rates & Availability!
• MET A Space Pod @ Chinatown. Check Rates & Availability!

Search for more Singapore Hotels

HOW TO GET TO SINGAPORE

Singapore’s Changi Airport is one of the most well-connected and widely regarded as the best airport in the world. If you live in a major city in Asia or Europe or North America, chances are, there are direct flights to Singapore available.

Manila to Singapore

The lowest year-round fares are offered by Scoot, JetStar, and Cebu Pacific. But Philippine Airlines also have competitive rates when they have a promo. Travel time: 3 hours 40 minutes.

If you’re a Philippine passport holder, you don’t need a visa. All you need is a valid passport (with 6 months left before expiration). Just show up at the airport and fly.

If you’re traveling with kids who are not YOUR children, you might need a DSWD Travel Clearance. Here’s how to get one: DSWD Travel Clearance

Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by Plane

Plane tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore are incredibly cheap, with base fares not exceeding USD20. Travel time: around 1 hour 15 minutes.

Kuala Lumpur or Malacca to Singapore by Bus

You can also reach Singapore from KL or Malacca (Melaka) by bus. Travel time from KL is 5-7 hours, depending on traffic. From Malacca, only 4-5 hours. You will be crossing the border overland, but it’s quite easy albeit confusing in the beginning. Just make sure of the following:

• Remember your bus details (how it looks, number, etc.) because you will have to get off and hop back on at the border.
• Bring your bags with you when you cross the border.
• Don’t forget your passport and Malaysia Departure Card.

You can book your bus here: Kuala Lumpur-Singapore , Malacca-Singapore

INTERNET CONNECTION IN SINGAPORE

Staying connected to the Internet can make your tourist life a lot easier in Singapore. You have two options: 4G Pocket Wifi and 4G Sim Card. The data SIM card is cheaper, but if you’re a group, renting a mobile wifi is better because you can easily share the connection.

POCKET WIFI RENTAL IN SINGAPORE

• Connect up to 8 devices at once, which is great if you’re traveling with a group because you could just split the cost.
• Pick up and drop off at Changi Airport, so make sure you get it upon arrival.

DATA SIM CARD IN SINGAPORE

• Pick up at Changi Airport.
• 100 GB of 4G mobile speeds anywhere in Singapore
• FREE 20 minutes of international calls

PLACES TO VISIT IN SINGAPORE

A lot! Singapore may be small but it is packed with all sorts of sites, attractions, and adventures! Whatever your reason for traveling is, Singapore has something for you. Shopping? Culture? History? Food? Nature? Theme parks? Singapore has them!

Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore is Asia’s second and Southeast Asia’s first movie theme park. Located within Resorts World Sentosa, the place covers 49 acres (20 hectares) of land, harboring a total of 24 exciting attractions! The park is divided into seven zones, each with its own theme that is based on a popular TV show or a blockbuster film. Each zone also has its own characters, restaurants, shops and rides.

How to get there : We have a separate post for that. Read here: How to Get to Universal Studios Singapore

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, Sunday: 10am – 7pm. Saturday: 10am – 8pm

Ticket Prices : Adult (Ages 13-59): S$76 Child (Ages 4-12): S$56 Senior (Ages 60+): S$38

Discounted Tickets! Klook offers one-day passes at a discounted rate if you book in advance. Each booking also comes with a SGD5 Meal Voucher (with minimum spend of SGD10) for adult tickets.

• Gardens by the Bay

It has three main areas: the Flower Dome in the South Garden; the Cloud Forest, which features the tallest indoor waterfall in the world; and the Supertree Grove with the iconic 16-story manmade trees. The Supertree Grove is open to everyone, but tickets are required to enter the two domed areas.

Discounted tickets are available at Klook!

Marina Bay Sands Skypark

Even if you’re not spending a night at the Marina Bay Sands, you can still access its Skypark and Observation Deck for a fantastic unobstructed view of the city.

Opening Hours Monday-Thursday: 9:30am – 10pm Friday-Sunday: 9:30am – 11pm

Entrance Fee: S$23 for adults S$17 for kids (2-12yo) S$20 for seniors (65+) FREE for kids under 2 years

You can get discounted tickets if you book with Klook! For about the same price, Klook offers a package that includes the following:

• Entrance ticket to the Observation Deck
• 1 Day FunVee Hopper Pass
• One traditional coffee or tea at O’Parl Cafe

Sentosa Singapore

If it’s your first time in Singapore, visit Sentosa, a resort island that is bursting with exciting adventures for the entire family. The countless activities you can enjoy here are pretty diverse. But some of the most popular are the Luge, Tiger Sky Tower, Sentosa Merlion, and Cable Car.

