15 Singapore Travel Tips 2025: Experience The Lion City Like A Local

Singapore is undoubtedly a paradise full of greenery and iconic wonders. And as much as this is true, the fact that the country is a bit heavy in the pockets of some travellers is also actual. But that should not stop you from planning a trip, considering Singapore Travel Tips for 2025. Let us tell you that a Merlion Land holiday is a lifetime experience. But to ensure it truly is one, here are the top Singapore travel tips you must take note of before you step into the Merlion land.

Singapore is a hot favourite among tourists as a holiday destination, and you will experience it in this Singapore Insider guide. There seems to be a fair share of visitors year-round, which might upset the locals by unknowingly breaking some rules or not following etiquette uncommon in their own country. So, to avoid being a nuisance to locals or getting in trouble with the authorities and being fined heavily, knowing some basic Singapore travel tips of 2025 before visiting will be helpful.

From how to plan your trip hassle-free to the things you must do in the country for an unforgettable experience, these 15 Singapore travel advice will help you the most.

So follow these Singapore Travel Tips 2025 whenever you visit the country next!

1. Explore Singapore Weather & Choose the Ideal Time to Visit

Checking the weather of a destination you wish to holiday at is an absolute must-do, as it is the primary factor that can make or break your holiday plans. When it comes to local experiences in Singapore, the country doesn't provide a pleasant or cool climate, and the weather most of the year is hot and humid, with temperatures mostly reaching over 30 degrees Celsius. Fortunately, the only saving grace is the rains that make the mornings and evenings a bit more pleasant. So going through the temperatures that every month witnesses and picking the most suitable time should be included in your Singapore Insider guide.

2. Personalise Your Travel Plan to Suit Everyone’s Needs

Unless it is a solo trip, the experiences you wish to have on a holiday must be picked and finalised, keeping everyone travelling in Singapore in mind. For instance, while you may love adventures and want to try the Luge, one of the best local experiences in Singapore, your parents might not feel the same. In such cases, it is always better to discuss in person and customise your trip itinerary by including local experiences in Singapore that cater to everyone's interests and needs. Doing this ensures that everybody has a kick-ass time and saves money that might have been wasted.

3. Submit Your Tourist Visa Application One Month Before

This is one of the most important things to know when travelling and exploring Singapore like a local. We won't deny that completing and approving your visa application is one of the most significant and essential concerns while planning a holiday overseas. But unlike many other places, getting a tourist visa for Singapore is easier and doesn't take much time. A month before departure, if your flight is the perfect time to submit your application to the authorised agent nearby, ensure you do not delay it, which is one of the most important things to be included in your Singapore Insider guide. Therefore, you should submit your tourist visa application one month before to avoid any end-moment delays.

4. Choose a Hotel Close to Your Sightseeing Spots

Singapore is not a big country; most attractions are in Sentosa or other islands. So, if you are thinking of spending only a day or two in the country and the rest of the time at other places, you would prefer to book your stay accordingly as one of the best ways to explore Singapore. This is undoubtedly the best Singapore travel advice, saving you time, energy, and money. For instance, choose a hotel on Havelock Road in Singapore that is closer to the metro station and the major attractions like Clarke Quay and book a separate hotel in Resorts World Sentosa.

5. Check if the hotel provides a complimentary mobile with the local SIM

Many hotels in Singapore provide a device called 'Handy', a complimentary mobile with a local SIM primarily kept in the guests' rooms for authentic Singapore travel. Using these devices instead of your own will help you reduce your roaming charges and stay close to your loved ones in Merlion Land. These devices often have free calling and messaging plans in India or elsewhere. So, check with your hotel if they offer a handset like this. A local SIM card is a primary need to stay connected with your family and friends while travelling, and it must be included in your Singapore Travel Tips of 2025.

6. Read about the Do's and Dont's and follow them

Every country has specific laws, and respecting and abiding by them is a good traveller's duty. Smoking in public areas or air conditioner complexes is strictly prohibited in Singapore, and chewing gum is not permitted in public. Like others, a must to be taken care of in your Singapore Insider Guide is that you can levy a heavy fine or put yourself behind the bards if you do not follow it wisely. So make sure you go through all the dots before you step into the Merlion land to experience a hassle-free holiday.

7. Avoid the long queues by booking all your entry tickets in advance

Whether it is the Singapore Flyer or the SEA Aquarium in Sentosa, every other attraction in the country has an entry ticket, and needless to say, there are primarily long queues for buying the same. The best way to explore Singapore and save time and energy is to book all your entry tickets online well in advance. If you are booking a holiday package from Singapore, you can also ask your trip planner or agent to do the same.

