Visiting Singapore on a Budget: Top 20 Money-Saving Tips
Are you dreaming of exploring the dazzling streets of Singapore but worried about the expenses? Fret not! Our comprehensive guide to visiting Singapore on a budget will show you how to navigate this enchanting city-state without emptying your wallet. From the aromatic hawker centers serving up delectable dishes for just a few dollars to the lush green parks offering free respite from the city’s hustle, Singapore is a treasure trove of budget-friendly wonders. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family looking for adventure, our insider tips will ensure your Singaporean sojourn is both memorable and affordable.
20 Tips for Visiting Singapore on a Budget
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Lion City with our savvy guide to visiting Singapore on a budget. Discover how easy it is to enjoy this vibrant city-state’s attractions, cuisine, and culture without spending a fortune.
1. Finding Cheap Flights to Singapore
Securing a budget-friendly flight to Singapore can significantly reduce your travel expenses. Start by comparing prices on flight aggregator websites like Aviasales or WayAway, which offer a comprehensive view of the best deals across various airlines. Booking in advance and being flexible with your travel dates can lead to substantial savings. Keep an eye out for promotions and set up price alerts to snag the lowest fares. Remember, flights from regional hubs often offer the best rates.
2. Picking the Best Time to Visit Singapore Cheaply
The ideal time to visit Singapore on a budget is between February and April. This period falls outside the peak tourist season, ensuring better deals on accommodation and attractions. Additionally, it coincides with the dry phase of the northeastern monsoon, offering pleasant weather for exploring the city. Avoiding public holidays and school vacation periods can also help you avoid price surges.
3. Planning the Trip and Benefiting from the Singapore Go City Pass
To maximize your savings, consider purchasing the Singapore Go City Pass. This pass offers entry to multiple attractions at a discounted rate, allowing you to visit unlimited sites over a set number of days. Planning your itinerary around the pass can help you see more while spending less. Be sure to check the pass options and choose one that aligns with your interests and travel schedule.
4. Utilize Public Transport
Singapore’s public transportation system is efficient, extensive, and economical. Take advantage of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and buses to navigate the city. Purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited travel within a specified duration, starting from just 10 SGD.
5. Savor Local Delights at Hawker Centers
Immerse yourself in Singapore’s culinary scene without breaking the bank by dining at hawker centers. These bustling food hubs offer a plethora of affordable and hygienic options. For instance, a hearty serving of the iconic chicken rice at Hawker Maxwell in Chinatown is a steal at under 5 SGD. Venture to Changi Village Hawker Center, and you’ll find scrumptious meals for as little as 3 SGD.
Read more: The Best Singapore Food Tour in 3 Days Like a Local
6. Drinking Tap Water in Singapore
Tap water in Singapore is safe to drink and meets international standards set by the World Health Organization. It undergoes rigorous purification processes, making it perfectly fine to consume straight from the tap. This means you can save money and reduce plastic waste by refilling a reusable bottle instead of purchasing bottled water.
7. Embrace the Local Brew with Kopi
Forego the fancy lattes and cappuccinos at upscale cafes, which can set you back at 6 SGD. Instead, opt for Kopi, a traditional Singaporean coffee, meticulously hand-roasted through 15 distinct processes. A robust cup of Kopi is a local morning staple, available for just 1.2 SGD. Seek out neighborhood spots away from the tourist trail, and you could indulge in a complete breakfast set, including Kopi, coconut jam-slathered toast, and soft-boiled eggs, all for a mere 3 SGD.
8. Leverage Free Wi-Fi Hotspots
Singapore offers an extensive network of free Wi-Fi hotspots known as Wireless@SG. This service is available in many public areas, allowing you to stay connected and save on data roaming charges.
9. Avoid Touristy Beach Bars for Budget-Friendly Fun
Sentosa Island, known for its luxury resorts and pricey establishments, can dent your wallet with a single beer costing up to 16 SGD. A savvy alternative is the Changi Beach area, where the Stella Lounge offers draft beers for around 13 SGD. This locale also boasts a variety of dining options with meals under 10 SGD at popular eateries.
10. Economical Stays at Love Hotels
For cost-effective accommodation, consider love hotels, which offer hourly rates for their good value. Hotel 81 Chinatown is a notable example, with rooms priced at 95 SGD. These hotels are commended for their cleanliness, ample space, central location, and the privacy of en-suite bathrooms, unlike budget motels.
11. Affordable Souvenirs at Local Markets
For visiting Singapore on a budget, skip the high-end stores and head to local markets like Bugis Street Market or Mustafa Centre. You’ll find a wide array of souvenirs, from keychains to spices, all at wallet-friendly prices.
12. Free Walking Tours Discover
Singapore’s rich history and culture with free walking tours offered by various organizations. These tours cover significant landmarks and provide insightful commentary without costing a dime.
13. Explore Free Attractions
While Singapore is home to renowned but costly attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and Marina Bay Sands’ observation deck, charging 62 and 32 SGD respectively, there are plenty of free alternatives. Art aficionados can visit Gillman Barracks, a hub for contemporary art, or the NUS Museum. Additionally, the Esplanade, affectionately dubbed the “Durian Theater”, frequently hosts complimentary outdoor concerts.
13.1. Enjoy Panoramic City Views from Public Spaces
Instead of paying for observation decks, visit skyscrapers with publicly accessible areas like the Pinnacle@Duxton’s 50th-story sky bridge or the Marina Bay Sands’ lobby for stunning city views.
