BEFORE YOU GO
Singapore Travel Essentials
Before a trip to Singapore, sort out four things: what you can bring through Changi, when to visit, what things cost, and how to get around. Each has its own guide below, written by a licensed tourist guide and checked against official sources.
Checked September 2026 against ICA, Singapore Customs, gov.sg, SimplyGo, Changi Airport, NEA and NCCS
01 of 04
Entry and Customs
The SG Arrival Card, and the customs rules on vapes, cigarettes and gum.
Read the guide
02 of 04
When to Visit
Hot every month. How the monsoons work, and the festival dates to plan around.
Read the guide
03 of 04
What It Costs
Where the money goes, what is free, and how GST and service charge are added to the bill.
Read the guide
04 of 04
Getting Around
Tap your own card on the MRT, and what taxi surcharges add.
Read the guideQuick Answers
Common questions, answered from official sources. The full detail is in each guide.
Do I need a visa?
It depends on your passport. Every visitor needs a passport valid for at least six months (ICA).
Entry guideDo I need the SG Arrival Card?
Yes, submitted online before you arrive. It is free on the ICA website or the MyICA app. Not needed if you transit without clearing immigration (ICA).
Entry guideCan I bring a vape, gum or cigarettes?
Vapes, no: vaping is illegal (gov.sg). Gum, no, except dental and medicated gum. Cigarettes, yes, but there is no duty-free allowance, so declare every packet (Singapore Customs).
Entry guideCan I pay for the MRT with my own card?
Yes. Tap a contactless Visa or Mastercard, or your phone. Foreign cards pay a S$0.60 admin fee per day of use (SimplyGo).
Transport guideWhat does a taxi from Changi cost?
About S$20 to S$40 on the meter, around 30 minutes to the city, plus an airport surcharge of S$6, or S$8 from 5pm to midnight (Changi Airport).
Transport guideWhen is the rainy season?
December is the wettest month (NEA). February and June to September are the drier months (NCCS).
When to visitWorth knowing before you pack
Vaping is illegal in Singapore, and the checkpoints look for vapes specifically. Short-term visitors who re-offend are barred from re-entering (ICA). Leave it at home, and read what else to leave behind.
Things to Do in Singapore
Where to eat, what to do and where to stay in Singapore.
Join Our Community
Share your latest food finds, ask for travel advice, and connect with fellow explorers who love Singapore as much as you do.
Join the Facebook group