Singapore is famously easy to travel — but it also has famously strict rules, and a little knowledge goes a long way.
Before you go
- Visas — British passport holders get 90 days visa-free. Easy.
- Flights — around 13 hours direct from London.
- Money — the Singapore dollar. Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Weather — hot and humid year-round; pack light and expect a shower.
Getting around
- Use the MRT — it's cheap, fast and covers everything. Get a tourist pass.
- Taxis and ride-hailing — Grab is the app to use.
- Walk — the city is compact and endlessly walkable.
- Stay central — Marina Bay, Bugis or Chinatown put everything nearby.
The rules to know
- No chewing gum — it's genuinely banned. Leave it at home.
- No littering or jaywalking — fines are real and enforced.
- No smoking in most public places — designated areas only.
- Tap water is safe — a rarity in the region; drink up.
Food and etiquette
- Queue politely — Singaporeans queue beautifully; join them.
- Hawker centre etiquette — reserve a seat with a packet of tissues, then order.
- Bring your own tissues — some hawker toilets don't stock them.
- Tipping isn't expected — service is usually included.
Quick questions, answered
Do I need a visa?
No — British passport holders get 90 days visa-free, which comfortably covers any city break or stopover.
Is Singapore safe?
It's one of the safest cities in the world. Normal common sense is all you need.
What's the best tip for a first-timer?
Master the MRT on day one — it unlocks the whole city for pennies. Singapore rewards the prepared, but it's genuinely one of the world's easiest cities. Our luxe and family packages handle the planning. Call 020 7946 0958.
