After much contemplation and speculation, you have finally chosen Singapore as your destination. Travelling abroad is exciting but could also be unnerving at the same time. Do not worry, we will make sure that your plan works out by creating a timeline for you and guiding you step by step. 

Pre-trip jitters are no strangers to us, which is why it is essential to prep yourself for the trip way before the big day! Here are a few tips to make yourself trip-ready and ensure everything’s in place before the D-day! Be it two weeks prior to the trip or just a few days before it, we have got you covered with all the necessities that you need to look into. 

Two Weeks Prior

Here are some questions you may have before you head on to that fun trip in Singapore:

What are the Important Documents required to Travel To Singapore?

1 Visa - Make sure you apply for the visa two weeks prior to the trip to be on the safer side since it takes three working days for processing post submission of the application. The documents required are:

• Application form signed as per passport signature
• Passport with a validity of six months 
• Two passport sized colour photographs taken at least three months prior  

You can also apply for a Singapore visa online with SOTC.

2 Passport

What Do I Pack?

• Umbrella and rain gear
• Bug spray
• Sun-smart gear
• Heavy-duty deodorant
• Swimmer’s ear medicine
• Comfortable light clothing
• Comfortable shoes
• Some tit bits to munch on while you are on your way 
• A book to read

What is the Maximum Luggage Allowed by Airlines?

• Your luggage should not weigh more than 23 kgs for storage in the luggage section of the aircraft. 
• For cabin baggage, the limit is 7kgs.

However, please check the luggage rules of the airline you are flying as these tend to differ across carriers.

Two To Three Days Before The Trip

Foreign Currency

SOTC provides you with currency notes and Forex Cards which can be used for ATM withdrawals and electronic transactions. The currency accepted in Singapore is Singapore Dollar with one Singapore Dollar=50 INR approximately.

Power Banks And Adapters

You need to make sure that you are always accessible. It is essential to stay connected with the people you are travelling with and to have access to information while on the go. Hence, make sure that your power banks are always charged in case your phone batteries run out during the trip. You do not want a dead phone when you reach an unknown destination. Also, do not forget to carry universal plug chargers and adapters with you. Singapore uses power outlets and plugs of type G, C and M. 

Toiletries

• Hand sanitiser is a must to protect yourself from any germs you may have been exposed to during the trip. 
• Toothpaste and toothbrush, though available in the hotel, is a cleaner option if it’s your own. 
• A sunscreen and moisturiser at all times  to protect your skin from the sun.
• Your own face wash which you can use anywhere and anytime during the trip to feel fresh. 
• Shampoo and conditioner, since you know your hair type best; the hotel provided ones may not suit your skin.
• Your personal hair comb or brush, which ideally, must not be shared with anyone.

Clothes

• Swimwear, if you plan to jump into the sea or laze at the resort pool
• A pair or two of shorts to keep yourself cool
• Breezy, light and loose tops to stay comfortable
• A wide-brimmed hat for protection against the heat and sunrays.  
• Flip flops, flats and sports shoes
• A pair or two of heels for the night

Medicines

• Always keep a first aid kit handy with you in case of any emergencies.
• Pain killers
• Antiseptic cream
• Safety pins
• Crepe rolled bandages 
• Skin rash cream
• Cough and cold medicines

The Day Of Travel 

Food

You could carry some ready to eat food like biscuits, nuts, sandwiches or rolls to keep your stomach full during the trip or just in case the airlines food doesn’t suit you. Homemade food is safer as you do not want an upset stomach on a flight.

Important Documents

• Valid photo identification proofs such as your passport to enter the airport and even to access certain places in Singapore
• Visa
• A printed copy of your ticket
• Photocopies of important documents such as your tickets, passports, valid photo identification proofs, credit/debit/forex cards, and hotel and other sightseeing bookings
• Scanned copies of the above, which must be emailed to yourself

Insurance

God forbid, if unwanted circumstances were to interrupt your trip or cut it short after the bookings have been made, travel insurance is a way to get some of your money back. Most international travel insurance companies provide you services such as medical assistance on your phone and reimbursement of medical costs during the trip, no matter where you are. 

Important Numbers

Always keep handy the numbers of the local Consulate, police and other emergency services as well as of the travel consultants and agents you have organised your trip through. 

Hotel Bookings

Confirm your hotel bookings and insist on the payment receipt or booking voucher before you reach your destination. Some resorts also provide pick up and drop facilities from and to the airport. SOTC also organises hotel bookings for you as a part of its Singapore tour packages.

Cash/Card

Credit cards are accepted by most hotels and restaurants in Singapore. You will also find 24/7 ATMs. American Express, MasterCard and Visa are the widely accepted credit cards in Singapore. However, do notify your credit card company of your travel dates before you leave and check on the surcharges that may be applicable on international travel. 

During The Trip

If you are visiting Singapore, knowing a few Mandarin phrases could prove to be handy. Here are some phrases in the most widely spoken language in Singapore:

• Hello/Good Morning- Ni Hao 
• My name is – Wo de mingzi shi 
• Can you help me? – Ni neng bangzhu wo ma?
• Where? - Nǎlǐ
• I feel sick- Mhojea jivak borem dissonam

Tips For Travelling In Singapore

• If you are looking for some peace and solitude along with some entertainment for your kids, head to the beaches in Sentosa island. Some of the frequented ones are Palawan beach and Siloso beach. 
• Universal Studios, Marina Bay and Merlion are some of the places to enjoy in Singapore.
• Getting around - The most convenient way to explore Singapore would be to avail the services of its Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS), a railway network with stations close to the popular tourist attractions.  You could get a Singapore tourist pass which allows you unlimited travel for one day.
• You will mostly get seafood, rice, noodles, meat and dessert or snacks in Singapore. Head to Satay Street if you are looking for some authentic and healthy food. You could also head to Haji Lane and eat at quaint cafes and restaurants. Arab Street is another quirky place with cafes, boutiques and curio stores. There is also a plethora of options for Indian food in Little India, in case you are missing home.
• If you are looking to try out some local dishes, relish Hainanese chicken rice and clay pot rice available at every nook and corner of Singapore.
• Tipping waiters and porters is not customary in Singapore since 10% service charge is already added to the bill. 

Social Etiquette

• Touching somebody’s head is discouraged, as the head is considered sacred
• Try not to point or nudge
• Feet are considered to be unclean or dirty; do not use them to point towards somebody neither should you show the bottom of your feet
• If you want somebody’s attention, raise your hand 

Cost of living in Singapore

• If you are looking for a double room in a decent hotel, it would cost you around 150-300 SGD
• Local restaurants could go up to 80 SGD for three people, depending upon the type of restaurant and what you order.
• Taxis are expensive and could start at 20 SGD onwards, while bus fares start from 0.73 SGD to 1.66 SGD

When to visit Singapore

• The best time to visit Singapore would be between February and April which is perfect for sightseeing. There are hardly any fluctuations in the weather and the temperature more or less remains the same.
• To take a break from the heat, visit during September to February. In this monsoon season, temperatures range from 24 Celsius to 31 Celsius. 

A Glimpse of Singapore through Art:

Movie - Krrish: An action-packed film shot at the famous landmarks of Singapore will tell you what this destination has in store for you!

Music - Koi Tumsa Nahi: Was shot at Chain Bridge, Singapore which is the world’s longest and highest bridge.