Travel Safety in Singapore: Warnings and Dangers

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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.

Weather

Singapore has a tropical climate with high rainfall. The country is frequently impacted by intense thunderstorms and flooding, particularly during the country’s two monsoon seasons: the Northeast Monsoon, which runs from December to March, and the Southwest Monsoon, which lasts from June to September. . 

In addition to heavy rains, Singapore commonly experiences dangerously high temperatures, with an additional 122 dangerous heat days occurring in 2024 than in previous years. Travelers should stay hydrated, remain indoors during peak heat hours, and learn to recognize the signs of heat stroke, especially if out sightseeing on a hot day. 

Crime

Any time you are walking around in Singapore (during the day or night), be aware of potential pickpockets. 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 looking to prey on tourists.

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 operating underground illegal gambling opportunities. Balestier is also known for various illegal gambling circuits that involve gang members.

Driving

Singaporeans drive on the left side of the road, and the driver’s seat is situated on the front right of the vehicle. Travelers from countries that drive on the right side of the road will want to exercise increased caution when operating a rental car and extra awareness when crossing the street. 

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Taxi Scams

One of the biggest travel scam worries in any destination 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.

Some 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 $18 to $30, but many tourists report being charged $40 and up, proving they have been cheated by the cab drivers themselves.

Laws to Know

The laws in Singapore are much stricter and more harshly enforced than many tourists may be aware. For example, chewing gum is banned nationwide and spitting gum on the streets or bringing too much into the country can result in fines of up to $1,000. Similarly, littering carries the hefty consequence of a $300 fine and potentially a spell of community service. More serious crimes like vandalism incur high fees and potential flogging. 

Singapore’s laws against drugs are notoriously zero-tolerance and can result in deportation, jail-time, and physical punishment. These laws apply both to possession and to any travelers who fail a drug test, which authorities are cleared to perform on any travelers entering the country even for a layover. Some common prescription medications, such as those for high blood pressure and diabetes, may also be subject to restrictions and require an approval prior to traveling.

Vaccinations and Health Risks

In addition to the routine vaccinations recommended for all travelers, the CDC recommends visitors to Singapore consider the following:

• Typhoid Vaccine for those visiting rural areas
• Yellow Fever Vaccine required for travelers arriving from countries at high risk for Yellow Fever, including layovers of more than 12 hours

There is also a risk for mosquito-born illnesses in Singapore including Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, and Zika. Make sure to use appropriate insect repellent and cover exposed skin when venturing into high risk areas. 

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