Practical A–Z

German Citizens

Germans can enter Singapore visa-free for 90 days. You need:

• Passport with at least 6 months validity (ID card is NOT sufficient).
• SG Arrival Card: Since 2024, all travelers must fill out the SG Arrival Card electronically — up to 3 days before arrival via the ICA website or the MyICA app. Free, takes 5 minutes. There is no physical entry stamp anymore — everything is electronic.
• Return or onward flight ticket: May be required.

Payment

Singapore is almost completely cashless — credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted everywhere, even in many hawker centers (via QR code or contactless). Nevertheless: Have some Singapore dollars in cash for small hawker stalls and markets that only accept cash. ATMs are everywhere. No exchange needed — the airport exchange rate at DBS/OCBC ATMs is fair.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary and not expected in Singapore. Restaurants usually charge a 10% service charge and 9% GST (Goods and Services Tax) — recognizable by the "++" after the price on the menu (e.g., "15 SGD++" means 15 + 10% + 9% = approx. 18.30 SGD). In hawker centers: never tip.

Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world — and that's no exaggeration. The crime rate is extremely low, violent crimes against tourists are practically unknown, and you can move safely anywhere at any time of day or night.

What to Keep in Mind

• Pickpocketing: Occurs but is rare. Normal caution is sufficient — don't leave wallets unattended, be careful in tourist areas (Orchard Road, Marina Bay).
• Fraud: Occasionally, there are overpriced taxi rides (insist on the meter) and fake tours. Grab (app) bypasses the taxi problem.
• Heat: The biggest danger in Singapore is not crime, but the heat. Sunstroke and dehydration are real risks at 33°C and 90% humidity. Drink plenty of water (at least 2–3 liters/day), wear sunscreen, seek air-conditioned places during midday heat (12–3 PM).
• Dengue fever: Singapore has a year-round dengue risk (transmission by Aedes mosquitoes). Wear insect repellent, especially in the morning and evening. The government actively monitors and combats dengue — the NEA app shows dengue clusters.

Emergency numbers: 999 (police), 995 (ambulance/fire department). Non-emergency: 1800-255-0000 (police hotline).

Clothing

• Light, breathable clothing: Cotton or functional fabric. Singapore is hot and humid year-round — anything that doesn't breathe becomes torture.
• Light jacket or cardigan: Sounds crazy at 33°C, but Singapore's air conditioning is ice-cold. In malls, restaurants, the MRT, and cinemas, temperatures are often 18–20°C — the temperature shock when entering an air-conditioned building is real. A light jacket for indoor spaces is worth its weight in gold.
• Comfortable, ventilated shoes: Sandals or light sneakers. Flip-flops are ubiquitous and socially accepted in Singapore — even in some restaurants.
• Umbrella or light rain jacket: Tropical showers come without warning — a collapsible umbrella in the bag is a must.
• Clothing covering shoulders and knees: For temples and mosques (scarves are usually lent at the entrance, but your own clothing is more respectful).

What to Pack

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+): The equatorial sun is intense — even on cloudy days.
• Insect repellent: Dengue risk! A DEET-containing repellent is recommended.
• Adapter Type G: Singapore uses the British plug (Type G) — a travel adapter is necessary. Most hotels lend adapters for free at the reception.
• Reusable water bottle: Tap water is drinkable and excellent. Refilling saves money and plastic.
• Power bank: You'll be taking lots of photos — a power bank is sensible, especially for all-day trips.