No visa is required for a tourist stay of 30 days or less for Canadians.

You must complete the Singapore Arrival Card online (free, here) in the days preceding your arrival.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Singapore.

In Singapore, the monsoon season generally runs from December to March (northeast monsoon) and from June to September (southwest monsoon).

In Singapore, your budget depends a lot on your travel style. As a backpacker, you can get by on around 50 to 80 CAD per day, staying in hostels, eating at hawker centres, and using public transport.

For a mid-range comfort trip (2–3 star hotel + restaurants + activities), expect around 120 to 250 CAD per day.

Accommodation is the biggest expense, while local food remains very affordable.

The official currency of Singapore is the Singapore dollar (SGD).

In Singapore, transportation is simple, efficient, and fairly affordable. The most convenient option is the MRT (metro) and buses, which cover the entire city and usually cost between 1 and 3 CAD per trip.

The transportation apps used are Uber and Grab.

Official taxis in Singapore are safe and reliable, but more expensive than public transport. They can be hailed on the street or taken from designated taxi stands.

The roads are impeccable, ultra-modern, and very well organized. Traffic is smooth, signage is clear, and the transport system is highly structured, making travel easy and fast even during rush hour.

Distances may seem larger than expected due to the city’s density, but everything is very well connected, especially thanks to the MRT, which allows efficient travel across the city.

In Singapore, ATMs are easy to find and extremely reliable. Visa and Mastercard cards generally work without any issues, so withdrawing cash is very straightforward.

Withdraw larger amounts to avoid fees, and decline the ATM conversion (choose the local currency). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, so there is no need to carry much cash.

The most common scam involves unofficial taxis or drivers refusing to use the meter. In Singapore, taxis are normally highly regulated, but some may try to offer a fixed price that is higher than expected. It is always better to insist on the meter or use Grab.

There can also be restaurants or bars in very touristy areas (such as Clarke Quay or Orchard Road) that add high service charges or inflated drink prices if this is not clearly displayed. Checking menus before ordering helps avoid this kind of surprise.

Another point is tourist traps around attractions (paid photos, unannounced services, etc.), but this is quite rare and very limited.

Overall, Singapore is very well regulated, and scams are much less common. The main risk is simply paying slightly more in very touristy areas if you are not paying attention to displayed prices.

No risk of yellow fever. However, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country, even in transit, where the disease is present. To see the list of countries at risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring yellow fever vaccination Here.

It is still recommended to be up to date with routine vaccines such as tetanus, diphtheria, polio, as well as hepatitis A (and sometimes hepatitis B depending on your travel style).

You can easily find accommodation through platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, or Airbnb.

I stayed at BEAT Arts Hostel @ Chinatown for $29/night in a dorm. It is one of the cheapest options in the city. The location is really perfect, right in the heart of Chinatown, so everything is within walking distance and the MRT is just nearby. The hostel is simple but clean, with a fairly social atmosphere without being too noisy. It is not a luxury place, but for a few nights it is ideal if you want something well located and affordable.

In Singapore, safety is excellent. It is one of the safest cities in the world, even for solo travelers and women. You can walk around day and night without much concern, and the crime rate is very low.

From my own experience, I felt extremely safe in Singapore. Whether during the day or in the evening, I moved around without worry and did not encounter any problematic situations. It is a destination where the sense of safety is truly present. That said, like everywhere, my experience is personal and can vary from one person to another, so it is always important to remain at least somewhat aware.

For a local SIM card, it costs about 12 to 30 CAD for 7 to 30 days depending on the plan. You can buy it directly at the airport or in stores.

I personally chose not to get a SIM card, because you can easily connect to free Wi-Fi in shopping malls, MRT stations, and public places. It is available almost everywhere, often without a password, which helps save money on data.

The law prohibits consuming alcohol in public places between 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m. 

E-cigarettes are illegal. Those found guilty may face fines or even imprisonment.

In Singapore, rules are very strict and several behaviors that may seem harmless elsewhere are considered serious offenses. It is illegal to cross the street anywhere, to litter, or to spit. It is also illegal to chew gum, except in very specific medical cases. Eating or drinking on the MRT is not allowed.

Certain public behaviors can also lead to fines or penalties, such as inappropriate conduct, vulgar language, overly demonstrative displays of affection, harassment, theft, or vandalism.

Singapore is known to be a fairly expensive city, but there are several simple ways to save money without sacrificing your experience. First, prioritize hawker centres (large local food courts) where you can eat delicious meals for just a few dollars, instead of tourist restaurants.

Withdraw cash in fewer transactions but in larger amounts to reduce bank fees. If possible, use a no-foreign-fee card.Withdraw cash in fewer transactions but in larger amounts to reduce bank fees. If possible, use a no-foreign-fee card.

For transportation, use public transit (MRT and buses), which are clean, efficient, and much cheaper than taxis.

For accommodation, try booking in advance or staying in slightly less central neighborhoods to pay less.

Take advantage of the many free activities: gardens, temples, and colorful districts like Chinatown or Little India—there is a lot to see without spending much.

Finally, avoid impulse shopping in luxury malls and opt for local markets for more affordable souvenirs.

In Singapore, same-sex relationships are not illegal.

However, 2ELGBTQI+ individuals may sometimes face discrimination or situations of detention related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

For transportation, I mainly used local transit—MRT, buses, and a lot of walking, which is by far the most practical way to get around the city.

For accommodation, I booked my hostel through Booking.com, which makes it easy to compare prices and locations.