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Letsa Travel · Singapore

Singapore: a tiny, rich city-state with hawker food

A country you can cross in about an hour, with efficient transport and cheap, excellent hawker food.

The story

A microcosm of Asia

Singapore is populated by Chinese, Malays, Indians and a large group of workers and expatriates, and can be crossed in barely an hour.

Wikivoyage notes it has chosen economic pragmatism over social concerns, and that it is one of the world's most prosperous countries with one of the busiest ports.

1 hourtime to cross the country, per Wikivoyage
6 monthspassport validity required on arrival

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Practical guide

Plan your Singapore trip

Check before you go: entry rules depend on your passport, and Singapore enforces its laws strictly. Check official sources for entry and customs rules before you travel.

Entry

  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months from arrival.
  • Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Australia and several others can stay 90 days or less without a visa. Citizens of most other countries can stay up to 30 days.
  • Citizens of a list of countries need to apply for a visa in advance.

Getting around

  • The public transport network is easy to use, affordable and covers populated areas extensively.
  • You can tap in with a contactless Visa, Mastercard or American Express. Foreign cards may add a small daily handling fee. EZ-link and NETS cards are alternatives.
  • Putting your feet on seats or playing loud music on public transport can mean a $500 fine.

Food and costs

  • Hawker centres and 24-hour coffee shops offer affordable food from across Asia.
  • Wikivoyage says good hawker food can be found for under $5 a meal. Accommodation is pricier.

Safety

  • Singapore is one of the safest major cities in the world, but beware of pickpockets in crowds.
  • Police have broader powers than in many Western countries, and you are required to answer questions truthfully during interrogation.

Respect

  • Singaporeans care little about formal politeness, but are socially conservative, and public displays of affection beyond holding hands are frowned on.
  • Places of worship require conservative dress, and many ask you to remove shoes.

Details come from Wikivoyage. We checked on November 1, 2026. Entry rules, fees and prices change, so confirm them with official sources before you reserve.

Sources checked November 1, 2026: Wikivoyage (Singapore)