Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended for all travelers to Singapore. Additionally, ensure your routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, etc.) are up-to-date. If traveling from a yellow fever endemic area, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Singapore, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for SingaporeCulture & Customs
Be respectful of Singapore’s multicultural society: dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Remove shoes before entering homes or temples. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, so keep it low-key.
Do not litter and always dispose of trash in bins; fines are steep. Smoking is prohibited in many public areas.
Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics or race. When using chopsticks, don’t stick them upright in rice, as it’s reminiscent of funeral rituals.
LGBTQ+ travelers should be aware that while Singapore is relatively safe, public displays of affection can attract attention. Female travelers generally experience a high level of safety, but sticking to well-lit areas at night is wise.
Tipping is not customary, as service charges are included in bills.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Singapore.
- Hainanese Chicken Rice: A simple yet flavorful dish of poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth. It’s a staple in Singaporean cuisine, loved for its clean flavors and comforting familiarity.
- Chilli Crab: Mud crabs stir-fried in a sweet, savory, and spicy tomato-based sauce. It’s messy but delicious, capturing the bold and vibrant flavors Singaporean food is known for.
- Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, Chinese sausage, fish cake, and bean sprouts. Often cooked with lard for extra flavor, it’s a favorite street food choice for its rich taste and hearty satisfaction.
- Laksa: A spicy noodle soup with a coconut milk base, often containing shrimp, fish cakes, and cockles. It’s a fusion of Chinese and Malay flavors, showcasing Singapore’s multicultural food scene.
- Satay: Grilled skewers of marinated meat, usually served with a peanut sauce. It’s a popular street food snack that highlights the Malay influence in the local cuisine.
Yes, the tap water in Singapore is safe to drink, and locals do consume it regularly. Tourists can comfortably drink it without any issues. Bottled or filtered water isn’t necessary unless you prefer the taste.
In Singapore,
English is widely spoken and serves as one of the country’s official languages. It is the primary language of instruction in schools and is commonly used in business, government, and daily communication. The majority of Singaporeans are bilingual, often speaking English alongside their mother tongues, such as Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil.
When traveling through Singapore, visitors will find that most locals, including service staff in hotels, restaurants, and shops, can communicate effectively in English. Signs, menus, and public announcements are typically available in English, making navigation and understanding straightforward for English-speaking tourists.
While the level of fluency may vary among individuals, especially among older generations, the younger population generally has a strong command of the language. Singaporeans often speak in a unique blend of English known as ”Singlish,” which incorporates local slang and expressions, but standard English is predominantly used in formal contexts.
Overall, English is not only well spoken but also deeply embedded in Singapore’s multicultural society, ensuring that travelers can easily engage and interact throughout their visit.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Singapore is SGD (S$).
In Singapore, having some local currency (SGD) on hand is handy, but you won’t need to carry a ton of cash. ATMs are everywhere and accept most international cards, so withdrawing small amounts as needed is a breeze. Just make sure your bank knows you’re traveling to avoid any card blocks.
For cards, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in restaurants, shops, and attractions. However, some smaller local spots might prefer cash, so keep some bills handy for those situations.
Bringing USD or euros? Skip it. Exchange rates at banks or money changers are typically better than what you’ll get converting foreign currency. Speaking of money changers, they’re all over places like Orchard Road and Chinatown, often giving fair rates without extra fees. Just avoid the airport for exchanges if you can; airport rates are usually not in your favor.
In Singapore, tipping is generally not expected, as a 10% service charge is often included in restaurant bills. However, if you feel like rewarding exceptional service, a small tip is appreciated but not necessary. Taxi drivers and hotel staff typically don’t expect tips, though rounding up the fare or offering a couple of dollars is a nice gesture.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.