Is Singapore Safe to Visit? Everything You Need to Know

As a globetrotting Indian looking to explore exciting new corners of the world, you may be wondering: Is Singapore safe to visit? The good news is, that this tiny island nation is one of the safest destinations on the planet.

With its strictly enforced laws, low crime rates, and high standards of health and hygiene, Singapore offers a secure, stress-free environment for tourists.

So let’s dive in and discover how to stay safe and make the most of your Singapore adventure!

Is Singapore Safe to Visit Right Now?

The short answer is a resounding yes. Singapore is widely regarded as one of the safest cities in the world, with a safety profile similar to famously secure destinations like Dubai.

Thanks to strict law enforcement and a government that prioritizes public safety, the crime rate in Singapore is extremely low compared to global standards.

Just how safe is Singapore? Let’s look at the numbers:

According to the Crime Index by Numbeo, Singapore scores really well relative to other cities on safety indexes:

Crime Index Score	Safety Scale Rating
22.6 (low: less incidence of crime)	77.3 (high: greater level of safety)

In comparison, London has a crime index score of 48.37! These numbers prove that Singapore is a safer city than most others, especially among Southeast Asian countries.

General Safety Tips for Travelers in Singapore

While the odds of facing any safety issues as a tourist in Singapore are low, it never hurts to be prepared. Here are some general tips on how to stay safe in Singapore:

Respect Local Customs and Laws

Following local customs is the best way to stay on good terms with Singaporeans and steer clear of any legal trouble. A few key things to keep in mind:

• Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting temples or mosques. Follow any posted dress codes.

• Avoid littering, as it can incur severe fines. Carry a bag to properly dispose of any waste.

• Refrain from public displays of affection, which are generally frowned upon in Singapore’s conservative society.

• Singapore has strict laws against littering, and chewing gum (except therapeutic gum) is prohibited. Dispose of trash properly to avoid hefty fines.

• Only consume alcohol in licensed areas like pubs, restaurants, and hotels. Public drunkenness is a big no-no.

• Acts of vandalism, including graffiti or damaging public property, carry severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or caning.

• E-cigarettes and vapes are banned, and taxes are imposed on bringing cigarettes as well.

Protect Yourself from the Climate

Singapore’s tropical rainforest climate means high humidity and temperatures year-round. To stay safe and comfortable:

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

• Wear loose, lightweight, breathable clothing in fabrics like cotton or linen.

• Use sunscreen and schedule outdoor activities during cooler hours to prevent heat exhaustion.

Traffic and Pedestrian Safety

Singapore’s roads and footpaths are well-maintained and safe for pedestrians. However, there are still a few traffic safety tips worth noting:

• Jaywalking is an offense in Singapore that attracts a spot penalty of SGD 20 for first-time offenders.

• If driving, remember that Singapore has right-hand traffic (opposite to India’s left-hand driving). You’ll need a valid license and an International Driving Permit.

• Carefully follow posted speed limits: typically 60 km/h in urban areas and up to 120 km/h on highways.

• Avoid driving under the influence at all costs. Singapore has a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving – even trace amounts of alcohol can lead to heavy penalties.

• Buses, taxis, and the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) are the preferred modes of public transport in Singapore.

Women’s Safety

Singapore is widely regarded as one of the safest countries for women travelers. The city-state’s low crime rates and robust security measures contribute to this reputation.

• For instance, Singapore’s comprehensive network of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras enhances public safety by deterring criminal activities.

• A 24-hour helpline for reporting violence or abuse, including sexual violence and harassment. Contact: 1800-777-0000.

• Women-only sections on public buses and metro trains

• All-female police stations staffed by women officers

• Pink Taxis driven by women, for women passengers

Watch Out for Common Tourist Scams

While Singapore has a very low crime rate, a few common tourist scams do crop up from time to time. To avoid falling victim:

1. Fake Luxury Goods Scams: Fake branded items sold as authentic luxury goods at low prices.

• Tip: Shop only at reputable stores and avoid “too-good-to-be-true” deals from street vendors.

2. Overcharging Taxi Drivers: Drivers taking longer routes or refusing to use the meter.

• Tip: Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like Grab, and insist on using the meter.

3. “Damaged Item” Rental Scams: Shops renting bikes, boats, or scooters claim damage upon return and demand excessive repair fees.

