The practical stuff every Aussie needs to know
Who can stay, how long can you stay, and how do you get to stay?
Singapore makes it dead easy for Australians to visit. No visa needed for short stays, efficient immigration, and the whole process is smoother than a cold Tiger at Changi Airport. The only thing Singapore is strict about is its rules — and they have a lot of them. Follow them and you'll be fine.
Australian passport holders get a 30-day visa-free stay on arrival. No application, no fee. Just rock up at immigration with your passport (6 months validity), a return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation. Immigration is fast and efficient — this is Singapore, everything works. You'll get an electronic pass (no stamp) — keep the email confirmation.
You must complete the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) online within 3 days before arrival at eservices.ica.gov.sg. It's free and takes 5 minutes. You'll need your passport details, flight information, accommodation address and a health declaration. Do it on the plane if you forget — there's usually WiFi. Immigration officers won't be impressed if you haven't done it.
You can apply for an extension at the ICA (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) building on Kallang Road. Extensions up to 89 days total are possible but not guaranteed — you'll need a good reason (medical, family, business). The process involves a visit, paperwork and a fee of SGD $40. Don't overstay — Singapore takes immigration violations very seriously, including fines, detention and caning (yes, really).
Tourist visas do not permit any work. If you're planning to work, you need an Employment Pass (professionals), S Pass (mid-skilled) or Work Permit (manual labour). Your employer handles the application through MOM (Ministry of Manpower). Singapore is a popular destination for Australian professionals — banking, tech, engineering and consulting are the main sectors. Salaries are competitive but so is the cost of living.
The Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) is available if you're married to a Singaporean citizen or permanent resident. The Entrepass is for entrepreneurs starting a business. The ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise) targets high earners (SGD $30,000+ monthly salary). Singapore is selective about who stays long-term — they want skilled professionals and entrepreneurs, and they're not shy about saying so.
Many Aussies enter Singapore overland from Malaysia via the Causeway (Woodlands) or Second Link (Tuas). Immigration is the same process but border crossings can be busy, especially on weekends and Malaysian public holidays. If you're on a bus, you'll need to get off at both Malaysian and Singaporean immigration checkpoints with all your belongings. Budget extra time for the crossing.
If you're just transiting through Changi Airport, you don't need a visa if you stay airside (don't clear immigration). Changi is regularly voted the world's best airport — there's a butterfly garden, a waterfall, free cinemas, sleeping lounges and excellent food. Honestly, a Changi transit is better than arriving at most airports. If you have a long layover, clear immigration and explore the city — the MRT goes straight from the airport.
Singapore has strict customs rules. Chewing gum is banned (seriously). Cigarettes must be declared and duty paid — there's no duty-free allowance for tobacco. Alcohol duty-free allowance is 1 litre each of spirits, wine and beer. Drugs carry the death penalty — including cannabis. E-cigarettes and vapes are banned. Prescription medication needs a doctor's letter. Don't try to be clever — Changi's customs is thorough.
Overstaying your visa in Singapore can result in a fine of up to SGD $4,000, imprisonment up to 6 months, and — for overstays of more than 90 days — mandatory caning (3 or more strokes). This is not a joke and not a scare tactic. Singapore enforces its immigration laws rigorously. If you need to stay longer, apply for an extension BEFORE your visa expires. Set a reminder on your phone.
Passport with 6+ months validity. SG Arrival Card completed online. Return or onward ticket. Hotel or accommodation details. No chewing gum, no vapes, no drugs. Declare your cigarettes and alcohol. Travel insurance (not required but strongly recommended — medical costs in Singapore are high). Arrive looking presentable — Singapore immigration officers are professional and expect the same in return.
What to eat (and where to eat it)
Singapore is one of the greatest food cities on Earth. Full stop. The hawker centre culture is UNESCO-listed, the variety is staggering (Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan and everything in between), and you can eat a world-class meal for SGD $5. Eating is the national sport here — Singaporeans will drive 45 minutes across the island for the right chicken rice. This section barely scratches the surface.
