£1 SGD 1.71
Today
11:59 am
+8h from you
Weather in Singapore
Singapore
34°
Overcast
Wed
25
34
Thu
24
34
Fri
25
34
Sat
25
34
Sun
25
34
SPF level in Singapore
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Singapore
Languages in Singapore
Tipping in Singapore
Tipping is not customary in Singapore, and service charges are often included in the bill. However, you can tip for exceptional service.
Restaurant
No tip expected. A 10% service charge is often included in the bill.
Bar/Café
No tip expected. Similar to restaurants, a service charge may already be included.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated but not required.
Hotel Porter
SGD 1-2 per bag is a kind gesture, but not expected.
Hotel Housekeeper
SGD 1-2 per night if you feel they provided exceptional service.
Tour Guide
SGD 5-10 per person for a good tour is appreciated but not required.
Safety in Singapore
Tips for British travellers
Singapore is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
It is illegal to drink alcohol in a public place, besides licensed venues, between 10:30pm and 7am.
Take care of your passport and leave valuables in a hotel safe as theft, while rare, can occur.
You can be given an on-the-spot fine for littering, and acts of vandalism like graffiti carry severe penalties including fines, imprisonment, and caning.
Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned, so do not bring them into the country as they will be confiscated and you could be fined.
Smoking is banned at all public parks, beaches, along certain waterways, and on Orchard Road, so only smoke in designated areas.
Bonus tips:
Driving under the influence of alcohol carries serious penalties including imprisonment, and police regularly carry out breath tests.
Be aware that online and phone scams are common and may involve individuals pretending to be officials or bank employees.
Driving in Singapore
A valid UK driving license is accepted for short-term visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
70-90 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Ambulance
995
Fire
995
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Singapore
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type G
UK adapter needed?
No
Singapore operates on 230V, 50Hz. The primary plug type is Type G, which is the same as in the UK, so UK travellers do not usually need an adapter.
Cards & payments
Very High
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Singapore
Excellent
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are widely available throughout Singapore. Chip and PIN is required for most transactions.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Singapore. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper rates.
Local SIM data package
50 GB for 35 SGD (~£20)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Singtel, StarHub, M1
WiFi & internet
Widespread
Average speed
70 Mbps
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas throughout Singapore.
Health & vaccinations in Singapore
While the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are not applicable in Singapore, it's essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including hospital stays and repatriation. Ensure your insurance policy covers any pre-existing conditions.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Singapore has excellent healthcare facilities, but medical treatment can be expensive. No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but it is recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid and Japanese Encephalitis. Dengue fever is present, so take precautions against mosquito bites. Tap water is generally safe to drink, though bottled water is readily available.
Calling Singapore
Country code
+65
00 65 followed by the local number
To call the British High Commission, dial 00 65 6424 4200
To call Singapore from the UK, dial the exit code (00), then the country code (65), followed by the local number. Singaporean phone numbers are usually eight digits long.
UK Embassy in Singapore
British High Commission Singapore
British High Commission, Tanglin Road, Singapore 247908
Airport in Singapore
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.