Singapore travel guide: what you need to know

Wetter months: November - January

Drier months: May - July, February

• Singapore is only 137km north of the equator, so it has no summer or winter - just year-round balmy temperatures, with a consistently hot and humid climate. So there really is no bad time to go. You could pick your travel dates to fit in with one of Singapore's many festivals of food or culture.
• The country has no definitive wet or dry season either, but rainfall is usually greater from November to January. The driest months are May to July, and February - May and June are the hottest months.
• Rain tends to come in brief daily downpours rather than setting in for days on end.
• Smoke haze can be a problem, particularly for asthmatics, from June to October. Singapore's infamous smog has been known to reach extreme levels. If you have concerns you can monitor air quality on the National Environment Agency website.
• Peak tourist times include Christmas, Chinese New Year (January - February), the Great Singapore Sale (May - July) and the Singapore Grand Prix (September).

Weather averages for Singapore

• Average high temperature 31°C
• Average low temperatures 24°C
• Average humidity 80%

Public holidays

Singapore's cultural and religious diversity and deeply held respect for other's beliefs means there is always something to celebrate. Public holidays include:

• New Year's Day - 1 January
• Chinese New Year - varies (between 21 January and 20 February)
• Good Friday - varies (between 22 March and 25 April)
• Labour Day - 1 May
• Vesak Day - varies (usually in May)
• National Day - 9 August
• Hari Raya Puasa - varies (celebration of the end of Ramadan)
• Deepavali - varies (between mid-October and mid-November)
• Hari Raya Haji - dates vary (usually in August)
• Christmas Day - 25 December

Key destinations

All are accessible by public transport (see our guide to public transport in Singapore).

• Chinatown – you'll find shopping, sightseeing and a range of delicious (and cheap) food.
• Little India – time your visit for Deepavali or Pongal celebrations, you won't be disappointed.
• Orchard Road – get ready to hit the shops.
• Gardens by the Bay – take some time out from your shopping and eating and enjoy the views and lush gardens.
• Clark Quay and Boat Quay – when your shopping and sightseeing is done, head here for a drink, dance or to watch the world go by.
• Singapore Zoo – the Night Safari is not to be missed.
• Marina Bay Sands – luxury accommodation, restaurants and the iconic infinity pool.

Cultural events

No matter what time of year you decide to visit, there's usually a festival or parade taking place.

• Chingay Parade - during Chinese New Year (January/February)
• Singapore International Festival of Arts - May/June
• Singapore Food Festival - late June to late July
• Hungry Ghost Festival - varies (usually in August)
• Singapore Biennale - October to February

• Singapore's multicultural population is mostly made up of ethnic Chinese, Malay and Indian people, as well as people from all over the world who migrate there for work.
• Singapore is a wealthy and modern society, but it still places great importance on traditional values.
• Singaporeans are generally more conservative and formal than Australians, so keep in mind that our 'easy-going' nature could be misconstrued as impolite.
• Public displays of affection, such as kissing, are not appropriate.
• Homosexual acts are illegal in Singapore, so public displays of affection between same-sex couples are not recommended. However, there is a movement to create acceptance of LGBTIQ people in Singapore. The Pink Dot organisation runs a yearly rally celebrating the freedom to love, but be warned, it's illegal for foreigners to take part in the event. Despite the restrictions, there is an emerging gay scene, with most gay clubs and bars being located in Chinatown.
• It's considered rude to touch a person's head, point at them, or show them the bottom of your feet.
• 'Face' is very important in Singaporean culture. That means Singaporeans don't like to be embarrassed or make a scene, and they'll sometimes even be reluctant to say 'no' to you or admit that they don't know something.
• Tipping is not necessary, but it is appreciated. Some restaurants add a service charge to the bill - but this is not a tip for the service staff. Even if you leave money on the table the restaurant owner may pocket it, so make sure you hand your tip directly to the staff member.

Official language: English

Mandarin, Malay and Tamil are also recognised as official languages. Most people speak English as their first language.

