Travel & Luggage Tips for Singapore
Singapore is a standout in almost any category one chooses to compare, even for visitors from the United States whom may be accustomed to a certain level of cleanliness, convenience, and affluence in most primary levels of exposure to a country. Singapore has that and much more as its stock and trade leans heavily towards tourism.
Here is a concise list of quick tips that may differ from many southeast Asian destinations but are thorough in their establishment as to be reliable.
- The drinking water is safe across Singapore due to comprehensive two-fold recent in-situ solutions: reclaimed and desalinized water. Therefore one needn’t pack any bottled water anymore than one would if traveling interstate in America.
- Make certain you have all your vaccinations completed. Mainly due to its regional location, Singapore has outbreaks of (HFMD)Hand,Foot and Mouth Disease often in April and May. Affecting usually children – blisters, rashes etc – this is a caution to encourage your youngsters to always wash hands. So please take along a supply of handy disinfectant spray and /or handi-wipes.
- Likewise, never wear bare feet except when swimming. Pack sandals and/or light casual footwear since the climate and temperature with serious humidity is always an issue.
- Do not pack chewing gum unless you intend to religiously deposit it into a trash receptacle when done. Although Singapore has recently eased restrictions on the sale of this item, it is an indication of a dedicated society that values clean environs- even under foot. Fines for littering are serious there.
- Do not pack any pornography or any illicit drugs.
- Always have your doctors prescriptions for medications on hand when entering Singapore if for no other reason you misplace your meds. Always pack such things in re-sealable plastic bags.
- Always have copies of your identification, credit card info, hotel/accommodations, prescriptions also for glasses.
- Alcohol: I litre each of liquor, beer or wine you can bring in so long as you are not coming from Malaysia. At the stunning, see-to-believe Changi airport, drinks are some of the lowest priced on earth. But be aware, paradoxically outside the airport it is the reverse as alcohol prices across Singapore are very steep.
- Pack umbrellas and light clothing suitable for very warm high humidity. For daytime excursions, sun hats, sunglasses, lightweight long pants or cargo pants, sandals, T shirts, light blouses. For evening wear at upscale restaurants consider dressy-but-casual: slacks, dress shoes ( soft soled hiking type is a non starter ) nice dress shirt, long sleeved or short/ blouse equivalent. Ties dependent on the venue.
- Tipping: unlike counties such as the United States, tipping is not encouraged or expected as a rule from government on down. ‘However’ it is not discouraged either as it is abundantly clear whenever a service is extra special or deserving in your eyes it is truly appreciated.
- You will notice at the bottom of your bill at major restaurants they have already included a gratuity as service tips. Your restaurant bill will also have included the current Goods and Services Tax ( 7% for 2011) and they will have added another 10% service charge. At your discretion you may wish to add anything over and above that.