How to Travel to Singapore Solo on a Budget
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|Updated on October, 14,2024|
Have you ever wanted to travel solo to Singapore on a budget, but felt overwhelmed by the idea? I understand your concerns, but there’s no need to fear solo travel at all. Singapore is not only affordable, but also one of the safest destinations for solo travelers.
I embarked on a solo journey to Singapore, navigating the country on a budget. Despite long flights and even sleeping on the airport floor, it was one of the best experiences of my life. My solo trip to Singapore taught me invaluable life lessons and made me a stronger person. You might laugh, but I decided to go to Singapore after I watched the ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ movie :).
Essential Info to Know About Singapore
Visa
If you are traveling to Singapore from abroad, you likely need a visa. Check out Visa requirements here
Weather
The Climate in Singapore is a tropical rainforest with high humidity. Temperature can get over 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) hot
What is the best time to visit Singapore
The best time to visit Singapore is from February to April as it is the dry season
Currency
The Singapore dollar (SGD)
Language
Singapore has 4 official languages: English, Mandarin, Tamil, and Malay. The national language is considered Malay.
Wi-Fi
You can use free Wi-Fi with your mobile phone number at any Wireless@SG hotspot place. Additional charges may apply. Read their rules carefully
Tipping
In most places, tips are included in your bill. Standard 10% to your bill
Power plug adapter
Standard 220-240 volts. Power plugs with three square prongs can be used with no problem
Is water safe to drink
Yes, water in Singapore is safe, and you can drink it directly from the tap
Famous food
Seafood
Tax Refund
You can get back the 7% Goods and Services Tax if you spend more than $100 on your purchases during your trip.
Is Singapore safe to visit
Yes, Singapore is a very safe place to visit
In this post, you’ll discover essential information about things to do in Singapore, where to go, how to save money, where to stay, and more.
Check out my full article on traveling to Singapore on a budget.
How to Travel to Singapore on a Budget
Firstly, this will give you a better idea of what to expect in Asia, and secondly, you’ll learn the best tips on how to travel to Singapore on a budget.
I always wanted to visit Asia, especially Singapore, but I was hesitant to go alone. I worried it would be unsafe and expensive. However, after some research, I realized I was wrong.
Despite my initial fears, my excitement to explore overpowered them, and I decided to treat myself to this adventure for my birthday. Without a second thought, I booked tickets to Singapore and Thailand.
How to Plan a Trip to Singapore
Getting a visa for Singapore was straightforward, thanks to its electronic visa system. As a Russian citizen, I simply filled out an online application, paid $22, and sent it via email. That was all it took!
There was no need to send any original documents to the Washington embassy, and I received approval quickly—within 5 days.
Then, it was time to brace myself for the long flight ahead…
I found out that flights from Chicago to Singapore were incredibly long, but that didn’t stop me from going.
The journey took around 15 hours, including a 4-hour layover in Shanghai and a subsequent 5 to 6-hour flight to Singapore, totaling about 20 hours in the air. Despite the long trip, the experience was worth it.
What Airline I Flew and How Much I Paid for Tickets to Singapore
I flew with China Eastern because they offered the lowest prices. Despite the many negative reviews, I found the experience to be acceptable. The tickets for the entire trip cost me $600 round-trip which was super cheap.
I discovered that buying separate one-way tickets was much cheaper. Instead of purchasing a round-trip ticket, I bought a one-way ticket from Chicago to Singapore and a separate one-way ticket from Bangkok to Chicago, as I planned to visit Thailand after Singapore.
Did I like Singapore?
100% YES!
Singapore is a vibrant city with a fascinating history. Just a decade ago, it was relatively underdeveloped for tourists, but now it’s one of the coolest destinations, attracting visitors from all over the world. I would love to come back one day again.
I stayed at a hostel on Beach Street, which offered the lowest price I found for a 4-day stay, costing around $100. The hostel was decent, but the location was incredibly convenient. I highly recommend staying in that area.
