Are you travelling to Singapore anytime soon? You’ll definitely be in for a fun time ahead! From majestic manmade wonders to natural attractions, historical landmarks, vibrant streets and delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone here! On this note, you should also know that while it’s pricey, you can still manage a Singapore trip cost-effectively with the right strategies. Wondering what they are? That’s what we cover in this article.
5 Must-Know Tips for Spending Smartly in Singapore
Now that we’re looking at spending smartly in Singapore, there are some ways in which you can quietly ensure an enjoyable yet pocket-friendly trip. Let’s look at them briefly:
- Eat at hawker centres instead of tourist restaurants– Many of us fall into the tourist trap of swanky and glitzy eateries that promise authentic experiences. However, most of them are quite costly, and a single meal can burn a hole in your pocket if you’re travelling in a group! That’s where you should consider affordable hawker centres to savour local cuisine affordably. There are no compromises on authenticity, since you’ll get exposed to a diverse variety of flavours and eat what the locals do. What can be better than that?
- Choose serviced apartments with kitchens to cut dining costs– Booking furnished apartments in Singapore will save you a lot of money than costly hotels. You’ll get more value for a lower price if you book an extended stay with a travel group. There’s no need to book multiple hotel rooms, and the leases are pretty flexible. What’s more, utilities, laundry, housekeeping, etc., are not pricey add-ons like in hotels, but often included in the final rate. You can also access all necessary appliances and well-equipped kitchens to cook your own meals, thereby significantly reducing daily dining costs!
- Use MRT passes and avoid taxis– You may find it easier to just hail taxis and use them to get around everywhere on your trip. But did you know that this can eat into a large chunk of your holiday budget? To reduce costs, use MRT passes instead. It is an affordable way to access major landmarks throughout the city.
- Book attractions online for discounts– Not only is online booking in advance recommended for popular attractions (to avoid the last-minute rush), it can be cheaper too! Booking online may help you get attractive discounts and package deals that you won’t find at the spot itself (where peak rates may apply for entry).
- Enjoy free attractions like the Merlion Park and East Coast beaches– Singapore’s not all about entry fees! You’ll discover several free attractions that are landmarks in their own right. These include the lovely Merlion Park and the East Coast beaches with their relaxing vibe.
Quick Tips
Here are some more tips to help you explore Singapore safely and affordably:
- You should download apps like Klook to find better deals and book tickets for tours, attractions, etc.
- Always carry a contactless card to make payments on public transport. Most of these operators accept contactless payments (tap-and-go system) in Singapore.
- Use YourSingaporeGuide from the official Singapore Tourism Board authorities to find places to explore and cultural events.
- You can use SimplyGo or NETS cards to pay for your MRT, LRT, and bus rides in Singapore.
- MyTransport SG gives you easy access to frequently-used bus services, real-time information on traffic, etc.
- SG BusLeh is also handy if you want real-time information on bus arrivals and details of various routes.
- For better communication, download language packs in your smartphone translation app (Google Translate and others), particularly for Chinese or Mandarin. However, most people in Singapore speak English, so you’ll be fine!
- Use Grab for your private journeys, since you can fix your journey fare in advance.
- Many places are walkable in Singapore, and you can safely drink the tap water here. So, carry a reusable water bottle to save on costly packaged beverages.
- Explore local markets to buy groceries and essentials instead of bigger supermarkets.
- Use combo passes to save money on entry into multiple landmarks.
- Consider travelling in the off-season, usually February to March and September to November. This will help you get more discounts on both accommodation and flights.
Conclusion
So, as you can see, it’s possible to travel affordably in Singapore without denting your pocket. However, you need to make small yet smart choices that may sometimes lead to huge savings! In fact, it may free up some of your budget for more travel and related activities, too. On that note, here’s to planning your trip to Singapore smartly for maximum benefits. Make sure you book your serviced apartment in Singapore well ahead of the trip to get more availability and better rates. Here’s wishing you a fabulous trip to come!
