Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but going there as a tourist time and again doesn’t have to be a costly affair. Regardless of whether you’re headed there for business or pleasure, there are several ways to make your trip to the Lion City more affordable.
From budget-friendly accommodations to affordable world-class dining, we’ve got ten ways to help you save money on your next trip to this dynamic city.
Photo by Joshua Ang on Unsplash
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Use SIM-Only Plans
You’ll need your phone while you’re in Singapore, but using your current SIM card to access data and call people back home might get expensive. If you’re headed to Singapore, consider getting a SIM-only plan from either one of the major telcos or from the smaller MVNO providers.
These plans, which can come with various inclusions, are often a good choice because they offer much lower rates than traditional phone-with-device plans. And when you’re done with your trip, you can simply ditch the SIM card or keep it if you plan to go back to Singapore in the next couple of months. To get the best deals, make sure to do a SIM only plan comparison using a dedicated metasearch engine before you arrive in the city-state.
Book Your Flights Early
This doesn’t just apply to visitors to SG but to all air travellers as well. Booking your flight tickets well in advance is a wise pre-travel move because it can make a huge difference when it comes to stretching and making the most of your budget. Oftentimes, the difference between booking 6 months in advance and booking at the airport ticket counter is worth at least a few nights of hotel accommodations. Given how expensive Singapore can be, this is a basic traveller’s tip that you should never ignore.
Stay in Budget Accommodations
The Singaporean hospitality industry is well aware of how expensive the city can be. As a result, plenty of local entrepreneurs have put up a variety of budget-friendly accommodations, including hostels, Airbnb units, and budget hotels. While not all these places wil be considered ideal by every kind of travellers, they are, nonetheless, a great way to save money on your stay. This is especially true when you consider how well-interconnected the entire country is through its public transportation infrastructure, which makes the specific location of your accommodations a non-issue.
Use Public Transportation
Speaking of public transportation, you should remember that Singapore has a city-wide multimodal public transportation system that is as affordable as it is extensive and convenient. The city-states public transport infrastructure comprises several options, including the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and LRT (Light Rail Transit) train systems as well as commuter buses, with ride-share vehicles and taxicabs filling out the few gaps in the network although being a bit more expensive than the mass transit options. The trains and buses, in particular, are quite affordable by most standards, so you may want to plan your itinerary around them and choose to visit places that are reachable through these transport options.
Purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass
If you’re going to be using the public transportation network a lot, consider purchasing one of the different types of Singapore Tourist Pass. These passes are popular among tourists because offer one to three days of unlimited rides on buses and trains for a fixed price. This makes them a very cost-effective way to explore the city, and a popular option for people who are wanting to save money in particular.
Eat at the City’s World-Renowned Hawker Centres
Singapore is known among international foodies for its delicious street food. And for transient tourists and business travellers desiring an authentic Singapore street food experience, hawker centres are the best places to go. Hawker centres are special food courts that offer a wide variety of local culinary delights at affordable prices, which are all the more remarkable given how expensive almost everything else is in Singapore. They’re not just a great option for budget travellers either; they’re a must-visit for all first-time travellers to SG.
Use Ride-Hailing/Ride-Sharing Services
If you have mobility issues or if you’re in a hurry, consider taking taxis and ride-sharing services, which don’t make stops and thus present a faster and more convenient way to get around Singapore. However, if you don’t have an appointment, don’t mind the slight inconvenience of walking, don’t have a condition that limits your mobilty, and want to save cash, you may want to skip the taxis and instead consider using app-based ride-sharing services like Grab or Gojek. Singapore’s taxis aren’t bad at all, but the services offered by Grab and Gojek are usually cheaper, particularly outside of rush hour.
Shop at Local Markets
Singapore’s more modern malls are pretty impressive, but they’re hardly the best places to find great deals. The country’s older local markets are, by far, better places to stretch your budget. Depending on the particular market you’re intending to visit and on the items you’re looking for, you’re bound to find a range of products at affordable prices.
Just a word of caution. While you can expect modest discounts for buying multiple items from the same dealer, haggling for better prices is usually considered a faux pas in most instances.
Check Out Local Discount Voucher Websites
You can’t haggle much in Singapore, but you can get exclusive discounts on all kinds of items and experiences. Singapore is voucher-made, with several local discount voucher websites offering great deals on dining, shopping, and shows. To stretch your budget further, be sure to check these sites out before you visit.
Visit the City’s Many Free Attractions
Singapore has many free attractions, including several museums, art galleries, and gardens. While it’s almost certain that most of these places will offer exclusive perks for those who can pony up a bit of cash for premium or exclusive tickets, the basic experience will probably be more than enough for a lot of visitors.
Singapore may be expensive but visiting it doesn’t have to ruin your finances. By following these cash-saving tips, you’ll get an unforgettable experience in the Lion City even on a tight budget.