Poached or roasted chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock, with chilli sauce, ginger paste and dark soy on the side. Simple, perfect, and the subject of fierce debate about who does it best. Tian Tian at Maxwell Food Centre is the most famous. Wee Nam Kee is another institution. SGD $4-6 at hawker centres. You will eat this multiple times and never get tired of it.
Rich, spicy coconut curry broth with thick rice noodles, prawns, cockles, fish cake, bean sprouts and a hard-boiled egg. Katong laksa (cut noodles eaten with a spoon) is the signature Singapore style. 328 Katong Laksa on East Coast Road is the benchmark. SGD $5-7. Punchy, warming and addictive. If you like Thai curries, you'll love laksa. If you don't handle spice well, start with a mild version.
Sri Lankan crab in a sweet, spicy, tangy tomato-chilli sauce, eaten with deep-fried mantou buns to soak up the sauce. Singapore's most famous dish internationally. Jumbo Seafood at Clarke Quay and No Signboard at Esplanade are the big names. Budget SGD $50-80 per crab — this is not hawker food pricing. Messy, hands-on eating. Bring wet wipes. Worth every dollar.
Hawker centres are covered food courts with dozens of individual stalls, each specialising in one or two dishes. This is where Singaporeans eat daily and where you should too. Maxwell Food Centre, Old Airport Road, Tiong Bahru Market, Chomp Chomp, and Lau Pa Sat are the big ones. Meals run SGD $3-8. The food quality at hawker centres rivals restaurants at a fraction of the cost. No tipping, no fuss.
Flaky, crispy Indian flatbread served with curry sauce for dipping. Available plain, with egg, cheese, onion or even banana and chocolate for dessert versions. Best eaten at 24-hour prata shops — The Roti Prata House and Mr and Mrs Mohgan's on Crane Road are legendary. SGD $1.50-4. This is what you eat at 2am after a night out, or at 7am before a day out. Versatile, cheap, perfect.
Flat rice noodles stir-fried with soy sauce, prawns, cockles, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, chives and egg in a screaming hot wok. The flavour comes from wok hei — the "breath of the wok" — that smoky, charred taste you can only get from a well-seasoned wok and serious heat. Hill Street Char Kway Teow and Outram Park Fried Kway Teow are the go-tos. SGD $4-6.
Skewered, charcoal-grilled meat (chicken, mutton, beef) served with peanut sauce, rice cakes and cucumber-onion relish. Best at Lau Pa Sat's outdoor satay street, which fires up every evening. Ten sticks for SGD $7-10. Also excellent at East Coast Lagoon Food Village. This is the food you want with a cold beer on a warm Singapore evening — which is every evening.
Peppery, herbal pork rib soup served with rice, you tiao (fried dough sticks) and dark soy sauce. The Teochew version (light, peppery broth) is the Singapore style, as opposed to the Malaysian Hokkien version (darker, more herbal). Song Fa on New Bridge Road is the most famous — expect a queue. SGD $7-10. Surprisingly restorative after a big night out.
Hawker centres are cheap. Restaurants are not. A sit-down meal at a mid-range restaurant will run SGD $30-60 per head. Fine dining can hit SGD $200-500+. The trap is eating at restaurants and hotel cafes when hawker food is vastly better and a tenth of the price. Stick to hawker centres for most meals and save restaurant visits for special occasions. Your wallet will thank you — Singapore is already expensive enough.
Singaporeans reserve seats at busy hawker centres by placing a packet of tissues on the table — this is called "choping." Respect the tissue packet — it means the seat is taken. If the hawker centre is packed at lunchtime, hover near tables where people are finishing and wait. Don't sit at a choped table, don't move someone's tissues, and don't take the last seat at a table without asking. Hawker centre etiquette matters.
Local beers
Here's the bad news: beer in Singapore is expensive. Alcohol tax is high and there's no way around it. A pint at a bar can cost more than in Sydney. But Singapore still has a beer culture — it just requires strategic drinking. Hawker centres, happy hours and buying from the supermarket are how smart drinkers survive. The local and craft beer scene is also worth exploring.