13.2. Go on a Self-Guided Street Art Tour
Singapore’s street art scene is vibrant and tells stories of the city’s past and present. Areas like Haji Lane and Tiong Bahru are adorned with murals that make for a colorful and free art tour.
13.3. Enjoy the Greenery at Community Parks
Singapore’s community parks are free to enter and offer a serene escape from the urban bustle. Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and East Coast Park are perfect for picnics, cycling, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll. Additionally, Fort Canning Park is one of the top Instagrammable spots in Singapore.
13.4. Utilize the Free Heritage Trails
Singapore’s National Heritage Board offers a series of self-guided Heritage Trails. These trails are not only free but also provide a deep dive into the city’s rich history and culture. You can explore historical districts, such as the Jubilee Walk or the Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail, at your own pace while learning about Singapore’s past and present.
13.5. Experience the Heartlands
Venture into Singapore’s heartland neighborhoods like Toa Payoh or Ang Mo Kio. These areas are rich in local culture and offer affordable shopping and dining options that are popular with residents.
13.6. Visit Religious Sites
Singapore’s religious diversity is on full display at its numerous temples, mosques, and churches, many of which welcome visitors at no cost. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown and the Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam are two such examples.
13.7. Check Out Local Libraries
The National Library of Singapore and its branches offer a quiet retreat and a chance to read up on Singapore’s history and culture. They also host free exhibitions and events.
13.8. Opt for Free Cultural Experiences
Singapore is rich in culture and history, and there are numerous opportunities to immerse yourself in it without spending a cent. Attend free cultural performances at the Esplanade or explore the heritage galleries at the National Museum of Singapore on free admission days. This way, you can enrich your travel experience while keeping your budget intact.
Wrapping Up Your Budget-Friendly Singapore Adventure
As we conclude our guide to visiting Singapore on a budget, remember that the key to an affordable yet enriching trip lies in smart planning and local insights. From savoring hawker fare to enjoying free cultural gems, Singapore welcomes you to experience its diversity without the hefty price tag. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure that’s as kind to your wallet as it is to your wanderlust. Safe travels and enjoy your budget-friendly exploration of Singapore!
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READ MORE ABOUT SINGAPORE
Embark on a journey through our comprehensive collection of articles on Singapore, each one crafted to unveil the myriad of treasures this vibrant city-state has to offer. From hidden gems tucked away in quaint neighborhoods to bustling hawker centers serving up a feast for the senses, our blog is your ultimate guide to exploring Singapore like a local. Dive deeper into our insightful content, and you’ll discover a wealth of tips, tricks, and itineraries that promise to make your travel experience both memorable and affordable. So whether you’re planning your next adventure or just daydreaming about tropical escapes, let our blog be the compass that guides you through the enchanting streets of Singapore. Read on and start plotting your Singaporean saga today!
Khoi Nguyen
Khoi Nguyen builds The Broad Life with a desire to inspire people go exploring the world and live a more interesting, experience, and adventurous life. This blog shares the stories, pictures, and experiences at destinations where he has traveled to.
16 Comments
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Karen Morse
Your tip about visiting during the off-peak season is gold. I mean, who wouldn’t want to escape crowded spaces and save a few bucks? And the free walking tours? I’m already daydreaming about soaking in all that culture and history without spending a dime.
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Claudia
These are excellent tips because they work for Singapore and anywhere else you might visit. I’m a big fan of exploring cultural experiences that aren’t a paid tourist trap. Great tips all around.
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Catherine Kay
This article on visiting Singapore on a budget is incredibly helpful! The top 20 money-saving tips you provided are practical and easy to follow, making it possible to enjoy all that Singapore has to offer without breaking my piggy!
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Catherine Kay
This article on visiting Singapore on a budget is incredibly helpful! The top 20 money-saving tips you provided are practical and easy to follow, making it possible to enjoy all that Singapore has to offer without breaking my piggy!
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Krystle
The hawker center looks like a great place to grab a bite. Great news on being able to drink tap water too.
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Isabellita
I Love this guide! Excited to explore Singapore’s budget-friendly gems on my upcoming trip!
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Khoi Nguyen
Thanks for your comment! And have a great trip to Singapore!
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Kimberley asante
Your tips for visiting Singapore on a budget are awesome! I love how you’ve shown that it’s possible to experience the best of the city without breaking the bank—definitely bookmarking this for future trips!
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Richard Lowe
I’ve never been to singapore. From your tips and description, it sounds like a nice place to visit.
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Tameka
I was sold at You can drink the Tap water. Lol so many people underestimate how much they actually spend on purchasing bottled water while travelling.
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Melanie E
I haven’t yet been to Singapore but your tips will help me make load of savings. Good to know about the free atrractions you can visit.
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Nikki wayne
This is a nice tips for saving a money when you are TRAVELING in singapore i. A tight busget because even if you are in a budget you are enable to do a lot pf things there.
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Michelle
Singapore looks like an incredible place to visit! I would love to go and visit all of these spots one day soon.
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Julie
these budget tips for visiting singapore are just what I was looking for. yOu have the best information here that is so useful to our upcoming trip. I want to see the spiral staircase!
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Fransic verso
This is very helpful, traveling can be expensive, and going on a budget will get a great experience while still traveling.
Dawn MCAlexander
I have visited a lot of countries where you couldn’t drink the tap water. I am glad you can in Singapore. THat is definitely a money saver!