Singapore

EXPLORESINGAPORE   Your Comprehensive Destination Guide At a Glance Total area: 728.6 sq km (281.3 sq mi) Capital: Singapore (city-state) Religion: Multi-religious (Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, Hinduism) Population: ~5.9 million Language: English (official and working language), Mandarin, Malay (national language), Tamil Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD) Banking Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:30 am–3:00 pm, Sat: 9:30 AM–1 PM (Closed on Sundays) Telephone/Communication: The country code is +65. There are numerous 4G/5G and Wi-Fi hotspots available SIM cards available at airports or convenience stores Climate: Tropical rainforest climate Hot and humid year-round Avg temp: 26–32°C (79–89°F) Rainfall common, especially Nov–Jan (Northeast Monsoon) GST in Singapore Singapore does not have a “VAT” (Value Added Tax) like in Europe. Instead, it has a Goods and Services Tax (GST), which functions similarly. Here’s a breakdown: What is GST Applied To? Most goods and services sold in Singapore (both in stores and online) Hotel stays, restaurant meals, tours, and entertainment Some imports (e.g., overseas online purchases over S$400) for your shopping tripTourist Refund Scheme (TRS) If you’re visiting Singapore as a tourist, you may be eligible for a GST refund on your shopping! Requirements: Spend at least S$100 (including GST) at participating retailers Depart from Changi Airport (not land/sea borders) Must apply for the refund within 2 months of purchase You can claim your refund at eTRS self-help kiosks in the airport You’ll need receipts, your passport, and the goods for inspection Travel Requirements Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry into Singapore. Must have at least two blank pages for entry stamps Visa requirements: No visa required for tourist or business visits up to 90 days SG Arrival Card (SGAC): Mandatory for all travelers (unless transiting without immigration clearance) to submit up to 3 days before arrival—includes personal, trip, and health details Onward/Return Ticket & Funds: Immigration officials may ask for proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds. Health & Vaccinations Yellow fever vaccination: Required only if you’ve been in a yellow-fever-risk country within the 6 days before arrival General health protocols: No COVID testing, vaccination, or quarantine mandates for U.S. travelers as of June 2025. Immigration Entry & Exit Biometric screeningYour fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans may be used at automated lanes (eIACS) Passport stampingEntry stamps are issued, but Singapore generally does not stamp passports upon exit. Shopping & Lifestyle Orchard Road—Singapore’s shopping boulevard (high-end malls, global brands) Bugis Street Market—Bargains, streetwear, and souvenirs Marina Bay Sands Shoppes—Designer stores, canal rides Haji Lane—Indie shops and artisan goods Pro Tips Get an EZ-Link or Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited MRT and bus rides. Taxis are safe, but public transport is more efficient. Carry a refillable water bottle; tap water is safe to drink. Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites. Getting there from the US Direct flights from major hubs (e.g., LAX, SFO, JFK) to Changi Airport (SIN) Flight time: Approx. 17–19 hours with layovers Fun Facts! It’s a City, a State, and a Country. Singapore is one of only three city-states in the world (alongside Monaco and Vatican City). It’s a country, a city, and a state—all in one. Singapore imposes a multitude of fines. Singapore is known as a “fine” city! You can be fined for chewing gum (except for medicinal purposes), not flushing a public toilet, littering, feeding pigeons, or eating or drinking on public transportation. It’s one of the Greenest Cities in the World. Despite being highly urbanized, Singapore is known as a “Garden City.” Greenery covers nearly 50% of its land, showcasing trees, gardens, and vertical jungles everywhere—even on skyscrapers. The National Anthem is printed on the Back of the $1,000 Note. Yes, the “Majulah Singapura” lyrics are micro-printed on the back of the high-value banknote. Home to the World’s First Night Zoo. The Singapore Night Safari was the world’s first nocturnal zoo and remains one of its most popular wildlife attractions. A Multicultural Marvel. Singapore has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. The country’s diversity is evident in everything from food to festivals, with English as the working language. Changi Airport Has a Butterfly Garden & a Waterfall. Changi Airport isn’t just an airport—it’s a destination. Terminal 1 has a rooftop swimming pool, Terminal 3 has a butterfly garden, and Jewel Changi houses the world’s tallest indoor waterfall (Rain Vortex at 40 meters/130 ft.). The National Symbol is a Merlion. Half lion, half fish, the Merlion represents Singapore’s origin as a fishing village (the fish) and its name, Singapura (“Lion City”). Failure to recycle your tray is illegal. In hawker centers (Singapore’s beloved food courts), returning your tray after eating is not just good manners—it’s legally required. World-Class Tap Water. Singapore’s tap water is so clean you can drink it straight from the tap anywhere in the country. Top Places to Visit in Singapore Gardens by the Bay • Massive futuristic park with the famous Supertree Grove • Explore Cloud Forest & Flower Dome • Light & Sound show at night Marina Bay Sands • Luxury hotel with a sky-high infinity pool • Spectra Light & Water Show on the bay • Visit the Art Science Museum for family-friendly exhibits Sentosa Island • Man-made island for entertainment & relaxation • Universal Studios Singapore • Adventure Cove Waterpark, S.E.A. Aquarium • Siloso Beach and Tanjong Beach Club Chinatown • Explore heritage streets temples (like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple) • Eat at Chinatown Complex Hawker Centre • Shopping for souvenirs and local goods Singapore Botanic Gardens (UNESCO site) • Orchid Garden with over 1,000 species • Free morning walks and picnic spots Little India & Kampong Glam • Rich in culture, colorful murals, and vibrant markets • Visit Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple • Haji Lane for indie boutiques, cafes, and art Singapore Zoo, Night Safari & River Wonders • Award-winning open-concept wildlife parks • It is best done over multiple visits or a park hopper pass Food Tour & What to Eat Hawker Centres (Must-Visit!) Singapore’s beating heart of culinary culture. Locals