Brewed in Singapore since 1932. A clean, crisp lager that's become synonymous with the city. Around SGD $8-10 at hawker centres (big bottle), SGD $12-18 at bars. Tiger is to Singapore what VB is to Victoria — ubiquitous and reliable. Available everywhere from Michelin-star restaurants to the uncle selling beer from a cooler at East Coast Park. The default order.
Tiger Crystal is a lighter, crisper version of the original — think of it as Tiger Lite. Tiger White is a wheat beer, smoother and slightly sweet. Both are less common than original Tiger but available at most bars and supermarkets. Tiger Crystal is good for session drinking in the heat. Tiger White is actually decent if you like wheat beers. Same price range as regular Tiger.
Singapore's first microbrewery. Their Singapore Blonde Ale and Traveller's Wheat are solid offerings. Available at some bars and supermarkets. Pricier than Tiger (SGD $6-8 per can from the bottle shop, SGD $14-20 at bars) but genuinely good beer. The Straits Pale Ale is worth seeking out if you like hoppy beers. A nice change from the standard lager when you want something with more character.
Singapore has a thriving craft beer scene. Brewlander, Sunbird Brewing and Rye & Pint are local favourites. Smith Street Taps in Chinatown Complex has rotating craft taps in a hawker centre setting — as Singaporean as it gets. Little Island Brewing Co. at Changi Village has its own brewery and great vibes. Expect SGD $12-20 per pint. Pricey but comparable to craft beer prices in Sydney or Melbourne.
The cheapest place to drink is at hawker centres. Buy a big bottle of Tiger (630ml) for SGD $7-10 and pair it with satay, barbecue stingray or carrot cake. Newton Food Centre, Chomp Chomp in Serangoon, and East Coast Lagoon are popular evening hawker centres with beer available. The atmosphere is unbeatable — outdoor seating, warm evening air, cold beer and incredible food. This is peak Singapore.
Most bars in Singapore offer happy hour deals, typically 5-8pm. Pints can drop from SGD $16 to SGD $10-12. Clarke Quay, Boat Quay and Club Street have the highest concentration of bars with happy hours. Some places extend happy hour to 9pm on weekdays. Plan your drinking around happy hours and you'll save a fortune. After happy hour ends, switch to hawker centre beers.
The cheapest option is buying from supermarkets (FairPrice, Cold Storage) or 7-Eleven. A can of Tiger is SGD $3-4, imported beers SGD $4-7. Drink at East Coast Park, a hawker centre or your hotel balcony. Note: you CANNOT buy alcohol from shops after 10:30pm — this is the law. Alcohol cannot be consumed in public places (outside of licensed establishments) from 10:30pm to 7am in Geylang and Little India.
Singapore is a world-class cocktail destination. Atlas Bar (Art Deco gin palace), Manhattan at Regent Hotel, and Native (local ingredients) are consistently ranked among the world's best bars. Cocktails run SGD $22-35+. If you're a cocktail person, Singapore is paradise. If you're a beer-and-a-pie person, you'll have a heart attack looking at the prices. But treat yourself at least once — the quality is genuinely world-class.
No alcohol sales from retail outlets (shops, supermarkets, 7-Eleven) between 10:30pm and 7am. No public drinking in designated areas (Geylang, Little India, certain MRT station areas) from 10:30pm to 7am. Drunk and disorderly behaviour can result in arrest and fines. Drink driving is heavily penalised — fines up to SGD $10,000, jail up to 12 months, and driving ban. Singapore is not the place to test the limits. Drink responsibly.
Pre-game at the hotel with supermarket beers. Hit happy hour at bars from 5-8pm. Move to a hawker centre for cheap beers with dinner. Buy your last beers before 10:30pm. This sequence will cut your alcohol spending by 50% compared to drinking at bars all night. Singapore rewards the strategic drinker. The spontaneous, "let's just go to a bar at 11pm" approach will drain your wallet faster than a Sydney night out.