I walked a lot during my stay and occasionally took a taxi. While Singapore doesn’t have Uber, they do have Grab, which is similar and very convenient.
Top Things to Do in Singapore
The city amazed me. I’ve seen Gardens by the Bay and Helix Bridge and took advantage of a free walking tour that was both entertaining and informative. Just a heads-up: you need to book the tour online in advance as availability is limited.
I booked the best free tour with WalkingSingapore Tours (it seems they no longer operate though), which was a fantastic experience. I also took a cable car ride to Sentosa Island and visited Marina Bay.
The night show at Marina Bay was stunning, reminiscent of the fountain show in Las Vegas if you’ve ever seen it. I also visited the Marina Bay rooftop, where the entrance fee of $45 was applied as a credit toward purchases. Additionally, I enjoyed the breathtaking city views from the Altitude rooftop bar.
They charged $35 to go up to the Altitude rooftop, which included 2 drinks. I’ve heard that these rooftops offer the best views with stunning city panoramas!
These rooftops are definitely among the top places to visit in Singapore.
Singapore is a very safe city, with the government prioritizing the well-being of its residents. As a result, you won’t see much homeless people on the streets.
It’s clean and a wonderful city to explore. As a result, Singapore is an ideal destination for women traveling solo on a budget.
Read further for more tips on budget travel in Singapore.
Chinatown is fantastic, with many charming and interesting spots to visit.
I even tried some affordable Michelin food for around $6. While it wasn’t the best food I’ve ever had, it was worth the experience.
The place is called Hawker Chan (advice: choose soy sauce noodles instead of rice. Tastes better :)).
What to Expect in Singapore
The weather in February was warm and hot. Be prepared for the humidity and consider returning to your hostel for a shower during the day.
Navigating the city is straightforward, and everyone speaks English. If you ever get lost, don’t hesitate to ask for help. For shopping, be sure to visit Orchard Road and Chinatown, where you can find a great selection of souvenirs.
Pro-tip: Souvenirs are limited at the airport, so it’s best to purchase them in the city. In Chinatown, most places only accept cash for souvenirs, so be sure to carry some with you.
Things You Must Do and See in Singapore in 4 Days
- Marina Bay Sands Skip-the-Ticket-Line
Enjoy 360-degree views of Singapore from the Observation Deck on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands. Skip the ticket line for a seamless experience. - Sentosa Island Cable Car Ride
Get your Sky Pass for a cable car ride to Sentosa Island here offering stunning aerial views of the city and its surroundings. - Gardens by the Bay
Discover the futuristic Gardens by the Bay with your admission e-ticket here, featuring spectacular garden domes and the iconic Supertree Grove. - Merlion
Reserve your tickets to Merlion tours and attractions here. A must-see symbol of Singapore with its unique blend of lion and fish. - Shopping: Orchard Road
Explore Orchard Road, Singapore’s premier shopping street, where you can find everything from luxury brands to local souvenirs. - Clarke Quay
Wander around the fancy area of Clarke Quay. A vibrant riverside area known for its trendy restaurants, bars, and nightlife. - Singapore Zoo
Spend your morning exploring an award-winning Singapore Zoo known for its immersive and naturalistic animal exhibits. Hotel pickup is included for convenience. - Birds park
Delight in the beauty of a wide range of bird species at the Singapore Birds Park, featuring colorful and exotic birds in a lush setting. - Art Science Museum
Get your entry ticket to the Singapore Art Science Museum here where art and science come together in innovative and interactive exhibits. - Take an Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
See the best of Singapore on an open-top hop-on-hop-off bus tour by Big Bus, offering flexibility and fantastic views of the city’s landmarks. - Suntec City
Visit Suntec City, a major retail and business hub in Singapore, offering a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Bonus 7 Tips: How to Save Money in Singapore
1. Opt for Eating at Hawker Centers Instead of Expensive Restaurants
Instead of dining at pricey restaurants, opt for hawker centers. These food courts offer a variety of local dishes at affordable prices. You’ll find numerous stalls with different cuisines, and they are usually marked with colored posters indicating food quality. Look for stalls with an A rating for the best quality food. Eating at hawker centers not only saves money but also lets you experience authentic local flavors.
