Singapore is one of the easiest cities in Asia to visit: it is safe, clean, English-speaking and well organised. A few local rules and habits are worth knowing before you land, from the arrival card you must fill in online to the things you cannot do on a train.
Do you need to fill in an arrival card for Singapore?
Yes. All travellers entering Singapore must submit the SG Arrival Card, with an electronic health declaration, before they arrive. You can submit it in the three days before arrival, counting the day you arrive, through the official ICA website or the free MyICA Mobile app. It is free; ignore websites that charge a fee to submit it for you.
Passengers transferring at Changi without passing through immigration do not need to submit it. Whether you need a visa depends on your passport, so check the ICA visa requirements before you book.
What are the rules visitors should know?
- Vapes are illegal. Using, buying or possessing e-cigarettes is against the law, and since September 2025 penalties have been stricter, including fines and, for foreigners in serious cases, deportation. Leave vapes at home or bin them at the airport.
- No eating or drinking on the MRT or in paid areas of stations, not even water. Fines can reach S$500.
- No durians on trains and buses, because of the smell.
- Chewing gum is not sold in Singapore and importing it is banned, so do not pack any.
- Smoking is banned in most public places, and in much of the city centre you may only smoke in marked smoking areas. Littering brings fines.
- Drug laws are among the strictest in the world, with very severe penalties.
Day to day, none of this feels heavy; the rules are simply enforced, which is one reason the city works so well.
Should you tip in Singapore?
Tipping is not expected. Most restaurants and hotels add a 10% service charge, and prices usually also include or add 9% GST, which is why menus often show "++" after prices. At hawker centres there is no service charge and no tipping. Leave a little extra only if service was exceptional.
How can tourists get a GST refund?
Visitors can claim back the 9% GST on goods they take out of the country through the electronic Tourist Refund Scheme. You need to spend at least S$100, including GST, at one retailer; up to three same-day receipts from the same shop can be combined. You must be 16 or over.
At Changi, scan your passport at an eTRS kiosk. Claim in the departure check-in hall, before you check in the goods, if they are going in your hold luggage, or in the transit area after immigration if you carry them on board. Customs may ask to see the goods and receipts.
What should you know about money in Singapore?
- The currency is the Singapore dollar (S$).
- Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere, and contactless cards work on the MRT and buses.
- Carry a little cash for older hawker stalls, although many now take QR or card payments.
- For a full breakdown of costs, read our Singapore trip budget.
What plugs, water and phone service does Singapore have?
- Plugs: three-pin Type G sockets, as in the UK, at 230 volts.
- Water: tap water is safe to drink, so bring a refillable bottle.
- Phone: tourist SIM cards and eSIMs are sold at Changi Airport and in convenience stores; free Wi-Fi is common in malls and at the airport.
How do you deal with the heat and rain?
It is hot and humid all year, usually 25°C to 32°C, with short, heavy downpours. Plan outdoor sights for the early morning and evening, carry water and a small umbrella, and use the air-conditioned malls, museums and underground walkways in the afternoon. Indoor spaces are often cold, so bring a light layer. See the best time to visit Singapore.
What etiquette should you follow?
- Dress modestly and remove your shoes when visiting temples and mosques.
- Queue patiently; Singaporeans queue for everything, especially good food.
- At hawker centres, a packet of tissues on a seat means it is taken. Return your tray when you finish.
- Stand on the left on escalators and let people walk past on the right.
Facts checked October 2026. Entry rules, fines and refund conditions are set by the Singapore government and can change; check the official sources before you travel.