Transport options
Singapore has the best public transport in Southeast Asia. The MRT (metro) is clean, efficient, air-conditioned and goes almost everywhere. Buses fill the gaps. Taxis and ride-hailing are readily available. The island is only 50km across, so nothing is far. Getting around is the one area where Singapore is actually good value. No excuses for getting lost here.
Singapore's MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is excellent. Six lines covering most of the island, running from about 5:30am to midnight. Clean, safe, air-conditioned and on time. Fares are SGD $1-3 depending on distance. The network map is colour-coded and straightforward. Download the Singapore MRT map app or use Google Maps for route planning. This will be your primary mode of transport and it's brilliant.
Get an EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay card at any MRT station (SGD $10 including $5 credit). Tap on, tap off — works on MRT and buses. Alternatively, use SimplyGo with your contactless Visa or Mastercard — just tap your bank card directly at the reader. Apple Pay and Google Pay also work. No fumbling with cash. Top up EZ-Link cards at any MRT station or 7-Eleven. Keep at least SGD $5 on it at all times.
Singapore's bus network is extensive and fills gaps the MRT doesn't cover. Same EZ-Link card works on buses. Fares are SGD $1-2.50. Air-conditioned, clean and reasonably frequent. Google Maps gives excellent bus directions including which bus number to take and where to board. Useful for getting to specific attractions like East Coast Park, Sentosa approach, or residential areas not near MRT stations.
Grab is the dominant ride-hailing app in Singapore. GrabCar is the standard option. Fares are metered and transparent — a typical cross-island ride is SGD $15-25. Surge pricing applies during peak hours and rain (and it rains a lot in Singapore). JustGrab gives you the first available car — either taxi or private hire. Grab is more expensive than public transport but convenient for late nights or when you're knackered.
Metered taxis are plentiful. ComfortDelGro, CityCab and SMRT are the main companies. Flag fall is SGD $3.90-4.00. Surcharges apply for peak hours (25-50%), midnight to 6am (50%), CBD entry and airport pickups. A typical ride is SGD $10-20. All taxis are clean and air-conditioned. Drivers are generally honest — the meter runs and that's what you pay. No haggling needed. Receipts available on request.
Singapore is walkable but it's hot. Really hot. Year-round 30-35°C with high humidity. Many areas have covered walkways and underground connections between MRT stations and malls. Orchard Road, Chinatown, Little India, Clarke Quay and Marina Bay are all walkable areas. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and duck into air-conditioned malls regularly. Early morning and evening walks are much more pleasant.
Sentosa Island (beaches, Universal Studios, casino) is connected to the mainland by monorail (Sentosa Express, SGD $4), cable car (SGD $35 return — scenic but pricey), bus, or walking across the Boardwalk (free). The Sentosa Express runs from VivoCity MRT. If you're going to Universal Studios or the casino, the monorail is the easiest option. The cable car is genuinely scenic and worth it once.
Singapore is investing heavily in cycling infrastructure. Park connector networks let you cycle between parks and along the coast. East Coast Park is perfect for cycling. Shared bikes (SG Bike, Anywheel) are available via app — SGD $1-2 per ride. Not practical for getting around the whole city (it's too hot) but great for recreational rides, especially along the waterfront areas.
Renting a car in Singapore is absurdly expensive (SGD $100-200+ per day) and unnecessary. Car ownership costs are among the highest in the world — a Certificate of Entitlement alone costs SGD $100,000+. Parking is expensive, ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) charges apply on busy roads, and the public transport is so good there's no reason to drive. Save the money for food and drinks. Seriously.
Changi Airport to the city centre: MRT (SGD $2-3, about 30-40 minutes, runs until midnight), taxi (SGD $25-40 with airport surcharge), or Grab (SGD $20-35). The MRT is the best value and fastest if you're going to the CBD or hotel areas near MRT stations. If you land after midnight, taxi or Grab is your only option. There's no airport bus to speak of. The MRT station is in Terminal 2 and 3 — follow the signs.