If you’re planning on spending a day in Sentosa, consider getting a Sentosa FUN Pass to skip the lines and maximize your time. It’s available in 3 types: 55, 80, and 120 tokens. Each attraction collects tokens. This serves as your currency in the island. For the list of attractions you may enjoy and the corresponding number of tokens, check this out.

Singapore Cable Car

Singapore Cable Car is the most scenic way to Sentosa! The first cableway system in Singapore — linking Sentosa Island and Mount Faber — it was opened in 1974. It allows a 360-degree view of Sentosa including Universal Studios, Resorts World, and Mt. Faber.

Singapore River Walk

This is my fave thing to do in Singapore: walk along the river. You can walk from Raffles Place to the Merlion Park to Esplanade to the Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. I’ve prepared a more detailed post including walking directions and photos here: DIY Singapore River Walk .

Here are the stops along this walking trail:

• Raffles Place
• Fullerton Hotel
• One Fullerton
• Merlion Park
• Asian Civilisations Museum
• Makansutra Gluttons Bay
• Helix Bridge
• Art Science Museum
• Marina Bay Sands

This is a long walk and can take hours. It’s also best done in late afternoon so you get to see the area transform as the sun sets.

Singapore River Cruise

If walking long distances isn’t really your thing, you can join a cruise instead. This 40-minute cruise will let you see the following landmarks while comfortably seated on a boat:

• Clarke Quay
• Read Bridge
• Merlion park
• Bayfront South

The whole journey takes 40 minutes and you can alight at any of the stops. But remember, you would need another ticket after you board again.

Chinatown Tour

Singapore’s Chinatown boasts multi-religious buildings and structures. Aside from a Chinese temple, the street is also home to a mosque, a Methodist Church and an Indian shrine. Confused? Welcome to the club. But that’s what makes this place more endearing. It tells you so much about how Singapore values diversity in culture and religion.

You can tour Chinatown DIY-style! I’ve created a more detailed walking guide here: Chinatown Heritage Walk .

But if you want to really appreciate this place, it’s best to join a group tour and have a guide explain what makes these structures significant. Klook’s Gems of Chinatown Tour covers the following stops:

• Thian Hock Keng Temple
• Sri Mariamman Temple
• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum
• Hawker Food Centers

Little India

Little India can be explored on your own too, which is good if you’re on a budget. But you’ll have a better appreciation of the place if you have a guide that would share some insights about the place. Klook’s Gems of Little India Tour will take you to the following landmarks among others:

• Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
• Campbell Lane
• Little India Arcade
• Tekka Centre

iFly Singapore

Experience how it feels to go skydiving INDOORS and without the danger! iFly lets you enjoy the sport called “bodyflying”, where you get to fly inside the first themed wind tunnel in the world.

Free Things to Do in Singapore

Limited budget? 7 FREE Things to Do in Singapore

DAY TRIPS FROM SINGAPORE

Legoland malaysia.

Sanrio Hello Kitty Town

SAMPLE SINGAPORE ITINERARY

Here’s a sample Singapore itinerary. You may use it but make the necessary adjustments.

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN SINGAPORE, RIVER WALK TOUR, MARINA BAY SANDS 07:00 am – ETA Singapore Changi Airport 10:10 am – Check in: Hostel, Lunch 01:00 pm – Singapore River Walking Tour (Sightseeing: Fullerton, Merlion Park, Esplanade, Makansutra, etc) 03:30 pm – Gardens by the Bay 06:00 pm – Marina Bay Sands

Day 2: BOTANIC GARDENS, SENTOSA ISLAND 07:00 am – Singapore Botanic Gardens 10:00 am – Universal Studios Singapore 05:00 pm – Explore rest of  Sentosa

Day 3: CHINATOWN WALK, ORCHARD ROAD, SINGAPORE FLYER 07:00 am – Chinatown Heritage Walk 10:00 am – Orchard Road (Shopping) 03:00 pm – Bugis, St. Andrews Cathedral

Day 4: LITTLE INDIA, RETURN TO MANILA 06:00 am – Little India Walking Tour 10:00 am – Check out: Hostel, Proceed to Airport 02:20 pm – ETD: Changi Airport

You may also add several other attractions.

