Singapore is unquestionably a paradise awash in greenery and home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks. And, while this is true, it is also true that the country can be a bit costly on some travellers’ wallets. However, this should not stop you from planning a trip here, as a vacation at Merlion Land is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But, to make sure it is, pay attention to our top 5 money-saving travel tips that you must remember when visiting the Lion City.
Know Where to Shop
There are more retail malls in Singapore than you could visit in a month. Even the ultra-modern Changi Airport is essentially one large mall with the occasional plane arriving or taking off. Many of these shopping centres are horrendously overpriced. Instead, do your souvenir and incidental buying in Chinatown and Little India’s cheap shops and tourist markets. Also, remember to haggle over the price. You might even be able to catch a flea market during your visit if you are lucky, they are usually roaming and temporary, so keep an eye out for them.
Budget Hostels Are a Great Alternative to Traditional Hotels
It is undeniable that staying in a hotel can be costly but there is no need to be discouraged, there are other lodging options available that will not break the bank. Budget hostels are a popular choice among travellers, with nightly rates as low as $15. If you do not mind sacrificing some privacy to share a room with other travellers, budget hostels are an excellent choice that will save you a lot of money. Plus, especially if you are travelling alone, it is a great chance to meet new people from all over the world.
Eat at Affordable Hawker Centres
Singapore has some of Asia’s top food courts, food halls, and hawker street shops. Instead of making a beeline for those well-known restaurants, visit a hawker centre during mealtimes. A good dinner may be had for about $4–6 in food halls, and the quality is often a grade above street cuisine. If you are in the mood for noodles soup, you can dine for less than $3. Food courts in upscale malls and at the base of practically every skyscraper are slightly more expensive than standalone food centres.
Make the Most of Freebies
Along the riverbank, esplanade, and city centre, savvy visitors will find art exhibits, public performances, and street entertainers. There is generally always free entertainment available, especially on weekends. Museum admission in Singapore is expensive. However, for special exhibitions, the entrance fee is waived on certain days or evenings each month. Promotion dates can be found on the counter and inside the many free attraction’s publications. There are a variety of tourist passes available that allow discounted admission to a variety of museums and sites.
Buy an EZ-Link Card
Let us be honest, walking from one location to another does not cost you any money. You do not always have the luxury of time to stroll when you need to get to your next destination quickly. When visiting Singapore, many visitors make the mistake of not purchasing the city’s superb transportation card. Instead, they pay for each bus or train ride, which adds up quickly. The LRT and MRT trains, as well as the efficient public bus system, accept the EZ-Link card. Instead of paying a fixed ticket, you can use an EZ-Link card to pay only for the distance travelled. You can just top up the card with as much money as you believe you will need because it works on stored value.