8. Keep your Singapore dollars handy, especially the cents

From shopping around the famous street markets to stopping to buy a $1 drink, from taking buses to buying munchies from 7/11 or indulging in the local experience of Singapore, there will be many instances during your trip where you would be required to pay in change. So it is best that apart from carrying your Forex Card, you also have notes of S$2, S$5, S$10, and many cents. While commuting via buses, you probably will since the bus driver in Singapore prints your ticket only after you insert the exact change in the money box, which is one of the best authentic Singapore travel experiences.

9. Always Remember to wear sunscreen and carry a water bottle with you all the time

The weather in Singapore is hot and humid throughout the year, with December and January being the only monsoon months. So, if you have opted for day tours to experience Singapore like a local, you will likely face a lot of sun unless you are fortunate. To deal with this and ensure your holiday mood or plan is not affected, it is always better to wear sunscreen with SPF 50+. Also, carry a water bottle with you, which you can easily refill anywhere you see water taps in your hotel's shower rooms when indulging in a local experience in Singapore.

10. For locations like Sentosa, commute via public transport

While Singapore is not a very big country, you might realise when exploring Singapore like a local that some of the attractions in your itinerary are on opposite ends. In such cases, the best way to reach the city in time and not splurge all your money on taxis is to take MRTs or buses while immersing your senses in some of the best experiences of Singapore. Both are pretty cheap when it comes to fares, very accessible, and quite convenient for tourists. For instance, if you are going to Sentosa, you can hop on a bus that would charge you around S$1.25 instead of a taxi whose fare starts from S$ 3 onwards, a must to be included in your Singapore Insider Guide.

11. Carry nominal valuables, wear comfy shoes, and keep a map ready

When you are new to a place, figuring out the directions and locations often seems complicated initially. To avoid such feelings, it is best to carry a map while indulging in local experiences of Singapore, whether in your bag or your phone. Also, the Merlion land requires that you explore the country like a traveller. So that your feet don't hurt too soon, always wear comfortable footwear and carry only the most essential things. This is one of the most critical Singapore Travel tips of 2025 for travelling alone in the country.

12. Keep your camera and phone charged and power banks handy

Most of the experiences will cost you a whole day, and many attractions seem too stunning a must to be included in your Singapore Insider Guide. So, make sure that your camera and phone are entirely charged. You can carry the power cord and a couple of power banks in your backpack or handbag to avoid battery-draining situations and ensure you are always reachable via phone when you are busy indulging in the local experience of Singapore.

13. Profess a tax refund on your purchases during departure

Another important Singapore travel information tip is to claim a 7% Goods and Services Tax refund on purchases from participating shops like Fossil, Chares Keith, and more at the airport during your departure, which must be included in your Singapore Insider guide. However, this is only possible if you have spent more than $100 Singapore dollars and have all the bills of the purchased items with you.

14. Carry your passport and visa while going places

Amongst all the Singapore travel information tips, the most essential and fundamental Singapore Travel tip of 2025 is to ensure that you carry a copy of the original of your passport and visa wherever you go. This is not only for security reasons since you are in a new country but also because many places, like the Casino in Marina Bay Sands, allow free entry only after seeing your identity proof, which they check through your passport.

15. Bargain wisely, but only at flea markets

One of the best budget Singapore travel tips in 2025 is to bargain wisely, but only at places like Bugis Street or Chinatown. Since these are almost like street or flea markets, most goods sold here are copies of brands or non-branded goods whose cost is very low compared to the price. But you must learn the art of bargaining in Merlion land, which is one of the local experiences of Singapore; otherwise, you may end up empty-handed. One is to smile, stay polite, and bargain realistically.

Top Dont’s for Tourists in Singapore -2025 Edition

1. Say no to drugs
The most important Singapore travel tip for 2025 is that the country is rigidly strict regarding drugs. Any amount of drugs that are illegally found in your possession may result in a heavy fine, jail or even the death penalty. It entirely depends upon the authorities of the country.

2. Do not chew gum
This is a very peculiar Singapore travel trips for 2025 as it only applies to this country. Chewing, buying, or selling gum is illegal in the country unless required for dental or health reasons. The law is strictly enforced, and a fine of 1000 S$ is imposed.

3. Do not smoke
Shopping centres, Movie Theatres, Restaurants, public transport, etc., are all off-limits to smoking. However, certain places have designed smoking areas that can be used, which should be taken care of when immersing yourself in local experiences of Singapore.

4. Do not litter or spit
This is more of a general tip than a Singapore travel tip; it should be followed no matter where you are. Littering and spitting in public areas is a serious offence in Singapore, which prides itself on cleanliness. If caught littering or spitting in public, you could be sent for community service, where you must clean a particular area, or slapped with a fine that should be included in your Singapore Insider guide.

