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Welcome to Singapore! This quickstart guide is designed to help tourists and tour guides alike navigate the unique customs, cultural norms, and vibrant traditions of this dynamic city-state.

Known for its rich cultural diversity, world-class cuisine, and iconic skyline, Singapore offers an experience that is both modern and deeply rooted in heritage. Within these pages, you’ll find practical advice including an introduction to the city, cultural etiquette, useful apps, and essential guidelines for visiting religious and historical sites. By understanding and embracing these local practices, you'll gain deeper insight into the values that shape life in Singapore—ensuring a respectful, enriching, and memorable journey through its most treasured precincts.

General Rules, Health & Safety when Navigating Singapore
Information to help you understand our general rules and how to protect yourself during your visit

Surviving The Heat

Singapore’s climate is hot and humid all-year round, even at night. Locals typically wear light and breathable clothing - Think T-shirts, shorts, sandals, flip-flops, and hats. We recommend you do the same whenever stepping outdoors.

To survive the heat, drink plenty of water. You’d be glad to know that our tap water is drinkable, though most locals boil it before drinking - You can do the same too.
Tip: Bring an umbrella - It’s handy for hiding from the heat and from sudden storms

Dressing For The Occassion

Some places may require you to dress more apporpriately. These will include spots such as religious sites and fine-dining restaurants. The minimum in this case will be a Smart Casual dress code.

Some religious sites and fine-dining establishments may offer appropriate coverings or attire to help meet their dress code requirements. However, as this service is not guaranteed at all venues, it's best to come prepared with suitable clothing.
Tip: Before visiting, check online for any dress code the establishment wants you to follow

You & Your belongings

Singapore is known for its low crime rate, but as the saying goes - “Low crime doesn’t mean no crime!”

  • Always check your belongings before leaving a place, or before exiting the public transport
  • For extra security, sling your bag in front of you when travelling around
  • Keep large amounts of cash hidden and in a safe space on your person
  • Do not openly flaunt or brag about having massive amounts of cash in public
Tip: If you’re driving in Singapore, park in an area that is brightly lit and is monitored by CCTV cameras

Laws & Penalties

Singapore is clean and orderly because of the stirct laws and regulations set by our government. Common offences include:

  • Littering
  • Smoking outside of designated zones
  • Eating / Drinking on public transport
  • Loitering in restricted areas
  • Chewing Gum (Yes we’re serious about this one)
Tip: It may seem silly, but please bin your trash properly in their designated bins. Do not litter

Cultural Etiquette & Norms of Singapore
Understanding the local customs is key to having a smooth and respectful experience in Singapore. Here’s what you need to know:

Greeting Customs

Handshakes are generally accepted, but be mindful of certain cultural and religious preferences:

  • For Muslim women, a nod or placing a hand over the chest is an appropriate greeting
  • In Chinese etiquette, especially for the elderly, it’s common to give a gentle two-handed handshake
Tip: Though not widely practiced, a simple “Hello” or “Good Morning / Afternoon” is appreciated

Dining Etiquette

Our local cuisine is the highlight for every first-timer’s visit to Singapore, but be mindful of some of the local practices:

  • When buying your food, do queue up properly and never hop the queue
  • Do clean up after your meals, and return your trays to a designated return station
  • When eating with chopsticks, do not stick them upright in your food
  • When eating with hands, especially for Malay and Indian cuisine, use only the right hand


A common practice you’ll see is people “Chope-ing” tables - A method of reserving tables at a hawker centre, typically done with a tissue packet. So remember, when you see an item on the table, that table is “Chope-d”
Tip: Before visiting, check online for any dress code the establishment wants you to follow

Behaviour in Public Spaces

The locals want to enjoy their day as much as you do. Here’s how to be respectful in public:

  • Avoid talking too loudly to friends or on your phone in public transport
  • Refrain from blasting your music in public spaces
  • Avoid pushing past people to get to your destination faster
  • Public Displays of Affection (PDA) should be kept to a minimum
  • Avoid hogging multiple seats on public transport
Tip: Like our road systems, we stand on the left side of escalators in Singapore, and the right side is typically the “Fast Lane

Follow Local Signages & Local Cues

Singapore is a city that values order, clarity, and respect — and this is reflected in its well-designed signage system. Whether you're navigating a train station, temple, gallery, or hawker centre, being attentive to signs is not only helpful but essential for respectful conduct

Signs here aren’t just suggestions - they often reflect legal rules or deep cultural norms. Ignoring them may lead to:
  • Unintentionally disrespecting sacred spaces
  • Public reprimand
  • Fines or penalties, particularly in regulated areas like transport systems or government buildings
Tip: It may seem silly, but please bin your trash properly in their designated bins. Do not litter

Visiting Singapore’s Religious Sites
SIngapore is a multicultural hotpot of various ethnicities and cultures - Here’s how to have a respectful and immersive experience when visiting

