Travelers to Singapore are still advised to exercise common sense and observe some Singapore travel safety tips to fully enjoy a stay in Singapore. Petty crime such as pick pocketing does occur, as it is a common occurrence for any major tourist destination. This means that travelers should still exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings and belongings, especially when in public places such as airports, hotel lobbies, tourist spots and shopping malls, where these types of petty crimes are likely to happen.

Travelers should exercise discretion when traveling to Singapore. It’s not a good idea to wear your flashy jewelry and expensive watches when traveling, so leave those at home. By drawing less attention to yourself, you are less likely to be victimized by petty thieves on the streets.

As always, it’s a good idea to travel with photocopies of your important travel documents with you. You do need to be able to present your passport if you want to avail of tax free shopping for tourists. Keep the copies in your hotel safe or the hotel safety deposit box, so you have some identification and means to get temporary replacement travel documents should the need arise such as when you lose your passport or when it gets stolen or damaged.

It’s also practical not to carry all your cash with you when you go out for the day. Bring only what you need and leave a spare credit card in a secure place in your hotel room when you go out. This way, if you lose your wallet, you still have a spare at hand. There are many ATM machines in Singapore as well as a number of money exchange centers so it will be quite easy to get your currency changed into the Singapore dollar.

Taking public transportation is a breeze in Singapore. The bus and metro systems are very reliable, clean, and safe and are on time. The underground Metro system runs from six in the morning to midnight daily and has convenient stops at all the top destinations. Taking the taxi is also another convenient way to get around the city, but it can be quite pricey. However, for groups of three or four, it makes more sense to take the taxi since the cost of taking the train will be about the same, without the hassle of having to wait for your stop and jostle your way with other passengers. Going around on foot is also a safe alternative, especially if you want to explore the street side stalls in Little India or take your time going down Orchard Road.

Driving in Singapore is a very costly option. It costs a lot of money to rent a vehicle and the traffic laws are very strict with very exhorbitant fines, especially when it comes to the speed limit. Also, toll fees to use the roads, bridges and highway are quite steep, adding another reason why driving a private vehicle in Singapore isn’t such a good idea.

When in Singapore, travelers should be aware that there are many laws and regulations that need to be obeyed. Foreigners may find some of the laws a bit strict, but it’s the government’s way of keeping the order in the country. While in Singapore, travelers are subject to the laws and regulations of the country so you may not be exempt just because you are a foreign national. Shoplifting, racial insults, offenses against the modesty of a person, drug offenses, rioting and vandalism shouldn’t be done by travelers in any country, but most especially in Singapore since penalties can range from corporal punishment to even death penalty in severe crimes such as rape, murder and other major offenses.

Chewing gum isn’t allowed so don’t do it in public. Travelers won’t even be able to buy a pack of gum while in Singapore since its importation isn’t allowed. Activities such as spitting, urinating in public, jaywalking as well as littering carry heavy fines. First time offenders can be hit with a SG$1,000 fine or even jail time. Smokers should check out non-smoking signs as it is prohibited to smoke in restaurants and other public places. There are designated public smoking areas so travelers only need to look for the marked spots to know where to light up. Just remember to extinguish and dispose of your used cigarette butts properly to avoid heavy fines and sanctions.

As a traveler, it’s natural that you’ll want to take some pictures with you of interesting sights that you’ll see. However, be mindful of any signs that prohibit taking pictures of some areas, such as military installations and some government buildings. Check for any signs prohibiting the taking of pictures. You can ask the security personnel or your travel guide if you’re not sure.

When it comes to health care, travelers need not worry about the availability of excellent medical resources while in the country. It’s a good idea to ensure that you are in the best physical condition whenever traveling to avoid any medical emergencies and other untoward incidents during your travel. If you have prescription medication that you must bring with you, carry an ample supply to cover you for the entire duration of your stay. Also, be ready to show your original doctor’s prescription if demanded at customs.

At the same time, travelers should get travel medical insurance while abroad to ensure coverage of any emergency medical needs. Check with your travel medical insurance provider to be familiar with any coverage restrictions as well as the procedure to file a claim should the need arise. Most travel insurance policies operate on a reimbursement basis, so keep all receipts, test results and doctor’s findings with you so you have all your records with you.

Because Singapore is a tropical country, outbreaks of dengue and other mosquito- borne illnesses do occur, especially during the monsoon season. It’s a good idea to use mosquito repellent spray and wear protective clothing such as long sleeved tops and pants during this time. Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) also occurs during the summer months. To minimize the chances of infection, observe proper hygiene procedures such as thorough hand washing before and after meals.

Travelers should be aware that during the months of July and October, a smoke haze from forest fires does find its way to Singaporean shores. Some travelers may experience some respiratory problems because of this. Take the necessary precautions when this happens, such as staying indoors and closing windows. Seek medical attention as needed.

These are just some of the most useful and practical Singapore travel safety tips to keep in mind. Following these travel safety tips will help ensure that your stay in Singapore will be safe and hassle free, so that you can have an enjoyable time. Use our Travel Guide Singapore handbook whenever you need to look up something about Singapore or if you need a handy reference during your trip.