If you have an upcoming trip to Singapore, you can get the latest travel and safety information to help prepare for your trip from Travel Guard.
Singapore brings in hundreds of thousands of visitors every year for its luxury shopping centers, exciting nightlife, vibrant cultures and rich heritage. Whether you want to relax at the Singapore Botanical Gardens, zipline through the jungle at Mega Adventure Park or enjoy the spectacular Wings of Time Firework Symphony, you can create a vacation of a lifetime in Singapore. When you’re ready to make plans, Travel Guard can help you along the way.
No, you do not need a travel insurance plan for entry to Singapore. However, it is difficult to predict what could occur while travelling. Travel insurance can help protect you from unexpected events that are out of your control, such as trip delays, cancellations, interruptions and lost or stolen luggage. A travel insurance plan can also provide medical expense coverage which is essential for international travel since your U.S. healthcare plan may not provide international coverage.
Compared to other South-East Asian destinations, Singapore can be considered as a more expensive destination to visit. As an international destination, the cost of your flight, lodging, and meals can add up. Because of this, you may want a more comprehensive travel insurance plan with higher coverage limits to help ensure your major trip expenses are covered. Our Deluxe Plan is ideal for international destinations as it has the highest coverage limits and already includes some of our popular bundle add-ons like the Baggage Bundle and the Trip Inconvenience Bundle. Additionally, you’ll have 24/7 access to our assistance services team who can help you with a range of things like restaurant recommendations and reservations to assistance with a travel emergency.
Typically, a travel insurance plan is priced between 5-7% of your total trip cost but several factors, like trip length, the number of travelers in your group and the plan you choose, help determine the cost of a plan. For more information on pricing, read our article on how much travel insurance costs.
Ready for your trip to Singapore? Don’t forget to bring one of Travel Guard’s award-winning travel insurance plans to provide you with excellent coverage options and 24-hour access to emergency travel assistance. Compare our travel insurance plans to find the best option for your travels today.
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To help keep visitors to Singapore as safe and informed as possible, we gathered the answers to the most popular questions asked by travelers in Singapore.
Singapore is considered to be a very safe city for travelers. Although crime rates are low, and violent crime is rare. However, petty crime may still occur in crowded locations, such as tourist sites, markets and transportation hubs. Women in particular may experience incidents of harassment in public and on public transportation. In general, travelers can mitigate these risks by being vigilant, avoiding displays of wealth, keeping money and other personal belongings secure and traveling in pairs. Online scams and credit card skimming at ATMs is an issue, and travelers should use ATMs in secure locations and be wary of suspicious calls, emails and text messages.
The public transportation system in Singapore reliable and efficient. The city has an extensive rail network, as well as buses, taxis and ride-share services. Travelers should keep belongings secure on public transport. In general, it is best to book licensed taxis in advance instead of hailing them on the street.
Singapore has very strict laws around public behavior, and harsh punishments for individuals who break the law. Illegal activities may include: littering, smoking, possession of nicotine vaporizers, chewing gum, using offensive language, eating or drinking on public transportation and jaywalking.
Drug offenses and other more serious crimes such as sexual assault, vandalism, weapons possession and disorderly conduct may be punishable by caning or, in some cases, the death penalty. Before traveling, individuals should carefully research local laws and adhere to them at all times. Travelers should also carry appropriate identification, as authorities may request it at any time. In general, adhering to laws, understanding Singapore’s conservative culture and being respectful of cultural norms will ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to the country.
If traveling to Singapore during monsoon season, individuals should ensure they closely follow local news reports and, in the event of heavy rains or a monsoon, follow all directives issued by local authorities. Individuals who have respiratory sensitivities should be aware that Singapore can experience elevated air pollution from nearby countries from June to October. Travelers with asthma or other conditions should take appropriate health precautions.
The official currency of Singapore is the Singapore Dollar, which can be exchanged from U.S. dollars at a bank or airport kiosk before your departure, or you can use an ATM or major bank in Singapore after you land – you’ll find the most currency exchange shops in the business district. Additionally, your U.S. dollars may be accepted at some retailers and hotels, but its best practice to carry the Singapore Dollar during your travels. Finally, you can use your debit and credit cards at most businesses throughout the country, just be sure to inform your bank of your travel plans so you don’t lose access to your finances while abroad.
The official language of Singapore is Malay, but Tamil, Singaporean Mandarin and English are also commonly spoken throughout the country. In fact, English is a common second language for a lot of Singapore citizens, which will make it easier to navigate the country. For best practice, you can learn common phrases or sayings in Malay or bring an offline translation app or device.
You will need a passport that is valid for at least six months past your entry date with two blank pages in order to gain entry to Singapore. However, you will not require a visa if your visit to Singapore is less than 90 days.
For the latest travel and safety information to Singapore, be sure to visit the official U.S. Department of State website.
The U.S. Embassy is located in the city-state of Singapore. Visit the official U.S. Embassy website for an up-to-date list of contact information.
Singapore is located near the equator which means it has a tropical climate with hot, humid weather throughout the year. Singapore most notably has two monsoon seasons that take place in different parts of the country. From November to March, the north-east of the country sees the most rainfall while June to September is wetter for the south-west. From March to the beginning of June, rainfall is low, and temperatures are at their highest.
The best time to travel to Singapore is between February to April where rainfall is low, temperatures are not too high and there are fewer crowds. But, if you want to experience a cultural festival while you’re in the country, you may consider visiting in February for Lunar New Year or late May for the Dragon Boat Festival.
Singapore’s dial code is +65 and can be used to reach cellphones and landlines in the country. To place a call from the U.S., you’ll need to start with the +011-exit code followed by the dial code before you add the 10-digit number you’re trying to reach. To call back home from Singapore, use the international exit code of +001 followed by +1 then the 10-digit number you’re calling. Before your travels, be sure to inform your cellphone provider of your travel to avoid international roaming fees.
Singapore uses both a different voltage and outlet type from the U.S. so you will need a power transformer and wall adapter to be able to use and charge your electronics as normal. We recommend a universal adapter that can be used again for other trips in the future.
Get a travel insurance plan the way you want it!
Most travelers won’t need a vaccination for entry to Singapore but if you were previously in a country, even just the airport, where there is a risk of yellow fever, you will need a vaccination before you can visit Singapore. Always check with your doctor for their recommendation on travel vaccines.
Public transportation is a popular option for tourists in Singapore, specifically by using the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway system or taking the bus. Once you’re in your neighborhood of choice, you can easily walk to your destination.
Singapore is ranked highly among the safest places to visit with children and has plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you want to sight-see city landmarks, visit an adventure park or learn about the art, history and culture of the country through museums, families of all ages can enjoy a vacation to Singapore.
Travel Guard offers comprehensive and customizable travel insurance plans for travelers heading to Singapore. With excellent coverage and specialized emergency travel assistance representatives ready to help you at any time, Travel Guard is there for you. Compare our popular plans and find the best one for you!
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