Welcome to Singapore

Why put a label on Singapore? Defying typical travel hyperbole, Singapore is a bucket-list Southeast Asia destination. This cultural melting pot bustles night and day and it’s easy to get around, thanks to the whizzing MRT system.

Fill your days from dawn to dusk with shopping and eating, from Chinatown to Orchard Road. From fine dining to hawker food stalls, this is a place to try everything you see. Dig into Hainanese chicken and rice, noodle soup, chili crab and endless dumplings. Move on to Orchard Road for high-end shopping or smaller local neighborhoods for independent designers and boho art galleries.

Get lost in Chinatown and its night markets and get a feel for the Singapore of yesteryear along Geylang Road. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed botanical gardens and National Orchid Garden as a welcome respite from the concrete jungle, admiring the city-state’s mission to become more sustainable. A fascinating blend of a colonial past and modern marvels, The Garden City is endlessly satisfying.

Unique Facts

• Singapore isn’t just one island – it’s 64 islands, including Sentosa, Pulau Ubin, St. John’s Island and Sisters’ Islands.
• You can go to the zoo at night in Singapore. Night Safari is the world’s first night zoo, with more than 1,000 animals.
• The green movement is real in Singapore. Almost half of its land area is covered by greenery, including numerous parks and gardens, vertical gardens, nature reserves and more.
• Singapore may be called The Lion City (singha means lion in Malay), yet no lions have ever lived in the Singapore region. That being said, the lion still remains the symbol of the country, signifying strength, excellence and courage.
• The tallest indoor waterfall in the world is in Singapore. It’s 114 feet high and houses in Gardens by the Bay.

Language

Singapore’s official languages are Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English.

When To Go

Singapore’s climate is fairly consistent. Expect more rain than average between November and January and less rain between May and July. Generally, the best and driest system to visit is between February and April.

Airports

Singapore Changi Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of 90 days or less.

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Singapore: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Rabies and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C, G and M. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Singapore Dollar

Getting Around

Singapore’s road and highway networks are highly developed and well maintained.

Singapore is an extremely walkable city. Public transportation networks are abundant and reliable. The main network is the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway system that stretches across the entire city. The MRT also operates bus routes.

Taxis are plentiful and can be flagged down on the street or at a designated taxi stand in the city center.

Driver’s License

Valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Singapore
27 Napier Road
Singapore 258508
Telephone: +(65) 6476-9100
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(65) 6476-9100
Fax: +(65) 6476-9232
singaporeacs@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Information Center
216 Orchard Road
Singapore
Visit https://www.visitsingapore.com/travel-guide-tips/getting-around/tourism-centre/ for a list of all visitors centers in Singapore.

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance, Fire: 995
Police: 999

Safety and Security

The crime rate in Singapore is generally low. Pay attention to personal belongings while in crowded shopping malls and markets, at the airport and on public transportation.