Singapore isn’t a super cheap destination so you’ll need to tread carefully if you want to avoid blowing your budget. Here are some ways you can save money during your visit:

1. Take public transit – Singapore’s public transit system is fast and efficient, making it the best way to get around. Unlimited travel on public transport is 10 SGD per day with a Singapore Tourist Pass. If you’re staying a few days, the pass gets cheaper per day, as a two-day pass is 16 SGD and a three-day pass is 20 SGD.
2. Eat on Smith Street – The stalls here offer food for less than 6 SGD and are a great place to sample local snacks.
3. Eat cheap – Save money on food by eating in Little India, Chinatown, or the hawker stalls throughout the city. Meals in these places cost only a few dollars and are some of the tastiest around!
4. Stay with a local – Use Couchsurfing to stay with a local for free. You’ll not only save money but you’ll get to connect with someone who can share their insider tips and advice.
5. Stick to happy hour – Alcohol is expensive in Singapore, so limit your drinking to save money. If you do plan on drinking, stick to the happy hours.
6. Avoid bottled water – The tap water here is perfectly fine to drink, so avoid buying water and just refill your bottle. It will save you money and it’s better for the environment! LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

How to Get Around Singapore

Public transportation – Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is the fastest way to get around. The rail network is extensive, so most of the city’s main attractions are within walking distance to an MRT station. Most trips cost around 4 SGD, but you can buy a Singapore Tourist Pass with unlimited travel for one day for 10 SGD, two days for 16 SGD, or three days for 20 SGD. Note: there is a 10 SGD USD deposit that’s returned if you return the card five days after purchasing it.

Like the MRT, Singapore’s bus system is extensive and efficient. You can use your Singapore Tourist Pass on the buses as well. You can also pay with cash, but it has to be the exact change. A single trip costs between 1.40-2.50 SGD.

Trishaws – Trishaws (like rickshaws) are less popular these days in Singapore, and now they’re largely used for guided tours that cost around 40 SGD for a 30-minute run. Trishaw Uncle is the only licensed trishaw tour operator in the city, offering various guided tours by trishaw.

Taxi – Taxis are comfortable and convenient, but they’re not cheap! All cabs are metered, but there might be surcharges depending on the company and where you’re going. For example, if you’re hiring a taxi from midnight to 6am there is a 50% surcharge on the total metered cost, while rides in the mornings and evenings carry a 25% surcharge. Prices start at 3.20 SGD and then increase by 0.22 SGD every 400 meters. Skip them if you can!

Bike – Singapore is a cycle-friendly city, with bike paths covering the entire island. A rental The Bicycle Hut costs 45 SGD per day. You can also use the bike-sharing app, SG Bikes, which costs 1 SGD for the first 30 minutes, and then 0.03 SGD/minute.