Singapore may be one of the most expensive cities in Southeast Asia, but you can still visit on a budget. Food, accommodations, and tourist attractions in this city-state generally cost more than in neighboring countries such as Thailand and Malaysia.
In some cases, prices are relatively close to those in the United States, so your expenses can add up quickly. That being said, Singapore is a fantastic place to visit.
It offers top-notch attractions, diverse culture, and world-famous cuisine, so high prices shouldn't deter you if you're deciding whether to visit.
If you want to visit Singapore but aren't sure how to cut costs, you can still have a great time in the Lion City without breaking your bank. Here are some ways to lower your travel costs when visiting Singapore.
1. Choose budget accommodations
Singapore has many world-class hotels with panoramic views of the Marina Bay area.
While these accommodations offer incredible amenities and stunning views, prices start at a few hundred dollars and up.
Luckily, Singapore also offers plenty of cheaper alternatives, from mid-priced hotels to hostels where a night costs between $20 and $40. For example, Chinatown has many budget-friendly options.
The good part about booking budget accommodation in Singapore is that you can easily get around on the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and reach downtown Singapore and other parts of the city within 20 minutes.
Another good tip is to book your accommodation early, especially if your trip falls during peak tourist season. If you book months before your trip, you can save tens to hundreds of dollars.
2. Use public transportation
Singapore has an excellent transportation system. If you plan to stay in the city for three days, I recommend buying a Singapore Tourist Pass at Changi Airport, available for one to three days. You can buy it at one of the vending machines at the train station.
A three-day pass costs 30 SGD (Singapore dollars). The pass allows access to trains and buses around Singapore and is a great way to save money.
As a rule, I would recommend skipping taxis. A single taxi ride can be pricey, depending on where you want to go.
Unless you are in a hurry or need to travel when public transportation isn't available, you can also use Singapore's version of Uber, called Grab.
All you have to do is download the app and request a ride. Grab is also popular in other destinations in Southeast Asia, but keep in mind that you always have to pay for your trips in cash.
3. Skip fancy restaurants
Singapore's cuisine is world-renowned. If you travel on a budget, you might think you can't indulge in those delicious dishes unless you are willing to spend tons of money. This assumption couldn't be further from the truth.
Singapore has plenty of eateries for any budget, letting you enjoy some of the most amazing food you've ever tried. Check out the city's hawker centers, large food areas typically located in open-air complexes.
Hawker centers are common in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia, and they're great for anyone who wants delicious food on a budget.
You can also find cheap meals in Singapore's ethnic neighborhoods, such as Chinatown.
One of Singapore's most popular hawker centers is the Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown. And it's not just tourists who come here to get a taste of traditional meals. You will also find plenty of locals enjoying the Chinese dishes.
However, if you don't want to wait in line, you can always grab a quick meal at one of the food kiosks throughout the city.
4. Choose free entertainment
Singapore has several landmarks that require an entrance fee. However, if you want to save money, it also offers tons of free options. For example, the Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay doesn't require an entrance fee.
The same applies to the famous light show that plays at 8 p.m. every night. However, if you want to visit the Cloud Forest, you will need to pay for a ticket.
Singapore Botanic Gardens, the city's only UNESCO site, also offers free entry. It's a fantastic place to walk around and enjoy free weekend concerts.
Are you craving a break from the big city? MacRitchie Nature Trail and Reservoir Park is a perfect place to hike and unwind. And the good news is it's free to enter.
Singapore has plenty to do. And the best part is, you don't have to spend a ton of money to enjoy it.
See also: How To Save Money for Your Next Trip
5. Visit cultural sites
Singapore is an incredibly diverse country full of contrasts, traditions, and history. It's made up of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Middle Eastern, and many other cultures, as shown in the city's ethnic neighborhoods.
After you explore Marina Bay, take some time to explore the city's impressive museums. A good number of them offer free entry, so you don't have to spend a single penny to learn about the culture and history of Singapore.
Among the free museums are:
- National Museum of Singapore, the oldest museum in Singapore that offers an overview of Singapore's history
- National Gallery Singapore, which houses an extensive collection of contemporary Singaporean and Southeast Asian artworks
- Singapore Art Museum, which boasts a large collection of modern art from around the world
If you want to learn more about the culture, visit a few temples scattered throughout Singapore.
For example, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, located in Chinatown, offers guided tours that showcase Buddhist artifacts and history. The temple is one of Chinatown's most prominent landmarks, with an impressive five-story design.
Not far from Buddha Tooth Relic Temple sits Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore's first Hindu Temple. You will easily spot it from a distance thanks to its entrance tower featuring dozens of mythological sculptures from Hindu culture.
If you happen to visit this temple in the evening, you will have an opportunity to observe one of the colorful rituals that take place every night.
6. Skip bottled water
Singapore water is safe to drink, and you can find water fountains throughout the city. With high humidity, refilling your water bottle several times a day will quickly add up to significant savings. Doing so will also cut back on single-use plastic and help the environment.
7. Hit the beach
While Singapore doesn't boast idyllic beaches like neighboring Thailand or Malaysia, you can find a decent-sized beach on Sentosa Island and other places about 30 minutes from the city.
While you have to hop around on the MRT, you will be able to find a stretch of the beach and take a refreshing swim. Visiting the beach is free. All you have to do is pay for the transportation.
8. Save the tips
Tipping is not common in Singapore culture. Whether you are in a taxi or a restaurant, you are not required to leave a tip. This might come as a surprise to American travelers used to tipping customer service workers.
9. Shop smart
Singapore is known for its big shopping scene. Orchard Road, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and Raffles City Shopping Center have tons of stores that attract locals and tourists alike. You probably won't find many deals there unless you shop during sales or special events.
A great alternative to Singapore's pricey malls is Mustafa Center in Little India. While the quality of certain things might be questionable, you will surely find virtually anything here at very low prices.
10. Learn Singapore laws
Singapore is famous for its strict rules, so it shouldn't come as a surprise to you that some carry hefty fines and even more severe punishments.
To avoid getting in trouble and ultimately ruining your dream vacation, make sure to do some research on Singapore laws before visiting the country.
Conclusion: Singapore is a great place to visit whether you travel on a budget or not. The city has a myriad of restaurants, accommodations, and attractions for every price point, so if you are trying to save up, don't think that you will be priced out.
Careful research and planning ahead are the two main ways to enjoy your trip on a budget. So don't be afraid; go ahead and book your trip to Singapore!