Currency and ATMs etc
The Singapore Dollar (SGD/S$) is the currency. As of 2025, AUD $1 gets you roughly SGD $0.85-0.90 — so prices are roughly similar to Australia. Which means Singapore is expensive by Asian standards. Very expensive. Budget carefully, eat at hawker centres, and don't drink like you're in Bali. The good news: everything works — cards, ATMs, digital payments — no cash dramas here.
ATMs are everywhere — MRT stations, malls, 7-Elevens, bank branches. DBS, OCBC and UOB are the major local banks. Most ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard and Cirrus cards. Withdrawal fees depend on your Australian bank (check before you go — some charge SGD $5+ per withdrawal). Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimise fees. ATMs are reliable and well-maintained — this is Singapore.
Visa, Mastercard and Amex are widely accepted — even at hawker centres (many stalls now accept contactless and NETS). Apple Pay and Google Pay work almost everywhere. You can get through a Singapore trip barely touching cash. Some older hawker stalls and small shops are still cash only, but they're the minority now. Carry SGD $50-100 in cash as backup and you'll be fine.
If you need Singapore dollars in cash, use money changers rather than ATMs for better rates. The Arcade at Raffles Place, Mustafa Centre in Little India (24 hours!), and Lucky Plaza on Orchard Road have the best rates. Airport rates are poor — change just enough for the MRT fare into the city. Always compare rates between a few changers before committing.
Hawker centre meal: SGD $4-8. Coffee shop kopi: SGD $1.50-2. Starbucks: SGD $7-9. Beer at hawker centre: SGD $7-10. Beer at bar: SGD $14-20. Cocktail at a nice bar: SGD $22-35. MRT ride: SGD $1-3. Budget hotel: SGD $80-150/night. Mid-range hotel: SGD $200-400/night. Singapore is comparable to Sydney pricing on many things. It's NOT cheap Southeast Asia — adjust your expectations and budget accordingly.
Singapore has 9% GST (Goods and Services Tax) as of 2024. Restaurants and hotels add a 10% service charge on top, so you'll see "++%" on menus meaning the listed price plus 10% service plus 9% GST. A SGD $20 dish becomes SGD $23.80 after the plusses. Hawker centre prices include everything — what you see is what you pay. Tourists can claim GST refunds on purchases over SGD $100 at participating retailers through the eTRS scheme at the airport.
Tipping is not expected or customary in Singapore. The 10% service charge on restaurant bills covers it. Don't tip at hawker centres. Don't tip taxi drivers (they'll be surprised if you do). Don't tip hotel staff. This is one of the few countries where not tipping is genuinely the norm — nobody will think you're cheap. Round up if you want but it's not necessary or expected.
Wise (TransferWise) works perfectly for AUD to SGD transfers and offers excellent rates. If you're sending money to someone in Singapore, Wise to their DBS/OCBC/UOB account is the most efficient method. PayNow is Singapore's instant domestic transfer system — works with phone numbers and NRIC numbers. GrabPay is another digital wallet that tourists can use for Grab rides and some retailers.
Fun fact: the Brunei Dollar (BND) is interchangeable with the Singapore Dollar at a 1:1 rate. You can use Brunei notes and coins in Singapore and vice versa. If you receive Brunei currency in change, don't worry — it's worth the same. Most shops will accept it without question. This is one of the quirkier currency arrangements in the world.
Hotels and alcohol are where Singapore really hurts your wallet. A hotel that would cost AUD $100 in Bangkok costs SGD $200+ here. A night of drinking at bars can easily hit SGD $100-150 per person. Budget travellers should consider hostels (SGD $30-50/night for a dorm), eat at hawker centres exclusively, and pre-game before going out. Don't come to Singapore expecting Southeast Asian prices — you'll blow your budget in two days.
Use a travel card with no foreign transaction fees (Wise card, Up Bank, ING). Pay by card/phone everywhere to avoid exchange rate losses. Eat at hawker centres for 80% of meals. Drink at hawker centres or buy from 7-Eleven before 10:30pm. Take the MRT instead of taxis. Stay in a hotel near an MRT station to avoid cab fares. If you follow this playbook, Singapore is manageable — expensive but manageable. Ignore it and you'll burn through cash like it's kindling.