5. No jaywalking
Avoid reckless and illegal road crossings by always using designated pedestrian lanes. This will save you a hefty fine and also prevent others from unnecessary accidents.

6. Do not Demolish
Vandalism is highly frowned upon and punishable if it damages public or private property. You must keep this in mind while experiencing Singapore like a local.

7. No eating or smoking on MRT
It is advised not to smoke or carry eatables on the MRT to avoid a 500 S$ fine. This rule is implemented to keep the public system clean and hygienic and to prevent rodent infestation.

8. Do not use unauthorised Wi-Fi
Using someone's Wi-Fi without permission is punishable under Singapore's Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act—a handy Singapore travel tip in 2025 for staying connected to the internet. You can even use 'Wireless@SGx', an app that lets you connect to its numerous hotspots scattered throughout different public places in the city.

9. Do not tip
The hospitality staff does not expect you to tip them as this is a part of the Singaporean culture; when you pay for the service, your receipt will usually include a service charge apart from GST, equal to a tip one of the important tips to get included in your Singapore Insider Guide.

Do’s when visiting Sinagpore

1. Dress according to the weather
As Singapore is a tropical country, the temperatures are high, so it is advisable to wear loose, light-coloured clothes and to carry an umbrella that may come in handy in the sun or in case it rains unexpectedly while indulging in some of the best local experiences of Singapore.

2. Explore the airport
Changi Airpot is one of the best airports in the world. It has many retail stores, the Vortex Waterfall, numerous entertainment zones, free movie screenings, gardens, a swimming pool, and much more to do. No wonder it won so many awards. Hence, it is one of the best ways to explore Singapore.

3. Ask about Handy
'Handy' is a mobile device equipped with a local SIM that most hotels offer their guests. This device reduces roaming bills and helps you stay connected to your loved ones back home when indulging in Singapore's local experience.

4. Enjoy the night time
From Night safari to cheerful nightlife and happening party scenes at Clarke Quay, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Zouk, 1 Attitude Clu Street, Holland Village, etc., Singapore is equally worth exploring at night as it is in the day that should be an indispensable part of your Singapore Insider Guide.

5. Shop till you drop
With the annual Great Singapore Sale, various malls at Orchard Road and Bugis Sterret in Chinatown are filled with markets and stalls selling multiple porcelain novelties, souvenirs, jewellery, and other items, so you will be spoiled for choices a must to be included in your Singapore Insider Guide.

6. Do try the local cuisine
Singapore's food mirrors its multiethnic and multicultural society, so it is no wonder it is considered one of the most amazing Asian food cities. Eating out and trying authentic cuisine is one of the best ways to explore Singapore. The country houses numerous UNSECO-recognised hawker centres, providing many dishes from various cuisines.

7. Watch out for umbrella or tissue packets
It doesnt seems polite if you would not carry tissue packets and umbrella with yourself. Therefore, it is advisable to carry these things with your always. It is a must to be included in your Singapore travel tip for 2025 if you do not want to cause a scene with the locals. When visiting any food joint or local eatery, the locals habitually have packets of tissues, umbrellas or water bottles at tables to reserve while they queue up to get food.

8. Take off your shoes
This can be considered a generic travel tip for Singapore 2025 or while visiting any Asian country. As a sign of respect, it is recommended that you remove your shoes when entering someone's house. Shoes are considered dirty, and it may seem disrespectful or rude not to remove them.

9. Tap water is safe for drinking

With its strict cleanliness and high standards of purification and filtering, tap water in Singapore is freely available and safe to drink when you are exploring Singapore like a local. It is clean, secure, and meets World Health Organization standards. It is drinkable straight from the tap, with advanced water treatment and strict quality controls.

10. Plan smartly

Many famous tourist attractions in Singapore are pretty crowded. If you can, try booking your entry tickets online before you reach the attraction. This will save you time and energy. If not, get there 15-20 minutes before they let tourists in to be among the early birds, who call the early entry tickets an important Singapore Travel Tip for 2025.

11. Carry cash

Carrying cash on you is the best travel tip, considering that locals and small vendors prefer cash instead of cards as a form of payment. Cash can also come in handy at various vending machines located in the city when you are indulging yourself in local experiences in Singapore. While Singapore is largely cashless with wide care and mobile payment acceptance, tourists should carry some for hawker stalls, small shops, taxis, and areas where cards might not be accepted.

BookMyBooking.com is a Best Way to Explore Singapore!

Singapore is a gem in Asia and a kick-ass place to visit for any holiday. To ensure a hassle-free and value-for-money experience, note all these Singapore travel tips for 2025 and follow them wisely. And now, when you are done doing that, do not forget to customise your Singapore trip itinerary with BookMyBooking.com for a one-of-a-kind holiday!