Local Tips for Singapore — Insider Knowledge for First-Timers

Transport: the MRT is faster than a taxi

Singapore's MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is one of the best urban rail systems in the world: fast (35 km/h average), clean, air-conditioned, and covers all major attractions. A EZ-Link card (S$12 including S$7 stored value) covers all MRT, LRT, and bus rides. Taxis are metered and reasonable (S$3–20 for most city rides). Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) is widely used and slightly cheaper than taxis for airport runs. Scooters are available from Lime and Bird for S$1 unlock + S$0.25/minute.

Singapore's weather: air conditioning is infrastructure

Singapore is 1 degree north of the equator. It is hot (28–32°C year-round), humid (70–90%), and rains heavily for 20–30 minutes most afternoons. The rain is warm and short; carry an umbrella. Air conditioning is everywhere: MRT, malls, restaurants, hotels. The contrast between the 28°C outside and the 20°C inside is significant. Wear light clothing, carry a small towel, and plan outdoor activities for the morning (before 10am) or late afternoon (after 4pm).

Alcohol: the rules

Singapore has strict alcohol regulations. You cannot buy alcohol in convenience stores after 10:30pm. You cannot drink in public spaces (including hawker centres and street) from 10:30pm to 7am. This is the Consumption of Liquor Act, enforced selectively. Within these hours, drinking at bars, restaurants, and hawker centres is completely normal. Duty-free allowance: 1 litre of spirits, 1 litre of wine on arrival. Angostura bitters is a Singapore invention (1824, by Dr Johann Gottlieb Benjamin Siegert) — buy it here.

Changi Airport: how to spend a long layover

Changi Airport (SIN) is consistently rated the best airport in the world. The Jewel complex (opened 2019) has the Rain Vortex waterfall (40 metres, the tallest indoor waterfall in the world). Jewel is connected to all four terminals by automated walkway. For a 6-hour layover: take the MRT from T1/T2/T3 to Tanah Merah, change to the East-West line to Bugis, visit Marina Bay Sands, return. For an overnight layover: the Yotelair (airport capsule hotel, 4-hour minimum) is inside the transit area.

Etiquette and culture: the Singapore difference

Singapore is clean, safe, and has strict rules enforced by law. No chewing gum (imported and sold, but not chewed). No jaywalking (enforced by cameras). No smoking in most public spaces (S$1,000 fine). No eating or drinking on the MRT. Photography is unrestricted. Singaporeans are warm but not effusive; the hawker centre is the social equalizer. Tip at hotels and taxis (10% is common, appreciated but not expected).