Breakdown of Expenses

So now we have come to the list of my expenses as part of this Singapore trip. Below is the breakdown of everything I spent on in SG. Note that I did all my tours DIY-style.

TOTAL COST (excluding airfare, travel taxes, and airport fees) SGD 120 – Hostel (4 days, 3 nights) SGD 22 – EZ Link cards (reloaded once, inclusive of almost SGD8 unused) SGD 60 – Total food expenses SGD 26 – Gardens by the Bay SGD 23 – Marina Bay Sands Skypark SGD 4 – Sentosa Monorail Train ticket SGD 76 – Universal Studios ticket SGD 12 – Taxi from Hostel to Airport SGD 343 – TOTAL COST

As I always say, this can change based on your spending habits. I’m only sharing so you have a ballpark figure of how much to prepare here although I strongly recommend that you pad this with much allowance to be on the safe side.

OTHER TIPS FOR THE POOR TRAVELER

• Where to Eat . If you’re on a budget, ditch the restaurants for hawkers. Hawkers will give you a wide array of local options at a much lower price. They abound all around Singapore, but they were not created equal. One of the reasons we recommend Chinatown as a good base is because it is home to one of the best hawker places in SG — Maxwell Food Center . Staying here gives you easy access to cheap but good food every day.
• Walk when you can. One thing I like most was that Singapore is a very “walkable” city. Walkable because it’s actually a fun and rewarding experience to walk around many key areas in the city. The best part, it’s free!
• Get an EZ Link Card if you’re taking the MRT a lot. This will allow you to breeze through the station entrances when taking the train. The train system is pretty expansive so you might want to take advantage of it. It can be a bit tiring, though, especially at interchange connections, when you’re walking from one line to another.
• GST Refund . Tourists in Singapore can claim refund on GST (Goods and Services Tax) paid for items purchased from establishments that are participating in the Tourist Refund Scheme. More info  here .
• No chewing gums, please.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the best time to visit singapore.

There really isn’t a clear “best” time to visit Singapore. Each month has its distinct pros and cons, so it all depends on your travel habits. But in general, Singapore is a year-round destination.

Weather isn’t that much of a factor. Singapore is hot and humid all year. It also gets over 160 days of rain, spread almost uniformly throughout the year. However, November-January is the wettest period, and May-September the driest.

Events and public holidays can significantly affect your experience and expenses. November-February is peak season, so expect prices of flights and hotels to be rise during this period, especially the days around Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Chinese New Year. September is also high season because of Singapore Grand Prix.

Here are other holidays observed in Singapore.

• New Year’s Day (January 1)
• Chinese New Year (2 days in January or February)
• Good Friday (March or April)
• Labor Day (May 1)
• Vesak Day (dates vary; usually in May)
• Hari Raya Puasa / Eid al-Fitr (dates vary)
• National Day (August 9)
• Hari Raya Haji / Eid al-Adha (dates vary)
• Diwali / Deepavali (October or November)
• Christmas Day (December 25)

Whether these days are a good time to visit or not depends on your travel style. If you want to see the festivities (New Year, Chinese New Year, National Day), then go. But if you don’t like the crowd, you might want to avoid them.

If you’re a shopaholic, consider June or July, when the Great Singapore Sale happens.

Is Singapore safe?

Yes, absolutely safe.

According to the 2017 study by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Singapore is the safest city in Southeast Asia and the second safest city in the world, next only to Tokyo, Japan.

What is the tipping custom in Singapore?

You are not expected to tip in Singapore.

Restaurants add a 10% service charge to your bill, so tips are unnecessary. Taxi drivers don’t expect tips either.

At hotels, however, you can give SGD1 per bag to the bellhop who carried your luggage.

Where to exchange currencies? Where are the best money changers?

The Mustafa Center at Little India has one of the best rates I have seen around Singapore. You might want to change money here.

The rates at Change Alley are good too. The Change Alley is a shopping arcade between Chevron House and Hitachi Tower in the Raffles Place area.

But if your budget isn’t that big (say USD 500), I don’t think the difference between here and the ones at the airport matters. You might lose whatever you think you could save in transportation just to get to a good money changer.

What type of power plug/socket is used in Singapore?

Electricity Info: 230V, 50Hz frequency. Type G plugs and sockets.

How to avail of the GST Refund?