• Tip: Take photos/videos of the item before renting to document its condition.

4. Fake Tourist Guides: Unlicensed guides offering services at attractions and demanding high fees after the tour.

• Tip: Book tours through official operators or your hotel.

5. Free Items or Services Scams: Scammers offer “free” services, like taking your photo, then demand payment afterward.

• Tip: Avoid accepting unsolicited help or services in tourist-heavy areas.

6. Avoid using unsecured public WiFi networks: Scammers can exploit these to steal personal data. Stick to password-protected networks or use a VPN.

Keep These Emergency Numbers Handy

Singapore has a highly efficient emergency response system. In case of any urgent situation, dial one of these numbers for help:

• Police Emergency: 999

• Non-emergency Police: 1800 255 0000 or 1800 547 1818 (for tourists)

• Ambulance/Fire: 995

• Traffic Police: 6547 0000

• Credit Card Hotline: 1800 112 6868

Save these in your phone so you can quickly reach out to the relevant authorities if needed. Remember, the police are always ready to assist tourists facing any issues.

Health and Hygiene in Singapore

One of the best things about visiting Singapore is the high level of health and hygiene across the city.

A few health tips to bear in mind:

• Singapore is vigilant about mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever. Protect yourself with a reliable mosquito repellent, especially in the evenings.

• Singapore’s tap water is generally safe to drink, but it’s always a good idea to opt for bottled water if you’re not accustomed to the local water supply.

• If restaurants are too expensive, you can always choose street food in places like Little India and Chinatown. However, before eating there, ensure the food is hygienically prepared.
  

Areas to Avoid in Singapore

Here’s the great news: there are no “no-go zones” in Singapore for tourists. Thanks to low crime rates and active policing, every corner of the city is considered safe to explore, even at night.

That said, a couple of neighborhoods do have some extra restrictions worth noting:

• Geylang and Little India are designated as “Liquor Control Zones.” This means drinking in public places is prohibited on weekends and holidays. However, these culturally vibrant districts are still perfectly safe to visit.

• The Orchard Towers Mall on Orchard Road has a bit of a seedy reputation due to its nightclubs and bars. While not unsafe per se, it’s an area some tourists prefer to avoid, especially solo female travelers at night.

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FAQs

1. What is the crime rate in Singapore?

Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates globally, thanks to strict law enforcement and effective crime prevention measures. Violent crimes are extremely rare, while petty crimes like pickpocketing are also uncommon compared to most major cities.

2. How safe is Singapore for female travelers?

Singapore is considered one of the safest countries in the world for women travelers. With a culture of respect, harsh penalties for harassment, and a range of women-centric safety measures (like female-only taxi services and police stations), women can feel secure exploring the city solo, even at night.

3. What are the common scams in Singapore to watch out for?

While scams are quite rare in Singapore, a few typical tourist traps to avoid include unlicensed taxis overcharging for rides, pickpocketing in crowded areas, and the “spilled liquid” ruse where a stranger uses a minor accident to distract you and steal your valuables.

4. Are there any unsafe areas or places to avoid in Singapore?

A couple of areas like Geylang and Little India do have special restrictions on public drinking at certain times. Orchard Towers is also known for its slightly seedy nightlife scene, though not unsafe per se.

5. What are some key safety tips for travelers in Singapore?

Some top tips for staying safe in Singapore include respecting local laws and customs, protecting yourself from the tropical heat, using legitimate taxis/rideshares, being alert for pickpocketing and scams, and saving emergency numbers like 999 (police) and 995 (ambulance/fire) in your phone.

6. How safe is public transport and walking at night in Singapore?

Thanks to extensive police patrolling, CCTV monitoring, and well-lit streets, Singapore’s public transit network and pedestrian walkways are considered very safe to use at any hour, including late night. Buses and metro trains even have women-only zones for extra peace of mind. With basic alertness and common sense, you can navigate the city worry-free 24/7.

7. What are Singapore’s emergency numbers that tourists should know?

If you face any emergency in Singapore, call 999 for the police or 995 for an ambulance or the fire brigade. For non-urgent police matters, tourists can dial 1800 547 1818. It’s a good idea to save these numbers in your phone as soon as you arrive in the country, though hopefully you’ll never need to use them!