What Nobody Tells You Before Your First Trip to Singapore

Alright, here's the confession - I did no research whatsoever before my first trip to Singapore. Clean country, great airport, everybody speaks English. How could anything possibly go wrong? A lot actually, although nothing too terrible - just some minor issues that I could have been warned about. Let me share my list with you.

The Weather Is Always Warm and Raining

There is no winter in Singapore. There is no "nice breeze" season in Singapore as well. It is hot, sticky and then rains for about twenty minutes out of the blue and it's sunny again. Caught by surprise in Bugis without an umbrella, I spent a ridiculous amount of money on one. If you are wondering what is the best time to visit Singapore - probably February to April. Well, truth be told, any month will do as long as you take into account the rain. Another thing that you might want to take into account – the air conditioning indoors is freezing cold. You will need a jacket despite it being 32 degrees Celsius outside. You'll see.

Take Care of the Visa in Advance

That one is primarily for Indian citizens. Singapore visa for Indians is a must and it's done by an authorised agency, so don't leave that for the last minute. Then comes the SG Arrival Card, an electronic form you fill online few days before your flight. It's free, it takes five minutes, it's easy to forget. Please don't forget. Regulations may change from time to time, so don't forget to visit the official ICA website before booking tickets. Better to hear it from me.

Yes, It's Expensive (But You Can Cut the Cost)

Yes, Singapore is pricey. Especially hotels. I ended up paying more for one night in Singapore close to Marina Bay than I was originally planning for two nights. Tip is to find a hotel in the vicinity of an MRT station, far away from the fancy bay area. For instance, Little India, Lavender and Bugis were perfect for me, cheaper with good food nearby. Alcohol is a different story. One glass of alcohol can cost as much as a proper dinner, so if you are on budget, just cut that altogether or keep it for one day. Oh, and menu price never includes service charge and GST, so you will pay extra at the end. Tipping, however, is optional.

Please, Do Not Skip the Hawker Centres

Here is the best part of your Singapore experience. Singapore hawker centres are noisy, crowded and slightly chaotic, yet the food is amazing. Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, Newton. Pick one, find yourself a table (and put a tissue packet there as this is the way to reserve your table) and order whatever it is that smells good. Chicken rice is the thing you have to try. My favourite is laksa. Chilli crab is also worth tasting, but split it with somebody because it is both messy and expensive. If you want vegetarian meals or just some homely Indian food, head to Little India. It has plenty. Mustafa Centre is another place worth checking out - it works 24 hours a day. Almost all stalls accept QR payments nowadays. Although, carry some cash. Some uncles don't care much about the phones.

Getting Around Is Easy

Singapore MRT system is so simple that you will learn to use it after just two days there. Just tap in with contactless card or transit card and you are set. Google maps covers all the buses and MRT stations, so I barely used taxis. Once, at night, when my legs finally gave up.

The Rules Are Strict

It's the reputation that Singapore has. Littering gets you fined, smoking at the wrong spot gets you fined, jaywalking - fined. Vaping is prohibited and so is chewing gum. Again, do not panic. You don't need to be afraid of rules, if you just act like a normal, civilised person you will be absolutely fine. And that's the reason why the city is so clean and safe.

Don't Overload Your Schedule

Singapore looks tiny on a map, so people try to fit everything into two days. That is a bad idea. If it's your first visit, a Singapore itinerary for 5 days sounds just right.

• Day one - is devoted to Marina Bay Sands, Merlion Park and light show at Gardens by the Bay.
• Day two - Sentosa Island and Universal Studios Singapore.
• Day three - Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam for food and murals.
• Day four - the zoo and Night Safari.
• Day five - Orchard Road or just coffee in peace. You won't regret it.

Buy tickets to the main attractions online before your trip. That will be cheaper and you won't stand in a queue.

A Few Smaller Tips

Carry a Type G plug adapter, the 3-pin UK type. Carry a water bottle because tap water is perfectly fine to drink. Get eSIM or a local SIM in Changi Airport, which is, hands down, the best airport I've ever seen. And if you are shopping, you can ask about a GST refund for tourists as there is a minimum spend.

So, Is Your First Trip to Singapore Worth It?

Definitely. It's a modern country with a lot of its heritage still preserved. It's an expensive destination, but it can be visited on budget. It's strict with rules, but super friendly when you talk to locals. Pack comfortable shoes, appetite and no schedule. If you prefer not to worry about all these little details, we can organise a Singapore tour package from India based on your dates and budget. Just get in touch with me. Your first trip to Singapore should be exciting, not stressful.