If you plan on shopping in Singapore, you can save money by claiming a refund on the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

If you spend over SGD100 at a participating store, you can get back the 7% GST that was part of what you paid for. Just ask the shop staff for a Refund Cheque.

You’ll know that the outlet is participating in this scheme if they display a Global Blue Tax Free Shopping logo or Tax Refund logo.

There you have it! We’ll be updating this every time we gather new info. If you have something to add to this or you spot anything that needs correcting, let us know in the comments section below.

2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ • 3️⃣ • 1️⃣ (updated) 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ • 6️⃣ • 1️⃣6️⃣ (up)

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

Related Posts:

• SINGAPORE: Budget Travel Guide (Updated 2014)
• SOUTHEAST ASIA BACKPACKING ON A BUDGET: Travel Guide
• TOKYO TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget
• 2024 FORTUNE ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary
• KALANGGAMAN ISLAND Travel Guide & Itinerary: How to Get There
• EL NIDO PALAWAN Travel Guide with Sample Itinerary & Budget
• MARRAKESH TRAVEL GUIDE: Budget Itinerary, Things to Do
• SIARGAO TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary

• Recent Posts

• 2024 Cebu Pacific Promos & PISO SALE with Number of Seats Available - 7 September 2024
• U.S. VISA APPLICATION Requirements & Interview Questions in the Philippines - 4 August 2024
• WHERE TO SHOP IN BANGKOK • Top 8 Shopping Centers and Malls - 29 July 2024

Hi! I would like to ask, since your blogs or should I say website is really helpful. Usually in the airport, do they need show money?

Appreciate your earliest reply!

Regards, Celle ☺

They don’t usually do that. They sometimes ask how much money you have with you. I usually just say how much and then say I have a credit card too.

Do you have any idea how much? Im afraid that I might get off load by the Immigration Officer. My friends and I will only be staying in SG for 2-3 days as we will be on a cruise and SG is where the ship will embark.

Your response is appreciated.

Ive read that last trip of MRT is around midnight. Our flight will arrive around 11 pm plus we have to go to immigration so we will be out in the airport around midnight, any other means of transpo going downtown? Thanks!

Awesome Article about Singapore travel guide. i love to read your article more and more because you are included all the information with details, links and Photos. You just add some Food related, Shopping related information.

Hi there. Can i still travel to sg even if my passport has less than 6 months before its expiration?

Hi! thanks for this! I’m traveling to SG this year, my second travel for the year but my third time abroad. During my second out of the country, I was asked by the IO if it’s my first time. I said no it’s my second time, but I just renewed my passport at that time so the stamps during my first travel are in my old passport. I was asked if I brought my old one with me but I don’t have it so she just let it pass.

Is there really a need, or is it normal to bring your old expired passport everytime you travel? I’m thinking if I should bring it this time around. Thanks!

Yep, bring the old one with you too.

As Pinoy travelers, we are often subjected to stricter inspection, especially by our own Immigration. It’s best to just bring both to prove your travel history.

May I ask what kind of ITR you bring with you in your travels, is it the annual or quarterly? Thanks, hope to hear from you soon!

How does the GST refund work? Like you ask directly anyone from the staff of the establishment for a refund? Looking forward to your response. Thank you!

Hi Vince. We explained it here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2011/08/gst-refund-singapore/

Hi Youske, Your article is the most informational one with all the little details starting from how to book a flight to where to stay, what are the places to visit with a budget. “There are many ways to reduce expenses if you just know where to go” this is the best line for me. Information with images is the best part of this article also tickets available for most of the places on your site.So, if somebody is reading this article then he/she doesn’t need to go anywhere for information on Singapore.

Hi, what’s the name of the hostel you stayed?

Hi, had the same question. :)

I usually stay either at G4 Station in Little India or Rucksack Inn at Temple Street, Chinatown. I like Rucksack Inn a little bit more because of excellent location. However, they closed down the Chinatown branch. What’s left now is the Lavender Branch, but I haven’t tried it.

I will be traveling to SG in a couple of weeks and I’m not sure which of the two methods would cost me less in purchases.

1. exchange Philippine Peso to Singapore Dollar 2. use my BPI Gold card (1,85% interest rate)

Thank you so much for everything you do for “poor travelers” like me. More power to you! Looking forward to your response.

Hi Lori, I’m not that familiar with BPI cards, so I don’t know. You’re referring to an ATM/debit card, right? Considering to withdraw cash from an ATM?