Traps and dangers — How to stay safe!
Singapore is one of the safest countries on Earth. Violent crime is almost non-existent. You can walk anywhere at any time of night without fear. Your biggest safety risks are getting sunburnt, spending too much money, and falling foul of the strict laws. This section is more about the rules than the risks — because in Singapore, breaking the rules IS the risk.
Singapore consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the world. Violent crime against tourists is virtually unheard of. Pickpocketing is rare. Women walk alone at night without concern. You can leave your laptop at a hawker centre table to queue for food and it'll be there when you get back (though don't push it). The police presence is visible but unobtrusive. This is as safe as it gets in Asia.
Singapore has mandatory death penalty for trafficking certain quantities of drugs — 15g of heroin, 30g of cocaine, 500g of cannabis. Possession of smaller amounts carries up to 10 years prison and caning. Drug testing can be requested by police and a positive result (even from use in another country) is treated as possession. This is non-negotiable, rigorously enforced and they will execute you. Don't bring drugs. Don't use drugs. Don't joke about drugs.
Singapore is called "The Fine City" for a reason — there are fines for everything. Chewing gum: illegal to import/sell. Jaywalking: SGD $50 fine (enforced). Eating/drinking on MRT: SGD $500 fine. Smoking in non-designated areas: SGD $1,000 fine. Littering: SGD $300 first offence, up to SGD $1,000 for repeat. Spitting: SGD $1,000. Not flushing a public toilet: SGD $150. These are real laws that are really enforced.
Vandalism carries mandatory caning. The most famous case: American teenager Michael Fay was caned in 1994 for vandalism despite US government protests. Don't scratch, write on, or deface anything. Don't stick stickers on things. Don't graffiti. This includes your accommodation — damage to property is taken extremely seriously. If you're from a culture where "street art" is cool, park that attitude at Changi.
Smoking is banned in most public places — malls, restaurants, parks, bus stops, within 5 metres of building entrances, and all indoor spaces. Designated smoking areas (yellow boxes painted on the ground) are scattered around but getting rarer. E-cigarettes and vapes are completely banned — possession carries fines up to SGD $2,000. If you smoke, bring regular cigarettes (declare them at customs — there's no duty-free allowance) and use designated areas only.
Singapore has very few scams compared to the rest of Southeast Asia. The main ones: taxi drivers taking longer routes (rare — use Grab), fake monks asking for donations, timeshare touts on Orchard Road, and overpriced bar tabs at some Clarke Quay venues. Nothing serious. Use common sense and you'll be fine. If someone's too friendly and it involves money, walk away — same rule everywhere.
Singapore is 1 degree north of the equator. It's hot and humid year-round — 30-35°C with 80-90% humidity. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are real risks, especially if you're walking around sightseeing all day. Drink water constantly, use sunscreen, wear a hat, and take breaks in air-conditioned spaces. The afternoon heat (noon-3pm) is brutal. Duck into a mall, have a kopi, and wait it out.
Singapore repealed its colonial-era ban on male homosexuality (Section 377A) in 2023, though same-sex marriage is not recognised. Singapore is generally tolerant in practice, especially in urban areas, but public displays of affection between same-sex couples can attract attention. The Pink Dot rally is held annually and has growing support. Overall, Singapore is more progressive than most of Asia but more conservative than Australia.
Medical facilities in Singapore are world-class — among the best in Asia. Public hospitals (SGH, NUH, TTSH) and private hospitals (Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles, Raffles) provide excellent care. But medical costs are HIGH — a GP visit can cost SGD $50-100, emergency room SGD $500+, and hospitalisation thousands per day. Travel insurance is not mandatory but you'd be mad to visit without it. Make sure your policy covers Singapore's medical costs.
You're safer in Singapore than you are in any Australian capital city. The only way to get in trouble is by breaking the rules — and now you know the rules. Follow them, use common sense, stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. Register with Smartraveller as a formality. The Australian High Commission is at 25 Napier Road (tel: +65 6836 4100). Enjoy the safest country in Southeast Asia.