• The tap water in Singapore is safe to drink and food hygiene standards are generally high.
• Singapore has an excellent health care system. Hospital bills for non-citizens can be high, though, so make sure you're covered by travel insurance.
• There is a low risk of catching malaria in Singapore, but dengue fever and zika are still a concern. All three diseases are spread by mosquitos, so pack repellent and take steps to minimise mosquito bites.
• Singapore's air quality is often poor. You can check daily pollution levels at haze.gov.sg. When levels are high, you may need to limit your time outdoors, particularly if you have respiratory problems or if you're pregnant, elderly or travelling with children.
• The air quality can occasionally reach very dangerous levels between June and September when mass land-clearing and forest fires in Indonesia send smoke northward to Singapore.
• Masks for outdoor use are available from pharmacies and supermarkets.
• For the latest health and safety advice on Singapore, check smartraveller.com.au

Do I need vaccinations to travel to Singapore?

Laws

• Singapore has strict (and some bizarre) laws with tough punishments, ranging from hefty fines to canings and even the death penalty.
• Drugs are highly illegal in Singapore and convictions can result in capital punishment. Authorities have been known to conduct random drug tests on locals and visitors and even if you took drugs before you entered the country, you're breaking the law if they're still in your system.
• Many medications that are legal in Australia are restricted in Singapore. This includes some painkillers, cold and flu medications and ADHD medications. If you're planning to travel with medication, you may need to apply for approval from Singapore's Health Sciences Authority.
• Tip: No matter where you travel, you should carry all medications (even vitamins) in their original packaging, along with their original prescription. It's also a good idea to carry a letter from your doctor explaining what the medications are (using generic names) and what they're for.
• Homosexual acts are illegal, and even kissing could land a same-sex couple in prison. However, the government has said it doesn't take a proactive approach to enforcing this law.
• Pornography is banned, as is public nudity - even in your own home or hotel room if you're exposed to public view.
• Littering, spitting, eating on public transport or jaywalking could earn you a hefty fine or community service.
• Smoking is banned in all public indoor areas and many outdoor areas including playgrounds, bus stops and pedestrian bridges. Also, vaporisers, like e-cigarettes, e-pipes and refills can't be brought into the country, these items will likely be confiscated, and fines or even a prison sentence imposed.
• Chewing gum is banned. If you bring it into the country you could be fined $1000.
• Using somebody else's Wi-Fi is an offence, as it's considered 'hacking' under Singaporean law.
• It's even illegal not to flush a public toilet. Yes, police do sometimes check.
• The legal drinking age is 18.
• The blood alcohol limit for driving is .08. Drink driving carries fines of up to S$5000 and/or up to six months' jail.

More tips on driving in Singapore.

Crime

Crime rates in Singapore are extremely low (see the above laws and punishments for an idea as to why). Scams and petty theft do still happen, though, so keep your belongings close and be as cautious as you would be at home. Always cover the keypad when using ATMs, and never let your credit card out of your sight when paying at restaurants.

If you are calling from your Australian mobile, use Singapore's country code +65 or dial 112 to be redirected to the police emergency (999) number.

• Police: 999
• Non-emergency police: 1800 225 0000
• Ambulance and fire: 995
• Non-emergency ambulance: 1777

Hospitals, clinics and dentists

Singapore has high-quality health care. The Australian High Commission website lists the contact details of doctors, hospitals and dentists.

Australian High Commission in Singapore
singapore.embassy.gov.au
25 Napier Rd, Singapore
+65 6836 4100

24-hour Australian Consular Emergency Centre: +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 or SMS +61 421 269 080

If you fall victim to theft or any other crime, contact the police (numbers above).

If you have a dispute with a local business or service and you're unable to reach an agreement, you can contact the Singapore Tourism Board: feedback@stb.gov.sg or 1800 736 2000.

Alternatively, you can lodge a complaint with the Consumers Association of Singapore: case.org.sg.

If your gripe is with an Australian or international tour operator, airline, or booking site, follow the usual procedures for making a complaint or seeking compensation.