📋 Essential Info
🚌 Transportation
Card Type: EZ-Link, Nets FlashPay, Singapore Tourist Pass
Est. Cost: S$0.95–2.00 per MRT trip (distance-based); Singapore Tourist Pass S$22-34 for unlimited rides
Where to Buy: MRT stations, 7-Eleven convenience stores
Contactless (Visa/MC/Apple Pay) also accepted but foreign card fees may apply; Wise/Revolut cards avoid FX fees
📱 Connectivity
eSIM Provider: aloSIM, Airalo, Nomad (eSIM recommended)
Cost: ~$7–17 USD for eSIM data plans
Activation: Pre-order via Klook for pickup at Changi Airport — saves ~75%; airport vendors charge $30+ SGD
No 2G/3G networks exist — phone must support LTE/5G; bring passport for physical SIM registration
🌤️ Weather & Packing
Best Time: June — Southwest Monsoon begins; humidity slightly lower than May but rain frequent
Rain Policy: Indoor alternatives always planned; carry compact umbrella at all times
What to Pack:
- Lightweight quick-dry clothing
- Compact umbrella
- Packable rain jacket
- Light cardigan for icy malls
June avg: 27°C / 81°F (high 31°C); ~163mm rain over 19–21 days; afternoon thunderstorms common; A/C can feel 10°C colder indoors
🙏 Etiquette
Tipping: Not expected; most restaurants add 10% service charge + 9% GST automatically
Dining Customs:
- Seating is communal — find a table first, then order
- "Chope" seats with tissue packet
- Can buy drinks from one stall and food from another
- Leave plates — staff bus tables
Dress Code: Casual for hawker centers; smart casual for malls and restaurants; no flip-flops at upscale places; modest dress for temples
- Remove shoes at temple entrances
- Give up seats for elderly on public transport
- Chewing gum is banned
💰 Money
Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)
ATM Tips: Use Wise/Revolut cards to avoid FX fees; ATM fees may apply for foreign cards
Card Acceptance: Singapore is largely cashless; credit cards widely accepted; some hawker vendors cash only
1 USD ≈ 1.35 SGD; '++' on menus = service charge + GST will be added
🏥 Emergency
Police: 999
Ambulance: 995
Nearest Hospital: Singapore General Hospital (Outram Road)
Insurance: Ensure travel insurance covers medical evacuation; Singapore has excellent healthcare
🧳 Packing List
Essentials:
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Travel insurance docs
- Credit/debit cards
- Attraction booking confirmations
Clothing:
- 4-5 lightweight t-shirts/tank tops
- 2 dressy blouses/shirts
- 1 thin long-sleeve shirt
- 1 light cardigan
- 2-3 lightweight shorts
Electronics:
- Phone + charger/cables (USB-C, Lightning)
- Type G travel adapter (UK-style, 230V/50Hz)
- Power bank (10,000mAh+)
- eSIM or physical SIM card
📝 Notes
June = Great Singapore Sale — expect discounts but crowds; all paths are paved (no hiking shoes needed); MRT is fastest way to get around; tap water is safe to drink everywhere