In general, when traveling abroad, I find that withdrawing from an ATM is the better and safer way of getting cash. It’s also more convenient because there are usually more ATMs than money changers. So I’m always inclined to use the ATM. (Choose the WITHOUT Conversion option, if you do this.)

In Singapore, though, it’s harder to decide because money changers offer competitive rates. But if you’re withdrawing not that big an amount, the difference is usually too little to matter. You might lose whatever you think you could save in transportation just to get to a good money changer.

Thanks for the prompt response, Yoshke! You’re really the best!

Anyway, here are my follow-up questions:

1. Exchange money here in the PH or In Singapore? 2. ATM or credit card?

Thanks again.

HI! Where did you book your hotel that just cost you 120 SGD? Thanks.

Hi jennie, there are lots of hostels in SG that can give you a bed for less than SGD40 per night (120 for 3 nights). I have stayed in G4 Station Hostel, Rucksack Inn, etc.

Just search Traveloka so you can see all-in rates per night and then sort by lowest price.

hello, currently nagiipon ako ng pocket money for singapore travel mga magkano kaya dapat na budget para sa 4D 3N trip?thanks

Hi Kalium, ayan na po, may summary of expenses naman po sa post sa taas.

Hello po, 1st time traveler po kami to SG sa March, di po ba kami ma offload sa NAIA kung yung tatlo walang work tapos isa di pa regular office? senior citizen, student at unemployed po yung tatlo. bayad na po ang roundtrip ticket, hotel, isang attraction sa SG. at pano po kami makaka less sa food kasi gusto lang talaga ng lolo namin makita yung merlion at ang singapore. thank you po. :)

As tourists po ba kayo or may ivivisit?

Sa food, sa hawker places po kayo kumain para makatipid. :)

Hi, Yoshke! Is there locker that we could leave our luggage at Universal Studio or nearby area? TIA

Hi Clint! Yep, there are lockers at Universal Studios Singapore. :)

Hi Yoshke! Do Legoland accepts SGD? If not, magkano kaya MYR budget for food sa Legoland? Do they accept credit card for food purchase? TIA!

Thanks For Sharing the post. Your post is really very good. Singapore is the best destination to enjoy the holidays. I enjoyed there Singapore Malaysia Tour Package with Cruise.

So na inspire ako dito hahaha.. Mag ta travel kami ng papa ko na senior citizen to Singapore..My question ia unemployed siya, based sa website ng immigration need daw ng affidavit of support.. Nag prepare ka din ba nun?

Ideally, pag sponsored ung travel, need nun.

Pero if sya naman ang gagastos sa sarili nya, ang alam ko di naman need yun. Yun ang alam ko ha. Sa experience ko kasi, mas maluwag usually ang immigration sa seniors. Pag kasama ko nanay ko, di sya hinahanapan ng anything. Mas marami pa tanong sa akin.

First time ng Mom ko magtatravel and she is unemployed. Pero sya ang gagastos para sa travel nya papuntang SG since she has the money naman. Anong mga need iprepare na proof sa immigration kapag ganun?

Hi Jai, will she be traveling alone or with family?

Hi, Yoshke!

What’s your advice sa currency exchange? Dito ba ako dapat mag papalit or dun na sa SG?

My options are:

a. PHP to USD to SGD b. PHP to SGD c. USD to SGD

I have USD on hand but torn ako if gagamitin ko na ba sya for my trip this Jan 2020. This will be the second time I’m traveling to SG, but my first time to use my own money kaya I am trying to stretch the money I have.

Please enlighten me.

Thank you for your very informative blog! Really helped me in my iti.

More power to you!

Hi Janine, whatever currency you currently carry (PHP or USD), convert directly to SGD. If you have more pesos, you can convert directly from PHP to SGD. Avoid converting PHP to USD then to SGD. You’ll lose more in double conversion. :)

You’ll find good rates at Mustafa Center and Change Alley in SG. :)

I will take note of this.

Thanks for the fast response! :)

Hello, my bestfriend and I will be travelling to Singapore this Nov. 29, both of us are working but wala akong ITR as of the moment kasi di aabot ang sahod ko sa minimum required annual income. Ok lang po yun? Thanks!

