How to Stay Safe in Singapore
Singapore is widely known for being one of the safest travel destinations in Asia; however, you should still be wary of certain potential issues before visiting.
Singapore has strict rules to abide by in regards to chewing gum and drinking in public at night, from chewing to drinking in public at night. Read on to gain more insight into staying safe in Singapore!
Avoid Crime Areas
Though Singapore is widely known as one of the safest nations on Earth, it still does have some degree of crime rate. Here are a few things you should keep in mind to stay as safe as possible when visiting Singapore.
It is wise to avoid travel alone to areas like shanty towns and Geylang’s red light district if possible, particularly if you are female. Furthermore, drinking too much in bars or taking taxis alone at night could leave you vulnerable to potential exploiters and compromise your ability to reach home safely.
Singapore has stringent laws and regulations, so it is crucial that visitors abide by them to remain safe. Any actions found illegal can incur fines and even jail time – keeping this rule in mind can help you to stay out of troubled areas easier and avoid crime completely. In addition, staying hydrated while traveling in hot temperatures is crucial in protecting from mosquito bites; follow this tip and you can enjoy your journey to Singapore without the fear of victimization! Don’t forget to write down emergency numbers before departing, just in case!
Avoid Drinking and Chewing Gum
While Singapore is generally safe, petty crime still exists and therefore it’s wise to maintain good habits and use common sense when in Singapore. Some examples include not drinking or chewing gum in public spaces, being aware of your surroundings at all times, not leaving anything unattended and having travel insurance that covers medical costs should you get sick during your travels abroad.
If you’re traveling to Singapore, it is a wise move to familiarize yourself with its laws and regulations before visiting. Jaywalking and littering are subject to fines in Singapore; smoking or eating while on public transit is punishable as well. Furthermore, food safety standards in this city-state can be very stringent; therefore avoid eating street food in Little India or Chinatown districts until verified as meeting A rating from their government.
Avoid bringing anything illegal into the country, such as counterfeit DVDs or copyrighted materials. Firecrackers and swords are banned as is carrying weapons without an official license. Traveling lone women should exercise extra caution in Geylang red-light district.
Stay in a Hostel
Hostels not only offer cheap prices and convenient locations, but they’re also an opportunity for travelers to meet like-minded individuals at an affordable cost. Depending on the quality of your hostel, activities like walking tours, yoga classes, bar crawls or BBQs might even be organized to help guests connect. Participating in these activities will enable guests to form lasting bonds amongst themselves.
Singapore boasts many affordable hostels that provide a range of amenities. One such hostel, OSS Backpackers in Chinatown, features both twin and triple bed private rooms as well as multi-capacity dormitory rooms equipped with privacy curtains, personal lockers, reading lights and power outlets – as well as having its own restaurant, free wifi connectivity and bar!
When booking a hostel stay, be sure to ask about their cancellation policy and prices in advance. Remember that hostels tend to be more costly during high seasons if booked last minute; by booking early you can avoid these higher rates and receive discounts during low seasons (check website for any available offers or promotions).
Avoid Renting a Car
If you’re visiting Singapore, driving should be relatively safe. Traffic laws here follow those seen elsewhere in Southeast Asia, and most drivers abide by them. But it is wise to exercise extra caution if driving at night; many scam taxis exist here so it is vitally important that only ride meters-equipped cabs.
If you prefer not renting a car, busses, trains and ferries offer alternative modes of travel. Find route and schedule information at the MRT website; however be mindful that some stations close on Sundays and public holidays – plan ahead accordingly!
Traveling to Singapore will require you to bring all of the usual medical supplies and medications with you. Due to certain prescription drugs being classified as controlled substances in Singapore, they may require permission before entering. Make sure to speak to your physician and follow his/her advice regarding vaccinations, medications and health-related actions – being up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccination is also important when visiting.
Take a Taxi
Given Singapore’s small size and efficient public transport network, there is little need to rent a car when visiting. Traveling is easy and cost-effective with the MRT line quickly whisking travelers into downtown, while taxis are metered, so should not pose much of a ripoff risk; but be sure to ask your hotelier or tourist office what the going rate should be for standard trips; rideshare services such as Grab and Gojek may offer rides at peak hours but be wary that prices could increase significantly!
At times of high traffic or poor weather, it may be challenging to hail down a taxi on the street; therefore it may be beneficial to book one ahead using an app. Taxi fares are calculated based on distance, although surcharges may apply such as when you hail the cab and whether or not road tolls must be paid on route. Most taxis accept credit cards with an associated 10% transaction fee attached.
Tipping is customary in most restaurants; however, you should only tip your cab driver if they have done an exceptional job. In general, 10% is sufficient. Singapore is known for being quite conservative so public displays of affection or skimpy clothing are frowned upon.
Keep Your Money Safe
Singapore, one of Asia’s most economically secure and prosperous countries, provides travelers with a secure place to store their money. While locals use credit cards more commonly, cash remains the safer choice when travelling. If withdrawing multiple times per day is necessary for whatever reason, try using a card like Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card which waives foreign transaction fees in order to reduce charges associated with foreign transaction withdrawals.
As with any city, Singapore requires its residents to remain alert for pickpockets in crowded areas and tourist landmarks like Orchard Road – known as the pickpocketing hub of Singapore. Be wary when leaving valuables unattended. Keep your guard up at all times.
If you are traveling on short term business trip, make sure that you have sufficient medical insurance. Consider purchasing a policy which covers medical evacuation and hospitalization should any emergency arise; in addition, consider coverage plans that include certain prescription or over-the-counter drugs (e.g. melatonin) as well as certain vaccines considered controlled substances in Singapore (e.g. mpox).
Stick to the Rules
As long as you follow a few basic rules when visiting Singapore, it should be perfectly safe. Like any country however, it’s advisable to exercise extreme caution and remain aware.
Singapore makes travel convenient with buses, taxis and the MRT subway system offering clean and effortless transportation services. Buses, taxis and MRT service all provide safe access to its vibrant culture while being easy ways to experience it all firsthand. Just keep in mind that UV radiation and jet lag may pose threats during your visit; therefore make sure to protect yourself with sunscreen and drink plenty of water to stay safe!
If caught bringing illegal drugs into the country, fines and even jail time await. Furthermore, it’s wise to avoid Tampines and Yishun as these neighborhoods have long been associated with crime.
Don’t forget to contact your health authorities prior to traveling in order to determine whether any vaccinations are required of you, purchase travel insurance with medical evacuation and hospital coverage and bring along an alarm system if needed to alert others quickly if needed assistance arises. Finally, ensure your passport and visa requirements for visiting Singapore here.
