Singapore is one of the smallest countries in the world you can visit but don’t let that fool you for a second, it’s also one pretty exciting place, especially if you’re visiting Singapore for the first time.
On the surface of it, Singapore seems like just a shiny collection of high-rise apartment and corporate buildings but once you get past that, you get a sense of how truly exciting Singapore is and why you need to visit (or indeed, return) very soon.
Take a look below at some of the things you need to know before visiting Singapore.
1.) Singapore is safe
Visiting Singapore is not only easy but also very safe. Like walking back home at 4 am on your own down a dark and quiet street safe! It’s one of the safest places in the world for solo (or group) travellers.
2.) Singapore isn’t cheap
One thing you’ll notice when visiting Singapore is how much more expensive it is compared with other areas in Asia.
This city-state apparently has the most millionaires in the world so perhaps this isn’t much of a surprise but Singapore easily outranks renowned expensive cities like London and New York when it comes to prices.
3.) Singapore has cheap food
For how expensive Singapore is, it also has really cheap food! Which, let’s be honest, is perfect when visiting Singapore. The food, of course, is at the ‘Hawker Centres’ (not the expensive restaurants or shops in the malls). Local Singaporeans eat at these hawker centres so it’s also a great way to meet some Singaporeans.
4.) Singapore is a very multi-cultural city
One thing you’ll notice when visiting Singapore is its multi-culturalism. The mix of expats and locals creates for such a vibrant fusion of different cultures, food and experiences to be had in the city.
5.) Orchard is the fanciest place in Singapore
Hands down, when visiting Singapore you’ll quickly realise that Orchard has some of the most expensive apartments in Singapore.
There are high-end boutiques at pretty much every corner you turn and pretty much anything you’re looking for that you can’t find anywhere else.
6.) Singapore has durian fruit
Durian fruit is eaten quite a lot here and you’ll smell it when visiting Singapore… especially in the markets.
Now, it sounds like a mundane fact until you smell Durian fruit. It stinks (A LOT) – which makes you wonder why people eat it.
Apparently, the trick is to try it just before it starts to get too ripe and to buy it at the start of the day before it gets further ripened by the sun.
7.) Visiting Singapore Changi Airport is breezy
Singapore’s Changi airport is hands-down one of the best airports in the world! There’s so much to see and do in the airports here that it’s a great place to have a transit in.
8.) Taxies are reasonably priced
For how expensive accommodation can be when visiting Singapore, taxies are pretty cheap. At the right (or wrong) times though, extra surcharges get charged during peak hours.
9.) Singapore doesn’t really do beaches
Though, they do have some epic swimming pools to enjoy when visiting Singapore.
That being said, there are a lot of decent beaches in Singapore. This won’t be on the same level as those glorious Thai beaches but they’re still pretty great for a weekend hangout.
10.) Singapore has a great nightlife
The night-life in Singapore is pretty fantastic! Clarke Quay is a great place to start a night (perhaps even to finish one too), after which you can get a taxi and head off to a whole range of fantastic clubs here.
It really is one of the reasons that makes visiting Singapore so much fun.
11.) Alcohol is expensive
The first thing you’ll notice when visiting Singapore is how expensive cocktails can be.
Make sure you get something at Duty-Free! There’s a limit to how much you can get through so do your Duty-Free shopping AFTER you have left immigration but before you leave the area where you pick your bags up (it’s next to the baggage carousel area).
12.) Visiting Singapore & Marina Bay Sands is a must
If possible, you need to at least try to stay one night in the hotel so you can experience that infinity pool.
That being said, if you don’t want to splash out on a night at the Marina Bay Sands, you can also pop up to the bar at the top for a drink and a chance to catch that view.
13.) Public transport is easy when visiting Singapore
The train (MRT) system here is very efficient, air-conditioned and worth using to get across the city. It’s also not too expensive so make the most of it when you visit.
14.) Chilli Crab is amazing
One pretty The dish you have to try when visiting Singapore is chilli crab.
It’s actually quite a big dish so try to find out in advance how many people they’d recommend having to share it. 🙂
15.) Singapore has different seasons
You’ll notice when visiting Singapore that it doesn’t have the same seasonal patterns as the UK.
The weather in Singapore is pretty much consistently warm all year round so you can visit at any time in the year.
There are loads to do in Singapore too! Make sure to check out our guide of things you can’t miss when visiting Singapore, below.
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