Hi Lorina, usually, hindi naman hinahanap ang ITR. Madalas, company ID lang. Kung wala kang ITR and feel mo na baka ma-secondary inspection ka, you can bring other proof of employment. More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2014/03/offloaded-philippine-immigration-rules-requirements-airport/

By the way, ang pagkakaalam ko po, kahit hindi abot sa minimum, pwede pa rin kayong ma-issuehan ng ITR if nagbabayad ng tax ung employer nyo for you. Lalabas lang dun na zero ung tax pero andun pa rin ung other details. Ask mo employer nyo for a copy of last year’s ITR.

Thank you for answering! Barangay Treasurer po kasi ako and nakasanayan na nila na di magbayad ng tax

Government employee? Pag ganyan yata need ng travel authority. Pero di ako familiar dun.

Hi? hindi po ba maququestion ng IO if 7 days and 6nights ang ticket ko? but may return ticket naman ako pa balik ng dubai.

Im planning to travel in SG this coming May, can you suggest super duper cheap hostel coz i do have a very tight budget for 3 days. hope to hear an answer soon. thank you!

Quick question, if I plan to visit Legoland for a daytrip, do I need to indicate Malaysia as my port of disembarkation sa arrival card?

Also, any idea if pwede pang magamit yung MTR card packaged with the Singtel tourist SIM kahit expired na yung SIM? My friend bought the tourist SIM kasi last December and I was wondering if I can still use the MTR para no need na mag buy pa ako.

Thanks so much!

The refund in SG was the most easier thing ever. Compared with Thailand, Singapore was so fast and easy to do all the things: mostly online! Great place for shopping is Singapore.

What is the best SIM card for internet? Is there a free and reliable wifi in most establishments po?

In our most recent trip a couple of months ago, we used both M1 and StarHub, oki naman pareho:

M1: https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=825&aff_adid=648595&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F16675-4g-sim-card-singapore%2F

Starhub: https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=825&aff_adid=610426&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-AU%2Factivity%2F16676-4g-travel-sim-card-singapore%2F

Hindi po kasi kami nagcoconnect sa mga free wifi for security issues na rin so sa Data SIM lang kami nakaasa.

Singapore has a lot more to offer outside of the normal tourist attractions, ask any local or expat and they will happily share their own local experiences that don’t always cost the earth!

meron po ba update sa reguirements papuntang SG. Thanks po

Featured On

We heard you!

Your comment is now queued for moderation! We’ll try to get back to you soonest. While waiting, follow us on these channels.

Subscribe on Youtube! Follow us on Instagram!

China tourist insists on eating hawker meal before paying

• Share on Twitter
• Share on WhatsApp
• E-mail this article
• 0 Engagements

A heated dispute erupted at a Chinatown Complex hawker stall after a tourist refused to pay for his meal before eating, insisting it was customary in his hometown to pay post-meal.

The incident unfolded around noon on Sept 8 at a second-storey economy rice stall in the bustling hawker centre.

"I was having my lunch when I saw this man refuse to pay for his food after ordering," said 74-year-old eyewitness Zheng.

The stall owner, 34-year-old Yu, told Shin Min Daily News that the middle-aged tourist, who was from China, ordered $3.60 worth of food but insisted on paying only after finishing his meal.

"He said people in his hometown always pay only after eating," claimed Mr Yu.

"He even pointed to his sling bag and said he had money. I saw him eating at the table beside my stall and thought I’d let him be."

Char kway teow stall ditches $5 option as costs keep rising

Related stories, former owner of heng ji chicken rice hawker stall dies at 81, pigeon control efforts to be stepped up at 3 neighbourhoods, increasing sugarcane prices leave bad taste in the mouth.

However, the situation escalated when the tourist returned to the stall, asking for more rice and dishes.

"I asked him to pay for the initial order first before he could add more food,” said Mr Yu.

"But he still refused, repeating that he had money. I'd never encountered such a situation before. I told him he was affecting my business and I would call the police.”

According to Mr Yu, the tourist then challenged him to call the police but later attempted to leave the scene.

“He even tried to call the police himself," Mr Yu recalled.

"About five minutes later, he tried to walk away. Luckily, my wife saw him and quickly stopped him. The police also arrived at that moment and spoke with him."

Following police mediation, Mr Yu said an officer told him that the tourist had just arrived in Singapore that day. The officer then took a $10 note from the man’s bag and gave it to Mr Yu.

“The police asked if I wanted to continue serving him, but I didn't want anything to do with him anymore, so I refused," Mr Yu said.

"I gave him the change."

The tourist was subsequently taken away by the police.

Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store  or Google Play Store now

Nathaniel Fetalvero

• Share on Facebook

• Wed. Sep 18th, 2024

Cost of living in Malaysia: The envy of other ASEAN nations?

By JARA CARBALLO

MALAYSIA: When considering retirement destinations, the cost of living is often the primary concern for individuals, couples, and families with limited budgets. Penang, an island off Malaysia’s northwest coast, stands out as an attractive option due to its affordable living conditions.

In an article published by International Living.com , the Penang property market gained attention from Singaporeans in 2014, with significant price differences between similar properties in Penang and Singapore.

This led to a substantial purchase of houses in George Town by a Singaporean company, impacting the local economy and fueling a property boom.

Despite this, rental prices have remained stable since 2017, with a surplus of rental properties and ongoing construction of high-end condominiums.

What a Singaporean said about Malaysia

A Singaporean Reddit user said that if Singapore’s cost of living and wages were the same as in Malaysia , many Singaporeans would be eager to relocate.

The Singaporean mentions that beyond public transport, cleanliness, and lower corruption, Singapore lacks the cultural richness and warmth found in Malaysia.

He views Singapore as a materialistic city with a colder atmosphere, contrasting it with Malaysia’s larger size, more activities, and friendlier people.

The Reddit user also expresses a preference for having Malaysian citizenship with Singaporean permanent residency, seeing it as the ideal combination.

They also note the high levels of anxiety and depression among young Singaporeans and the claustrophobic feeling due to the country’s small size. The comment suggests that while Singapore is efficient and modern, these factors do not address all societal issues.

The Singaporean netizen also observes that many Singaporeans retire overseas or move to countries like Vietnam, Thailand, or New Zealand for a change.

They question why Singapore, with its efficiency and cleanliness, has levels of stress and anxiety similar to Malaysia, which lacks these attributes.

The comment concludes by emphasizing the need to stop idealizing Singapore and recognise both countries’ strengths and weaknesses, highlighting the shared understanding between Singaporeans and Malaysians.

Cost of living in Malaysia

On a monthly budget of $2,500, a couple can enjoy a high standard of living in Penang. Modern high-rise condominiums with amenities such as pools, gyms, and 24-hour security can be rented for $750 to $1,000 per month.

For those willing to forgo ocean views, rentals can be even more affordable, potentially allowing for a monthly budget under $2,000.

The influx of international investment has also led to the emergence of new cafes, restaurants, and hotels, offering a variety of dining and entertainment options.

While imported goods like wine and spirits can be more expensive, local dining and entertainment remain very affordable.

Pampering oneself is also more cost-effective in Malaysia, with spa treatments, pedicures, and massages priced significantly lower than in many Western countries. Additionally, hiring a part-time cleaning lady or a live-in maid is relatively inexpensive.

Adopting a local lifestyle can further reduce monthly expenses. Eating at local hawker stalls offers delicious and safe options for foreigners at a fraction of the cost of dining at Western-style restaurants.

Malaysia’s abundance of affordable and high-quality fruits and locally sourced meats and vegetables also contributes to lower grocery bills.

Malaysian cost of living: Expat’s choice

Travel within Southeast Asia is convenient and budget-friendly from Penang, with direct flights to neighbouring countries and easy road access to Thailand.

Transportation within Penang is manageable, with affordable options such as purchasing a small, locally made car or a scooter or utilizing public transport and Grab, a popular ride-hailing service.

Healthcare in Malaysia is both high-quality and cost-effective, with many expats opting to pay out of pocket rather than securing health insurance. The country’s hospitals are well-equipped, and medical professionals are often trained in Western countries.

A sample monthly budget for a couple living in Penang might include expenses such as rent, groceries, utilities, cell phone, internet, TV, cooking gas, fuel, maid service, and entertainment, totalling approximately $1,704.40.

Related Post

‘they paid for certificate of entitlement, so they’re certified entitled people’ — netizens slam singaporean who threw rubbish on malaysia road, malaysia’s mm2h visa revamp sparks surge in interest from china’s wealthy youth, malaysian ringgit has grown by 4.5% against singapore dollar since july, condo security guard throws customer’s bubble tea order on the floor when placed outside guardhouse by delivery rider, couple spent s$60k to save their pet dog and had to sell off their hdb flat to pay their debts; singaporeans express concern, dpm gan kim yong calls for upskilling and productivity-led growth as singapore’s labour force is expected to slow down, customer shocked to find a human tooth in mooncake, triggering police to investigate the chain’s food safety practices.