Tips on Singapore Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!

Singapore Warnings and Dangers

Whether you are visiting Singapore to shop, enjoy entertainment, or tour the sights, remaining alert and aware of your surroundings at all times is imperative to stay safe.

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Traveling By Taxi

One of the biggest worries is around taxis, which most tourists opt to use when visiting Singapore for their first time. Before getting into a taxi cab, verify the cab company and ensure each cab you take has cab numbers that can be tracked and properly reported if necessary.

Many cab drivers in Singapore charge more for rides than you originally may have agreed to pay.  Always ask for a receipt after each cab ride you take and keep receipts on hand to dispute any potentially fraudulent charges you encounter during your trip. The average ride from Singapore’s City Hall to the airport usually ranges from $15 to $18, but many tourists report being charged $40 and up, proving they have been cheated by the cab drivers themselves.

Pickpocketing Crimes on the Rise

Any time you are walking around in Singapore (during the day or night), be aware of potential pickpocketing thieves. Keep all of your valuables out of sight, even if you are visiting a popular market during the middle of the day. Store your wallet and money in a location that is not easy to reach or remove from your body. Avoid using purses and bags with long straps to keep from becoming a potential target of a thief or a gang looking to prey on tourists.

Prostitution

Prostitution is common in Singapore. Sex shop and massage parlors are common venues for scams and illegal work.

Gangs and Crime

Gangs are prevalent in some of the common tourist areas, including Joo Chiat, Geylang, Orchard Towers, and Balestier. While Geylang is known for its extensive nightlife and gambling, it is also home to many gangs controlling prostitutes and operating underground illegal gambling opportunities. Balestier is also known for various illegal gambling circuits that involve gang members.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Singapore Travel Guide
• Singapore Nightlife – Clubs, Bars & Nightlife Tips
• Singapore Transportation – Taxi, Train, Bus & Airport Tips

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Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings or dangers in Singapore.