Singapore Trip 2023 (Part 1) - General Information

It was my third time visiting Singapore and the first overseas trip after COVID-19 situation. My previous flight was transit to Japan (not counting as the 2nd time). I travelled with my parents and older brother so I visited few highlight sightseeing places (not focusing on popular photoshoot spots). I spent time here for 4 days 3 nights and my itinerary as below:

Day 1

- Flying from Bangkok to Singapore. 

- Arrived Singapore afternoon (1:30 pm.)

- Mustafa Centre

Day 2

- Vivo City / Harbourfront

- Universal Studio Singapore

- Chinatown

Day 3

- Little India

- Bugis

Day 4

- City Square Mall

- Jewel Changi Airport

- Going back to Bangkok

- Arrived Bangkok 17:30

I travelled to Singapore by Singapore Airlines. The ticket price is quite expensive (14,305 Baht/person) because I travelled during Songkran Festival (Thai New Year). In fact, I would purchase the ticket of Thai Airways but I tried to make a payment for twice but it was unsuccessful (might be system error). I used to fly with Singapore Airlines. Seat was comfortable and departure / arrival on time (not much late). That's why this time I chose Singapore Airlines again.

SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with Electronic Health Declaration must be submited within three  days prior to the date of arrival in Singapore. Submit SG Arrival Card via https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard/    You can select individual or group submission. The information required are passport number, accommodation in Singapore, contact, travel information. 

I arrived Changi Airport Terminal 3. After passed immigration process, the baggage reclaim was very close. The first one behind the immigration. I finished get my luggage, then I bought the sim card. I already bought 2 travel sim cards from Thailand (TRUE Travel Sim Asia). The original price is 399 Baht but I could buy them in special price from Lazada. I was not sure about the signal and internet speed so I bought 2 sim cards in Thailand and would like to buy 2 more sim cards in Singapore. You can also purchase Singapore sim card via Klook. The price is not expensive but I heard that some people cannot pick up at the airport because it was run out, must go to downtown instead. 

Sim Cards Information

1. TRUE Travel Sim Asia 399 Baht (Data 10GB in Singapore, 6GB in Thailand) - Speed is normal but not fast. Free sim eject tool in the package. You can activate the sim card online or go to TRUE Shop.

2. Sim2Fly 399 Baht (I used it for twice when flying to Japan)

3. hi! Tourist SIM Card by Singtel 12 SGD (Data 100 GB, 500 mins local calls, 30 mins International calls - Speed is great, provides a lot internet data. You can buy at Changi Airport or in downtown area. I bought it from Cheers convenience store and activate by myself. No sim eject tool. Use free wifi to download application, installed it, take your photo and passport for activation. You can check the remaining data on application. Beware! I got spam SMS and call but I rejected it. How to observe the spam call? I was in Singapore but the calling number was +65XXXXXX . It was domestic calling so +65 should not be shown. 

EZ-Link Card

EZ-Link card is a rechargeable smart card. You can use it for taking the bus, metro and purchase goods from convenience stores. I bought EZ-Link card at MRT Changi Airport. The first time paid 10 SGD; deposit 5 SGD (not refundable) so you can use only 5 SGD. You can top-up the value later at MRT Stations. The value must not be below 3 SGD. If you would like to top-up value, go to machine at MRT station (cannot be done at the counter). Some machine accepts only credit card and some accepts both cash and cards. Please prepare for small banknote. You can check the remaining balance at the machine before adding the value. The design of EZ-Link card is different. I got Winnie-the-Pooh card. You can buy EZ-Link card in other design from the machine. See details about EZ-Link vending machine. EZ-Link card is valid for use for 5 years from the date of issue. My remaining balance was about 2 SGD so I did not return card.

Singapore Tourist Pass

There are 4 types of tourist passes; Singapore Tourist Pass (1-3 days), SG Tourist Pass, Singapore Tourist Pass Plus and STP Charm.

The Singapore Tourist Pass offers unlimited travel on Singapore’s basic bus services, MRT and LRT trains for the duration that it is valid.

Singapore Tourist Pass (1 – 3 Days) $22/$29/$34

SG Tourist Pass (3 days) $29

Singapore Tourist Pass Plus (3 days)  $48

STP Charm (1 day) $36.90

You can compare each pass on Singapore Tourist Pass website.

I bought EZ-Link card instead of Tourist Pass. My trip 4 days 3 nights, I spent almost 15 SGD but the price of one day pass starts from 22 SGD. 

Calculate public transportation fare

You can check transportation fare on Land Transport Authority website. 

1. Select Fare Type: Adult / Student and etc.

2. Select Bus or MRT/LTR

3. Bus number or MRT Station

4. Click calculate fare

For example, travel from MRT Changi Airport to MRT Chinatown Station. Fare is 1.99 SGD. 

MRT Map

Ref: Visit Singapore Website

Moreover, I use Citymapper application for checking the bus number and timetable. 

Citymapper application:

IOS

Android

Website

I took the bus more than MRT as it was convenient and could enjoy city view. 

Singapore Part 2 -> Coming Soon