Singapore essentials

The SG Arrival Card (checked 24 October 2026)

All travellers must submit the SG Arrival Card with Electronic Health Declaration before arriving in Singapore, except those transiting without clearing immigration, and residents. Submission is free of charge on ICA’s website or the MyICA app. ICA warns that commercial sites offering to submit the card for a fee are not affiliated with it (ica.gov.sg).

Whether you need a visa depends on your passport: check ICA’s “Check if You Need an Entry Visa” page before you travel.

Money and tax refunds

Tourists can claim back GST on eligible purchases from retailers in the electronic Tourist Refund Scheme. A minimum purchase applies per retailer, you must show your original passport in person at the time of purchase (photocopies and images are not accepted), and you apply for the refund at the eTRS self-help kiosks (iras.gov.sg).

MRT, fares and taxis

The MRT links Changi Airport with the city and most of the island (lta.gov.sg). SimplyGo runs public-transport fares and sells the Singapore Tourist Pass and EZ-Link cards (simplygo.com.sg).

Weather

Singapore is warm and humid all year, and thundery showers are common, often in the afternoon. Follow the forecasts and warnings of the Meteorological Service Singapore (weather.gov.sg).

Visiting temples and mosques

Dress modestly at places of worship, covering shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes where asked. Respect prayer times at mosques.

The casinos

Singapore’s two casinos are at the integrated resorts, Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents pay an entry levy of S$150 a day or S$3,000 a year (mha.gov.sg). Visitors should check the casinos’ own entry requirements before they go.

Emergencies

Call 999 for the police and 995 for an ambulance or the fire service. If it is not safe to call, the police take emergency SMS on 70999 and the Singapore Civil Defence Force on 70995 (police.gov.sg; scdf.gov.sg).

Questions and answers