Check out this list of the 5 best food courts in Singapore.
2. Use Public Transportation Instead of Taxis
- MRT (Subway): Single-trip tickets range from $1.10 to $1.90. For frequent travel, purchase an EZ-Link card, available at 7-Eleven stores for ~$7.40 or at MRT customer service counters for ~$12 (with a $5 non-refundable deposit). Load the card with money, and use it for both buses and the metro.
- Buses: Tickets can be bought on the bus (exact cash only) or at stations. Alternatively, use your EZ-Link card by tapping it when boarding. Bus fares are between $1 and $2 per person, depending on the distance.
3. Tipping Is Not Required
In Singapore, tipping is not customary. Some places may include a service charge in your bill automatically, usually between 7% and 10%. Look for “++” symbols on your check to identify these charges.
4. Avoid Fines in Singapore
- Dispose of Litter Properly: Always throw your trash in designated bins.
- Avoid Spitting on the Street: This is prohibited and can result in fines.
- Smoke Only in Designated Areas: Smoking is only allowed in specific locations.
- No Eating on Public Transport: Eating is not allowed on trains and buses.
- Chewing Gum Prohibited: Bringing gum into Singapore is not permitted.
- No Durian on Public Transport: Durian fruit is banned on public transit due to its strong odor.
- Cross-Streets at Designated Crossings: Always use pedestrian crossings.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Never urinate in public elevators and always flush the toilet.
- Avoid Drugs and Vandalism: Strict laws against drug use and vandalism are enforced
5. Carry a Reusable Water Bottle
Always bring an empty water bottle and fill it with tap water. Singapore’s tap water is safe to drink and this simple habit will save you money on bottled water.
6. Opt for Hostels Over Hotels
Choose hostels instead of hotels to save money. Stay in a centrally located hostel near major attractions so you can walk rather than spend on transport.
7. Take Advantage of Free Attractions
Singapore offers many free experiences, such as walking tours, entry to some main sights, and free concerts. Do some research to find out what’s available before spending money.
Singapore Trip Cost Per Day
- Here’s a summary of costs you might encounter during your trip to Singapore:
Meals:- Breakfast: If you eat at your accommodation, you save on your first meal. Eating out for breakfast elsewhere will cost around $10.
- Lunch and Dinner: Meals at Chinatown restaurants range from $6 to $15. Sushi and other dining options can be expensive, around $20 to $30.
Transportation:
- Public Transportation: MRT (subway) and bus fares range from $2 to $4 per trip, depending on the distance traveled.
- Grab (Ride-Sharing): Typically costs $8 to $10, depending on your destination.
- Walking: Walking can be a great way to save on transportation costs if you stay in a central location.
By managing these expenses, you can keep your budget in check while enjoying all Singapore offers.
- Airport Transfer:
- Taxi: Approximately $30–40.
- Bus/Train: A cheaper alternative if you have time.
Attraction Costs:
- Major Sightseeing: Many attractions are free.
- Cable Car Ride: Around $30.
- Rooftop Views: $35–50 per place.
Daily Budget:
- Exploring Only: $50–60 per day.
- With Activities: $120 per day.
Overall, your daily expenses will vary based on your activities and preferences. I managed to travel on a budget and spent less per day, so it’s possible to keep costs down while enjoying Singapore.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, my Singapore itinerary was incredibly exciting, and I would love to return someday to explore even more. Singapore is a fantastic destination for tourists, offering a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere with countless things to see and do throughout the year.
I fell in love with Singapore’s culture and people, and my entire time there was truly enjoyable. I hope this Singapore travel guide has provided you with valuable insights on how to travel to Singapore on a budget and that it helps you plan your memorable trip.
Whether you’re visiting for 3-4 days or longer, Singapore has something for everyone. Thank you for reading, and feel free to share your own experience and tips for solo female travelers in Singapore!
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