Modest & Appropriate Dressing

Modest attire is expected and greatly appreciated when planning to visit all cultural and religious sites. Here’s what we recommend you to wear:

  • Tops that cover your chest and shoulders
  • Bottoms that cover the knees (3/4 Pants or long dresses are fine)
  • Covered shoes or sandals with straps


Avoid the following:
  • Sleeveless tops or crop tops, short shorts
  • Clothing that is transparent or revealing
  • Clothing pieces that have explicit or inappropriate art or language
Tip: Some places may provide shawls or robes at the entrance for you, however it’s still best to come prepared

Keep Noise to A Minimum

Many of these sacred places are meant for prayer, worship, and reflection, so it’s best to keep the noise to a minimum:

  • Please refrain from any loud conversations or laughter
  • Avoid taking phone calls inside the main halls of sacred places
  • Do not disrupt any ongoing rituals or Religious activities
  • Observe ceromonies from a respectful distance
  • Do not walk in front of or in-between people who are praying


As a guest, your presence should not disrupt the sanctity of the moment. Quiet observation is not only polite - it's often the best way to connect with the spiritual rhythm of the place.
Tip: If you’re intending to visit with your children, please educate them beforehand on the importance of behaving when visiting religious sites

Ask Before Taking Photos

Whilst many of our cultural sites are visually stunning, photography may be restricted or prohibited in some areas. It’s best to ask before snapping photos - especially photos of prayer halls or altars

Always do the following before taking photos:
  • Check for signages that indicate photography rules
  • Ask permission if unsure
  • Avoid using flash or tripods in quiet settings
Tip: Never photograph people in prayer without their explicit consent, it’s considred intrusive and disrespectful

Don’t Touch Sacred Objects

Altars, idols, prayer items, incense burners, or religious books often hold deep spiritual significance. Please refrain from touching any prayer item or leaning against any statue or structure

Sometimes you may see food offerings, joss sticks, and incense out in public, such as on the roadside. Please do not remove or step over these offering
Tip: Avoid pointing at deities or altars — it’s considered rude in many Asian cultures

Useful Tips
Some additional tips & tricks to help you navigate Singapore easier

Card Payments

Many places in Singapore accept bank cards or mobile pay as a payment method. This would include malls, restaurants, attractions, public transport, as well as some parking gantries in malls and hotels.

However, many of our heartland shops and hawker centres do not readily accept card payment. So, it’s still a good idea to carry some cash on hand for these situations.
Tip: The Singapore Dollar (SGD) is the only legal tender accepted in all shops and outlets

Taking Public Transport

Singapore’s public transport system is seamless, fast, and efficient. We recommend you try out taking the public transport instead of relying on taxis or private-hire vehicles.

All MRT stations in Singapore have a MRT map system in convenient spots for you to track your route. Many bus stops and terminus stations also have digital signboards showing bus timings and their destinations.
Tip: Priority seats are available on MRTs and buses for those who need it. Always offer your seat whenever required

Internet Connectivity

Free WiFi is available at many shopping malls, MRT Stations, hotels, and attractions. These are useful for when you need internet on-the-go.

For those intending to purchase a SIM Card, many of our convenience stores, like 7-Eleven or Cheers, offer prepaid SIM cards or portable WiFi devices. You can also purchase these at Changi Airport.
Tip: Wireless@SG is Singapore’s official public Wi-Fi network. Just connect using your mobile number and start using!

Renting A Car

Car rental is readily available in Singapore. All you need is your International Drivers Permit (IDP), a valid cashcard or bank card for parking, and you’re all set!

When on our roads, drive carefully and defensively, look out for road and traffic signs, and be aware of your surroundings. Plan your routes early so that you can have a safe and smooth journey.
Tip: In Singapore, we drive on the left-hand side of the roads. Do take note and don’t end up on the wrong side.

Helpful Apps
We recommend these apps for you to download to make your journey in Singapore more seamless and hassle-free

Grab - Food & Transport

Singapore’s go-to for all ride-hailing purposes. Also used for ordering food, delivering packages, and more.

IOS     Google Play

MyTransport.SG - MRT & Bus Navigation

A handy tool for navigating Singapore’s public transport systen. It shows you MRT and bus routes, as well as real-time traffic conditions

IOS     Google Play

Chope - Restaurant Reservations

Used commonly to search for new restaurant recommendations, and to make reservations at restaurants

IOS     Google Play

Klook - Attractions & More!

A popular app for tourists and locals to book hotel stays, tours, attraction tickets, and also SIM cards for travel

IOS     Google Play

YouTrip - Easy & Flexible Card Payments

YouTrip is a multi-currency payment app that allows you to make purchases in foreign currencies, without having to worry about proecessing fees

IOS     Google Play

Parking.SG - Street & Coupon Parking

If you’re driving in Singapore, you wil need the parking.SG app to pay for any roadside parking or at any coupon parking lots

IOS     Google Play
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