Questions I’ve been asked when it comes to travelling to Singapore:

;

How do I connect to the interwebs when I’m out and about?

There is a number of ways you can do this. The easiest way is to go and buy a “StarHub” sim card from a 711. Along with that you’ll also need an $18 top-up card. Remember to bring along your passport so the shopkeeper can activate/register your sim card.

Once they’ve activated the card will come with about $8 worth of credit – after making some calls you won’t have enough to access the internet so make sure you buy an $18 top-up card too. Once you’ve topped-up you need to dial *131# then follow the prompts. I’d choose the $7 – 1GB for 7days option. Then you can take the sim out of your phone and use it in your tablet if you wish to do so.

The other option would be to take advantage of the WirelessSG services. This however is unreliable and not available island wide.

Internet cafes do exist so if you need them don’t worry there is a few around they’re usually disguised as LAN gaming places.

How do I get around?

The best way to get around would be by the MRT. It will take you almost anywhere you need to go. It is very easy to operate. You simply tap your card and off through the gates you go! The card? What card? Okay, there is a card that you’ll need. It goes by the name of ‘ezlink’ you can pick one of these up at the airport MRT station or from some MRT control stations.

If however you decided to take a cab from the airport and don’t know what a control station is – never fear – you can go to any 711 and they’ll sell you something called a “NETSflashpay” card. It works the same as a ezlink card – EXCEPT you can only top-up the NETS card at a 711. The ezlink card can be topped up at any bus interchange or MRT station by using the automated ticket machines.

Speaking of ticket machines, you can get a temporary ticket from the ATM (automated ticket machine) although that means you’ll have to buy one for every train ride and that becomes really troublesome. So you best buy an ezlink card or a NETSflashpay card!

The train is a really great way to get around and you see some crazy things on there and by crazy I don’t mean “Armadale Line” crazy I mean fashion crazy or people singing crazy, this one time I was on the train a whole band came on board and played a song! It was awesome! The MRT doesn’t go everywhere though so you will need to take a cab to some places or you might just be too lazy to take the train.

Cabs are cheap, clean and the drivers know most of the places – most cabbies are friendly too. Don’t bother yourselves about the buses all that much. You are on holiday so you probably want to get around quickly – cabs and trains!

Where do I change my moneys?

You’re probably thinking to yourself right now “He’s asked me to buy this and buy that but how do I actually buy things when I haven’t even changed my money yet” well that’s where this section comes in handy. Where do I change my moneys?

The best place to change your money is pretty much anywhere in Singapore. Doesn’t matter where you go. All the moneychangers offer a good rate. Although you should know the rate before you go to them, check xe.com, If they give you a low rate you can barter with them for a better rate.

Here is some tidbits of information: The power plugs you’ll use are european plugs although most hotels will accept any power plug. The language Singaporeans speak is English. You may encounter retail staff that don’t speak superb english – most of these are foreign workers from China or the Philippines.

You may also want to download these apps:

• xe currency – good to double check the currency before changing money over.
• RWS app – useful for when you’re at USS to check attractions and ride times.
• MySentosa – If you are traveling to Sentosa this will give you some good info about the Island.
• HungryGoWhere – Brilliant for finding good places to eat.
• SG Malls – will help you find a specific shop you may be looking for.
• Ho Say – It’ll help you brush up on your ‘Singlish’
• YourSingapore - It’s a guide to Singapore

*updating soon*

Where do I satisfy my bubble tea cravings?

Is it safe to drink the tap water?

Do I need a visa?

That’s about it for now.

Enjoy your stay in Singapore!

If there are any other questions just drop them in the comments below and I’ll answer them!

;