Getting connected on arrival
Getting connected in Singapore is easy and the coverage is excellent — you're on a small island with world-class infrastructure. 4G covers the entire country and 5G is rolling out fast. Tourist SIMs are available at the airport, data is reasonably priced, and free WiFi is widespread. This is one of the few things in Singapore that's actually straightforward and affordable.
Singapore's largest telco with the best overall coverage. Their hi!Tourist SIM costs SGD $15 for 100GB data valid for 7 days, or SGD $30 for 14 days with 100GB. Available at Changi Airport (arrivals hall) and Singtel shops. Coverage is excellent everywhere on the island. If you want the most reliable option, go Singtel. Their counter at Changi is easy to find and staff will set it up for you.
The second-largest carrier. Tourist SIM packages similar to Singtel — SGD $12-30 for 7-14 days with generous data. Available at Changi and StarHub shops in malls. Coverage is essentially identical to Singtel for practical purposes — Singapore is tiny and all three carriers cover the whole island. StarHub sometimes has slightly cheaper tourist packages. Check both counters at the airport.
The third carrier. Competitive pricing and good coverage. Their tourist SIM is often the cheapest option. Available at Changi Airport. M1 also offers eSIM options for compatible phones. All three carriers are fine for tourists — the differences are minimal on an island this size. Pick whichever has the best deal when you land or whichever counter has the shortest queue.
Changi Airport arrivals hall is the easiest — all three carriers have counters. Staff will install, activate and test the SIM for you in minutes. Also available at any 7-Eleven (limited packages), carrier stores in malls (Singtel at 313 Somerset, StarHub at various malls), and electronics shops. Bring your passport — registration is required by law. The airport is by far the most convenient option.
If your phone supports eSIM, you can buy a Singapore eSIM from Airalo, Nomad or Holafly before you leave Australia. Prices from AUD $5-15 for a few days of data. Activated instantly, no physical SIM needed. Great for having data the moment you land. M1 and Singtel also offer eSIMs directly. If you're only in Singapore for a few days, an eSIM is the simplest option — no queuing at the airport.
Free WiFi is available at Changi Airport (unlimited), MRT stations (Wireless@SG), malls, Starbucks, McDonald's, most cafes and restaurants. Wireless@SG is a government initiative providing free WiFi across the island — register with your passport number through the app. Speeds are decent. Between your SIM data and ubiquitous WiFi, staying connected in Singapore is effortless.
Singapore has some of the fastest mobile data speeds in the world. 4G covers 100% of the island and 5G is expanding rapidly. You won't experience dead zones or slow data anywhere — underground MRT stations, inside buildings, everywhere works. Tourist SIM packages offer generous data (50-100GB) which is more than enough for any trip. Streaming, video calls, maps — everything works flawlessly.
WhatsApp is the dominant messaging app in Singapore — almost everyone uses it. Telegram is also popular. Facebook Messenger is used but less than in the Philippines. Local calls are cheap with tourist SIMs. International calls are best made via WhatsApp or FaceTime. If you need to call Australian numbers, use your tourist SIM's included minutes or a VoIP app to avoid roaming charges on your Aussie SIM.
You CAN use your Australian SIM in Singapore on roaming, but it'll cost you. Telstra, Optus and Vodafone charge AUD $5-10/day for international roaming packs with limited data. Over a week, that's AUD $35-70 for data you could get for SGD $15 with a local SIM. Unless your Aussie plan includes free Singapore roaming (some do — check), buy a local SIM. The savings are significant and the hassle is minimal.
If your phone is dual-SIM or supports eSIM: keep your Aussie SIM active for receiving SMS verification codes (banking, 2FA) and add a Singapore SIM or eSIM for data and local calls. This way you're connected on both numbers without paying roaming rates for data. Switch your data to the Singapore SIM and keep your Aussie SIM for calls and SMS only. Best of both worlds.
