Safe Travel in Singapore

Singapore is well-known for being one of the safest travel destinations in the world and is especially recognized for being well-regulated, strictly law-enforcing and exceptionally clean.

The fact that it is extremely safe is most likely as a result of the zero tolerance policy for major offenses. The crime-rate in Singapore is very low and even chewing gum in the streets is forbidden. Justice for law-breakers in Singapore can be swift and harsh and it is therefore essential for visitors to be aware of the country’s rules and regulations before entering.

It is illegal to smoke within 15 meters of any covered walkway and fines are issued for the majority of minor offenses, such as, spitting on sidewalks, littering and jaywalking.

Shoplifting is considered to be a serious transgression in Singapore, with punishment being a few months in jail.

Very strictly enforced is the death penalty for murder cases and drug trafficking and/or consumption and the web is littered with horror stories of travellers meeting devastating fates as a result of drug possession in Singapore.

Drug laws in Singapore

A number of travellers in Singapore over the years have been convicted and executed and it is wise to stay clear of all illegal drugs before entering Singapore and especially during your stay in the country itself.

Officers are stationed at Changi Airport and Customs occasionally enforces mandatory drug test and spot urine tests at the airport. The zero-tolerance approach is consistent with Singapore’s authoritarian law enforcement culture where stringent laws are mercilessly applied to discourage even the pettiest of crimes. Travellers who do not abide by the stringent rules should expect the law to come down hard on their misdemeanours.

Tourist scams and other tourist-oriented crimes

Thankfully tourist scams, pickpocketing and other dangers are very unlikely for locals and travellers of Singapore.

Another plus for visitors, as a result of the severe crime laws, is the honesty and safety associated with traveling via taxi. Taxi rides are relatively inexpensive and are run completely by the meter- what you see on the meter is what you pay, and there are no hidden fares or taxi tourist scams. All travellers of the Asian continent will realize how rare this is. The laws on taxi drivers and dishonesty are very strict and it is very seldom that a driver will attempt asking for more.

The public transport is very reliable in general and absolutely spotless and it is forbidden to consume any food and beverages in any of the MRT stations or in the trains themselves.

Despite the safe climate of Singapore, it is always advisable to take the necessary precautions when traveling; and although the locals in Singapore are generally honest, the other foreigners have been known to steal other travellers’ valuables.

Medical care in Singapore

Visitors on holiday in Singapore, or those traveling around the area, can rest assured that there are excellent medical facilities available should one need emergency medical attention, treatment or surgery. Although increasing in price, medical fees are relatively modest in Singapore, at least compared to the United States, and health insurance is recommended.

Fortunately if you have a good travel insurance, you can easily claim from a Singaporean hospital or practitioner and rest assured that you will be in good hands for your medical needs. The superb facilities and abundance of healthcare resources make it easier for travellers who fall ill or get injured in Singapore. The medical services in private and public hospitals in Singapore are highly regarded across the world and all hospitals are equipped with the latest in medical equipment and maintain a high standard of medical care and professionalism.

Singapore is also a world-renowned medical tourism hub, with patients across the globe visiting the country for vital and optional medical procedures. While medical costs are naturally lower in public hospitals in comparison to private hospitals, non-Singaporeans will pay an additional 30 per cent premium over the fees charged to locals.

Although there is no risk of yellow fever in Singapore, it is required by the government to get a Yellow Fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever to prevent the entering of the viral infection. Travellers from these countries will need to show immunization records on arrival.

Currency

The Singapore Dollar (SGD) is Singapore’s local currency and is divided into 100 cents. The currency of Brunei is also a legal tender, with a 1:1 exchange rate. Other currencies, such as US Dollars, Australian Dollars, Yen and Pounds Sterling are also accepted in many hotels and large shopping malls. Travellers will encounter no problems at all in changing their foreign currencies, travellers’ cheques and personal cheques for Singapore Dollars in any of the plentiful moneychangers and backs scattered across the island. ATMS can be found all over the country and all major credit cards are accepted with no trouble at all. This is excellent news for visitors looking to take advantage of Singapore’s diverse shopping scene and tax-free retail situation.

Alcohol in Singapore

It is also important for travellers to be aware of Singapore’s extremely high alcohol taxes. Not only is Singapore an expensive city to live and travel in, it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world to drink in.

The duties placed on alcoholic beverages are based on the amount of alcohol contained rather than the volume of the beverage. Authorities stare that taxing liquors on alcohol content is a fairer approach as there is a direct relation between alcoholic strength and its tax rate.

Authorities also testify that the high alcohol tax rate is enforced for social and environmental reasons. The duty rates are around USD48 per litre of alcohol for beer, stout, cider and perry. All other spirits or other types of liquor are around USD70 per litre. Entering the country with chewing gum or tobacco products must be declared or be met with heavy fines and possible imprisonment.

As one can see, the safety in Singapore comes with a few costs and sacrifices for travellers and locals but with the low crime rate, beautifully clean city and honest locals; it’s not difficult to weigh up the pros and cons of visiting this unique destination.