7 Common Mistakes Tourists Make in Singapore and How to Avoid Them
The ultra-modern city-state with efficient mass transport, multi-cultural heritage and ultra-modern architecture and world-famed cleanliness, Singapore is one of the most dynamic travel-destinations in the whole of Asia. Singapore is a memory travel destination, with its iconic places and sites including Marina bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, and its delicious street food which are hawker centre sold delicacies. However, despite its elegant surface, the city obeys some strict laws, peculiarities of the customs, and specifications of traveling which can easily astonish a first-time visitor.
Be it a weekend trip or a prolonged vacation, you must consider planning your trip in advance and be aware of the local expectations with the help of Singapore Tour Packages. By avoiding these typical mistakes, which include things like not realizing the visa policy or missing on an experience of local food, you not only complete your trip but also make your voyage respectful and immerse. Avoid these seven common mistakes and find out how to apply your Singapore travel visa stress-free before you make your application.
Here are the 7 Common Mistakes Tourists Make in Singapore and How to Avoid Them
1. Disregard of Visa Requirements.
Most tourists are under the assumption that they can just show up without having to research on their visa eligibility. Singapore follows a visa-free policy with a number of countries, but others require an advanced Singapore travel visa.
How to Avoid It:
It is best to visit the official site of ICA (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) or talk to a reputable travel agency before you book your trip. In case you are not sure, it is always better to obtain your Singapore Visa in advance so that you are not caught up at the immigration counter at the last minute.
2. Misjudging Stiff Local Laws
Singapore is notoriously rigid in the area of rules. Activities such as littering, chewing gum, jaywalking and even eating on the public transport are subject to hefty fines or even criminal charges.
How to Avoid It:
It is better to get acquainted with laws and regulations in advance. Naturally, you will have a great time on your trip, and you will not receive any unpleasant shocks, as you respect the public space and you are aware of the local customs.
3. Over-Packing and Failure to Dress according to the Climate.
Climate of Singapore is tropical and it is hot and humid all the year round. The other mistake that tourists commit is over packing or dressing badly especially to the temples or poshy places.
How to Avoid It:
Bring light breathable clothes and shoes that are comfortable. When you are planning your Singapore Holiday Package and you are including cultural visits then do remember to carry a shawl or a scarf which you can use to cover up when required mostly at religious places.
4. Forgetting the Public Transportation
The MRT and buses in Singapore are of world-class standards, but most tourists use either taxis or private transfers, which cost them more money than needed.
How to Avoid It:
It is worth investing in an EZ-Link card or Singapore Tourist Pass that allows you to travel on public transport as many times as you want. The MRT is a cheap, fast, and most importantly local way of exploring the city.
5. Fingers crossed that you donnot miss out on Hawker Centres!
A few tourists are afraid of hygiene issues in hawker centres or simply visit hotel restaurants and waste the chance to try traditional and affordable Singaporean food.
How to Avoid It:
Hawker centres such as Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat and Newton are hygienic, controlled and packed with delicious local fares. It is essential to try such food as Hainanese chicken rice or laksa to have an immersive experience.
6. Over scheduling and Missing Off the Beaten Track Attractions
Most tourists stick to Marina Bay Sands, Orchard Road, or Sentosa and miss out on the cultural spots such as Tiong Bahru, Little India, and Kampong Glam.
How to Avoid It:
Among the different Singapore Tour Packages, book the one that incorporates the famous places with the local communities and secret places. This paints a more detailed picture of the city beyond the glamorous surface.
7. Failure to Budget for Concealed Costs
Although small in size, Singapore is a very costly city in the world. One of the most common mistakes that tourists make is underestimating daily costs of food, transportation and attractions.
How to Avoid It:
Make your budget and try to take an all-inclusive Singapore Holiday Package. It usually covers boarding, transportation in the country, and admission to the key sites, so you do not have to face any unpleasant surprises.
Conclusion
Singapore is a spectacular combination of the modern and the ancient, so there is everything to please the traveler. However, failure to plan adequately may result in undue pressure and lost opportunities, in spite of the fact that it is a highly structured nation. Whether it is not researching the right type of Singapore Visa or not taking local etiquette seriously enough, these minor details can easily lead to larger travel nuisances.
The only sure way of maximizing your time in Singapore is to identify the best Singapore Holiday Package that will help you to visit the best places and to have an opportunity of mixing with the locals and tasting their culture. All these common tourist mistakes can be eradicated by being more conscious and preparing beforehand so that you can embrace everything that Singapore presents without fear. Next, get your Singapore travel visa, make a smart itinerary and be ready to spend the time of your life in one of the most thrilling locations in Asia.