Where to go to relax, have a few beers and a feed, and meet other Aussies
Singapore has a massive Australian expat community — one of the largest in Asia. Estimates put it at 15,000-20,000 Aussies living in Singapore. There are Aussie pubs, Aussie social clubs, and entire neighbourhoods with a heavy Australian presence. You won't have trouble finding your people here. The challenge is affording the drinks.
Not specifically Australian but with a huge Aussie membership. A private members' club on Club Street that attracts professionals, entrepreneurs and creatives. If you're a working expat, this is a great networking spot. Events, talks and social gatherings regularly. Membership-based but you can visit as a guest. Popular with the Aussie finance and tech crowd who've made Singapore their base.
An Australian-themed bistro and bar at Robertson Quay. Aussie beers on tap, meat pies, burgers and big screens showing AFL, NRL and cricket. This is where Aussies in Singapore go to watch the footy. Anzac Day gatherings, State of Origin nights and Melbourne Cup events are packed. The food is decent pub grub and the beers are cold. If you're homesick, this is your spot. Prices are Singapore-level (SGD $14+ for a pint) but the atmosphere is pure Straya.
The main Aussie/Kiwi social organisation in Singapore. Regular events — trivia nights, family days, sports teams (cricket, rugby, netball, AFL), Anzac Day dawn service, and social drinks. Monthly newsletter and an active website. Great for families and for meeting Aussies across all walks of life. Membership is SGD $120/year. If you're staying in Singapore for any length of time, ANZA is the first thing to join.
A neighbourhood popular with expats, including a lot of Australians. Lorong Mambong has a strip of bars and restaurants. Wala Wala (live music), Harry's Bar and other venues are good for evening drinks. The vibe is more relaxed than Clarke Quay and the prices are slightly less eye-watering. Holland Village MRT makes it easy to get to. Good for a casual evening without the club scene chaos.
A quieter, more mature alternative to Clarke Quay. Restaurants and bars along the Singapore River with outdoor seating. Brewerkz (brewpub), SuperLoco (Mexican) and numerous other venues line the quay. Strong expat presence, including many Australians. The vibe is sophisticated but not stuffy — think Sunday afternoon beers by the river. Walking distance from Clarke Quay MRT.
Singapore has an active AFL community. The Wombats, Sharks and other clubs play in the Asian AFL league. If you play footy, you'll find a game. Even if you don't play, turning up to watch a local match and having beers with the players afterwards is a guaranteed way to meet Aussies. Check the Singapore AFL Facebook page for fixture dates. Grounds are usually at the Padang or Turf City.
Not a pub, but a massive park along the southeast coast that's popular with Aussie families and groups for weekend barbecues. You can rent BBQ pits, bring your own meat and beers, and spend the day by the sea. Cycling, rollerblading and running paths make it a recreation hub. East Coast Lagoon Food Village has excellent hawker food and cold beers. A great Saturday afternoon spot.
Sentosa's beach clubs (Tanjong Beach Club, Ola Beach Club, Rumours Beach Club) attract expats on weekends. Pool parties, DJs, overpriced cocktails and a beach vibe — it's the closest Singapore gets to a beach holiday. Pricey (expect SGD $20-30 per drink) but the atmosphere is good. Popular with younger Aussie expats. Book a daybed in advance for weekends — they sell out.
Cricket is huge among Aussie expats in Singapore. The Singapore Cricket Club (founded 1852, at the Padang) is the most prestigious, though membership is hard to get. Multiple social cricket leagues operate through ANZA and other clubs. Weekend cricket followed by beers is a time-honoured Aussie-in-Singapore tradition. Even if you're just visiting, rocking up to watch and offering to buy a round will get you instant friends.
Facebook groups: "Australians in Singapore," "ANZA Singapore," "Singapore Expats." InterNations has regular meetups. Meetup.com has dozens of active Singapore groups. The Aussie community in Singapore is well-organised, social and welcoming. One ANZA event will connect you to more Aussies than you can handle. And if all else fails, just walk into Boomarang on a Saturday arvo during footy season — you'll be among mates within minutes.