How to Travel to Singapore

Singapore successfully blends the historic and modern in one place. The Asian country features places for solitary reflection within bustling cities. Sporting enthusiasts enjoy the land, on-water and below-water activities that attract tourists from around the world. Other attractions include the culture, food and a very active nightlife. Follow these easy steps to enjoy your travel to Singapore.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Buy drinks to stay hydrated. Drink liquids while walking around Singapore City or anywhere else. The heat can be oppressive.

2. Visit government-regulated food courts. These food centers are safe and clean and are a good way to keep the budget low while eating what the locals eat. Prices vary. Ask for recommendations at your hotel or check your Singapore guidebook, because some food courts overcharge tourists.

3. Shop at a fixed-price store, if you hate haggling over prices. Otherwise, bargaining is customary, even in stores and many shops.

4. Bring chewing gum from home because gum is not sold in Singapore.

5. Pay attention to avoid counterfeits while shopping. Fake items are everywhere in Singapore. People who buy them could have problems with customs agents in their home countries.

6. Use public transportation. Buses zip by those stuck in traffic because taxi cabs are unable to access the reserved bus lanes. Renting a car is usually unnecessary. Singapore requires extra fines and confusing driving restrictions for people who want to rent a car. Drive on the left in Singapore and Malaysia.

7. Make sure your car has the correct tags if you decide to rent. You will need an Area Licensing Scheme (ALS) pass and an Electronic Road Pricing (UI) tag. A prepaid UI deducts the toll when you pass through Electronic Road Pricing toll gates. This will help you get around faster during rush hour.

8. Keep a full tank of gas. The Singapore government fines drivers who run out of gas on the causeway out of Singapore to Malaysia.

9. Make sure you use the correct hand. The left hand is used for personal hygiene; therefore it is considered to be unclean. Males cannot kiss female acquaintances on the cheek in these predominantly Muslim countries. A man should not extend his hand to shake hands with a woman until she reaches out first.

10. Accept same-sex affection. Members of the same sex usually link arms, hold hands and act affectionate with one another. This behavior is social, not sexual. Gay and lesbian rights are unprotected in Singapore, though a large number of gays live in the country while hiding their sexual orientation. Members of the opposite sex should not display affection in public, because it offends people.

11. Know who gets a tip. Giving a tip is not customary in Singapore. Tipping is discouraged in hotels except for bellboys who usually receive $1 per bag. It is forbidden at the airport.

Tips & Warnings

• Temporary UI tags are available, if you enter Singapore without one. An ALS pass allows access to the Central Business District between 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., when traffic in the area is strictly regulated. Full day and half day passes are available.
• Do not use the left hand to shake hands with or give something to an Indonesian or Malaysian.
• Avoid tipping at restaurants because they add a 10 percent service charge. The wait staffs usually do not get a percentage of the service charge, but tipping them is not the norm. Singaporeans do not give tips to taxi drivers; Singaporeans get upset when tourists tip drivers.