Monday, September 15, 2025

Some Useful Information Before Traveling to Singapore

Most countries nowadays have done away with paper arrival cards. For Singapore, you are required to fill out the ICA | SG Arrival Card within three days before arriving in the country. Immigration Clearance is also automated: all done through a machine (just scan your passport and biometrics).

The languages that are widely used in Singapore are English (or Singlish, if you will), Mandarin Chinese, and Malay. Though many of those I interacted with spoke Singlish, there were time when the accent threw me off...especially the older ones. And they would get annoyed that I could not understand them.

To purchase anything in Singapore, you will need Singapore dollars (SGD). At the time of our visit (September 2025), one Singapore dollar was equivalent to 44.80 Philippines pesos. You don't need to bring a lot of cash; you can pay with a credit card almost anywhere (except maybe in hawker centers). Some places don't even accept cash, like HyperDrive Karting in Sentosa Island. If you are from the Philippines and have a GCash card, use it! GCash currency exchange rates are quite low!

The MRT and Bus system in Singapore is extensive and easy to use. The minimum fare is 1.19 SGD. You can pay for your fare using a credit card. If you'd rather not use a credit card, you can purchase an EZ-Link Card (transportation card) at any of the MRT stations. The EZ-Link Card will cost 10 SGD, which already includes 5 SGD worth of credits. The card can also be used in 7Eleven stores and vending machines. It can be topped up at machines at the MRT station, using cash or credit card. For cash, you need to have the exact amount: the machine does not dispense change.

Singapore uses Type G power outlets. Most of the outlets in our hotel room was Type G, but there was one Type C, and a USB outlet. If you forget to bring an adapter, there are adapters available in 7Eleven.

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