How to Stay Safe While Travelling in Singapore - Tips for a Safe Holiday in Lion City

 Tipped to be Asia's most straight-laced nation, Singapore is also the safest destination for holidaymakers in the region. This, however, does not mean that tourists do not encounter unsavoury experiences during their getaways in the island nation as most are unaware of the local regulations and codes of conduct in community life. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate your way through Singapore safely and without hassle the next time you head down to Lion City.

Maksym Kozlenko, Clive Street, Singapore, CC BY-SA 4.0

1.  Carry Cash and Cards

Although Singapore is a modern metropolis where most stores and vendors will accept card payments, it is necessary to carry some cash to pay for certain goods and services. This is especially true for those who are heading outside the Central Business District to restaurants and street-side shops in Little India or Chinatown as the vendors in these areas will prefer cash payments. Singapore's famous hawker centres are also known for preferring cash due to how inexpensive the meals are while neighbourhood tuck shops will also be unable to process card payments.

2. Don't Tip

Unlike most tourist hotspots around the world, tipping is completely unnecessary in Singapore. This is due to the fact that the tip for the wait staff is usually added to your bill as a Goods & Service Tax when you dine out so there's no need to leave a few dollars for your waiter or waitress. They are being duly compensated for their service with this government tax.

3. Do Not Sit on Reserved Tables

This is a faux pas that pertains to dining in hawker centres and other communal dining settings where locals will leave some items to reserve a table. The personal item left on the table or chair can range from an umbrella and a handbag to a pack of tissues or water bottles. So when you come across an umbrella or a water bottle on an otherwise empty table, do not assume that it was left behind by mistake – find another table instead.

 4. Don't Eat and Drink on the Public Transport

As the most commonly used mode of transport among travellers based at Park Hotel Alexandra or any other hotel near Harbourfront Singapore, riding the MRT will become a part of your daily holiday routine in Lion City. While the MRT network is very cleanly, efficient and comfortable, passengers are not allowed to eat or drink inside the cabins although they can carry food items and beverages. If you are thirsty or need a bite to eat, head to a street-side restaurant or a cafe before catching the MRT.

5. Leave Cigarettes Behind

While there are designated areas in restaurants and other public spaces for smokers, bringing cigarettes into the country is illegal. This means travellers who smoke must buy cigarettes in Singapore instead of packing their favourite brand of smokes from home. Cigarettes are very costly in Singapore due to heavy taxes imposed on the commodity. Airport authorities are known to check for cigarettes and other contraband diligently so do not risk being found and leave the cigs at home.

6. Avoid Drugs Altogether

Those who are familiar with the horror stories of tourists being detained and facing trial in Thailand and Singapore over drug charges should know that Singapore is indeed very strict on illegal substances. Those who are caught with even a small amount of illegal drugs will face jail time and harsh punishments even if their bags were used by cartels to funnel drugs into the country. Consuming drugs also carries its penalties so make sure your belonging are not tampered with and that you do not engage in intoxicated behaviour during the trip.